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At 2 P.M. on 1 March 1919, the 33 nationalists who formed the core of the Samil Movement convened at Taehwagwan Restaurant in Seoul, and read the Korean Declaration of Independence that had been drawn up by the historian/writer Choe Nam-seon and the poet/Buddhist monk Manhae (also known as Han Yongun). The nationalists initially planned to assemble at Tapgol Park in downtown Seoul, but they chose a more private location out of fear that the gathering might turn into a riot. The leaders of the movement signed the document and sent a copy to the Japanese Governor General, with their compliments.

"We herewith proclaim the independence of Korea and the liberty of the Korean people. We tell it to the world in witness of the equality of all nations and we pass it on to our posterity as their inherent right. We make this proclamation, having back of us 5,000 year of history, and 20,000,000 of a united loyal people. We take this step to insure to our children for all time to come, personal liberty in accord with the awakening consciousness of this new era. This is the clear leading of God, the moving principle of the present age, the whole human race's just claim. It is something that cannot be stamped out, or stifled, or gagged, or suppressed by any means. "

They telephoned the central police station to inform them of their actions and were arrested afterwards. Before the formal declaration, Korea also aired circulated the following complaints to be heard by the Japanese people through papers and media. These grievances were highly influenced by "Wilson’s Declaration of the Principle of Self Determination."

1. They addressed how the government would discriminate when employing Koreans verses Japanese people. They claimed that no Koreans held an important position in government.

2. They addressed how there was a disparity of education being offered between Korean and Japanese people.

3. They claimed that the Japanese despised and mistreated Koreans in general.

4. Political officials, both Korean and Japanese were arrogant.

5. They said there is no special treatment for the upper class or scholar.

6. They complained that the administrative processes were too complicated and laws were being made to frequently for the general public to follow.

7. They complained that there was too much forced labor that was not desired by the public.

8. They said that the taxes were too heavy and they were paying more than before while getting the same amount of services.

9. They complained that more and more of the land was being confiscated by the Japanese people for personal reasons.

10. They said Korean village teachers were being forced out of their jobs because they Japanese people are trying to suppress their heritage and teachings.

11. They said the development of Korea has been for the benefit for the Japanese. They argued that they were working towards development but the Koreans did not reap the benefit of their work.

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