![South Korea National Day 2016](http://www.google.com/logos/doodles/2016/south-korea-national-day-2016-5661184230424576-hp2x.jpg)
Aug 15, 2016
South Korea National Day 2016
This Doodle’s Key Themes
Today marks the celebration of Gwangbokjeol, the anniversary of the end of Imperial Japanese colonial rule of South Korea in 1945. Exactly three years later, the Republic of Korea was formally established. A national public holiday, Gwangbokjeol is observed with special activities and events, including free public transit, admission to many museums, and an official celebration attended by the president.
Today’s Doodle depicts historic Sungnyemun, the largest castle gate of the Eight Gates in the Fortress Wall of Seoul. The symbolic Sungnyemun is the most famous of the Joseon Fortress architecture and was designated as the first National Treasure of South Korea in 1962.
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