Hangul Day Centennial: Gwanghwamun Square to Buzz with Hangul

[Financial News] To mark 100 years since Hangul Day was established, Gwanghwamun Square will be transformed into an interactive space where visitors can write, draw and enjoy Hangul firsthand. In front of the statue of King Sejong, first unveiled on Hangul Day 17 years ago, visitors can enjoy everything from exhibits on spelling and Hangul signs to a Hangul picture created by citizens together and performances of Korean-language songs. The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on the 8th that it will hold an event called “Seoul Buzzes with Hangul” at the play area in front of the statue of King Sejong at Gwanghwamun Square from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the 9th. This year marks 100 years since Kagyanal, the forerunner of Hangul Day, was established, as well as the 580th anniversary of the promulgation of Hunminjeongeum.
Visitors to the square can enjoy not only exhibitions where they can see Hangul but also activities where they can write and make things themselves. They can learn about Korean expressions that are easy to confuse in everyday life through an exhibition on spelling, and view a range of sign designs using Hangul through the winning entries in the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s “Good Signboard Contest.”
Activities for children and their families are also planned. Visitors can apply transfer tattoos featuring Hangul consonants and shapes, or write on a hat what they would like to say to King Sejong. They can also take part in an activity where participants work together to complete a single Hangul picture featuring consonants, vowels and King Sejong.
There will also be an activity in which visitors walk around the square collecting stamps. Stamping them in the designated order completes a picture postcard of King Sejong. Those who finish the activities and also take part in a satisfaction survey can receive souvenirs such as Hangul pencils.
A space for enjoying performances and taking photos will also be set up. In front of the statue of King Sejong, Korean-language songs from various genres, including popular music and gugak, will be performed. At the event site, visitors can meet an actor dressed as King Sejong and Hechi, the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s mascot. A photo zone featuring Hangul and Hechi will also be available, and an electronic display will let visitors upload photos they take at the site.
Gwanghwamun Square’s connection with Hangul began on October 9, 2009. The Seoul Metropolitan Government erected the statue at the time, presenting King Sejong as a “symbol of creativity and care for the people.” The statue depicts him communicating with his people, holding an open copy of Hunminjeongeum in his left hand and raising his right hand.
Beneath the statue, “Sejong Story,” which introduces King Sejong’s life and people-centered philosophy, as well as the process and principles behind the creation of Hangul, was also established. A space about Admiral Yi Sun-sin was added the following year, and the site is now operated under the name “The Story of King Sejong and Admiral Yi Sun-sin.”
Kang Seon-mi, a public relations officer for the Seoul Metropolitan Government, said, “Gwanghwamun Square, where the statue of King Sejong was erected and ‘Sejong Story’ opened 17 years ago on Hangul Day, has now established itself as one of Seoul’s leading historical and cultural spaces, where people can discover and enjoy Hangul throughout the area. As this year marks 100 years since Kagyanal, the forerunner of Hangul Day, was established, I hope citizens will write and enjoy our script firsthand at Gwanghwamun Square and once again experience the value and beauty of Hangul.”

[email protected] Seong Chorong Reporter