Day of the Foundation of the Republic

The Day of the Foundation of the Republic is North Korea’s national day, celebrated every 9 September. Across the country, people mark the anniversary of the founding of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea with parades, performances, and public gatherings.

• Grand parades held in Pyongyang, especially on major anniversaries
• Fireworks and folk dances are common across the country
• Visits to statues and mausoleum of Kim Il Sung mark the day
• Art performances and sports competitions are part of the celebrations
• Foreign dignitaries sometimes attend the main events

What it is

The Day of the Foundation of the Republic is North Korea’s most significant national holiday, commemorating the official establishment of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea on 9 September 1948. For many North Koreans, this day is a source of national pride and unity, reflecting the country’s identity and sovereignty. The occasion is one of the key moments in the year when citizens come together to honor their nation’s history, leadership, and achievements. The day is observed not only as a political milestone but also as a celebration of the collective spirit of the people.

Where it comes from

The roots of this holiday trace back to the aftermath of Korea’s liberation in 1945, when Soviet and American forces divided the peninsula. In July 1948, a constitution was enacted in the north, and by September, Kim Il Sung was appointed as the first Premier, marking the formal recognition of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. This date, 9 September, has been celebrated annually since 1949 as the foundation day of the state. Over the years, the scale and style of the celebrations have reflected the country’s political climate and leadership.

How it is celebrated

On 9 September, North Koreans participate in a variety of events that fill public spaces with color and sound. The day often begins with visits to statues of Kim Il Sung and his mausoleum, followed by large-scale parades in Pyongyang, especially in jubilee years. These parades, held in Kim Il Sung Square, feature both military and civilian participants, with music, marching bands, and displays of national pride. Across the country, people enjoy art performances, folk dances, sports competitions, and fireworks. New members are sometimes inducted into the Korean Children's Union, and the celebrations may include concerts and communal banquets. The festivities are attended by citizens, veterans, and sometimes foreign dignitaries, highlighting both national unity and international presence.

Joining in

Visitors in Pyongyang during the Day of the Foundation of the Republic can expect to see the city transformed by patriotic decorations and public gatherings. The main events, including the grand parade and performances, take place in and around Kim Il Sung Square. While access to some official ceremonies may be restricted, foreigners are more likely to be present at these celebrations than at other North Korean holidays. Expect a highly organized atmosphere, with crowds of locals in traditional dress, music, and a sense of collective participation in the festivities.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article Day of the Foundation of the Republic, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• Day of the Foundation of the Republic on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Official websiteOfficial site
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

This page was written with AI assistance from the sources listed above, and checked automatically before publishing. Spotted a mistake? Tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.