President Lee Myung-bak says he will increase the number of “King Sejong Institute” international Korean teaching centers to help propagate the Korean language.

Lee made the announcement during a Hangeul Day event celebrating the unveiling of the statue of King Sejong the Great at Gwanghwamun Square Friday morning. Hangeul was created by King Sejong in the 15th century.

The president said the Korean Hangeul alphabet is a national treasure and is helping to facilitate the cultural diversity of mankind through its use by other cultures to transcribe their native tongues.

He said Hangeul has given all Koreans an equal opportunity, as can be seen by the nation’s one percent illiteracy rate.

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