A promotional image for Sejong City's Hangeul Quiz Contest / Courtesy of Sejong City

Sejong City will host the 2nd Hangeul Quiz Contest for kids from across the nation to celebrate the 578th birthday of the Korean writing system, introduced on Oct. 9, 1446.

The contest is the second of its kind, as the city government hosted it last year only for children living in Sejong. This year, it goes nationwide.

Last year, a total of 11 children were nominated as finalists to compete at Sejong City Hall.

The city official said that a total of 1,500 elementary school students have so far applied to participate in this year's contest.

Of the applicants, 48 will qualify by the end of August. Adding last year's two winners, a total of 50 students are set to compete in this year's contest in September.

Applications will be accepted for any elementary school students under the age of 13 until Aug. 4.

The grand winner will receive an award from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

According to the city official, the quiz is expected to test elementary school-level vocabulary and spelling.

"This will honor Sejong the Great who invented hangeul," Sejong City Major Choi Min-ho said. "I hope that many kids will join the contest."