Royal, civic and national ceremonyEast Asia
Day of the Foundation of the Republic
In its own language: 9.9절 (Inmin Jeonggwon Changgeonil)
A national holiday in North Korea marking the founding of the state on September 9.
This public holiday celebrates the establishment of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. It takes place every year on September 9 and is observed throughout the country. The day features large parades, cultural performances, and visits to monuments dedicated to the nation's leaders.
When is Day of the Foundation of the Republic kept?
Day of the Foundation of the Republic is kept every year on September 9.
The Day of the Foundation of the Republic marks the creation of the modern North Korean state. Citizens observe this national holiday annually on September 9. The date commemorates the formal recognition of the government by Soviet authorities in 1948. Major events include military parades and cultural displays in Pyongyang.
Origins of the holiday
After World War II ended in 1945, Korea was divided into occupation zones. The northern region came under Soviet control. In July 1948, a new constitution was adopted for the territory north of the thirty-eighth parallel. By early September, the leadership decided to extend this framework across the entire peninsula. On September 9, Kim Il Sung was appointed as the first Premier. This specific date was chosen to mark the official beginning of the republic.
Major celebrations
The holiday ranks among the most significant dates in the national calendar. It stands alongside other key observances such as the birthdays of former leaders. Large scale events occur in the capital city. These include athletic competitions, art exhibitions, and folk dance performances. In years that mark major anniversaries, such as the fiftieth or seventieth, military parades are held on Kim Il Sung Square. Foreign dignitaries often attend these jubilee events.
The military parade
A central feature of the day is the grand review held in Pyongyang. Troops march through Kim Il Sung Square while bands play military music. The Supreme Leader inspects the formations from a viewing platform. The event includes the raising of the national flag and party banners. Limousines carrying portraits of past leaders also pass through the square. The parade showcases various units from the army and security forces.
Historical variations
The intensity of the celebrations has shifted over time. During the Korean War in 1950, festivities were minimal. Later years saw larger gatherings following political consolidations. International attendance varies; some years see delegations from many nations, while others have fewer guests. The format of the parade itself has evolved, becoming a joint civil-military display in the 1990s. Rehearsals take place at training grounds near the capital during the summer months.
How Day of the Foundation of the Republic is kept
Citizens gather for public events, primarily centered in Pyongyang. The main activity is a military parade on Kim Il Sung Square. Soldiers march in formation while bands perform. The leader inspects the troops from a grandstand. Flags are raised, and portraits of former leaders are displayed. Cultural performances and sports competitions also take place across the country.
When and where
It falls on September 9 every year. The date is fixed in the calendar and does not change based on lunar cycles.
It is observed throughout North Korea. The largest and most prominent celebrations occur in the capital city, Pyongyang, specifically at Kim Il Sung Square.
What Day of the Foundation of the Republic means
The day honors the establishment of the current government structure. It reinforces the legitimacy of the state and its leadership. The parades demonstrate national unity and military strength. Visits to monuments serve to remember the founders of the republic.
Questions people ask about Day of the Foundation of the Republic
When is Day of the Foundation of the Republic kept?
Day of the Foundation of the Republic is kept every year on September 9.
Where is Day of the Foundation of the Republic kept?
Day of the Foundation of the Republic belongs to the traditions of North Korea, and is tied most closely to Pyongyang.
Who keeps Day of the Foundation of the Republic?
As our sources describe it, Day of the Foundation of the Republic is kept by The people of North Korea. Many other communities and families now share it too.
See also
National Liberation Day of KoreaA public holiday on 15 August marking Korea's liberation from Japanese rule in 1945
Day of the SunNorth Korea's principal holiday, marking the birth anniversary of Kim Il Sung
Arirang Mass GamesA massive civic spectacle of gymnastics, dance, and card stunts in Pyongyang
Day of the Shining StarA two-day national holiday in North Korea honouring the birth of Kim Jong Il.Good reading and sources
- Day of the Foundation of the Republic on WikipediaEncyclopedia
- More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
- Wikidata recordOpen data
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Day of the Foundation of the Republic", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryParampara rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. Traditions differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-06.
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