Hangul Day

Korean Alphabet Day, known as *Hangeul Day* in South Korea and *Chosŏn'gŭl Day* in North Korea, commemorates the creation of Hangul, the Korean alphabet, by King Sejong the Great in the 15th century. South Korea observes this day on October 9, while North Korea celebrates it on January 15.

In South Korea, Hangeul Day has been a national holiday since 1970, though it was temporarily not recognized as one from 1990 to 2012 to maximize business days for industrial growth. The holiday honors the uniqueness and excellence of Hangul and pays tribute to King Sejong's monumental contribution.

Before Hangul, Koreans primarily used Classical Chinese characters for writing, which were difficult for most people to learn. King Sejong introduced Hangul to increase literacy among the common people. The history of Hangul's creation and the changing dates of its celebration reflect the evolution of this significant holiday.

On Korean Alphabet Day, various events highlight the importance of Hangul. These include the unveiling of statues and public gatherings, all aimed at celebrating Korea’s cultural and linguistic heritage. The day serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and promoting the Korean language.