On the evening of August 14, 2025, Seoul will be awash with lights, music, and history as the city marks the 80th anniversary of Korea’s Liberation with two grand eve celebrations. These events, steeped in national pride and artistic brilliance, promise to offer both locals and international visitors a chance to witness Korea’s past, present, and future in one unforgettable night.
1. National Assembly Eve Festival – “대한이 살았다!” (“Korea Lives!”)
📍 Location: National Assembly Lawn, Yeouido
🕗 Time: August 14, 8:15 PM
This flagship celebration is jointly hosted by the National Assembly, Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, and the Korean Liberation Association. The evening will combine cutting-edge visual art and live performances:
- Drone Show & Media Façade: The skies over the Han River will glow with the portraits of independence heroes, illuminated by hundreds of synchronized drones and large-scale projection mapping.
- Star-Studded Performances: Popular artists including PSY, Gummy, Kang San-ae, 10CM, and Crying Nut will energize the crowd with a mix of modern pop and rock, celebrating freedom through music.
The event is expected to draw thousands of spectators, and while there are no strict ticket requirements for the lawn area, visitors are advised to arrive early due to limited space.
2. Gyeongbokgung Palace Eve Celebration – “우리는 빛이다” (“We Are Light”)
📍 Location: Heungnyemun Square, Gyeongbokgung Palace
🕗 Time: August 14, 8:00 PM
This cultural showcase, organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, will blend traditional Korean arts with K-pop for a mesmerizing “light”-themed evening.
- Diverse Line-Up: From TXT and fromis_9 to veteran singer Insooni, along with H1-KEY, the National Dance Company of Korea, the National Chorus of Korea, Seodo Band, Seoul Performing Arts Company, and even the Children’s History Choir.
- Innovative Stage Effects: AI-driven lighting, immersive media façades, and stage designs inspired by the concept of light will transform the historic palace into a modern art canvas.
How to Join:
Attendance is free, but admission is by online lottery (August 5–7), with a maximum of two tickets per person. Winners will be notified before the event.
3. Citywide Cultural Highlights
Beyond these two headline festivals, Seoul will host a variety of commemorative events, including:
- Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra Liberation Day Concert
- Outdoor Musical “Seoul My Soul” at Sejong Center
- National Gugak Center’s “Singing the Light” traditional music performance
- Collaborative concerts by the National Orchestra of Korea and the Korean National Symphony Orchestra
Why This Night Matters
For visitors, the Liberation Day Eve celebrations are more than entertainment—they are a rare opportunity to see how a nation honors its resilience and unity. Whether you’re standing among cheering crowds on the National Assembly lawn or watching history and technology merge at Gyeongbokgung Palace, you’ll experience the beating heart of modern Korea.
📅 Date to Remember: August 14, 2025
📍 Best Viewing Spots: National Assembly Lawn, Gyeongbokgung Palace
💡 Travel Tip: Arrive early, bring a camera for the spectacular light displays, and immerse yourself in the moment as Seoul lights up in celebration of freedom.
Image sources: Official event organizers and Visit Korea
