Contrary to what many people think, national holidays are not an occasion to simply spend time with family and friends as it seems to be now. Many people seem to have forgotten that official days are for commemorating a special event that should be properly celebrated. There needs to be a change in people’s attitude towards national holidays. It is certain that mindlessly spending national holidays bestowed upon us is not a culture that should be upholstered.

Hangul day is an official Korean holiday that became enacted starting from this year of 2013 on October 9. However there is doubt on whether people know properly about Hangul or even have the basic knowledge of its creator, King Sejong. The recent boom of Hangul only emerged due to the handsome actor Song Joong-Gi who acted out the role of King Sejong in a drama named Poori Gipun Namu. It seems crucial for the public to realize the value of Hangul and King Sejong beyond what the screen presents.

Another holiday that is being wrongly celebrated is Memorial Day in June 6. Memorial Day is a way to honor soldiers and national heroes who died fighting for the country and remember their loyalty. What is shocking is that in many internet portal sites, adults and children of all ages have posted information such as “Memorial Day is when General Lee Soon-sin died.” Another incident was when one anonymous student posted that “National holidays are joyous days that I do not go to academies to study.” In an interview conducted by a Korean TV show called Sae-Ba- Ki, more than 60 percent of young adults replied that they will flee from Korea if a war occurs. To stop this catastrophe
from spreading, the government and people need to take affirmative action.

To make people learn properly about the significance of national holidays, citizens need to feel close with the history behind the national holiday itself. A good role model can be the Independence Day of America on July 4. The United States (U.S) regards this day as a celebration which all citizens participate in actively learning about Independence Day. The situation in Korea is not as lively. Celebration for Korea’s Independence Day called National Liberation Day in August 15 halts at mounting a few flags in trees and apartment buildings. People spend this serious and monumental day for Korea in a rather passive manner. What is missing is knowledge about importance of national holidays.

Korea’s most beloved king of all time, King Sejong nowadays might be remembered only as a handsome young actor. Proper knowledge about national holidays is needed. People should not be interested in the fact that they are taking a day off from work. What is critical is that the holiday holds a special meaning. Respect for the meaning held in a national holiday has to be upholstered. Losing our Korean identity should be stopped by starting with respect for fundamental things such as national holidays.

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