The "3.1 운동" (March 1st Movement) was a significant event in Korean history that took place on March 1, 1919. It was a peaceful protest against Japanese colonial rule in Korea, where thousands of Koreans gathered to demand independence. The movement was inspired by the global wave of self-determination following World War I and was marked by the declaration of independence read in public. The protest was met with harsh repression by the Japanese authorities, leading to widespread violence and arrests. Despite the brutal crackdown, the 3.1 운동 ignited a strong sense of national identity among Koreans and laid the groundwork for future resistance efforts, ultimately contributing to Korea's eventual independence in 1945.