By Honorary Reporter Faranak Solat from Iran

Photos = Faranak Solat

Sejong Special Self-Governing City and the Sejong Culture and Tourism Foundation from Oct. 9-11 hosted this year's Sejong Hangeul Festival at Sejong Lake Park and Sejong Central Park to mark the centennial Hangeul Day and the 580th anniversary of the promulgation of Hunminjeongeum (The Proper Sounds for the Instruction of the People), the original name of the Korean alphabet.

The invention of Hangeul was completed in 1443 and promulgated in 1446 by King Sejong the Great to make reading and writing accessible to the people. A surviving copy of the Haerye Edition of Hunminjeongeum, a commentary on the alphabet's scientific principles, was inscribed on UNESCO's Memory of the World Register in 1997.

The event featured performances, exhibitions, hands-on activities and educational programs centered on Hangeul. Sejong Central Park on Oct. 9 saw a Hangeul Run, air show by the Black Eagles, the aeronautics team of the Republic of Korea Air Force, and a Hangeul drone show. The next day saw taekwondo and dance performances.

Sejong Lake Park concurrently hosted street artist events on both days.

"Ring the Golden Bell," a Hangeul-themed quiz, was held on Oct. 11 at the Urban Festival Plaza held at Sejong Central Park featuring 120 participants. The questions covered Sejong, Hunminjeongeum, Hangeul Day, and the history and structure of the alphabet, turning trivia into an entertaining public competition.

Hangeul was also presented through contemporary cultural programs, performances and hands-on activities, allowing an experience with the alphabet beyond textbooks or the classroom. Families, students, residents and foreign visitors took part in activities that connected a centuries-old legacy with modern life.

ljyhwa@korea.kr

*This article was written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.