A large statue of King Sejong (1397-1450), the ruler who was behind the creation of Hangeul, the Korean writing system, is seen in Gwanghwamun, central Seoul. Korea Times file
Korean Cultural Centers located around the world will host a variety of events to celebrate the 578th Hangeul Day, promoting the value and beauty of the Korean writing system, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said Monday.
Hangeul, created in 1443 under King Sejong's rule, is widely regarded as one of the most logical and accessible writing systems. Hangeul Day, observed annually on Oct. 9, celebrates its invention and contribution to Korean identity.
According to the ministry, 31 Korean Cultural Centers located across 28 countries will host performances, exhibitions and competitions, with a focus on spreading awareness of Hangeul's value.
The festivities will begin with performances at the Korean Cultural Center in France, featuring a musical event inspired by King Sejong, and Guillaume de Machaut, a pioneering French composer of medieval church music. The event will feature the premiere of a piece composed by Kim Dae-seong, a renowned Korean fusion artist known for blending Western compositions with traditional Korean instruments.
Posters promoting Hangeul Day celebrations at Korean Cultural Centers across the globe / Courtesy of Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism
In Belgium, the National Changgeuk Company of Korea is set to present a condensed version of "Sugungga," one of Korea's five surviving pansori storytelling traditions. The 80-minute performance — a first for European audiences — adapts the four-hour-long tale of an underwater kingdom and a wily rabbit, bringing this classical Korean art form to a wider audience.
Competitions centered on Korean language skills are also planned, with Korean poetry recitals taking place in Los Angeles, and a similar event in Russia aimed at promoting the beauty of Korean poetry and literature.
Meanwhile, speech contests will be held at Korean Cultural Centers in New York, Vietnam, Spain, Turkey and South Africa. Brazil will host a Korean debate competition, and calligraphy contests will take place in several countries, including Japan, China, Australia and Italy.
Book fairs and exhibitions will add to the celebrations, including a showcase of Korean literature in Indonesia. The event will feature locally translated and published Korean books, bringing Korean authors and readers together. In Shanghai, a special exhibition will display Hangeul-themed cultural products developed in partnership with Korea's National Hangeul Museum.
Posters promoting Hangeul Day celebrations at Korean Cultural Centers across the globe / Courtesy of Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism
Cultural quiz contests will also engage participants in Germany, Hong Kong, Thailand, Iran and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), while commemorative events for Hangeul Day will be held in India, Canada, Mexico and Argentina, offering locals an opportunity to immerse themselves in Korean language and culture.
"There are currently 256 Sejong Institutes in 88 countries, 34 of which are operated by Korean Cultural Centers," said Choi Bo-geun, head of the ministry's International Cultural Affairs and Public Relations Office.
"These institutes play a crucial role in spreading the Korean language and culture around the world. Through the events marking Hangeul Day, we hope many more people will experience the beauty of the Korean language, and that our script will continue to gain recognition globally."