King Sejong & HangulEra 11 of 21
King Sejong & Hangul
King Sejong the Great (reigned 1418–1450) profoundly transformed Korea by inventing the Hangul alphabet in 1443. His reign also saw major advances in science, agriculture, and law.
Established Historical Facts
- Invented Hangul in 1443, published in 1446 as "Hunminjeongeum".
- Hangul is a featural alphabet designed scientifically for the Korean language.
- Sponsored the invention of rain gauges (측우기), water clocks, and sundials.
- Compiled agricultural manuals specifically for Korean soil and climate.
Cultural Significance
Democratized literacy by replacing complex Classical Chinese with an easy-to-learn phonetic script.
Modern Relevance
The "Hunminjeongeum" is a UNESCO Memory of the World, and Hangul Day is a national holiday.