Our ancestors' hope embedded in 'Hangeul'
On June 10, 1926, the funeral of Yi Cheok, the last emperor of Korea, was held. On that day, Koreans once again staged an independence demonstration. About five months later, on Nov. 4, members of the Korean Language Society and pro-independence groups gathered at a restaurant in Seoul to mark the 480th anniversary of the promulgation of the "Hunminjeongeum." At the time, six-decade cycles were a…
On June 10, 1926, the funeral of Yi Cheok, the final emperor of Korea, took place. This day also saw Koreans organizing another independence demonstration. Approximately five months later, on November 4, members from the Korean Language Society and pro-independence groups convened at a restaurant in Seoul to commemorate the 480th anniversary of the introduction of Hunminjeongeum.
During those times, six-decade cycles were more commonly recognized by the general public than centennial events. After the ceremony, representatives from both organizations vowed to celebrate this occasion yearly.
In the following year, the Korean Language Society designated Hangeul as the script's official new name and launched its flagship journal. Consequently, this day was christened Hangeul Day. The term Hunminjeongeum, literally translated, means "the correct sounds to instruct the people." This remarkable alphabet was crafted during a time of stringent social hierarchy, when Classical Chinese reigned as the language of the elite yangban class.
Initially, Hangeul primarily functioned as a written language for commoners, women, and children. In casual conversation, colloquial terms such as eonmun (vulgar) were prevalent.
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- Our ancestors' hope embedded in 'Hangeul' koreatimes.co.kr
