AUBURN, Ala. – The Office of International Programs’ Korea Center-King Sejong Institute will host a 573rd anniversary celebration of Hangul Day, marking the creation of the Korean alphabet on Oct. 9 from 5-8 p.m. in the Foy Hall lobby. The event is free and open to Auburn University students, faculty and staff.
“This event provides people with the opportunity to learn about how the Korean writing system was invented and take a moment to appreciate and celebrate the language,” said Ellie Lee, Korea Center deputy director.
Hangul was developed by King Sejong the Great in 1443 and was introduced to the Korean public in 1446. Before Korea had its own language, Koreans used Chinese characters for written communication, but only aristocrats learned how to write in Chinese. As a result, King Sejong created Hangul so that everyone regardless of age, gender or social status could learn a unified language.
As a part of the Hangul Day celebration, the Korea Center-King Sejong Institute is also hosting its annual Korean Name and Design Competition award ceremony at the beginning of the event. The winners of the art competition will be announced and awarded prizes.
In addition to the award ceremony, the Hangul Day event will consist of Korean writing games, trivia questions, calligraphy and free Korean food and beverages.
To learn more, visit the Korea Center-King Sejong website.
(Written by Kalani Long)
