Korea’s Most Revered Historic Figure, Sejong the Great
The U.S. science journal “Discovery” lauded the Korean alphabet in its June 1994 issue as the most original and efficient alphabet in the world. The prominent U.S. linguist Jared Diamond and the British linguist G. Sampson once said that the Korean alphabet was the most scientific in the world and one of the greatest intellectual achievements of humanity. This year, the Korean alphabet, which in Korean is called “Hangeul,” marks the 564th anniversary of its promulgation. A survey conducted by the University of Oxford on languages currently existing in the world showed that Hangeul was the most scientific, rational and original alphabet in the world. In 1997, it surpassed the English and Japanese alphabets to join the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Ushering in the era of peace
Hangeul was created in 1446 by King Sejong the Great, who was known for his genuine love for his people. Sejong the Great was born in 1397 as the third son of King Taejong. He ascended the throne in 1418 at age 22 because his eldest brother angered his father, while Taejong’s second son gave up the throne. When Taejong left the throne to Sejong, he told him to establish peace in the nation, because Taejong’s reign was marred by terror, which he used to establish royal authority and to lay a solid foundation for the Joseon Dynasty. Taejong always believed that Sejong was destined to become a king because of his intelligence, prudence and decisiveness.

Promoting science, academics and art of Joseon
Since early childhood, Sejong was fond of reading. In 1420, during the second year of his reign, Sejong founded an academy called the Hall of Worthies, of Jiphyeonjeon, where young and talented Joseon scholars studied national policies. The academy published many renowned books such as the farmer’s handbook “Nongsa Jikseol” and the medical book “Hyangyak Jipseongbang” (향약집성방). The academy also enacted Joseon’s tax, bureaucratic and criminal laws. Unlike his father, Sejong always discussed state affairs with scholars and strived to expand the national territory by establishing forts and military posts on the northern border of Joseon.

In 1442, Sejong invented the world’s first rain gauge -- two centuries earlier than a similar device was first invented in the west. Sejong also invented water clocks and sundials, which contributed greatly to making the lives of ordinary people easier. The king also introduced Chinese court music to Joseon and developed it further. The reason Sejong is regarded as the greatest king of Joseon lies in his well-established philosophy, which made his impressive achievements and inventions possible.

A king who cares about his people
Sejong the Great often said that people are the foundation of any state. He dedicated his utmost effort to creating a country that cares about grassroots people. His greatest achievement attesting to his genuine love for his people was the Korean alphabet, or Hunmin Jeongeum (훈민정음). Before Sejong the Great invented Hangeul, the common people of Joseon were illiterate because Chinese characters were too difficult for them. To help them read and write easily, Sejong the Great created 28 letters shaped like human vocal organs. Thanks to Hangeul, anyone could transcribe a word according to its pronunciation.

But Sejong faced strong opposition in promulgating Hangeul because opponents were concerned about provoking China, a country with widespread cultural influence in Joseon at the time. But he firmly believed that his nation needed a unique alphabet to promote literacy and enhance national independence. Despite numerous obstacles, Sejong finally promulgated Hangeul in September 1446. Its use contributed greatly to promoting literacy among common people and developing Joseon culture.

A wise king
King Sejong the Great died in 1450 at age 54. He implemented ideal Confucian policies that prioritized common people and helped the 15th century Joseon achieve prosperity. He is one of only two Korean kings who were posthumously honored as “Great.” The statue of Sejong the Great was erected in Seoul last year to pay homage to the most revered historic figure in Korean history.