Korean Constitution Day – Understanding Jeheonjeol
- My Korean Lesson
- 13 hours ago
- 2 min read
Every year on July 17, South Korea celebrates a meaningful national day called Constitution Day, or 제헌절 (Je-heon-jeol) in Korean. But what is it all about? Let’s explore the story behind this day and why it matters!
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1. What is Jeheonjeol?
Jeheonjeol marks the anniversary of the proclamation of the Constitution of the Republic of Korea, which was established on July 17, 1948. This important document laid the foundation for Korea’s democratic government after the country gained independence from Japanese colonial rule (1910–1945).
The name Jeheonjeol comes from the Chinese characters "制憲節", which literally means "Constitution-Making Day."
2. Why is it important?
The Korean Constitution was the beginning of a new era for South Korea. It set up the country’s basic laws and democratic system, including the separation of powers, basic human rights, and the structure of the government.
Jeheonjeol is a time to remember the values of freedom, democracy, and justice that are written into Korea’s founding principles.
3. How is it celebrated?
Constitution Day, celebrated on July 17, commemorates the proclamation of South Korea’s Constitution in 1948. Although it was once a public holiday, it has not been a non-working day since 2008. Still, it remains an important national observance, with schools, government offices, and media programs using the day to educate the public about the Constitution’s significance and Korea’s democratic foundations.
Recently, there has been a renewed push to restore Constitution Day as an official public holiday. In July 2025, lawmakers proposed a bill reflecting strong public support for the change. Supporters believe that reinstating the holiday would help strengthen public awareness of constitutional values. The proposal also includes an alternative holiday system, ensuring a day off even if July 17 falls on a weekend.
4. Why July 17th?
Interestingly, the date was chosen not only because the Constitution was adopted on July 17, 1948, but also because July 17 is the founding day of the Joseon Dynasty in 1392. By choosing this date, Korea symbolically connected its new beginning with its historical legacy.
5. Wrap-up: Korean Constitution Day
In short, Jeheonjeol is not just about a legal document — it’s about the spirit of a nation building its own future through democracy and self-governance.
Whether you’re living in Korea or simply learning about Korean culture, understanding Constitution Day gives you a deeper look into how modern Korea began.