Hangeul Day (한글날): Korea’s Celebration of the Alphabet ✍️🇰🇷
Hangeul Day (한글날) is Korea’s annual celebration of its writing system, Hangeul—a brilliantly designed alphabet created in the 15th century so “even common people could easily learn and use it.” It’s a public holiday in South Korea on October 9.
A Short History
- 1443: King Sejong the Great commissions a new script.
- 1446: The system is published as Hunminjeongeum (“The Correct Sounds for the Instruction of the People”).
- Over centuries, Hangeul empowers literacy across classes and helps shape modern Korean identity.
How Korea Marks Hangeul Day
- Museum exhibitions (King Sejong, Hunminjeongeum), calligraphy events, typography pop-ups.
- Brands drop limited-edition Hangeul designs; schools run reading/writing games.
- On social media, you’ll see creators posting their names in Hangeul and mini-lessons.
Festive Greetings You Can Use
- 한글날 축하합니다! (Hangeulnal chukaham nida!) — Happy Hangeul Day!
- 한글 참 아름답죠! (Hangeul cham areumdapjyo!) — Hangeul is truly beautiful, isn’t it?
- 오늘은 한글로 써 볼까요? (Oneureun Hangeullo sseo bolkkayo?) — Shall we write in Hangeul today?
Culture & Identity: More Than Letters
Hangeul isn’t just a tool—it’s a symbol of access, equity, and cultural pride. By making literacy achievable for everyone, it helped preserve Korean language and identity through turbulent periods of history.
10-Minute Hangeul Challenge (Do It Today!)
- Write your name in Hangeul (DM if you want help picking the best transliteration).
- Post a 3-word diary in Hangeul:
- 오늘 커피 맛있다. (Oneul keopi masitda.) — “Coffee is good today.”
- Learn one K-culture word:
- 송편 (songpyeon) — half-moon rice cake (you’ll meet it at Chuseok!)