Wondering about Hangul Day (한글날) in Korea? Here is a quick overview of this holiday celebrating the creation of the Korean alphabet and what you can expect during the holiday in South Korea. About Hangul Day Hangul Day (한글날) is a ‘red day’ or public holiday on the Korean calendar. A ‘red day’ means that salaried employees have a paid day off for Hangul Day, a Korean public holiday celebrated on October 9. (When this day lands on a weekend, it is often celebrated on an alternate day.) Hangul Day is the representative birthday of the Korean alphabet. This day celebrates the invention of the Korean alphabet, referred to as Hangul (or Hangeul, 한글). Many people also refer to the day as “Hangul Proclamation Day.” Prior to the creation of Hangul by Korean King Sejong the Great, the people of Joseon (as Korea was known at the time) wrote using Chinese and other native phonetic writing systems. Since there were many differences between the Korean and Chinese languages, there was a great deal of trouble learning how to write the characters. King Sejong invented this unique alphabet to promote literacy, especially among the lower classes. Although South Korea celebrates Hangul Day on October 9, North Korea celebrates Chosun-gul Day on January 15. Korea observes this day to honor King Sejong’s achievement and the proclamation of the “Hunminjeongeum,” (훈민정음), a document relating the new written script for the Korean language. Though prior to 1945, Hangul Day was celebrated on various days. The date became officially an annual national holiday. However, between 1991 and 2012, the date was not observed due to major employers wanting to have workdays in the year. It was still commemorated but the day off was not given. The status of a National Holiday was restored in 2012. The following video explains Hangul. Some say Hangul is easy to learn in less than a day. Of course, learning to write Hangul may be easier than learning to read Hangul. Don’t feel bad if it takes you longer to learn than one day. Hangul can be read both horizontally and vertically. Below you can see examples of Hangul in two orientations as it’s used in graphic design. Celebrating Hangul Day in Korea Since Hangul Day is in October, you can enjoy the beautiful autumn weather and activities. Many people choose to celebrate this day by staying home or enjoying a day off from school or work. Visit Museums About Hangul However, in Seoul, some may visit the museum of King Sejong. It is located in Gwanghwamun Square (in front of Gyeongbok Palace in Seoul) under the golden statue of King Sejong. (The entrance is behind the statue). Others may choose to visit the National Hangul Museum in Seoul (Yongsan area). You can check out the many exhibitions in the language. **Keep in mind, on Hangul Day the Seoul museums will be an absolute madhouse. Learn Hangul You can also choose to learn Hangul on Hangul Day. Talk to To Me in Korean is a great resource for helping you to learn the Korean language. Check out this beginning video below. Go Camping Additionally, when Hangul Day creates a 3-day weekend, many families will celebrate by camping and hiking. The weather is perfect this time of year for outdoor activities. Also, many camp sites book out far in advance. Check out this fabulous camping blog for more information on camping in Korea. Potential Inconveniences on Hangul Day in Korea Obviously, any of the following inconveniences may or may not occur depending on where you live in South Korea and the current social climate. However, the awareness that the following issues may occur may allow you to better plan ahead and avoid stress: How to Source Additional Information About Locations If you have questions about things like business hours, you can use the free foreigner support app/phone number 1330. In addition, using apps like Naver can help you navigate with expected traffic times. KimchiRednecksAbout Melissa Edwards-Whittington & Chuck Whittington (KimchiRednecks) Chuck and Melissa—also known as the KimchiRednecks—have been living in Korea since 2017 and documenting their life abroad since launching their YouTube channel in 2018. Originally created to share their adventures with friends and family back in the U.S., KimchiRednecks has since grown into a vibrant and dynamic platform that reflects their love for Korean culture, food, travel, and everyday life. From foodie explorations and recipe experiments to gaming, tech, and car projects (especially the BRZ), their content offers a fun and honest window into expat life. Chuck Whittington is a graduate of Francis Marion University with a degree in Information Systems Management. With over two decades of experience in IT, Chuck combines his technical expertise with a long-standing fascination with Korea—having visited many times before moving permanently. He’s the tech-savvy side of KimchiRednecks and brings a love for innovation, gaming, and cars to the channel. Melissa Edwards-Whittington holds a degree in Bible with a minor in Elementary Education from Mid-Atlantic Christian University. She has worn many hats over the years—working in customer service, marketing, and now also serving as a volunteer Co-Editor and Social Media Marketing Manager for United on the RoK Magazine. Her writing and digital work focus on building community and supporting military-connected and expatriate populations in Korea. Melissa also volunteers with South of Seoul, where she helps manage online social media groups, supports local language exchanges, and creates