King Sejong, Creator of Hangeul: Birthday (May 15) Becomes National Day in 2025

 

South Korea deeply values its unique alphabet, Hangeul, and the achievements of King Sejong the Great, who invented it. The country already observes Hangeul Day on October 9 each year, a national holiday dedicated to celebrating the creation of the Korean writing system. This is a rare practice globally, as few nations designate a holiday solely to honor their native script. Beginning in 2025, however, May 15—King Sejong’s birthday—will also be recognized as a national commemoration day to honor his contributions and express gratitude for his enduring legacy.

Why Is King Sejong Significant?

King Sejong (1397–1450), the fourth monarch of Korea’s Joseon Dynasty, is celebrated as the creator of Hangeul, a groundbreaking and scientific writing system designed to be easy for anyone to learn. His achievement went beyond creating an alphabet—it was a bold effort to build a more inclusive society where everyone, regardless of social status, could communicate and access knowledge.

During his time, written communication in Korea relied on Classical Chinese characters, which were challenging for common people to learn. By introducing Hangeul, King Sejong democratized literacy, paving the way for cultural and intellectual growth in Korea. Today, Hangeul remains a symbol of Korea’s low illiteracy rate and its rich cultural heritage.

The Significance of May 15

May 15 marks the birth of King Sejong. While this day has historically received less attention than Hangeul Day, its designation as a national commemoration day highlights Korea’s pride in its cultural identity and appreciation for King Sejong’s monumental contributions. The Korean government plans to host various events on this day, including exhibitions and cultural programs that explore the life and achievements of King Sejong.

A Message for the World

The establishment of this new commemoration day is also an opportunity to share King Sejong’s legacy with the global community. Hangeul’s innovative design and accessibility have already gained international attention, with a growing number of people around the world learning Korean.

King Sejong’s creation of Hangeul reflects his commitment to inclusivity and equality, values that resonate universally. His vision of empowering all individuals through literacy offers inspiration that transcends borders.

From 2025, May 15 will be a day for Koreans to express their gratitude to King Sejong while sharing his remarkable legacy with the world. It will remind us all that Hangeul is not only a treasure of Korea but also a meaningful cultural asset for humanity.