History of Hangeul, the Korean alphabet, and its meaning for Koreans

한글 창제의 역사와 의의

Today, October 9th is 'Hangeul Day'.
The Korean alphabet is considered by some experts as the most scientific and logical writing system in the world.
To preserve it for the next generation, many had to endure grave challenges and face twists and turns over centuries.
Oh Jung-hee provides a closer look into the history and significance of Hangeul.
The Korean alphabet was developed by King Sejong the Great, who officially proclaimed the new writing system in 1446.
It was originally called Hunminjeongeum, a name referring to a way for the people... to write... that reflects the proper pronunciation of the Korean language.
Prior to King Sejong's invention, Koreans had to use Chinese characters for their written language, something not everyone could afford the time to learn, so the written word was largely by and for the elites.
The use of Chinese characters also meant that the Korean language wasn't always expressed accurately.

The study of Hunminjeongeum was really popularized in the early 20th century, promoting literacy among the masses.
Researchers at the time changed the name of the Korean alphabet to 'Hangeul' which means, roughly, a script that is without equal.
Under Japanese colonial rule, Koreans began publishing more things in Hangeul, like newspapers, pamphlets and poetry.
In 1926, they observed the first Hangeul Day... to commemorate King Sejong's invention and revive the national spirit.

(Korean)
"Hunminjeongeum is very special because it's the only document in human history that records when, how and by whom an alphabet was created. Also, the introduction of letters made reading and writing available to everyone, not just the upper class,... which was a revolutionary change for the whole society."

The Korean alphabet is now known as the world's most scientific... and relics related to its invention can be seen at the National Hangeul Museum.
The most precious one is the Hunminjeongeum Haerye, the document published in 1446 explaining how Hangeul was made.
In 1997, it was listed in UNESCO's Memory of the World.
The museum also has the first song written in Hangeul in 1447,... and one of the first Hangeul-only newspapers from the early 1900s.

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