Build Up

King Sejong: The Creation of the Korean Language

Build Up

Before the reign of King Sejong, the people of Korea used a language for writing called Hanja. Hanja was Chinese characters, but the spoken language was Korean; these two systems did not mix well together, making it extremely difficult to learn the written language. Only the rich and the privileged had enough time to devote to literacy. One such person was King Sejong. Briefly after King Sejong's coronation, he recieved news that a child had willfully harmed his father. Appalled, he made his scribe write several books depicting children showing their utmost loyalty to their parents. Unfortunately, this did not work out well. This was because most people outside of the upper social class, were unable to read and write, and couldn't read the books. King Sejong was shocked, and began to create a language that he believed the general public would be able to understand and use.

Right: Chusa-Silsa, the calligraphy of painter, poet, and calligrapher Gim Jeong-hi, written in Hanja, 1786~1856, Wikimedia

"Unlike many other occupations, scholars have the greatest responsibility to the people. Their work can ultimately improve the lives of all people for many decades. But if an academic becomes lost in his study, he cannot see how his work can benefit others. Therefore, like a well-balanced fencing stance, or a reasonable argument, the scholar’s life must be even and balanced.” ~ King Sejong