For those of you learning Korean, do you know what October 9th represents in Korea? It’s Hangul Day (한글날)! This is a national holiday answering the question “What is Hangul Day?” — it celebrates the creation of Hangul, Korea’s unique writing system.
Hangul is not only a simple and scientifically designed tool for expressing the Korean language, but it also holds great cultural significance. Today, let’s dive into the history, importance, and meaning of Hangul Day in Korean culture.
The History of Hangul Day: How Was Hangul Created?
Hangul was invented in 1443 by King Sejong Hangul of the Joseon Dynasty and promulgated in 1446. At the time, Korea used Hanja (Chinese characters). But Hanja were difficult to learn, making it nearly impossible for the common people to read and write.
King Sejong Hangul, wanting to create a more accessible script for all his people, devised a new alphabet. He named it “훈민정음” (Hunminjeongeum), meaning “The Correct Sounds for the Instruction of the People.” We now know this script as Hangul.
This was a radical act. Many of the elite scholars at the time fiercely opposed it, believing that Hanja was the only legitimate script. They felt a native alphabet was “barbaric.” King Sejong, however, pushed forward, driven by a desire for widespread literacy.
Though centuries have passed, Hangul remains an incredibly effective writing system. Hangul Day serves to honor King Sejong’s achievement and to remind people of the importance of this precious alphabet.
What Makes Hangul Special? The Scientific Design
If you’ve been learning Korean, you’ve likely noticed that Hangul is a unique and easy-to-learn script. That’s because it was designed systematically, answering the question: “Why Hangul is scientific?”
Consonants: Mimicking Speech Organs
The shapes of Hangul’s basic consonants are inspired by the shapes of the speech organs used to pronounce them. This is the “scientific” part that makes it so brilliant.
- ㄱ (g/k): Designed to resemble the shape of the back of the tongue touching the roof of the mouth.
- ㄴ (n): Represents the shape of the tip of the tongue touching the upper gums.
- ㅁ (m): Outlines the shape of the closed mouth (lips).
- ㅅ (s): Shows the shape of the teeth.
- ㅇ (ng/silent): Represents the shape of the open throat. All other consonants are derived from these basic five by adding strokes to represent features like aspiration (e.g.,
ㄱ->ㅋ).
Vowels: Based on Philosophy (Cheonjiin)
The vowels are based on a philosophy of three elements:
- ㆍ (cheon): A dot representing Heaven (the sun).
- ㅡ (ji): A horizontal line representing the Earth.
- ㅣ (in): A vertical line representing the Human. All other vowels are just combinations of these three elements. For example,
ㅏ(a) isㅣ+ㆍ(Human + Heaven), andㅜ(u) isㅡ+ㆍ(Earth + Heaven below).
Scientific Structure
Hangul consists of 14 consonants and 10 vowels. By combining these, you can express all the sounds of the Korean language. It is a phonetic alphabet where the letters closely match the sounds they represent. Unlike English, where “ough” can be pronounced in at least nine different ways, Korean follows consistent rules, making it easier for learners to grasp.
The Modern Significance of Hangul Day
In Korea, Hangul Day is a time to reflect on the importance of the Korean language and culture. Various festivals and events take place across the country, making it a meaningful day for anyone studying Korean as well.
Throughout the day, you can participate in activities like Hangul calligraphy exhibitions, Korean speech contests, and traditional cultural experiences. For Korean learners, it’s an excellent opportunity to deepen your understanding of the language and culture.
In Sejong City, where I live, a special four-day festival is held every year starting on Hangul Day. This is especially significant because the city is named after the king himself, King Sejong Hangul.
Creative Uses of Hangul Today
Hangul isn’t just a writing system—it has become an inspiration in fields like art and design. Its unique, geometric shapes and structure have sparked creativity among artists and designers, leading to all sorts of Hangul-inspired creations. If you’re learning Korean, why not explore how Hangul can be used in creative ways?
Hangul Calligraphy
Learning how to write Hangul beautifully through calligraphy can add an extra layer of enjoyment to your language studies. Hangul calligraphy (Seoye) is a popular art form in Korea, and many learners enjoy trying their hand at it.
Hangul Design
The shapes of Hangul characters have inspired graphic design and fashion. From T-shirts with Hangul patterns to posters featuring its unique typography, there are many modern and creative ways to use Hangul in design.
➤ For those learning Korean, Hangul Day is a day with special significance. The language you’re studying is built on an alphabet created out of love for the people by King Sejong Hangul.
Through Hangul, you’re not only learning the language but also gaining insight into Korean culture and history. This Hangul Day, take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the alphabet and reignite your passion for learning Korean!
