South Korea hosts 2026 Hangeul Week to mark 100th anniversary

South Korea will host the ‘2026 Hangeul Week’ from October 6 to 17 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the establishment of Hangeul Day and the 580th anniversary of the promulgation of Hunminjeongeum. Under the theme ‘Hangeul by My Side,’ the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism is organizing various events across the country, with major activities centered at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul.

Key highlights include the ‘Hangeul Hanmadang-Gwanghwamun’ festival from October 6 to 8, featuring musicals, concerts, and interactive exhibitions. An eve festival on October 8 will include a lighting ceremony and a media facade titled ‘Twenty-Four, Universe,’ which will project the 24 letters of the Korean alphabet onto the walls of Gwanghwamun from October 8 to 11.

Economic and academic components are also featured, such as the ‘2026 Hangeul Culture Industry Exhibition’ to showcase Hangeul-themed products and content, and an academic conference at the National Museum of Korea on October 12 to discuss the future of the Korean language in the age of AI and K-culture. Additional regional events will be held in cities like Sejong and through various national language culture centers.