Public Forum to Discuss Adding Hangul Signage to Gwanghwamun to be Held on July 26

▲ A model of the Gwanghwamun sign in the Hunminjeongeum typeface is unveiled during the Pan-National Launch Ceremony for the Installation of the Gwanghwamun Hunminjeongeum Hangul Sign, held in front of Gwanghwamun on March 1. (Photo: Yonhap News)

A public forum will be held to discuss the issue of adding Hangul signage to Gwanghwamun.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Ministry of the Interior and Safety announced that they will host the "Everyone's Forum" on July 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Baekyang Nuri, Yonsei University, in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul.

"Everyone's Forum" is a public participation platform operated by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety. This session was organized to facilitate in-depth discussions on the proposal to install a Hangul sign alongside the existing Hanja sign at Gwanghwamun.

The forum plans to collect public opinion on key issues, such as whether Gwanghwamun should be viewed as a national symbolic space that can embody modern values, or as a cultural heritage site that should be preserved in its original form.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism stated that any South Korean citizen can participate in the forum by applying from today until July 14 through the websites of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, or via "Sotong Innovation 24," an online public communication platform.

Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Choi Hwi-young said, "Gwanghwamun is both a cultural heritage site and a symbolic space for the nation, and Hangul is a precious asset that demonstrates South Korea's cultural pride." He added, "I hope this forum will be a meaningful opportunity to listen to a wider range of public opinion and broaden consensus."

Minister of the Interior and Safety Yoon Ho-jung urged participation, saying, "I hope many people will take an interest and participate in the first 'Everyone's Forum,' which is being held to decide the future of the Gwanghwamun sign, a symbol of our nation."

(Photo: Yonhap News)

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