80th Anniversary of Liberation: Taegeukgi Hill at Seoul Plaza and Liberation Bus Routes in the City

Large-Scale Events for the 80th Anniversary of Liberation in Seoul
Public Transportation "Liberation Route" to Connect Historical Sites
Discovering Independence Activists from Seoul to Carry on Their Legacy

To mark the 80th anniversary of Liberation, a large Taegeukgi Hill composed of 80 steps will be installed at Seoul Plaza. At Nodeul Island, Taegeukgi flags representing different eras of the independence movement and a large Taegeukgi symbolizing the wind will be displayed, and city buses wrapped in Taegeukgi designs will operate throughout the city. The aim is to convey the joy and significance of liberation to citizens through the Taegeukgi, a symbol of independence.

On June 25, the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced that, with about 50 days remaining until the 80th anniversary of Liberation, it will launch a large-scale commemorative project under the theme "80 Years of Liberation, Memories of Seoul," to be created and shared with citizens.

The area around Hyochang Park in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, during last year's March 1st Movement Day. Photo by Jin Hyung Kang

This commemorative project will feature a total of 18 events around August 15, under three themes: "Remembrance" to honor past sacrifices, "Joy" to be enjoyed by all generations, and "Future" to share solidarity and hope.

First, the city will embark on a project to identify independence activists from Seoul. It will discover 500 Seoul-born independence activists who devoted themselves to the independence movement but have not received proper recognition. In August, the city plans to submit the first round of recommendations for government honors for these newly identified, previously unrecognized independence activists to the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs.

Twenty descendants (from 11 families) of independence activists who were active in China will also be invited to Seoul. Starting with a visit to the National Cemetery, they will tour historical sites related to the independence movement such as Seodaemun Prison, and attend the Seoul Metropolitan Government's Liberation Day 80th anniversary celebration. This invitation was organized in response to a suggestion made during Mayor Oh Sehoon's visit to the Provisional Government building in Chongqing, China, in July last year, when he met with descendants of independence activists who requested an opportunity for descendants to gather in Seoul.

A special "Liberation Route" for public transportation will also be operated. To help citizens internalize the meaning of liberation, city buses (routes 101 and 400) that pass through major historical sites in Seoul, as well as a pilot Han River bus, will be wrapped with Taegeukgi designs. Route 101 passes through City Hall, Gyeonggyojang, and Tapgol Park, while route 400 travels past Seoul Plaza, Hyochang Park, and the Yun Bonggil Memorial Hall.

From August to October, tours of anti-Japanese independence movement sites will be held for elementary school students and their families. During July and August, 80 members of the "80th Anniversary of Liberation Commemorative Project Citizen Committee" will participate in the "Liberation Pilgrimage Group," producing and releasing promotional photos and shorts highlighting independence sites and Seoul's development since liberation.

On Liberation Day itself, a bell-ringing ceremony will take place at Bosingak. At Seoul Plaza, major locations such as Gwanghwamun, Seoul City Hall, Namdaemun, and Cheonggyecheon will feature exhibitions using the lenticular printing technique (which changes images depending on the viewing angle) to showcase the past and present of Seoul since liberation. At the Seoul Museum of History, there will be a special exhibition highlighting the independence struggle of Lee Sangryong and materials from Liberation Day ceremonies over the past 80 years. At the Seoul Museum of Craft Art, a large Taegeukgi bearing the signatures of 80 independence activists and Seoul citizens will be displayed on the museum's exterior wall.

A commemorative ceremony will be held on a special stage at Seoul Plaza. From August 9 to August 16, a large symbolic Taegeukgi Hill made up of 80 steps will be set up in front of the Seoul Metropolitan Library. At Nodeul Island, plans include a large Taegeukgi installation art exhibition, a photo exhibition on modern and contemporary history with the Taegeukgi, and a portrait exhibition of female independence activists.

Yoon Jongjang, Director of Welfare at the Seoul Metropolitan Government, stated, "The 80th anniversary of Liberation is an important moment to reflect on our history, honor the sacrifices made, and share hope for the future. Through this commemorative project, we hope to shed new light on the spirit of the independence activists, allow citizens to share in the meaning of liberation, and pass on the value of liberation to future generations."