Hangul Day (한글날), also known as Korean Alphabet Day, is a national holiday in South Korea that celebrates the creation of Hangul — the unique Korean writing system. Observed every year on October 9, it honors the ingenuity and cultural importance of this beautiful and scientific script.
Hangul was created in 1443 by King Sejong the Great and his scholars during the Joseon Dynasty. Before Hangul, most Koreans used classical Chinese characters (Hanja), which were difficult for common people to learn. King Sejong wanted a simple and accessible writing system so that everyone could read and write.
Hangul was officially proclaimed in 1446 as Hunminjeongeum (훈민정음), meaning "the correct sounds for the instruction of the people." Today, Hangul is praised as one of the most logical and scientific alphabets in the world.
Hangul consists of 14 basic consonants and 10 vowels. Its design is based on the shapes of the mouth and tongue when producing sounds. It is simple enough for anyone to learn in just a few hours, yet versatile enough to represent all Korean sounds accurately.
Hangul Day is celebrated annually in South Korea on October 9. In North Korea, a similar holiday called "Chosun-gul Day" is observed on January 15.
| Year | Hangul Day |
|---|---|
| 2025 | October 9 |
| 2026 | October 9 |
Today, Hangul is not only a source of national pride but also a symbol of accessibility and innovation. Many Koreans feel a deep cultural connection to their script, and Hangul continues to inspire artists, designers, and language learners worldwide.
Hangul Day is a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the beauty and brilliance of the Korean writing system. If you're learning Korean, take a moment on October 9 to celebrate Hangul — the key that unlocks the richness of Korean language and culture!
Have you ever practiced writing 한글 by hand? What’s your favorite Korean word in Hangul?