National Liberation Day of Korea is celebrated on August 15 to commemorate victory over Japan when U.S. and Soviet forces liberated Korea from Imperial Japanese colonial rule that lasted from 1910 to 1945.
Taegukgi decorating the lamp post
We began the day by visiting 서대문형무소역사관 (Seodaemun Prison History Museum). It was build around 1910 at the end of Joseon Dynasty. The prison was used by Japanese soldiers to torture Korean Independence Movement followers.
We followed a guide who showed us through the prison area. As we walked through the prison we saw different thing used by the Japanese colonial rule. It also showed the history of the Korean independence movement and its history during the period. The cells and the execution hall left a deep impression thinking of the japanization the Korean population suffered for more than 3 decades.
After the bit of history we arrived at 한국의집 (Korea House). This is a place used for official delegates to showcase Korean culture. Here we would have a food lesson making 비빔밥 (Bibimbap). This was a really fun experience and it felt like being in one of the food shows. The chef was placed in the far end of the room and we should all follow recipe by watching and listening to her. When the dish was made ready we would take it to another hall where we had it for dinner.
After dinner we had a session where we tried the traditional Korean 한복 (hanbok).
Upon leaving the Korea House we saw it was just next to Chungmuro station, which was just next door to where we stayed the first 2 days in Seoul.
Group photo in Hanbok
In the afternoon we had some time to walk around 경복궁 (Gyeongbokgung Palace).
View of Gyeongbokgung Palace and the Blue House
The Korean Liberation day ended with a visit to 대한민국역사박불관 (National Museum of Korean Contemporary History) . This is a 8-story museum which many interesting exhibitions of the contemporary history. It also holds a rooftop garden with a superb view Gyeongbokgung palace and its surrounding.
Around Gyeongbokgung palace a major police force were present as many demonstrations took place in Sejong-Daero.
We enjoyed a very nice dinner in the basement of the office complex of Tower 8.
Finally home after a long day with a lot of impressions especially of memories of Korean Liberation day.
Highlights of the day
- Guided tour at Seodaemun Prison History Museum
- Bibimbap and Hanbok experience at Korea House
- Visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace
- Visit at National Museum of Korean Contemporary History
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