Scenes of Liberation Day... 'Jingwansa Taegukgi' Hung and a Snap at the Popup Garden

Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul, is displaying 2,000 'Jingwansa Taegukgi' flags, which were painted over the Japanese rising sun flag, along major arterial roads in the district. (Photo by Eunpyeong-gu)

On the 15th, marking Liberation Day, autonomous districts in Seoul will hold various events including commemorative performances. Seodaemun-gu will host the closing performance of the ‘2023 Seodaemun Independence Festival’ (from 4 to 5 p.m. on the 15th) to celebrate the 78th anniversary of liberation, featuring traditional Korean music, a performance by the Seodaemun-gu Boys and Girls Choir, and a Taekwondo and Manse chant performance. On Liberation Day, the Seodaemun Prison History Hall will be open to the public free of charge, with extended visiting hours until 7:30 p.m.

Dongdaemun-gu, which decorated the district office plaza with a wave of Taegeukgi flags, will operate a Liberation Day commemorative pop-up garden until the 31st of this month. On the 8th, the district replaced the Dongdaemun district office’s main gate signboard with one reflecting the significance of Liberation Day, decorated with Taegeukgi flags and a painting of a girl participating in the independence movement. Taegeukgi pinwheels were installed throughout the office, and a Taegeukgi photo zone was created at the main entrance.

Eunpyeong-gu is displaying a total of 4,000 Taegeukgi flags, including 2,000 ‘Jingwansa Taegeukgi’ flags painted over the Japanese Rising Sun flag, along nine major arterial roads in the district until the 15th. The ‘Jingwansa Taegeukgi,’ designated as a treasure in 2021, is a Taegeukgi flag used by Monk Baekchowol during the independence movement. It was discovered in May 2009 during the dismantling and repair of the Chilseonggak Shrine at Jingwansa Temple, found between the altar and pillars. It is believed to have been painted over the Japanese Rising Sun flag with blue paint.

On the 14th, Mapo-gu distributed 800 vehicle-sized Taegeukgi flags and 100 home-sized flags at Exit of Hapjeong Station on Subway Line 2, conducting a campaign encouraging the display of the flags.