SEOUL - A forum was recently held in Seoul to commemorate the 579th anniversary of the proclamation of Hunminjeongeum (the original name for Hangeul) and the 28th anniversary of the registration of the Hunminjeongeum Haeryebon (the commentary) as a UNESCO World Documentary Heritage. The event served to re-examine Hangeul’s profound historical and global significance and to explore educational and cultural strategies for its transmission to future generations.

Global Forum Highlights Hangeul's Universal Value 

The 13th Annual Presentation of the Global Hangeul School Future Forum, co-hosted by the Forum (Co-Chairmen Park In-ki and Kim Bong-seop) and the King Sejong the Great Memorial Society (Chairman Choi Hong-sik), took place on October 2nd at the King Sejong the Great Memorial Hall in Seoul.

In his opening address, Co-Chairman Park In-ki (also Chairman of the Policy Advisory Committee for the Overseas Koreans Agency) emphasized the universal heritage of Hangeul. "The Hunminjeongeum is the root of Hallyu (Korean Wave) loved by the world, and a heritage of humanity embodying King Sejong's spirit of love for the people, independence, and practicality," he stated. He added that the presentation would reflect on Hangeul's historical value and educational tasks, and illuminate the role of the teachers and students across the 1,450-plus Hangeul schools in 116 countries worldwide.

The event was divided into two main parts. Part one included opening remarks, congratulatory addresses from figures like Kim Joo-won (President of the Korean Language Society), and a performance featuring poetry and song.

Key Presentations on Culture, Education, and the Future 

Part two featured a series of specialized lectures and presentations, which commenced with a keynote speech by Choi Hong-sik, Chairman of the King Sejong the Great Memorial Society, titled 'An Analysis of Hunminjeongeum’s Script Creation Principles through Modern Otorhinolaryngology and Phonetics.'

Other notable presentations included:

Hong Jong-jin (National Intangible Cultural Heritage Daegeum Jeongak Transmission Educator): 'King Sejong’s New Music and the Jeongganbo (Square Notation System)'
Kim Seul-ong (Director of the Sejong Korean Language and Culture Center): '14 Essentials of Hangeul Culture Everyone Should Know (ㄱ-ㅎ)'
Park Hyun-mo (Director of the Sejong National Management Institute): 'Lessons from King Sejong in the Age of Artificial Intelligence (AI)'
The subsequent comprehensive discussion and Q&A session brought together a diverse group of domestic and international participants, including overseas Korean community leaders, former diplomats, journalists, and second-generation Koreans from countries like Germany.

The Global Hangeul School Future Forum plans to continue strengthening its global network with Hangeul schools and associations in collaboration with organizations such as the Korean Language Society and the King Sejong the Great Memorial Society. The goal is to expand the foundation for identity education and the development of global citizenship among the next generation of overseas Koreans.

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