By Lee Kyoung Mi and Lee Hana

In the days leading up to National Liberation Day on Aug. 15, a wide range of cultural events will be held across the country in celebration of the meaning the independence.

The Independence Hall of Korea, located in Cheonan, Chungcheongnam-do Province, will play host to a variety of events to mark 72 years since independence. This hall, home to thousands of relics and documents from Korea's liberation movement, will become the stage for a film festival from Aug. 12 to 15. A total of nine films dealing with liberation movements in former colonies around the world will be shown. On Aug. 15, visitors can look forward to an air show by the air force's Black Eagles. Later in the afternoon, a military marching band will stage a concert. Visitors will also be able to make pinwheels bearing the taegeuk national flag colors, as well as badges of famous historical figures.

Meanwhile, the Seodaemun Prison History Hall in Seoul will hold its 2017 Seodaemun Liberation Day Festival on Aug. 14 and 15. A museum and former prison in Seodaemun-gu, this is where many independence fighters had to endure torture during the Japanese colonial era. At the opening ceremony, titled "Your History Will be Remembered," special guests who were involved in the independence movement will partake in a "foot printing ceremony" as a way of preserving their memory and cause.

At the Seoul Museum of History, a classical music concert celebrating National Liberation Day will be staged on Aug. 15. The concert will showcase various renditions of the song "Arirang," as well as original tracks from popular TV shows and movies.

The same day, the Seoul National Cemetery will host an exhibit featuring photographs and videos from the independence movement. In the evening, at 8 p.m. a grand concert will open at Gwanghwamun Square for everyone to enjoy.

km137426@korea.kr