Yes, it's a holiday in South Korea because of this revered monarch, whose silhouette is perhaps one of the two most recognizable silhouettes downtown.
But there's a huge reason why King Sejong sits in the middle of Gwanghwamun Square bathing in reverence and tourist photography every day and night. King Sejong, or Sejong, The Great, promulgated the use of hangeul, or the Korean language.
If you're a foreigner living in Korea, a basic knowledge of the Korean language would be a big help in one's daily living. That's why I enrolled in a few Korean classes in my early years in Seoul, which made my buying bananas and, depending on the season, strawberries, persimmons and apples, from the fruit vendor down the street so much easier. And a few times, at E-Mart, too.
Hangeul is actually very easy to learn. King Sejong made sure of that. He and his scholars invented it in 1443 for illiterate people. And in the 21st century, one of these people, illiterate in hangeul that is, sat down in Korean classes and added a few more Korean words to his vocabulary (read blog here). 😁
So, thanks to the most photographed Korean monarch for making hangeul very easy. And for making this day a holiday.
And if you're in Gwanghwamun Square today, make sure you thank his royal highness, too (read blog here).😊
Lately, I went back to studying hangeul...again!
I actually have studied years ago by enrolling in classes at one of the language institutes in the Jongno area. And these days, I just want to polish and level up on my skills in the Korean language.
Having a full-time job, I found it difficult to squeeze in classes at night far from my workplace, or even during the weekends. Luckily, I stumbled upon this website where volunteer teachers conduct free Korean classes for foreigners (website)!
Kongbubang - is a short walk from Exit 2 of the Sookmyung Women's University (Line 4). You can check the website for the schedule of the classes which are held in the community center building.
(At the bus stop!)
As I have been attending these classes, I found a Korean language book to complement my studies. It's the Wild Korean book, which was written by one of our Korean teachers, Mr. Sanghyun Ahn. Compared to the other Korean language books I used before, this one helps me navigate through daily experiences as it provides the vocabulary, grammar and usage for specific situations. It also provides insights into the Korean culture. These days, I carry this book with me: on the bus, in the subway and everywhere else!
But before you use this book, one must have the basic reading skills already as this is NOT for beginners. You must at least have basic knowledge of reading the Korean alphabet and must have a few Korean classes under your belt. It's a highly recommended book for anyone who needs to use the Korean language in his or her daily living...especially for me living in Seoul.
I think this is available in bookstores in Korea. But if you're overseas, here's a link to its page in Amazon.com.
So, if you're studying hangeul, too, good luck to our Korean language studies!
(With my book in Myeongdong!)
