Korean Dictionary
How to say "March First Movement" in Korean
“March First Movement” in Korean is 삼일운동 (pronounced "sam-il-undong").
삼일운동
sam-il-undong
Usage & Context
The March First Movement (삼일운동) of 1919 was a nationwide peaceful protest against Japanese colonial rule. Millions of Koreans participated by reading and distributing independence declarations. March 1 is celebrated as Independence Movement Day (삼일절).
Example Sentence
삼일운동은 한국 독립 운동의 중요한 계기가 됐어요.
The March First Movement was an important turning point in Korean independence movement.
How to use 삼일운동 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “March First Movement” is 삼일운동, romanized as sam-il-undong.
Usage tip
Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 삼일운동.
Pronunciation Guide
삼일운동 (sam-il-undong) is pronounced "sam-il-oon-dong". 삼 (sam) sounds like "sum". 일 (il) sounds like "eel". 운 (un) is like "oon" in "moon". 동 (dong) rhymes with "dong" in "ding-dong". The pronunciation is fairly straightforward, with no complex sound changes.
More Example Sentences
Explaining the nature of the historical event.
삼일운동은 비폭력 평화 시위였어요.
The March First Movement was a non-violent peaceful protest.
Explaining the significance of a national holiday.
매년 3월 1일은 삼일운동을 기념하는 날입니다.
March 1st every year is a day commemorating the March First Movement.
Personal reflection on a historical document.
삼일운동 선언문을 읽고 감동받았어요.
I was moved after reading the March First Movement Declaration.
Cultural Context
The 삼일운동 (Sam-il-undong) or March First Movement, on March 1, 1919, was a pivotal moment in Korean history. It was a nationwide, non-violent protest against Japanese colonial rule, demonstrating the Korean people's strong desire for independence. Millions participated, inspired by the Declaration of Independence. Though brutally suppressed, it galvanized the independence movement and is commemorated annually on 삼일절 (Sam-il-jeol), a major national holiday where the spirit of resistance and patriotism is honored.
Editorial note
We review entries like 삼일운동 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
삼일운동 정신
Spirit of the March First Movement
삼일운동 기념
Commemoration of the March First Movement
삼일운동의 의미
Meaning/significance of the March First Movement
Related Expressions
독립선언서
dongnip seon-eonseo
Declaration of Independence
삼일절
sam-il-jeol
Independence Movement Day (March 1st)
만세운동
manse-undong
Manse Movement (another name for it)
비폭력 저항
bipollyeok jeohang
Non-violent resistance
More Korean History Words
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