Seoul commemorates 81st Liberation Day at Bosingak

Seoul marked the 81st anniversary of Korea’s Liberation Day with a traditional bell-ringing ceremony at the Bosingak Pavilion in Jongno. Under the theme “The Sound of Liberation Awakens the Future,” the event featured Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, the Speaker of the Seoul Metropolitan Council, and nine descendants of Korean independence activists.

The participants rang the historic Bosingak bell 33 times in three rounds of 11 strikes. Following the ceremony, attendees participated in traditional “Manse” cheers and joined a 100-member civic choir, including citizens of various ages, to perform the “Liberation Day Song” and “Hymn of Seoul.”

The commemoration included musical performances, an original musical titled “The Desire for Independence,” and public programs such as AI-powered photo booths and guided heritage tours of sites including Tapgol Park and Seodaemun Prison. Due to high summer temperatures, the city provided cooling shelters and safety measures for participants.