[Anchor]

Hunminjeongeum, meaning "The Proper Sounds for the Education of the People," is the historic name for Hangeul. Today (October 9), marking the 580th anniversary of the publication of Hunminjeongeum and the 100th anniversary of the establishment of Hangeul Day, events celebrating the value of the Korean alphabet took place across the country.

Reporter Jeong Jiyeon covers the scenes of Hangeul Day.

[Reporter]

Hundreds of people wearing blue traditional overcoats are seated at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul.

A calligraphy writing event recreating a state examination from the Joseon Dynasty is underway.

Participants, who must complete a piece of writing using Hangeul within two hours, grind ink and carefully write character by character to showcase their calligraphy skills.

[Min Byeong-cheol / Hanam, Gyeonggi Province: Participating in person is deeply moving. Hangeul typefaces have an even greater charm, and I hope Hangeul can spread further to the world...]

The event, attended by some 400 people, featured many foreigners, including international students. Though writing with a brush was unfamiliar to them, they experienced the unique charm of Hangeul, Korea's native alphabet.

[Monica / British Tourist: I came from London. It's harder than I thought. I've practiced for a few months, but this is my first time doing it while sitting at a small table.]

Commemorative wreaths were lined up in front of the statue of King Sejong, who created Hunminjeongeum, and children nearby enjoyed making commemorative hats with Hangeul written in their own small hands.

[Kim Guk-jung & Kim Tae-rin / Yongsan-gu, Seoul: It's a hat to say thank you to King Sejong.]

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In Sejong City, named after King Sejong, the "Sejong Hangeul Festival" kicked off today.

Participants made stamps using their own handwritten lettering and enjoyed experience booths featuring dalgona with Hangeul printed on them. Over 10,000 citizens who participated in a Hangeul Day commemorative running event enjoyed the clear autumn weather.

Amid various colorful events, citizens spent the first day of the holiday reflecting on the meaning of Hangeul Day.

[We love Hangeul Day!]

(Video Journalist: Lim Dong-guk & Kim Gyeong-han (TJB) | Video Editing: Seeun)