What is Hangul Day?

When you start living in Korea, one of the first things you do is look up all of the national holidays so you know when you have off from work, right? Or, was that just me? Either way, you figured out the holidays in Korea at some point and a holiday in October every year you probably noted was Hangul Day. A celebration that goes beyond marking a historical event, it is a celebration of language, the commitment to preserving a cultural identity through language, and it can be a pretty fun day off.

Over the years, Hangul Day has evolved from a symbol of resistance to a vibrant celebration of Korean culture and language. Grab a cup of your favorite Korean tea and let me tell you all about Hangul Day.

Let’s dive into all things Hangul Day from the history to the present-day and how to celebrate and even learn to read Hangeul.

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Hangeul, Korean alphabet, Korean characters, Hangul

What is Hangeul?

Hangeul (한글), or Hangul (both spellings are correct, by the way), is the Korean script, an exquisite writing system that stands as a testament to the ingenuity of the Korean people. Created in the 15th century during the Joseon Dynasty, Hangeul was the brainchild of King Sejong the Great and his scholars, who aimed to make literacy more accessible to the commoners.

While King Sejong is always lauded for his contribution to Korean society, I think it’s interesting to point out that the noblemen of the time were not so thrilled that the lower classes would be educated. There were even kings later during the Joseon Dynasty that had no interest in promoting Hangul and wanted the upper class to keep Hanja to maintain their status. Luckily though, Hangul was able to prosper despite the laws against it.

National Hangeul Museum (국립한글박물관), Seoul, Korea

The script is a masterpiece of simplicity, consisting of 14 basic consonants and 10 basic vowels that can be combined to form complex characters representing sounds and syllables. And while it can look complex and difficult the first time you sit down and look at a page of Hangeul, it’s actually very easy to learn how to read the characters.

Many people will tell you that you can literally learn how to read the Korean characters in just an hour. (No, you won’t yet understand what you’re reading, but you can learn to decipher the characters in a very short amount of time.) Check out 90 Day Korean which has some fun challenges to get you started if you’re interested in learning Korean.

Now that we have a grasp of what Hangeul is, what is Hangeul Day? Celebrated on October 9th, Hangeul Day (also known as 한글날 or Hangeulnal), or “Hangul Proclamation Day”, is a national holiday in South Korea. This special day commemorates the creation and proclamation of the Hangeul script by King Sejong the Great and his scholars in 1443.

FYI, Hangul Day is also celebrated in North Korea, but it’s on January 15th instead.

Why do people celebrate Hangul Day?

Hangeul Day is more than just a day off work; it’s a celebration of cultural identity and linguistic pride. Koreans take this opportunity to honor their rich history and heritage, appreciating the fact that they have a unique script that sets them apart from other countries. It’s a day to foster a deeper connection with the Korean language and its artistic beauty.

But also, between 1991 and 2012, Hangul Day actually lost it’s distinction as a national holiday and workers didn’t have the day off. Now that it’s back as a red day on the Korean calendar, people are even more interested in celebrating… or resting.

How to Celebrate Hangul Day in Korea?

Hangeul Day is celebrated with enthusiasm and a wide range of activities. Here’s what you can do on Hangul Day in Seoul.

Visit Museums and Palaces: Head to cultural centers and historical sites like Gyeongbokgung Palace or the King Sejong Story exhibition which is near the King Sejong Statue in Gwanghwamun Square to learn more about the history of Hangeul and its creator. There is also the Hangeul Museum that is on the same grounds as the amazing National Museum of Korea. I don’t really recommend visiting the Hangeul Museum on this holiday though because pretty much everyone has that same idea and it is packed on the holiday when it’s actually rather quiet for most of the year. Wanted to mention it though because it is often the first place people think of.
Hangeul Writing Competitions: Many schools and organizations hold writing contests where participants can showcase their calligraphy skills and express their love for the Korean language.
Hangul Crafts: There are a number of craft experiences in Seoul that you can do to have your own Hangul souvenir at the end.
- Hangul Jewelry Making: Join a class to create your own Hangul necklace. Choose a word you like or your name and you can create a beautiful Hangul souvenir.
Hangeul Calligraphy Classes: There are a number of calligraphy classes offered in Korea and allow for the opportunity to use traditional brushes with ink to create beautiful hanking scrolls.
- Korean Calligraphy & Hanging Scroll Making Class: Available on Trazy
Traditional Costume Wear: Embrace the Korean culture by wearing a Hanbok, the traditional Korean attire, and join parades or cultural events downtown. There are plenty of shops to rent a Hanbok in downtown Seoul.
Hangeul-themed Art Exhibitions: Check out art exhibitions featuring Hangeul-inspired artworks by contemporary artists. A lot of art museums in Seoul usually host various language related exhibitions during the holiday period.
Attend Language Workshops: Numerous language institutes and community centers offer workshops and classes for those interested in learning the basics of Hangeul.
Enjoy Traditional Food: Treat your taste buds to delicious Korean dishes at street food stalls or restaurants that offer special menus for the occasion.
Staying Home and Resting: Honestly, a lot of Korean families will just stay home on Hangul Day and enjoy a day of rest in this fast paced country. Most of our friends will either stay home or go to a nearby park to just enjoy the day off.

