Hangeul Day

Hangeul Day in South Korea is October 9 and commemorates the publication of Hunminjeongeum, the text introducing the Korean alphabet, in 1446 under King Sejong. The alphabet’s letters systematically represent features of speech and enabled Korean to be written more accessibly than systems relying chiefly on Classical Chinese literacy. Hangeul’s spread was gradual, and its status changed through elite resistance, modern education, Japanese colonial policies and twentieth-century language reform; describing it as an instant literacy revolution would oversimplify that history.

The day supports exhibitions, dictation contests, calligraphy, typography and programmes about language accessibility. The National Hangeul Museum and other institutions connect the original letter system with publishing, digital fonts and contemporary design. Discussion can include dialects, loanwords, sign language, Braille and language technology, recognising that respect for Hangeul does not require hostility toward other languages used by Korean residents.

Friday, October 9 is the 2026 public holiday and creates a normal paid-holiday obligation in covered workplaces. No substitute date is required because it falls on a weekday. Government offices and most banks close. Under Labour Standards Act Article 55, workplaces ordinarily employing five or more workers must provide government-office public holidays and substitute holidays as paid holidays; smaller workplaces are not automatically covered by that provision. Essential services and businesses using holiday rosters may operate under separate lawful arrangements.