Yesterday was Gaecheonjeol (개천절), Korea’s National Foundation Day.
While passing through the small town center near where I live in rural Korea, I noticed Korean flags hanging along the street.
For Koreans, seeing the Taegeukgi on days like this is nothing unusual. But for someone visiting Korea, especially outside Seoul, it might raise a simple question:
Why are Korean flags suddenly hanging everywhere?
The answer is that October 3 is one of Korea’s national holidays.
What Is Gaecheonjeol?
Gaecheonjeol is celebrated every year on October 3.
The Korean name is written as 개천절 (開天節). “Gaecheon” literally means “the opening of heaven.”
The holiday commemorates the founding of Gojoseon, traditionally associated with Dangun Wanggeom. According to Korea’s Ministry of the Interior and Safety, the day also commemorates the founding ideal of Hongik Ingan (홍익인간) — commonly understood as the idea of broadly benefiting humanity. 행정안전부
For this reason, Gaecheonjeol is more than simply a day off. It is one of Korea’s five official national celebration days, together with March 1st Movement Day, Constitution Day, Liberation Day, and Hangeul Day. 행정안전부
Why Are Korean Flags Displayed on October 3?
On Korean national holidays, the Taegeukgi, the national flag of South Korea, is displayed at government buildings, homes, businesses and along streets.
October 3 is officially one of the days when the Taegeukgi is flown. The Korean government also encourages people and organizations to display the national flag around Gaecheonjeol. In 2026, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety again promoted a national flag campaign around October 1, October 3 and October 9. 행정안전부
And this is not something you see only in Seoul or other large cities.
Korean Flags in a Small Rural Town
Yesterday, I saw this scene while passing through a small town center in Yeonggwang, Jeollanam-do.
The street itself looked much like it does on any other day.
Small shops were open along the road, cars passed by, and people went about their normal routines.
But there was one noticeable difference.
Taegeukgi flags were hanging along the street.
It is a small detail, but scenes like this are part of everyday life in Korea.
National holidays are often explained through history books, official ceremonies and major events. But outside those formal celebrations, they can also be seen in much quieter ways.
Sometimes it is simply a Korean flag hanging outside a neighborhood shop.
Or a row of Taegeukgi appearing along an ordinary street in a small rural town.
A Different Side of Korea on a National Holiday
Visitors to Korea often experience national holidays in major tourist areas or through events in Seoul.
But Korea’s national holidays are also observed far beyond the big cities.
Even here in a small town in rural Jeollanam-do, the Taegeukgi on the streets quietly tells you that this is not an ordinary day.
Yesterday was October 3.
Gaecheonjeol — Korea’s National Foundation Day.
And sometimes, understanding Korea starts with noticing small scenes like this.