S. Korea to hold celebration for King Sejong's 629th birth anniversary on May 15

▲ This poster provided by South Korea's culture ministry promotes the commemorative event marking the 629th anniversary of the birth of King Sejong, the creator of the Korean alphabet Hangeul, set to be held May 15, 2026, at Heungnyemun Gate Plaza inside Gyeongbok Palace in central Seoul. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Yonhap)

SEOUL, May 11 (Yonhap) -- South Korea will hold a commemorative event this week marking the 629th anniversary of the birth of King Sejong, the creator of the Korean alphabet Hangeul, the culture ministry said Monday.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said the event will take place at 6 p.m. Friday at Heungnyemun Gate Plaza inside Gyeongbok Palace in central Seoul.

"King Sejong the Great's Birth Anniversary" commemorates the birth of the Joseon Dynasty monarch on May 15, 1397, and honors his achievements. The day was designated as a national commemorative day in November 2024.

This year's event, themed "Yeominrak, Enjoy Together With the World," will be hosted by actor Ryu Seung-ryong and feature traditional performances by the National Gugak Center, including "Daechwita" and "Yeominrak."

Modern reinterpretations of traditional dance performances, including "Jeongdaeeop Ilmu" and "The North Star and Twenty-Eight," will also be staged.

The ceremony will also include the presentation of the Sejong Cultural Awards, given to individuals and organizations contributing to the creative development of Korean culture in four areas: the Korean language and Hangeul, culture and arts and the humanities, public cultural welfare and diversity, and cultural exchange and globalization.

Various exhibitions and hands-on programs for citizens will also be offered from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday at Heungnyemun Gate Plaza.

The programs include a rubbing experience of the preface to "Hunminjeongeum," a sundial-making activity featuring "Angbuilgu," a multimedia "Hangeul Playground," an exhibition on King Sejong and Korean medicine, a traditional bamboo flute-making workshop and an activity creating identification cards inspired by the Sejong era.

On Thursday afternoon, a separate event will take place in front of the King Sejong statue at Gwanghwamun Square, where birthday messages from citizens will be projected onto the ground.

Applications for participation can be submitted through the official Instagram account and the ministry's website from Monday through Wednesday.

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