Symbolic Space of 'Uiryeong, City of Hangul Culture' Completed... Uiryeong Hangul Park Opens

Leading Korean Language Research and Dictionary Compilation
Laying the Foundation for the National Korean Dictionary Museum

Uiryeong County in South Gyeongsang Province announced on July 10 that it held a completion ceremony for Uiryeong Hangul Park at Seodong Administrative Town in Uiryeong-eup on July 9.

The ceremony was attended by County Governor Oh Taewan, heads of local institutions and organizations, residents, and about 200 others, including descendants of prominent Hangul scholars such as Namjeo Lee Woosik, Goru Lee Geukro, and Hanmoe Ahn Hosang.

Hangul Park Completion Ceremony.
Photo by Uiryeong-gun

Uiryeong Hangul Park was constructed on a 9,881-square-meter site with a total project cost of 2.1 billion won, including 800 million won in special grants.

This historical and cultural space was created to honor the achievements of three Hangul scholars from Uiryeong and to allow visitors to experience the history and value of Hangul.

The park features statues and information boards highlighting the achievements of the three scholars, Hangul sculptures, photo zones utilizing the Hunminjeongeum Haerye and Eonhae editions, as well as a pond and walking trails.

In particular, Uiryeong Hangul Park was established as a symbolic space to honor the spirit of these three scholars and embody the identity of Uiryeong as Korea’s city of Hangul culture.

The park is also significant because it demonstrates the historical background and necessity for Uiryeong to pursue the establishment of the National Korean Dictionary Museum.

Hangul Park Completion Ceremony. [Photo by Uiryeong County]

Uiryeong is the hometown of Namjeo Lee Woosik, who dedicated his life to Korean language research and dictionary compilation; Goru Lee Geukro, who led the Korean Language Society and championed Korean language research and dictionary development; and Hanmoe Ahn Hosang, who contributed to compiling the Korean dictionary and advancing Hangul education. These three scholars devoted themselves to preserving and developing the Korean language and script, laying the foundation for today’s Hangul system and dictionary compilation.

Since launching the National Korean Dictionary Museum Promotion Committee in 2020, Uiryeong County has continuously advocated for the museum’s necessity and legitimacy through academic conferences, policy forums, and proposals to central government agencies and the National Assembly.

These efforts laid the groundwork for forming a national consensus, as support for the establishment of the National Korean Dictionary Museum was reflected as the No. 1 pledge for the Uiryeong region by presidential candidate Lee Jaemyung during the last election.

County Governor Oh Taewan stated, "The newly completed Uiryeong Hangul Park is a symbolic space marking a new beginning for Uiryeong as Korea’s city of Hangul culture. We will continue to honor the noble spirit of the three Hangul scholars, widely promote the value and history of Hangul, and further develop Uiryeong’s unique Hangul cultural assets."

Going forward, Uiryeong County plans to expand Hangul cultural content, including academic events and educational and experiential programs centered around Uiryeong Hangul Park, while steadily building the foundation for the establishment of the National Korean Dictionary Museum.

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