March 1st: From the Streets of 1919 to the Halls of SFHS

Photo courtesy: Seoul Foreign School

As all grades race towards the end of the school year, resilience fills the air. However, perseverance isn’t solely about acing exams. It’s a quality deeply rooted in Korea’s culture and history of enduring the darkest days, standing next to one another. March 1st, known as Independence Movement Day or Samiljeol (삼일절), is more than just a break from school; it’s a day to remember when students our age took to the streets, risking their lives to demand Korea’s independence from Japanese colonial rule.

Just outside the SFS campus, flags in white, black, red, and blue hang along every section of the road as a means of commemorating those who fought for freedom. Yet, for many students at SFHS, an international community with diverse backgrounds, Samiljeol isn’t always personal. For some, it’s a history lesson they never received.

Still, Samiljeol comes to students as an abstract concept—just another day off school. “Personally, I don’t feel a deep connection to Samiljeol because I didn’t grow up in Korea,” says Zen Lam (11). “But my mom really admires the dedication and sacrifices of the young students back then. She always tells me I should be more like them—more dedicated to Korea.” Leah Kim (10), who grew up in Denmark, also adds, “I don’t think we’re educated enough about this important day. The school should teach us some level of Korean history.” Leah explains that while Samiljeol is an important part of Korean history for young people, many don’t fully grasp its significance beyond being a “public holiday.”

For many, the fight for independence in Korea resonates with struggles in their own countries. Zen, who grew up in Hong Kong, connects Samiljeol to more recent struggles: “It reminds me of the 2019 protests in Hong Kong against China’s increasing control. But unlike in Korea, I don’t think those protests will ever be officially commemorated.” The government restrictions and monitoring are way stricter these days than they were back then which leaves the protests to be simply part of the past in Hong Kong rather than days to be celebrated. Leah Kim (10), who grew up in Denmark, mentions a similar movement in her country on May 5, 1945. “Citizens all over the country took down the black shades that had covered their windows during bombing raids and made bonfires of them in the streets,” she says. Even today, citizens of Denmark place candlelights on their windowsills to remember those moments.

Even if March 1st feels distant, the courage of young activists—or simply the act of protesting for freedom and rights—is something universal beyond Korea. “I think students today are just as brave as those in 1919 during the movement,” Zen says. Leah agrees, emphasizing the need for youth activism: “Of course, it’s important that we maintain a strong-headed attitude and rebel against what’s wrong. There’s still injustice and things that threaten our freedom in South Korea and the world.”

As SFHS students push through a sea of summatives and mock exams, maybe Samiljeol is a reminder that resilience comes in many forms. Whether it’s fighting for independence, standing up for justice, or just pushing through the stress of school, perseverance is a legacy that’s still being written.