Hangeul Day to be national holiday from next year

Hangeul Day, which falls on Oct. 9, will become a national holiday from next year to celebrate the invention and proclamation of the Korean alphabet.

The Ministry of Public Administration and Security said Wednesday that it will propose a revision to the holiday regulations to include Hangeul Day on the list of national holidays.

The move comes after the government excluded it from the list in 1991. Until then, the day had been a national holiday for 42 years.

The ministry plans to present the revision proposal to a Cabinet meeting to seek approval by the end of the year.

“We’ve decided to change the regulations in order to help the people have a better understanding about the creation and proclamation of Hangeul,” a ministry official said.

He also said that the ministry’s decision was made after the National Assembly adopted a resolution calling for the designation of Hangeul Day as national holiday on Oct. 9.

The total number of national holidays will increase to 15 if Hangeul Day regains its old status.

Hangeul was created in 1443 and proclaimed in 1446 by King Sejong, one of the great rulers of the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910). <The Korea Times>