King Sejong and Hangeul

King Sejong and Hangeul

King Sejong is perhaps the most famous Korean King in World History. Why not? He has devised an effective way of writing and speaking to educate his people. During his reign, he realized the value of education. Proper Education can lead to development, peace and prosperity.

He is depicted and immortalized in the 10,000 won

The museum entrance is at the back of this statue, facing the Gwanghwamun.

Here in Gwanghwamun square, an underground museum is dedicated to this great King as well as to all his achievements and inventions. Admiral Cheng Ho, who defeated the Japanese naval fleet from invading the Korean peninsula has a separate section here.

 Inside the Museum

King Sejong of Korea (1397-1450) wanted his people to be literate, but knew that the Chinese system took too long for most people to learn. He tried to promote literacy by creating an entirely new, scientific alphabet, representing the individual sounds of the spoken language, in an unusually systematic way that reveals profound linguistic insights. He named his alphabet Hun Min Jong Um, “Accurate Sounds to Educate the People.”

With the reproduction of Admiral Cheng Ho's ship.

The illustrious statue of Admiral Cheng Ho.

Korean scholars had been using Chinese characters, but few people could afford the years of study to learn that system. Contemporary scholar's opposed Sejong’s alphabet because it was not Chinese. They said it was too easy. Consequently, it was largely neglected, almost until the twentieth century. The use of the alphabet for a translation of the Bible helped popularize it, and it is now in general use in both North and South Korea.

Try visiting this place and be inspired on the works and life of King Sejong.