The Power of a Single Script: King Sejong's World-Changing Gift, Hangeul
💡 The Origin and History of Hangeul Day
Hangeul Day is a South Korean national holiday commemorating the promulgation of Hunminjeongeum, which is today's Hangeul alphabet, and celebrating the excellence of our script. The observance of Hangeul Day began in 1926 when the Korean Language Research Society, at the suggestion of Professor Ju Si-gyeong, designated September 29th (lunar calendar) as 'Gagya Day'. In 1928, it was renamed 'Hangeul Day'. Later, in 1940, with the discovery of the Hunminjeongeum Haerye (Explanations and Examples), it was definitively confirmed that the promulgation date of Hangeul was October 9th of the solar calendar. Since then, October 9th has been celebrated as Hangeul Day, just as it is today. This historical day embodies the efforts of our ancestors who strove to protect and develop Hangeul even amidst threats to our language. This dedication is a testament to the preservation of Korean cultural heritage.
👑 King Sejong, Creating Hangeul for His People
King Sejong himself stated in the preface of the Hunminjeongeum Haerye that he "lamented that illiterate people could not express their thoughts even if they had something to say, and thus created twenty-eight new letters." During the Joseon Dynasty, only Chinese characters were used, making it difficult for people to learn to read and write. As a result, many commoners suffered injustices or were unable to express their ideas.
Indeed, during King Sejong's reign, there was an anecdote where an illiterate commoner was unjustly accused of cursing someone with witchcraft. Despite the commoner's desperate pleas of innocence, lacking the ability to read or write, they could not present proper evidence nor comprehend the court documents. They suffered imprisonment for a long time without knowing the reason. Such incidents plainly illustrate how easily the unlettered populace could be wrongly accused and face unfair situations in the Joseon Dynasty history.
Moved by the suffering of these common people, King Sejong decided to create a new script that anyone could easily learn and use, fundamentally improving Korean literacy. He dedicated himself to research day and night, consulting with his scholars, and creating Hunminjeongeum, a unique script based on the human vocal organs and natural principles. Despite strong opposition from officials who adhered to Chinese characters, King Sejong, driven by his deep love for his people, overcame these challenges and eventually promulgated Hunminjeongeum in 1446. Thanks to him, all Koreans can now communicate with the world and acquire knowledge through this script—a truly magnificent episode and the very Korean language origin.
💡 King Sejong's Radiant Achievements
King Sejong's Sejong's achievements extend far beyond the creation of Hangeul. He was one of the greatest monarchs of Joseon, striving comprehensively to improve the lives of his people.
🔬 Scientific Advancements
He significantly contributed to agricultural development by inventing scientific instruments such as the sundial (Angbu Ilgu), water clock (Jagyeongnu), and by creating the rain gauge (Cheugugi). This highlights the wisdom of the King, who understood the paramount importance of farming. These were groundbreaking Scientific advancements for their time.
🛡️ National Defense Enhancement
King Sejong dispatched General Choi Yun-deok to subjugate the Jurchens and pioneered the Four Fortresses and Six Garrisons, firmly establishing the Amnok (Yalu) and Duman (Tumen) Rivers as the national borders. He also devoted efforts to developing weaponry, including cannons and geobukseon (turtle ships). These were crucial for Sejong's reforms in national defense.
🎨 Cultural Promotion
He vigorously promoted compilation projects, producing essential books for the people's lives such as 『Nongsajikseol』 (Guidelines for Farming), 『Hyangyak Jipseongbang』 (Compendium of Local Prescriptions), and 『Samgang Haengsil-do』 (Illustrated Conduct of the Three Bonds). He also made significant contributions to musical development by compiling 『Jeongganbo』, a musical notation system.
📚 Talent Recruitment and the Hall of Worthies (Jiphyeonjeon)
King Sejong appointed talented individuals regardless of their social status and established the Jiphyeonjeon (Hall of Worthies) as a center for academic research and policy development. The creation of Hangeul itself was a significant achievement accomplished together with the scholars of this institution
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