Democratic People’s Republic of Korea National Day

THE Democratic People’s Republic (DPR) of Korea or North Korea celebrates its National Day today marking the country’s foundation in 1948 and its independence from Soviet occupation. Chogukhaebangui nal, meaning “Liberation of Fatherland Day” is celebrated in North Korea to mark its complete sovereignty.

National Day in North Korea usually begins with the hoisting of the flag and singing of the national anthem, followed by speeches by key personalities. A military parade is held in the capital city of Pyongyang. Cultural programs are usually staged across the country, to showcase the country’s rich heritage and traditions.

North Korea is located in the northern part of the Korean Peninsula, in the continent of Asia. It shares land borders with Russia, South Korea, and China. Its capital, Pyongyang, is the country’s largest city. Among the capital’s notable landmarks are: The Kumsusan Palace of the Sun (formerly the Kumsusan Memorial Palace), which serves as the mausoleum for Kim Il-sung, the founder and eternal president of North Korea, and for his son Kim Jong-il; the Arch of Triumph, which was built to commemorate the Korean resistance to Japan from 1925 to 1945; the reputed birthplace of Kim Il-Sung at the Mangyongdae Hill at the outskirts of the city; the Juche Tower that was named after the ideology of Juche introduced by its first leader Kim Il-Sung; the two large stadiums, namely the Rungnado May Day Stadium and the Kim Il-Sung Stadium; the Mansu Hill Complex which includes the Korean Revolution Museum; Kim Il-Sung Square; and Yanggako International Hotel.

We congratulate the People and Government of Democratic People’s Republic of Korea led by its Supreme Leader and Chairman of the Workers’ Party and of the State Affairs Commission, Kim Jong-un, on the occasion of its National Day.