King Sejong, Gwanghwamun Square, Seoul, Korea

When Did Hangul Day Start?

Hangul Day traces its roots back to the early 20th century when Korea was under Japanese rule. It was first celebrated on January 15th, 1926. However, the holiday was moved to October 9th in 1945 when Korea regained its independence after World War II. This change was made to honor the original promulgation date of the Hangeul script by King Sejong the Great.

Is it Hangul or Hangeul?

You may have noticed that the terms “Hangul” and “Hangeul” are used interchangeably. Both spellings are correct, with “Hangul” being an older style of spelling it and tends to be more popular on English websites, while “Hangeul” is the newer spelling. So, don’t get caught up in the spelling – it’s the script’s beauty and significance that truly matters.

The Evolution of Hangul Day

Hangeul Day has evolved significantly since its inception, reflecting changes in Korean society and its relationship with the Hangeul script. Initially celebrated on January 15th, the holiday was born out of a need to resist Japanese cultural oppression during the colonial era. At that time, the Japanese authorities attempted to suppress Korean culture, including the use of the Hangeul script even going so far as to force Koreans to change their names to Japanese names, in an effort to assimilate Koreans into Japanese society.

The first Hangeul Day in 1926 was marked by protests and cultural demonstrations, as Koreans passionately rallied to protect their language and cultural identity. However, with the end of World War II and the liberation of Korea in 1945, Hangeul Day underwent a significant transformation.

The decision to move Hangeul Day to October 9th, the original promulgation date of the script in 1443, symbolized a return to the roots of Hangeul and a reconnection with the country’s history and heritage. This change also emphasized the script’s role in fostering national pride and unity as South Korea worked to rebuild after decades of foreign rule.

Hangul Day in Modern Korean Society

Today, Hangeul Day is not only a national holiday but also a time for cultural reflection and celebration. While the historical context of resistance against foreign oppression is still remembered, the holiday has taken on new dimensions in modern society.

Today, Hangeul Day is a time for education and cultural enrichment. Schools and educational institutions often organize special programs and events to promote literacy and celebrate the beauty of the Hangeul script. This includes various writing competitions, calligraphy exhibitions, and language workshops that encourage young and old alike to connect with their language and culture.

Beyond education, Hangeul Day is also an opportunity for Koreans to express their creativity and artistic talents. Art exhibitions, musical performances, and poetry readings inspired by Hangeul are common during this time, highlighting the script’s artistic and cultural significance.

And as mentioned earlier, it’s a big day of rest. In the fast paced Korean society, a lot of workers enjoy just having a day of rest, a day to be with their family, and a day to relax.

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The Global Influence of Hangeul

Hangeul’s influence is not confined to Korean-speaking communities anymore. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in Korean culture worldwide, driven by the global popularity of Korean music, television, and cinema. My husband creates music for Korean television dramas and I’ve watched firsthand how they’ve become more and more popular year on year. This cultural phenomenon, often referred to as the “Korean Wave” or “Hallyu,” has spurred an increased interest in learning the Korean language and script.

As a result, Hangeul has gained recognition and popularity far beyond the borders of Korea. Language learners from around the world now embark on the journey of mastering this unique script as they seek to understand and appreciate Korean culture on a deeper level.

What Is the Best Way to Learn Hangul?

Ready to learn Hangul now that you’ve learned all about it? Here’s where to start:

Online Resources: There are plenty of online courses, apps, and websites dedicated to teaching Hangeul. Duolingo, Memrise, and Talk to Me in Korean are excellent places to start.
Language Classes: If you prefer a structured learning environment, consider enrolling in a language class at a local institute or university. More and more universities are offering Korean classes I’ve read.
Practice Writing: Grab a notebook and start practicing writing Hangeul characters. Consistent practice is key to becoming proficient.
Watch Korean Media: Tune into Korean TV shows, movies, and music with subtitles to familiarize yourself with the script and pronunciation.
Language Exchange: Connect with native Korean speakers for language exchange. This will not only help you learn Hangeul but also gain insights into Korean culture.

Hangeul and Language Preservation

One of the most enduring legacies of Hangeul Day is its role in language preservation. Hangeul has not only provided Koreans with a unique writing system but has also played a pivotal role in preserving the Korean language itself.

Compared to some other Asian languages, such as Chinese and Japanese, which use complex character-based scripts, Hangeul is remarkably accessible. Its simplicity and phonetic nature make it easier for people of all ages to learn and use. This has been crucial in maintaining a high level of literacy among Koreans and ensuring the vitality of the Korean language.

Hangeul Day is more than just a date on the calendar; it’s a celebration of Korean heritage, language, and culture. As you explore the festivities and dive into the beauty of the Hangeul script, remember that the essence of this day lies in embracing the uniqueness of the Korean language and its history.

So, whether you’re in South Korea, or anywhere else in the world, take a moment on October 9th to appreciate the artistry and brilliance of Hangeul.

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What is Hangul Day?

What is Hangeul?