Happy Hangul Day!
한글날 (hangulnal)!
Today, October 9th, we celebrate Hangul Day (한글날) in Korea, a national holiday dedicated to the creation of the Korean alphabet, Hangul (한글).
Hangul was developed in 1443 by King Sejong the Great and his scholars during the Joseon Dynasty. Before its invention, Koreans relied on classical Chinese characters, which made reading and writing accessible only to the elite.
Why Hangul is special
Hangul is known for its design and simplicity, making it one of the most efficient writing systems in the world. The alphabet consists of 14 consonants and 10 vowels, which are combined into syllabic blocks. The letters are shaped based on how the tongue, mouth, and throat move when pronouncing each sound, making it easier to learn and use.
Why is Hangul Day important?
King Sejong created Hangul with the goal of promoting literacy among all Koreans, regardless of class. Hangul is not just a writing system—it’s a symbol of Korean identity, pride, and cultural independence. It allowed the Korean people to express their thoughts and ideas in their own language.
EXTRA RESOURCES
Our Complete Guide to Hangul Day
The Korean Alphabet (With Quiz & Flashcards!)
How to Use a Korean Keyboard
How’s your Hangul journey going so far? How have you found the difficulty of learning Hangul vs other alphabets? Share your experiences below 