From compassion to creation: 세종대왕 (King Sejong), the visionary who gave Korea its alphabet
세종대왕 (King Sejong the Great), the fourth monarch of Korea's Joseon Dynasty, reigned from 1418 to 1450. He is renowned for his contributions to science, technology, and most notably, the creation of the Korean alphabet, Hangul. His life and achievements are extensively documented in the 조선왕조실록 (Annals of the Joseon Dynasty).
훈민정음 해례본 (Hunminjeongeum Haerye) Historical records highlight King Sejong's deep concern for his people's welfare and his desire to increase literacy among the common folk. The creation of Hangul, originally called Hunminjeongeum, meaning "The Proper Sounds for the Instruction of the People," was a revolutionary act that faced significant opposition from conservative scholars who favored the continued use of Chinese characters.
Now, I welcome you to the story of 세종대왕 - a king's compassion for his people, his determination to overcome tradition, and the birth of a writing system that would change Korean culture.
Let the story begin...
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