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As Korea's rich and diverse culture gains recognition, interest in the Korean language is also increasing.
Do you have any sentences you can say in Korean?
Hangeul, Korea's unique alphabet, has a unique history.
Let’s learn about Hangeul Day, a public holiday celebrated on October 9th to commemorate the creation of the Korean alphabet!
Let's begin😎
Do you know about King Sejong, the king of the ancient Korean dynasty 'Joseon'? King Sejong was a virtuous monarch who cared deeply for his people, and he is credited with creating the Korean writing system known as Hangeul. This system is unique for having a clear creator, purpose, and principles, and it has even been recognized by UNESCO for its significance. When Hangeul was first introduced, it consisted of 28 letters; however, today we use a combination of 14 consonants and 10 vowels, totaling 24 letters. To commemorate the creation and promotion of Hangeul and to honor its excellence, Hangeul Day is celebrated every October 9th.
During the Joseon Dynasty, commoners who were not part of the nobility faced significant challenges in learning Chinese characters, which hindered their ability to read and write. This limitation restricted their access to laws and education. King Sejong, empathetic to their plight, initiated the creation of a new script that commoners could easily learn and use. Despite facing considerable opposition, this script was officially promulgated in 1446, empowering commoners to read and write. The significance of Hunminjeongeum lies not only in the introduction of a new writing system but also in its departure from the existing Chinese character-centered knowledge framework. Hunminjeongeum was developed using scientific principles, with the consonants ㄱ, ㄴ, ㅁ, ㅅ, and ㅇ designed based on the articulatory organs, while the vowels were inspired by the shapes of the sky (ㆍ), the earth (ㅡ), and the human form (ㅣ). This system was subsequently expanded in a systematic manner. The Hunminjeongeum Haeryebon, which includes explanations of the principles behind the creation of Hunminjeongeum along with illustrative examples, still exists today, showcasing its remarkable quality and significance.
There are numerous places for those curious about Hangeul who wish to learn more about it, especially in relation to Hangeul Day. From the story of King Sejong, the creator of Hangeul, to hidden gems in Seoul, you can explore locations that showcase the rich history of Hangeul and its culture, spanning from its inception to the present day. Additionally, you can visit sites where the Hunminjeongeum Haeryebon is displayed, which contains the original usage of Hunminjeongeum as it was written at that time. If you are interested in Hangeul, why not visit these locations to celebrate Hangeul Day?
If you have visited Gwanghwamun, you may have noticed the statue of King Sejong prominently displayed in the square. Beneath the statue, there is an exhibition hall dedicated to showcasing the life and accomplishments of King Sejong. The exhibition includes a narrative about the creation of Hangeul, as well as detailed explanations of King Sejong's achievements in various fields, including music, weaponry, and science. Visitors can also view his inventions firsthand. Additionally, there are interactive experiences where you can write your name in Hangeul using a calligraphy brush or create badges, key rings, and other crafts featuring your own designs, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the visit!
Address: B2F, 175 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Work: 10AM – 6:30PM
Fri 10AM – 9PM (Mon, Closed)
The National Hangeul Museum is an exhibition space that enhances the understanding of writing and explores the integration of Hangeul with various fields. It serves as a cultural hub for Hangeul, where foreigners interested in learning the script can do so. In addition to the permanent exhibition related to Hunminjeongeum, visitors can also experience the 2024 Hangeul Week exhibition, which will take place from October 4 to October 10 in celebration of Hangeul Day. The exhibition titled 'Dialects, Can't Resist!' will run until October 13, offering insights not only into the standard language commonly heard but also into the diverse aspects of the Korean language, including dialects from various regions.
Address: 139 Seobinggo-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Work: 10AM – 6PM
Sat 10AM – 9PM
Daegu Kansong Art Museum, which opened on September 3, will feature a special exhibition showcasing 40 national treasures and 97 items from its collection to commemorate its opening. Among these, the ‘Hunminjeongeum’ is particularly noteworthy, as this marks the first time in 84 years since its discovery that it is being displayed in a city other than Seoul. This book, which provides instructions on how to use Hunminjeongeum and is also known as the Hunminjeongeum Haeryebon, is rarely exhibited, so we encourage you not to miss this opportunity! Following the special exhibition, ‘Treasures of the Kansong Art Museum Daegu’, and Hunminjeongeum can be experienced both visually and aurally through the installation ‘Hunminjeongeum: Acoustic House’ until May 25, 2025.
Address: 70 Misulgwan-ro, Suseong-gu, Daegu
Work: 10AM – 7PM (Mon, Closed)