Overview
Hangul is the unique alphabet used to write the Korean language. It was created by King Sejong the Great of Joseon in 1443 and promulgated in 1446. Originally called Hunminjeongeum (The Correct Sounds for the Instruction of the People), the name "Hangul" was coined by scholar Ju Si-gyeong in 1912.
Background of Creation
King Sejong created the new alphabet because he felt compassion for common people who could not express themselves due to illiteracy in Chinese characters. The preface of Hunminjeongeum states:
"The sounds of our language differ from those of Chinese, and the characters do not communicate with each other..."
Composition
Consonants (14 letters)
ㄱ, ㄴ, ㄷ, ㄹ, ㅁ, ㅂ, ㅅ, ㅇ, ㅈ, ㅊ, ㅋ, ㅌ, ㅍ, ㅎ
Consonants were designed based on the shape of speech organs.
Vowels (10 letters)
ㅏ, ㅑ, ㅓ, ㅕ, ㅗ, ㅛ, ㅜ, ㅠ, ㅡ, ㅣ
Vowels were based on three elements: Heaven (·), Earth (ㅡ), and Human (ㅣ).
Features
- Scientific Design - Consonants based on speech organs, vowels based on philosophical principles
- Systematic Structure - Syllables formed by combining consonants and vowels
- Easy to Learn - Saying goes: "A wise man can learn it in a morning, even a fool can learn it in ten days"
- Expressiveness - Can accurately represent all Korean sounds
History
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1443 | King Sejong creates Hunminjeongeum |
| 1446 | Hunminjeongeum promulgated |
| 1504 | King Yeonsangun suppresses Hangul use |
| 1894 | Adopted as official script through Gabo Reform |
| 1912 | Ju Si-gyeong names it "Hangul" |
| 1926 | First Hangul Day established |
| 1997 | Hunminjeongeum Haerye inscribed on UNESCO Memory of the World |
UNESCO Recognition
In 1997, the Hunminjeongeum Haerye (explanatory guide) was inscribed on the UNESCO Memory of the World Register. UNESCO highly praised Hanguls originality and scientific nature.
Hangul Day
South Korea celebrates October 9 as Hangul Day, a national holiday. North Korea observes January 15 as Korean Alphabet Day.