This year’s Hangeul Week is set to offer a packed schedule of events designed to celebrate and raise awareness of the Korean writing system, Hangeul. Beginning on Friday, the weeklong festivities will include competitions, lectures, performances, and a major international forum, drawing both domestic and international participants.

Kicking off the celebrations, a Hangeul contest will be held at Seoul’s historic Gyeongbokgung Palace, bringing together 120 Koreans and 130 foreign nationals who have excelled in regional rounds to compete. This event is expected to spotlight the growing global interest in Hangeul, as participants from diverse cultural backgrounds come together to demonstrate their linguistic skills.

On Friday evening, Gwanghwamun Square will host open lectures by prominent authors, including curator and art critic Ahn Hyun-jeong, who will discuss the enduring beauty of Korean culture, as captured in her book “Layers of Korean Beauty.” Lee Ha-young, another featured speaker, will explore themes of finding happiness in everyday life. The event will be punctuated by a musical performance and followed by a unique Hangeul-inspired fashion show on Saturday, emphasizing the artistic potential of the Korean script.

Throughout the week, the National Hangeul Museum will offer a variety of cultural programs. Highlights include a music festival, puppet shows, and original mini-operas, showcasing the versatility of Hangeul in different artistic mediums. The percussion performance “Cheongmyeong” will headline Saturday’s lineup, while Dongchun Circus, Korea’s first-ever circus troupe, will perform on Sunday, drawing audiences of all ages.

A special puppet show on Monday will commemorate King Sejong, the creator of Hangeul, in honor of his legacy. In addition to the historical celebrations, there will be performances by children’s cheerleading groups, blending tradition with modern expressions of Korean culture.

The National Hangeul Museum will host the annual International Museum Forum on October 10-11, immediately following the national holiday of Hangeul Day on October 9. This year’s forum, themed “Heaven, Earth, Human, and Museum,” will feature discussions on the restoration of human dignity and environmental sustainability. Museum officials, academics, and international experts will gather to share insights on how cultural institutions can respond to global challenges, including climate change and ecosystem protection.

Last year’s inaugural forum saw over 200 participants, including members of the International Council of Museums, discussing how museums can adapt to the challenges posed by rapid digitization. This year’s forum aims to take those conversations further, exploring how Hangeul can contribute to resolving global crises, according to Kim Il-hwan, director of the National Hangeul Museum. "Our role is not only to promote Hangeul but to engage with pressing global issues as we celebrate our 10th anniversary," Kim said.

Korean Cultural Centers abroad will also be involved in the celebrations, hosting local events such as creating personalized Hangeul names, further expanding the global reach and appreciation of Korea’s unique writing system.

Sayart / Joy, nunimbos@gmail.com