Constitution Day Korea

Categories:: Federal
Tags:: Federal Historical
Where:: South Korea
Date change rule:: Every July 17
Holiday emoji:: 🇰🇷

Constitution Day Korea, also known as Jeheonjeol, is observed annually on July 17 to commemorate the promulgation of the Constitution of the Republic of Korea in 1948. This day celebrates the nation’s democratic foundations and the rule of law. Join in by learning about Korean history, participating in local events, or reflecting on civic duties.

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Expected Constitution Day Korea Deals

As a national observance rather than a commercial holiday, Constitution Day Korea focuses on civic pride and educational initiatives instead of retail promotions. Government agencies and cultural centers often host commemorative ceremonies, historical exhibitions, and public forums to highlight the importance of the constitution. Educational institutions may organize special lectures or student activities. While specific deals are rare, some local businesses might offer special promotions to honor the day. We will update this page with any confirmed community events or unique offerings as July 17 approaches.

Platform Guide for Constitution Day Korea

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #ConstitutionDayKorea. Share insights on constitutional law or South Korean governance.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #Jeheonjeol. Share historical facts, news updates, or reflections on the significance of the constitution.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #ConstitutionDayKorea. Share photos from commemorative events or discuss the holiday’s meaning with your community.

Constitution Day Korea Hero

Syngman Rhee

Syngman Rhee served as the first President of South Korea from 1948 to 1960. He played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Republic of Korea and the promulgation of its constitution on July 17, 1948. His leadership marked the beginning of modern South Korea as an independent, democratic nation, laying the groundwork for its legal and political system despite later controversies.

History of Constitution Day Korea

Constitution Day or Jeheonjeol on July 17 was first declared a South Korean national holiday on October 1, 1949. Since 2008, South Korean Constitution Day has no longer been a non-working day due to the restructured law regarding working hours. Despite that, on Constitution Day, a commemorative ceremony is held at the National Assembly Building, Seoul, and attended by the President, Chairman of the National Assembly, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and constituent assembly members. Besides, citizens hang national flags, and marathons, college student debates, or events related to law-making at elementary and middle schools are held.

The Korean peninsula was under the control of Japan from August 22, 1910, until the surrender of Japan on September 2, 1945. Then, the U.S.S.R. occupied the northern half of the peninsula, while the southern half was under the occupation of the U.S. In 1948, South Korea held its first democratic elections for National Assembly members, and the elected members created a national constitution. The constitution was ratified on July 12, 1948, and President Syngman Rhee proclaimed the Constitution of the Republic of Korea on July 17, 1948.

The first Republic of Korea was established on August 15, 1948, with Syngman Rhee as its first president. On September 9, 1948, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) was founded by Kim Il-sung. But, the Republic of Korea was officially recognized as the sole legal government of Korea by the United Nations General Assembly (U.N.G.A.) under Resolution 195 on December 12, 1948. Despite being the same people on the same peninsula, South Korea and North Korea are two different countries.

Constitution Day Korea timeline

July 12, 1948

Ratification

The Constitution of the Republic of Korea is ratified.

July 17, 1948

Proclamation

President Syngman Rhee proclaims the Constitution of the Republic of Korea.

August 15, 1948

The First Republic of Korea

The first Republic of Korea is established.

October 1, 1949

Jeheonjeol

Constitution Day or Jeheonjeol on July 17 is declared a national holiday.

How Businesses Can Celebrate Constitution Day Korea

Local businesses in South Korea and Korean communities abroad can honor Constitution Day by displaying national flags and sharing educational content about the holiday’s significance. Restaurants might offer special traditional Korean dishes, while educational businesses could host workshops on Korean history or civics. It’s an opportunity to foster community pride and appreciation for the nation’s democratic journey.

Constitution Day Korea FAQs

When is Constitution Day Korea?

In 2026, Constitution Day Korea falls on Friday, July 17. It marks the anniversary of the constitution’s promulgation in 1948, a cornerstone of the nation.

How many articles are in the South Korean Constitution?

The Constitution of the Republic of Korea, promulgated on July 17, 1948, currently consists of 130 articles and a preamble. It outlines the fundamental rights and duties of citizens.

Is Constitution Day Korea a public holiday?

Constitution Day Korea was declared a national holiday in 1949. However, since 2008, it has no longer been a non-working day, though it remains a significant national celebration.

What is the significance of July 17 for Constitution Day Korea?

July 17, 1948, marks the official promulgation of the Constitution of the Republic of Korea. This date was chosen as it coincided with the Joseon Dynasty’s founding day, adding historical resonance.

How to Observe Constitution Day Korea

Hang the flag
Hang the national flag to commemorate the proclamation of the South Korean constitution. That’s the least you can do to honor Constitution Day.
Participate in debate
There is typically a college student debate in observance of Constitution Day. If you are a student, you may want to participate in one.
Learn the history
Since it’s no longer a public holiday, you probably need to go to work. So, you can just read about the history again to commemorate South Korean Constitution Day.

5 Facts About South Korea You Need To Know

It has a strong drinking culture
Compared to its neighboring countries in Asia, South Korea has a strong drinking culture, where most holidays are celebrated with alcohol.
Plastic surgery is a normal thing
Teenagers in South Korea won’t have to worry about parental approval for plastic surgery because their parents commonly encourage it and even pay for it.
Asking about blood types is common
Just like in Japan, in South Korea, it’s common to ask about blood types because they are believed to contribute to one’s personality and characteristics.
A newborn is considered one year old
In South Korea, people are automatically one year old at birth, so when a baby is born, they are already a year old.
Credit card usage is high
South Korea is one of the places with the highest credit card usage, where most locations are set up to accept credit cards.

Why Constitution Day Korea is Important

To commemorate
The constitution is important because one of its roles is to protect individual freedom. Korean Constitution Day is for us to honor that.
As a reminder
Sometimes we forget to realize that a country’s independence is something for citizens to be grateful for. Korean Constitution Day can be a reminder for us to appreciate the freedom of one’s country.
To learn history
Korean Constitution Day is to commemorate a historical event. Most of us probably want to learn about the history of the day so that we can celebrate it consciously.