Hangeul, the unique alphabet used by Koreans, stands as a symbol of Korea’s cultural identity and linguistic ingenuity. Created in 1443 by King Sejong the Great, it was originally named Hunminjeongeum, meaning "The Proper Sounds for the Instruction of the People." King Sejong’s primary goal was to make literacy accessible to everyone, regardless of their social status, by providing an alphabet that was easy to learn.
The alphabet consisted of 28 letters—17 consonants and 11 vowels. The consonants were modeled after the shape of the human mouth, tongue, throat, and other vocal organs used to produce sounds. The vowels, on the other hand, were designed to reflect the three essential elements of the universe in Korean philosophy: the sky (represented by a dot), the earth (represented by a horizontal line), and humans (represented by a vertical line).
Today, 24 letters of Hangeul are still in use, including 14 consonants and 10 vowels. Hangeul’s simple yet effective design allows even beginners to grasp the basics of the Korean language quickly, which is one of the reasons why it is considered one of the most scientifically developed writing systems in the world.
In recognition of its cultural and historical significance, Hangeul was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. It continues to serve not only as a linguistic tool but also as a source of pride for Koreans, embodying their nation’s rich history and commitment to education and innovation.
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