Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has pledged efforts to bridge the language gap between South and North Korea, saying that it can be achieved through inter-Korean cooperation.

In a ceremony held Tuesday to mark the 561st anniversary of Hangeul, or the Korean alphabet, Han said that the leaders of the two Koreas agreed on joint efforts to promote Korean culture at their summit last week. He added that Seoul and Pyongyang will promote social and cultural exchanges and cooperation.

He also introduced a government project to make Hangeul a major global language.

Meanwhile, various celebrations were held to mark Hangeul Day around Seoul on Monday, at Gyeongbok Palace and the neighboring district of Gwanghwamun.