30% of Generation Z Do Not Know Much About Gwangbokjeol

Survey of 3,000 People Aged 20 to 69

Among Generation Z individuals born between the mid-1990s and early 2000s, 3 out of 10 were found to be unfamiliar with the significance of Gwangbokjeol (Korean Liberation Day). They also showed a more positive attitude toward traveling to Japan on Gwangbokjeol compared to other generations.

Data consulting firm PMI conducted a survey on the awareness of liberation by generation among 3,000 people aged 20 to 69 nationwide online on the 10th, marking the 78th anniversary of Gwangbokjeol, and announced the results on the 14th.

The Taegeukgi flag is hung along the streets of Eunpyeong Hanok Village in Seoul. To commemorate Liberation Day, Eunpyeong-gu in Seoul displayed the 'Jingwansa Taegeukgi,' a Taegeukgi flag discovered during the restoration of Jingwansa Temple in 2009 that was used in the independence movement, alongside regular Taegeukgi flags on major roads in the district. Photo by Younghan Heo younghan@

First, when asked if they knew the meaning of Gwangbokjeol, 83.4% of all respondents answered that they ‘knew well’ (combining ‘know very well’ and ‘know to some extent’).

By generation, 92.3% of the pre-Baby Boom generation (born before 1964) responded that they ‘knew well’ about Gwangbokjeol. This was followed by Generation X (born 1965?1980) at 87.9%, Millennials (born 1981?1994) at 80.4%, and Generation Z at 73.2%.

The younger the age group, the lower the proportion of respondents who answered that they ‘knew’ the meaning.

Regarding traveling to Japan on Gwangbokjeol, 50.6% of all respondents said, ‘It is possible to travel to Japan, but it should be avoided on meaningful days like Gwangbokjeol if possible.’

On the other hand, 29.5% answered that ‘it is an individual’s freedom to go anywhere at any time,’ and 19.9% responded negatively to traveling to Japan itself.

However, among Generation Z, 47.3% answered ‘It is possible to travel to Japan, but it should be avoided on meaningful days like Gwangbokjeol if possible,’ the only generation to record a figure in the 40% range.

There were also generational differences in preferences for Japanese products.

In cultural content such as movies, comics, and games, as well as food and beverages, Generation Z showed a higher preference for Japanese products compared to other generations. Conversely, in digital cameras, IT products, home appliances, and pharmaceuticals, the pre-Baby Boom generation showed a higher preference for Japanese products than other generations.

Jo Min-hee, CEO of PMI, who conducted this planned survey, stated, “The resurgence in popularity of Japanese products can be seen as a response to the recovery of Korea-Japan relations, as well as the purchasing power of the 20s to 40s age group, who have traditionally been favorable toward Japanese animation and games.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.