March 1st Independence Movement Event

Feb 28, 2026

The Origin of Jumeokbap (Rice Balls)

On March 1, 1919, countless people took to the streets, shouting, “Long live Korean independence!” During the independence demonstrations that continued throughout the day, people eased their hunger with jumeokbap—simple rice balls that were easy to eat on the go.

Although it was a humble food, made simply by mixing rice with salt and firmly shaping it by hand, it carried within it a spirit of mutual support and encouragement. Those who remained at home also helped the independence movement by preparing and sharing rice balls with the demonstrators. Just as individual grains of rice come together to form a single rice ball, the courage of each and every person came together to create a great wave of cries for independence.

Today, the reason we share jumeokbap on March 1st is to remember the solidarity and sacrifices of that day. Within each small rice ball is a heartfelt longing for freedom.

(From the program booklet of the Korean Association's 107th March 1st Independence Movement Anniversary Ceremony, held on Saturday, February 28, 2026.)

Korean Senior Citizens Society of Toronto

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