Celebrating Hangeul Day: History, Significance, and Traditions (ENG)

The Only Script with Recorded Creation Principles

Hangeul is the only script in the world that has its creation principles recorded.

In the "Hunminjeongeum Haerye," King Sejong explained in detail the reasons for creating Hangeul, its principles, and how it should be used.

 

 

So today, let's take a brief look at Hangeul Day.

Hangeul Day is a national holiday in Korea, celebrated every year on October 9th, to commemorate the creation of Hangeul by King Sejong and the scholars of Jiphyeonjeon in 1443. It was first celebrated in 1926, and it is also a day that emphasizes the importance of the Korean language and Hangeul.

 

 

 

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History of Hangeul Day

King Sejong was concerned that the people did not have a writing system that was easy to read and write, so he created Hangeul with the goal of making an easy script that anyone could learn. This script, promulgated in 1446 under the name "Hunminjeongeum," allowed the people of the Joseon Dynasty to express their thoughts and emotions, marking an important moment for achieving linguistic equality.

 

 

 

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Significance of Hangeul Day

 

Hangeul Day commemorates the creation of Hangeul and reminds us of its importance. Many events are held to promote the preservation and development of the Korean language, emphasizing the excellence and scientific structure of Hangeul, which is the only script in the world to have its creation principles documented.

Additionally, various cultural and public events are held on this day to celebrate and spread the beauty and value of Hangeul.

 

 

 

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Changes to Hangeul Day

Initially, Hangeul Day was designated as the 29th day of the 9th month of the lunar calendar, but it was later changed to October 9th in the solar calendar. Although Hangeul Day was removed from the list of public holidays in 1991, it was reinstated as a public holiday in 2013, recognizing the importance of Hangeul once again.

On this day, exhibitions related to Hangeul, writing competitions, academic seminars, and festivals are held to celebrate the value and beauty of Hangeul.