South Korea will award the Geumgwan Order of Culture Merit to the late Homer Hulbert, an American missionary who wrote the Saminpilji, the first textbook for the Korean Alphabet Hangeul in 1890.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said it will deliver the medal to Hulbert's great grandson on the occasion of Hangeul Day Thursday to commemorate the missionary's contribution to the study and promotion of Hangeul.

The ministry will also award the Bogwan Order of Culture Merit to Korean linguist Hong Yoon-pyo for his contribution to enhancing the quality of Korean linguistics. Eight people including KBS announcer Sung Ki-young will also receive the Cultural Medals and awards.