Have you ever wondered about the origins of Hangul, the unique script used for the Korean language? Delving into the history of Hangul not only provides a fascinating glimpse into Korean culture but also aids in understanding the language itself. Here, we explore the rich history of Hangul, its creation, and its evolution over time.
What is Hangul?
Hangul (한글) is the writing system used to represent the Korean language. The term “Hangul” comes from “Han” (한), meaning “great,” and “Geul” (글), meaning “script.” Much like Japan’s Hiragana and Katakana, Hangul serves as the cornerstone of written Korean.
Contrary to common misconceptions, the term “Hangul language” is not used; instead, people refer to the language as Korean. Understanding Hangul is not only practical for travel and communication in Korea but also enriches one’s appreciation of Korean culture and history.
The Creator of Hangul: King Sejong the Great
King Sejong the Great, the fourth king of the Joseon Dynasty, is a revered figure in Korean history, known for his numerous scientific and cultural contributions, including the creation of Hangul. His reign is often remembered for the phrase, “The people are the foundation of the nation, and if the foundation is strong, the nation will be peaceful” (백성은 나라의 근본이니 근본이 튼튼해야 나라가 평안하게 된다).
Despite being the third son, Sejong ascended to the throne at the young age of 22. He was renowned for his intellectual prowess and voracious reading habits, excelling in various academic fields. His leadership spurred significant advancements, such as the invention of sundials, water clocks, rain gauges, and astronomical instruments, all aimed at improving the lives of his subjects.
The Birth of Hangul
Before Hangul’s creation, Korea used Classical Chinese characters (Hanja) for written communication, despite the significant differences between Chinese and Korean language structures. This reliance on Hanja meant that literacy was largely confined to the elite class, excluding the general populace from reading and writing.
Recognizing this disparity, King Sejong sought to create an accessible writing system for all Koreans. He gathered a group of scholars and developed Hangul, which was officially proclaimed on October 9, 1446. This new script allowed for the precise representation of the Korean language.
The Hunminjeongeum
The proclamation of Hangul was accompanied by the publication of the “Hunminjeongeum” (훈민정음), meaning “The Correct/Proper Sounds for the Instruction of the People.” This document, designated as National Treasure No. 70, is a detailed guide to the creation and principles of Hangul, consisting of 33 woodblocks and 66 pages with 239 characters and 547 letters. In 1997, UNESCO included the Hunminjeongeum in the Memory of the World Register.
The Evolution and Adoption of Hangul
Early Reception and Usage
During the Joseon Dynasty, Hangul initially faced resistance and was often seen as a supplementary system to Chinese characters. It was derogatorily referred to as “Eonmun” (언문), meaning “vernacular script.”
Despite these challenges, Hangul gradually gained acceptance. In 1894, King Gojong (the 26th king of the Joseon Dynasty) issued a decree making Hangul the official script of Korea, although it was still used in conjunction with Chinese characters.
The Name “Hangul”
The term “Hangul” emerged during the Japanese colonial period when the Korean language was suppressed. The name is attributed to Ju Si-gyeong, a linguist and independence activist, who aimed to foster a sense of national identity through the preservation of the Korean language.
Following Korea’s liberation from Japanese rule, documents and newspapers often featured a mix of Hangul and Chinese characters. However, the emphasis on Hangul grew stronger over time.
Modern Developments
In 1970, South Korea declared October 9 as “Hangul Day,” honoring King Sejong’s contribution to Korean culture and promoting the study and use of Hangul. By the 1980s, the emphasis on Chinese character education waned, and Hangul became the dominant script.
Today, Hangul’s influence extends to digital technology. Most Korean keyboards feature both Hangul and Roman letters, with Chinese characters requiring specific conversion keys. Additionally, the popular Korean word-processing software “Hangul and Computer” (often known as “Hangul”) has a significant market share, surpassing Microsoft’s Word.
Hangul Day Celebrations
Hangul Day, celebrated on October 9, commemorates the proclamation of Hangul and highlights its significance. From October 3 (Gaecheonjeol, the National Foundation Day) to Hangul Day, various events and activities take place nationwide, celebrating Korean heritage and promoting linguistic pride.
In 2013, Hangul Day was reinstated as a national holiday after a 23-year hiatus, reflecting the script’s enduring importance and international recognition for its scientific and innovative qualities.
Conclusion
Hangul is more than just a writing system; it is a symbol of Korean identity and cultural heritage. Its creation by King Sejong the Great marked a significant turning point in Korean history, enabling widespread literacy and communication. Despite initial resistance, Hangul has evolved to become an integral part of Korean life, celebrated and respected both domestically and internationally. By studying Hangul, one not only learns the Korean language but also gains insight into Korea’s rich cultural and historical tapestry.
Hangul’s journey from its inception to its current status as a celebrated national script is a testament to the enduring legacy of King Sejong and the resilience of the Korean people. As we continue to study and appreciate Hangul, we honor the vision and dedication that made this unique script possible.
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