Cap Kor Episode 1: Hangeul — Language of Care

 

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The story of King Sejon

g and the creation of the Korean alphabet

In the 15th century, a king looked out over his people—not with power, but with compassion.
His name was King Sejong the Great, and his legacy would forever change the way Koreans communicate, learn, and express themselves.

Before Hangeul, Korea used classical Chinese characters, which were complex and inaccessible to the common people.
Literacy was a privilege, not a right. But King Sejong believed that language should be a bridge, not a barrier.

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💡 A Scientific Script with a Human Heart

In 1443, King Sejong and his scholars at the Hall of Worthies (Jiphyeonjeon) began developing a new writing system.
The result was Hangeul—a phonetic alphabet designed to be easy to learn, logical in structure, and deeply rooted in the sounds of the Korean language.

“A wise man can learn it in a morning; a fool can learn it in ten days.”
— Hunminjeongeum, 1446

📎 Source: Korea Heritage Service – Memory of the World

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🌱 Language as Empowerment

Hangeul wasn’t just a tool—it was a revolution.
For the first time, farmers, artisans, and women could read and write.
Poetry bloomed in village homes. Letters traveled between loved ones.
The Korean voice, once silent, began to sing.

Even today, Hangeul remains one of the most scientifically designed alphabets in the world.
It’s celebrated every year on Hangeul Day (October 9) in South Korea, and January 15 in North Korea.

📎 Source: Wikipedia – Sejong the Great

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🧠 More Than Letters

Hangeul is more than a writing system.
It’s a reflection of Korea’s values:

• Compassion over control
• Accessibility over elitism
• Innovation rooted in humanity

From K-pop lyrics to subway signs, from handwritten notes to digital screens—Hangeul is everywhere.
It’s the quiet heartbeat of Korean identity.

📎 Source: The Korea Herald – A Journey Through Seoul in Honor of Hangeul

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💙 Why This Matters

In a world where language often divides, Hangeul was born to unite.
It reminds us that true leadership listens.
That care can be encoded into the very letters we use.

So next time you see a Korean character, know that it carries centuries of love, wisdom, and intention.

📎 Source: UNESCO – Memory of the World Register: Hunminjeongeum

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📌 Coming Up Next

Episode 2 – Hanbok: Elegance in Motion
We’ll explore the timeless beauty of Korea’s traditional clothing and how it’s being reimagined today.

Thanks for reading!
Feel free to share your thoughts or memories of Hangeul in the comments below.
See you in the next chapter of Capturing Korea 🌸