Hangeul
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- Hangeul is a unique writing system, considered more creative and scientific than any other in the world, and used only to portray the Korean language. Unlike most other writing systems, records clearly show when and by whom Hangeul was invented, with the original handbook still preserved. Hangeul was invented in 1443 by King Sejong, the fourth king of the Joseon Dynasty era (1392-1910) and began to be promulgated in 1446. The handbook created at this time was called 'Hunminjeongeum.'
- The term 'Hangeul' was first used in the early 20th century, and is said to have been coined by a scholar name Ju Sigyeong (1876 - 1914) who studied the Korean language. 'Han' in the word Hangeul has a composite meaning: 'big,' 'unity/one' and Han of the Korean people. Both North and South Korea use the same writing system; however, in the South, the term 'Hangeul' is used, whereas in the North, the term 'Joseongeul,' meaning Joseon alphabet or writing is used. Hangeul refers to the writing system of the Korean people, and not the language itself. Koreans speak in Korean, and record this language in Hangeul.
