Korea Under Japanese Rule: 35 Years From 1910 to 1945
Korea under Japanese rule lasted 35 years, from the August 1910 annexation to liberation on August 15, 1945. Koreans call the era Ilje Gangjeomgi (일제강점기), meaning “the period of forced occupation by imperial Japan.” It also explains a lot that visitors notice today, from March 1 and August 15 being national holidays to the way a Japanese politician’s remark can still lead the evening news in Seoul.