2026 Is the "Year of Hangeul": Grand Commemoration for the 580th Anniversary of Hunminjeongeum and the 100th Hangeul Day

National Hangeul Museum Launches Year-Round Project
From Exhibitions and International Forums to Industrialization

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the National Hangeul Museum announced on January 29 that they will launch a commemorative project this year, designated as the "Year of Hangeul," to shed new light on the historical value of the Korean script.

The year 2026 marks the 580th anniversary of the promulgation of Hunminjeongeum, the 100th anniversary of Hangeul Day, which began as "Gagya Day," and the 100th anniversary of the introduction of Hunmaengjeongeum (Hangeul Braille) for the visually impaired. In celebration of this meaningful confluence of history, the museum will carry out a comprehensive, year-round project encompassing exhibitions, academic events, and industry initiatives.

The festivities will begin in May on the birthday of King Sejong. The opening events include a special exhibition tentatively titled "Word Play," honoring King Sejong's creative spirit, and a cultural festival at Gyeongbokgung Palace. In October, the momentum continues with a special exhibition tentatively titled "Gagya" to mark the 100th Hangeul Day, as well as the "Hangeul Hanmadang" event at Gwanghwamun Square.

The "International Museum Forum," co-hosted with the Bibliotheca Alexandrina in Egypt, will also be a highlight. This event is expected to provide an academic platform to establish Hangeul's unique status in the history of world scripts.

In November, a joint special exhibition tentatively titled "Hunmaengjeongeum" will be held with the National Museum of World Writing, accompanied by an academic conference that will highlight the history of Braille, which has illuminated the path for the visually impaired.

The scope of the commemorative project will extend beyond Seoul to the world. Traveling events in Gimhae and the Chungcheong region will explore the diversity of the Korean language, while a special exhibition at the Korean Cultural Center in Los Angeles will showcase the aesthetics of Hangeul design.

Efforts will also be made to transform the prestige of K-culture into educational and industrial momentum. The museum will launch a high-quality educational program for foreigners utilizing its collection to convey the depth of Hangeul, and will systematically support the development and distribution of Hangeul cultural products to create additional industrial value.

Kang Jeongwon, Director of the National Hangeul Museum, stated, "The year 2026 is a symbolic year in which the creation, dissemination, and sharing of Hangeul intersect. We are fully prepared to share this great legacy with people around the world and to ensure its complete transmission to future generations."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.