"When a new spring returns to our culture, our script will always receive the world's acclaim."
This excerpt is from 'On the Occasion of the Announcement of the Script,' published in the magazine Sinmin in 1926. That year, during the Japanese colonial period, the Korean Language Research Society (now the Hangeul Society) held the first Gagya Day ceremony. Despite the loss of their nation, those who sought to preserve the Korean language and script created and maintained Gagya Day, which has evolved into Hangeul Day over the past century.
To commemorate the 100th anniversary of Hangeul Day, the National Hangeul Museum, in collaboration with the National Museum of Korean History and the Hangeul Society, will host a special exhibition titled 'Ilguiryu, Infinite Takeoff' from October 2 to February 9 of next year at the National Museum of Korean History. The title 'Ilguiryu' refers to the year 1926, when the first Gagya Day was celebrated, while also expressing a hope for the infinite rise of Hangeul in the future.
Visitors to the exhibition on October 1 could view 116 items and 121 pieces of material showcasing the history of Hangeul Day and the origins of 'Gagya.'
The exhibition illustrates the process of establishing the name 'Hangeul' through physical artifacts. A notable item is a graduation certificate from the Korean Language School, where linguist Ju Si-gyeong served as an instructor. The certificate, awarded to Jeon Ui-chan in 1916, prominently features the name of our script written horizontally as 'ㅎㅏㄴㄱㅡㄹ.' Another graduation certificate, also titled 'Machin Boram,' awarded to linguist Choi Hyun-bae, is on display, notable for its use of pure Korean words instead of Sino-Korean characters and the horizontal writing of Hangeul.
Rare materials highlighting the sacrifices and efforts to preserve the Korean language are also featured. These include the manuscript of 'Malmooi,' the first Korean dictionary compiled by Ju Si-gyeong and his students, and the manuscript of the 'Korean Language Dictionary,' which was seized by the Japanese police during the 'Korean Language Society Incident' and dramatically discovered at Seoul Station shortly after liberation.
Additionally, an article related to the commemoration of the creation of Hunminjeongeum held at the Korean Language School in December 1914 and a calendar from October 1954 that specifically marks 'Hangeul Day' are included. Visitors can also see 'Hunmongjahoe,' which confirms the arrangement of Hangeul syllables 'Gagya.'
A variety of Hangeul syllable charts collected from both domestic and international sources are also on display. These charts are designed to help beginners connect sounds with images for easier learning. They include items from the National Hangeul Museum and other domestic institutions, as well as syllable charts held by the National Library of France and the wooden blocks used to print them.
Notably, 19th-century syllable charts feature charming illustrations above the characters 'Gagya.' For example, a dog is drawn above 'Ga,' a butterfly above 'Na,' a chicken above 'Da,' and a trumpet above 'Ra.' These charts also included practical knowledge from that era, such as multiplication tables and fortune-telling methods, with beautiful patterns and uplifting phrases adorning the edges.
The exhibition also offers various experiences, including an interactive feature that uses artificial intelligence to imagine what Hangeul will look like in 100 years.
Im Seong-hwan, director of the National Hangeul Museum, stated, "I hope this diverse exhibition and events, marking the 100th anniversary of Hangeul Day, will serve as a meaningful opportunity for many to share the value and excellence of Hangeul."
The exhibition will be held at the National Museum of Korean History until February 9 of next year.
* This article has been translated by AI.Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.