Seoul district marks 81st Liberation Day at historic prison complex
The red-brick walls and narrow iron grates of Seodaemun Prison have stood as stark monuments to Korea’s darkest hours under Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule. Thousands of independence advocates — from teenagers to prominent scholars — were incarcerated within its brick corridors. Today, that solemn landmark has transformed into an enduring sanctuary of civic memory, connecting generations of Koreans…
On the historic grounds of Seodaemun Prison, Seoul has announced plans to host the 2026 Seodaemun Independence and Democracy Festival. This annual event, themed "United in the Light of Liberation," will take place from August 15th to 16th at the Seodaemun Prison History Hall and adjacent Seodaemun Independence Park. The festival commemorates Korea's Liberation Day, marking the 81st anniversary of the country's independence from Japanese colonial rule.
Last year's festival attracted 150,000 visitors, who engaged in both solemn remembrance and modern cultural activities. This year's gathering aims to blend traditional observance with cutting-edge exhibition technologies, connecting past struggles with contemporary expressions of civic pride and resilience.
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- Seoul district marks 81st Liberation Day at historic prison complex koreatimes.co.kr
