Hangul Day: Let's Celebrate the Korean Language

Hangul Day: Let's Celebrate the Korean Language - The Daebak Company

Are you interested in learning the Korean language? Before you book a Korean class, get to know its history through Hangul Day! Read more to know how do we celebrate Hangul Day and other facts about Hangul too.

What is Hangul Day in South Korea?

Hangul was created to allow everyone from all social classes to be able to read and write. There are many characters in Chinese characters, and not everyone back then had the privilege of education.

Who Made Hangul Day?

Hangul, the Korean word for the alphabet, was created by King Sejong. Before the creation of Hangul, South Korea (known as Joseon at the time) used classical Chinese letters. 

In 1945, the Korean government declared October 9th a legal holiday, which gave government workers a day off. Then in 2013, Hangul Day became a national holiday for everyone to have a day off.

When was Hangul Invented?

Hangul has evolved since it was invented on October 9, 1446, but only a few things have been changed or taken out during that time! Korean is a phonetic language, and the letters of the consonants are in shape the mouth takes when saying them. 

There are nineteen consonants and twenty-one vowels in Hangul. It may seem like a lot, but each vowel sound has its own letter, which helps with pronunciation and is easy to learn!

How is Hangul Celebrated?

Gwanghwamun Plaza

2009 marked the 563rd anniversary of the invention of Hangul. To commemorate Hangul Day, South Korea built a bronze statue of King Sejong in Gwanghwamun Plaza in Seoul. People visit the statue as well to honor King Sejong. 

King Sejong Memorial Hall

During Korean Language Day, people visit the King Sejong Memorial Hall in Cheongnyangni-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul. You can find the entrance behind the statue of King Sejong. Inside are several exhibition rooms about Hangul's creation and other accomplishments during King Sejong’s reign. Check more details here.

Tomb of King Sejong

Another place to visit in celebration is the Tomb of King Sejong, located in Wangdae-ri, Neungseo-myeon, Yeoju-si, Gyeonggi-do. The tomb is well-kept and modest, and you can also visit the small museum that covers some of King Sejong’s most outstanding achievements.

During Hangul day, some choose to celebrate by wearing hanbok, but it is not a requirement. Some consider Hangul Day a special occasion in which people wear hanbok since the time in which King Sejong ruled is often known as the Golden Period. 

People know King Sejong's rule because enlightenment and knowledge are defining moments of history instead of war and invasion. Many also view him as the best king of Korea, and his picture is on the 10,000 won bill!

Now that you know all these facts about Hangul Day, find the best Korean language school or get learning materials here! How familiar are you with the Korean alphabet? Let us know in the comments below!

 

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