580th Anniversary of Hangul Proclamation Celebrated in Yeoju, Home to King Sejong's Tomb... Gyeonggi Province's 100th Anniversary of Hangul Day

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the establishment of Hangul Day and the 580th anniversary of the proclamation of Hunminjeongeum, and Gyeonggi Province is celebrating with particular significance. This is because Yeongneung Royal Tomb, where King Sejong the Great rests, is located in Yeoju.

Yeoju City will hold cultural events for Hangul Day from September 9 to 10 for two days around Yeongneung Royal Tomb, the resting place of King Sejong the Great. To commemorate the 580th anniversary of the proclamation of Hunminjeongeum, exhibitions and experiential programs will be held to promote the achievements of King Sejong and the value of Hangul, followed by participatory events for family visitors. Yeongneung Royal Tomb, the burial site of King Sejong, attracts visitors every Hangul Day, and this year's 100th anniversary of Hangul Day is expected to draw even more visitors. On the same day, Yangju City will also host the 'Hangul Day, Book Festival with Books' to add meaning to Hangul Day through the value of books and literacy.

Hangul Day holds special significance in Gyeonggi Province for reasons beyond history. Gyeonggi Province is the region with the largest foreign-born population among all provinces and cities nationwide, and in Korean language education sites throughout the province, tens of thousands of migrants, foreign workers, and marriage immigrants are learning Hangul every day. The written character created 580 years ago for people who could not read has now become a tool to help new neighbors who have crossed borders settle down. The meaning of Hangul, which earned the name "script for all" 100 years ago, is most vividly realized in Gyeonggi Province.