Why Koreans Consider Hangeul Their Most Treasured Asset
Koreans deeply cherish Hangeul, their unique writing system.
Koreans have a profound affection for their native script, Hangeul.
Hangeul Day, celebrated on October 9 to honor its creation, is a national holiday. While it was briefly removed from the list of public holidays due to concerns about excessive holidays, public outcry led to its reinstatement. Starting in 2025, May 15—King Sejong's birthday—will also be recognized as a national commemorative day. King Sejong, who created Hangeul, is the only individual in Korea whose birthday is observed at this level. To Koreans, Hangeul is not just a writing system but a cultural treasure, symbolizing national pride and identity.
Hangeul represents cultural heritage and intellectual depth.
Historically, Koreans have held scholars in high regard and emphasized the importance of education. Even small villages with only 30 households would establish a seodang (village school) to provide basic education. A Western missionary visiting Korea in the 19th century noted that even isolated mountain homes often contained at least one or two books.
Kim Gu, a prominent independence leader, famously hoped for Korea to become a "cultural powerhouse" rather than a military superpower. This respect for knowledge and culture is reflected in the creation of Hangeul. Its design incorporates philosophical principles such as Yin-Yang, the Five Elements, and the harmony of Heaven, Earth, and Humanity. Whether these philosophies are scientifically valid is less important than the thoughtfulness and cultural depth they represent. For Koreans, Hangeul is the heart of their cultural identity.
Hangeul stands as a symbol of independence.
During the Japanese colonial period, Koreans saw preserving Hangeul as equivalent to protecting their nation. Organizations dedicated to safeguarding the script compiled dictionaries and kept the language alive, making Hangeul a symbol of the Korean independence movement. To this day, slogans like "Love Hangeul, Love the Nation" reflect this historical association.
Hangeul is practical, intuitive, and accessible.
Even during the Joseon Dynasty, when Chinese characters were the official script and Hangeul was not widely respected by the ruling elite, it spread naturally among the population. Its ease of use made it popular, and common people taught themselves how to read and write in Hangeul. This reduced illiteracy and significantly elevated the general public's knowledge and awareness.
Hangeul consists of 14 consonants and 10 vowels, which can be further simplified into three core vowel elements: “ㅡ,” “ㅣ,” and “·.” This simplicity is reflected in modern mobile keyboards, where vowels are represented using just these three components. With 10 consonants and three basic vowel elements, Hangeul can accurately express nearly every sound, making it one of the world's most precise phonetic systems. Additionally, Hangeul allows for the creation of new characters by combining these elements, making it adaptable for recording previously non-existent sounds.
This logical structure aligns well with the principles of computer coding, making Hangeul exceptionally practical in the digital age.
Hangeul empowers critical thinking and creativity.
By making knowledge more accessible, Hangeul has enabled people to become more informed and articulate. It has also fostered creative expression. Many Koreans attribute the global success of K-pop and other cultural exports to the existence of Hangeul, which facilitates effective communication and cultural innovation. Whether this claim is factual or not, it reflects the deep pride Koreans have in their script.
Hangeul’s role in independence, economic development, and democracy
Koreans believe Hangeul has played a central role in shaping their national identity. Korea is one of the few nations in Northeast Asia, alongside Mongolia, to have maintained independence despite historical challenges from neighboring powers. It repelled invasions from the Sui and Tang Dynasties, fought prolonged conflicts with the Khitan, and overcame Japanese colonial rule. This resilience has instilled strong national pride, and Hangeul is seen as a source of that pride.
With this cultural confidence, dedication to education, and respect for innovation, Korea transformed from one of the world's poorest countries into a top 10 global trading power while achieving democracy. Throughout this journey, Koreans believe Hangeul has been a crucial driving force, reinforcing their identity and facilitating progress. For this reason, Hangeul is considered Korea’s most cherished cultural treasure.
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