Korean Declaration of Independence

English version of the Proclamation of Korean Independence, displayed in Tapgol Park in Seoul

The Declaration of Independence is the statement adopted by the 33 ethnic representatives meeting at Taehwagwan, the restaurant located in Insa-dong, Jongno District, Seoul on March 1, 1919, after World War I, which announced that Korea would no longer tolerate Japanese rule.

This was the beginning of the March 1st Movement, which was violently suppressed by Japanese authorities, as well as the cornerstone of the establishment of the Korean Provisional Government one month later. Nearly thirty years later, Korea's true independence came after the defeat of Empire of Japan in World War II.