August 15th is a big day for Koreans. It is known as Korea’s liberation day, commemorating the day Korea was liberated from Japanese colonial rule that reigned for 35 years. From 1910 to 1945. I just wanted to talk about the etymology of the word “Gwangbokjeol”. Gwang means light. Bok means to return or restore. Jeol is holiday. Meaning “the light returns.” But something I enjoyed was that it’s not called “independence day”. The specific usage of the use “Bok” is a rebellion in itself. Because it acknowledges that Korea was never a part of Japan. It can’t become independent, when it was already independent to begin with. Korea was a nation for centuries prior to Japanese colonialism. It has been a nation that has gone through multiple conquests. But it has always been Korea. So to Koreans, it’s not “independence” day. It’s Restoration day. Happy Gwangbokjeol! 🇰🇷 #korean #language #korea #gwangbokjeol #liberation #hanguk #hangul