Uiwang Mayor Kim Seong-je stated on October 9, "We will promote citizen unity and cultural strength through Hangul."
Mayor Kim made this remark during the 13th Uiwang Hangul Festival, which attracted over 4,000 visitors at Galmi Hangul Park and the nearby sculpture exhibition area, marking the 100th anniversary of Hangul Day.
He reiterated his commitment to fostering citizen unity through Hangul and raising awareness of the region's historical and cultural assets.
The event was organized to reflect on the historical value and beauty of Hangul and to share local cultural heritage with the community.
Notably, the festival featured activities, exhibitions, and performances that encouraged participation from all ages, focusing on enhancing intergenerational communication and incorporating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) values into the event's operations.
The festival was co-hosted by the Korean Language Culture Center of Anyang University, the Uiwang Small Library Council, and the Uiwang branch of the Saemaul Undong, with participation from 35 local organizations, including small libraries.
At Galmi Hangul Park, activities included making rubbings of the Hunminjeongeum, creating Hangul bead bracelets and soaps, and crafting Hangul lanterns. The sculpture exhibition area featured a book picnic, book sharing, and environmental magic storytelling, engaging families in various activities.
Exhibitions were also set up to promote local history and culture, including the "Exploring Street Names" project showcasing old names from six districts in Uiwang, calligraphy works themed "Capturing Uiwang," and displays of works by local linguist Lee Hee-seung and regional authors.
Performances included traditional dances by students from Cheonggye Free Waldorf School, a calligraphy performance by teacher Lee Ha-ru, a reading of the preface of the Hunminjeongeum by seniors and children, and a recitation of the original poem "To My Father" by elder Song Yong-soon.
Most notably, a children's choir and a traditional Korean circle dance, Ganggangsullae, added to the sense of intergenerational connection and harmony.
The event also featured Hangul creation experiences, book sharing, and a photo zone with Hangul sculptures, allowing families to engage with the significance of Hangul Day and create lasting memories.
However, individual interviews with citizens or separate satisfaction survey results were not disclosed.
Additionally, Mayor Kim emphasized the promotion of a virtuous cycle of knowledge resources through book sharing, reducing the use of promotional materials by utilizing QR codes, and minimizing plastic use at the event to ensure eco-friendly operations.
He expressed hope that the Uiwang Hangul Festival would serve as an opportunity to widely promote the academic legacy of linguist Lee Hee-seung and the historical and cultural assets of Galmi Hangul Park and the Im Yeong-gun tomb.
Looking ahead, Mayor Kim plans to continue cultural and reading initiatives linked to Hangul and local cultural heritage, expanding opportunities for citizen participation.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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