KSCST Events

KSCST events

March 1st Movement Commemoration

2026.02.28(SAT)

The Origin of Rice Balls (Jumeokbap)

On March 1, 1919, countless people took to the streets shouting, “Long live the independence of Korea!”

During the all-day Manse movement, people quickly satisfied their hunger with rice balls, a simple and convenient food. These rice balls were made by pressing salted rice into small hand-held portions. Though humble, they carried the spirit of encouragement and support for one another.

Those who stayed at home also prepared rice balls to share, helping the independence movement in their own way. Just as individual grains of rice come together to form a single rice ball, the courage of each person combined to create the powerful wave of Manse cheers.

Today, sharing rice balls on March 1st is a way to remember the solidarity and sacrifices of that day. Each small rice ball carries the heartfelt desire for freedom. (Source: Program of the Korean Canadian Association, February 28, 2026, 107th Anniversary of the March 1st Movement Commemoration)