SEOUL — The South Korean government is taking steps to install an additional Hangeul (Korean alphabet) signboard on Gwanghwamun, the main gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace. This move aims to balance the historical authenticity of the Joseon Dynasty with the modern symbolic importance of the national writing system.
A New Proposal for Coexistence
During a Cabinet meeting on January 20, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Choi Hwi-young reported the plan to President Lee Jae-myung. The proposal suggests maintaining the current Chinese-character (Hanja) plaque on the third-story eaves while adding a new Hangeul plaque on the eaves of the floor below.
"Gwanghwamun is not just a frozen piece of the past; it is a dynamic symbol of modern history and a work in progress," Minister Choi stated. "By having both Hanja and Hangeul present, we can highlight the gate's multifaceted symbolism."
He further emphasized that this dual installation serves as a "reasonable alternative" that honors historical prototypes while embracing contemporary demands.
A Long-Standing Controversy
The language of the Gwanghwamun plaque has been a subject of intense national debate for decades:
- 1968: A Hangeul plaque handwritten by then-President Park Chung-hee was installed during restoration.
- 2010: As part of a "restoration to original form" project, the Hangeul plaque was replaced with a Hanja version based on the calligraphy of Im Tae-young, a Joseon-era general.
- 2023: After years of technical issues regarding cracks and colors, the current Hanja plaque (gold characters on a black background) was finally unveiled.
In 2024, former Culture Minister Yu In-chon suggested replacing the Hanja plaque with Hangeul, but the proposal met resistance from the Korea Heritage Service (formerly the Cultural Heritage Administration), which prioritizes historical accuracy in cultural heritage restoration.
Hurdles Ahead
Despite the Ministry’s enthusiasm, the project faces significant administrative challenges. Officials from the Korea Heritage Service noted that any modification to a national monument must pass a rigorous review by the Heritage Committee.
"There are no clear regulations regarding such modifications under the principles of cultural heritage restoration and preservation," a spokesperson said. "Reaching a consensus will likely take a considerable amount of time."
The Ministry of Culture stated that they intend to gather public opinion and follow all necessary legal procedures, noting that a specific timeline for the installation has not yet been finalized.
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