Hangul Day, also known as Korean Alphabet Day, is an official holiday in Korea.
Here’s what Hangul Day is, when it is, and how Koreans celebrate it!
Quick Summary
- Hangul Day is a national holiday celebrating the creation of the Korean alphabet, every October 9th.
- Hunminjeongeum Manuscript was published on September 10, 1446, of the lunar calendar, which converts to October 9th.
- Since 2019, California has been celebrating October 9th as Hangul Day.
- Many companies have fun logo changes and distribute Hangul fonts on this day.
1. What Is Hangul Day in South Korea?
Hangul Day is a national holiday in South Korea that celebrates the invention of the Korean alphabet, Hangul, every year on October 9th.
This day honors King Sejong the Great, one of Korea’s most respected historical figures.
He introduced Hangul in 1446 through a manuscript called Hunminjeongeum (“The Proper Sounds for the Instruction of the People”).
Before Hangul, Koreans relied on Classical Chinese characters, which were difficult for commoners to learn. I’ve tried to study them and it’s a lot to memorize!
The creation of Hangul provided a simpler and more accessible writing system, boosting literacy and education among the general public. Hangul has a logical structure, phonetic accuracy, and scientific design.
Hangul Day serves as a reminder of Korea’s linguistic heritage and the importance of preserving and using the Korean language.
Schools, cultural institutions, and media often highlight Hangul’s significance through exhibitions, lectures, and events.
The holiday is also a time for patriotic reflection, emphasizing the role of Hangul in shaping Korean identity.
While Hangul Day is a public holiday in South Korea, North Korea also celebrates it, but on January 15th. They call it Joseon Gul Day.
2. Why Is Hangul Day on October 9th?
Although the exact date of Hangul creation is unknown, October 9th was officially chosen as Hangul Day based on historical research.
In 1940, scholars discovered the Hunminjeongeum Manuscript (Haerye or Commentaries), which provided crucial details about Hangul’s origins.
This manuscript, later designated as a UNESCO Memory of the World in 1997, contained a key historical note. Hunminjeongeum was first published on September 10, 1446, according to the lunar calendar.
When converted to the modern solar calendar, this date equals October 9th.
As a result, this date was officially designated as Hangul Day in South Korea.
Initially, Hangul Day was established in 1926 by linguistic scholars who sought to promote the importance of the Korean language during the Japanese colonial period when Hangul use was suppressed.
However, it wasn’t until 1945, after Korea’s liberation, that Hangul Day became widely recognized, and in 1949, it was officially declared a national holiday.
3. Is There Hangul Day in the United States?
Surprisingly, yes!
According to the Korea Times article, California declared October 9th as Hangul Day in 2019.
The resolution passed unanimously in the California Senate, marking an important step in recognizing the global significance of Hangul.
4. How Do Koreans Celebrate Hangul Day?
Koreans celebrate Hangul Day in fun and meaningful ways.
We first try to minimize the usage of loanwords.
Search engines like Naver change their logos into Hangul versions to honor the day.
There’s even Google Doodle of a Hangul-inspired version for Korean users!
Additionally, many individuals and organizations distribute free Hangul fonts every Hangul Day to promote the use of Hangul.
Hangul Day is also the last public holiday before Christmas, so Koreans make sure to enjoy this day before a long stretch of workdays.
Hangul Day is not just about celebrating an alphabet. It’s a tribute to Korea’s linguistic heritage and a source of national pride.
Whether through fun logo changes or global recognition, Hangul Day is a unique holiday.
