Hangul Day

Hangul Day, celebrated annually on October 9th in South Korea, is a national holiday that commemorates the creation and proclamation of Hangul, the Korean alphabet. Established by King Sejong the Great in 1443 and officially proclaimed in 1446, Hangul was designed to promote literacy among the common people by providing a simple and accessible writing system. Unlike the complex Chinese characters previously used, Hangul consists of 14 consonants and 10 vowels, making it easy to learn and use. The holiday was first celebrated in 1926 during the Japanese occupation of Korea as a way to preserve Korean culture and identity. It was officially designated as a national holiday in 1945 after Korea's liberation. However, it was temporarily removed from the list of national holidays in 1991 due to economic concerns but was reinstated in 2013 due to public demand and its cultural significance. On Hangul Day, South Koreans celebrate their linguistic heritage through various events, including cultural exhibitions, calligraphy contests, and educational programs. It is a day to reflect on the importance of Hangul in preserving Korean culture and fostering national pride. The holiday also serves as a reminder of King Sejong's visionary contribution to Korean society and the enduring legacy of Hangul as a cornerstone of Korean identity.