🎵 The Origin of Hangul 한글 - Korea, 1443 (History Song)

King Sejong of the Joseon dynasty ruled Korea from 1418 to 1450. In 1443 he initiated the creation of a new writing system, later called Hangul. Until that point, literacy was largely restricted to elites who used Classical Chinese, which most commoners could not understand. Sejong believed that even farmers and soldiers should be able to read and write their own language.

The new script, originally called Hunminjeongeum, was designed with logic and accessibility in mind. Consonant shapes reflected the position of the tongue and lips, while vowels symbolized harmony between heaven, earth, and humanity. The system contained twenty eight letters at its origin and could be learned quickly.

Resistance came from the yangban class, who feared that widespread literacy would weaken their power. Despite this opposition, Hangul spread in markets, songs, and family letters. Even under foreign suppression, it survived in daily use.

By the twentieth century Hangul had become Korea’s standard script. Today it is celebrated as a cornerstone of Korean identity. October 9 is Hangul Day in South Korea, a public holiday honoring Sejong’s vision and the cultural significance of the alphabet.

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📘 Glossary
• Sejong (세종): King of the Joseon dynasty, ruled 1418–1450, creator of Hangul.
• Joseon dynasty (조선): Korean dynasty lasting from 1392 to 1897.
• Hangul (한글): Korean alphabet created under King Sejong in 1443.
• Hunminjeongeum (훈민정음): Original name of Hangul, meaning “correct sounds for the instruction of the people”.
• Yangban (양반): Traditional Korean elite class of scholars and officials.
• Classical Chinese: Written language used in Korea before Hangul, accessible only to educated elites.
• Hangul Day: October 9, public holiday in South Korea celebrating the creation of the Korean script.

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