October 9 is Hangul Day

The upcoming October 9 is ‘Hangul Day’ of Korea. It is designated as a national holiday to announce the excellence of Hangul, also known as the Korean alphabet. With the efforts, Hangul has been recognized as one of the most scientific and logical languages.

The Hunminjeongeum, the root of Hangul, was created in 1443, which was the 25th years of the King Sejong’s dynasty. King Sejong felt bad that many common people could not thoroughly express thoughts and feelings due to illiteracy. By using his leadership and creativity, he decided to invent Hunminjeongeum with his followers to lower the illiteracy rate. After, three years of the testing period, Hunminjeongeum was finally promulgated to the world.

Hangul Day was first celebrated during the Japanese colonial era. This was a time when Korea lost its sovereignty to Japan, and therefore, Korean people were forced to learn and use Japanese language only. To encourage the national spirit, Hangul Day was enacted.

After Korea gained the independence from Japan, Korean people officially designated October 9 as Hangul day. From then, the Hangul day became an official holiday of Korea and many events have been held annually for celebration.

Try learning some Korean sentences to celebrate Hangul Day! You will be able to enjoy a meaningful experience of using Hangul while living in Korea.

Hello (안녕하세요 / An-nyeong-ha-se-yo)

Thank you (감사합니다 / Gam-sa-hab-ni-da)

My name is 000 (제 이름은 000입니다 / Je il-eum-eun 000 ib-ni-da)

What’s your name? (이름이 어떻게 되시나요? / Ileum-i eo-tteoh-ge doe-si-na-yo?)

Nice to meet you (만나서 반갑습니다 / Man-na-seo ban-gap-seub-ni-da)

I’m sorry (죄송합니다 / Joe-song-hab-ni-da)

Excuse me (실례합니다 / Sill-ye-hab-ni-da)