original content to assist newcomers and long-term residents alike. Together, Chuck and Melissa share their lives with their three beloved Shih Tzu daughters—Minion, Sookie (forever in their hearts), and Mayhem—who are frequently featured in their videos and social media posts. Whether they’re sipping coffee at a neighborhood café, exploring hidden corners of Korea, or experimenting with homemade whiskey and brandy on their second channel, Shining with KimchiRednecks, Chuck and Melissa are passionate about sharing the real and ever-evolving journey of life abroad. One of their greatest joys is cooking, and they frequently document their culinary adventures—especially their experiences learning to prepare Korean dishes and other global cuisines—on their YouTube channel, inviting others to celebrate food, culture, and connection alongside them. Follow Chuck, Melissa & the KimchiRednecks Adventures: YouTube: @kimchirednecks YouTube: @shiningwithkimchirednecks Instagram: @kimchirednecks Facebook: KimchiRednecks United on the RoK Magazine: www.unitedontherokmag.com

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Wondering about National Foundation Day in Korea? Here is a quick overview of the holiday and what to expect. About Myths Within Culture All cultures have stories and myths that give us an inside look at how cultures views the world. These myths and stories have a great deal of value with the culture and allow insight into how different cultures perceived the world. Members of some cultures may view myths as ‘lies’ and may dismiss myths as a childish aspect of another culture. However, myths occur across cultures and represent how collective psychology expresses itself in stories. Therefore, taking the time to learn about myths can bring a wider view of the world around us. National Foundation Day (개천절 Gaecheonjeol), a Korean holiday, celebrates the historical foundation of Korea and the cultural myth tied to the day. Obviously, Koreans understand the difference between myth and reality. They also understand the value of myth within their culture and continue to honor the National Foundation Day myth. About National Foundation Day National Foundation Day (개천절 Gaecheonjeol) is a ‘red day’ or public holiday on the Korean calendar. A ‘red day’ means that salaried employees have a paid day off for National Foundation Day, a Korean public holiday celebrated on October 3. Gaecheonjeol is a literal translation of “the day on which Heaven opens.” This holiday celebrates Korea’s birth, specifically the legend regarding the creation of the state of Gojoseon in 2333 BC. This holiday was an unofficial harvest festival prior to 1909 when it became a national holiday. It has been fixed on October 3 since 1949. There are often festivals and parades, and people burn sandalwood incense to give thanks and perform ancestral rites. Learn About the Foundation Myth Learn more about Korean history, creative expression, storytelling, and National Foundation Day by watching the videos embedded below. Celebrating National Foundation Day On National Foundation Day in Korea, an official ceremony is held at the Sejong Performing Arts Center and a special observance is held at Dangun’s mausoleum. In addition, observances are held at the shrines of Dangun across South Korea. Also, there are huge fireworks displays for the celebration. In Seoul, it is very popular to head to the Yeouido Han River Park to watch the fireworks. You may also get a fabulous view from the top of Namsan Tower. Additionally, when Foundation Day creates a 3-day weekend, many families will celebrate by camping and hiking. The weather is perfect this time of year for outdoor activities. Also, many camp sites book out far in advance. Check out this fabulous camping blog for more information on camping in Korea. Potential Inconveniences on National Foundation Day Obviously, any of the following inconveniences may or may not occur depending on where you live in South Korea and the current social climate. However, the awareness that the following issues may occur may allow you to better plan ahead and avoid stress: How to Source Additional Information About Locations If you have questions about things like business hours, you can use the free foreigner support app/phone number 1330. In addition, using apps like Naver can help you navigate with expected traffic times KimchiRednecksAbout Melissa Edwards-Whittington & Chuck Whittington (KimchiRednecks) Chuck and Melissa—also known as the KimchiRednecks—have been living in Korea since 2017 and documenting their life abroad since launching their YouTube channel in 2018. Originally created to share their adventures with friends and family back in the U.S., KimchiRednecks has since grown into a vibrant and dynamic platform that reflects their love for Korean culture, food, travel, and everyday life. From foodie explorations and recipe experiments to gaming, tech, and car projects (especially the BRZ), their content offers a fun and honest window into expat life. Chuck Whittington is a graduate of Francis Marion University with a degree in Information Systems Management. With over two decades of experience in IT, Chuck combines his technical expertise with a long-standing fascination with Korea—having visited many times before moving permanently. He’s the tech-savvy side of KimchiRednecks and brings a love for innovation, gaming, and cars to the channel. Melissa Edwards-Whittington holds a degree in Bible with a minor in Elementary Education from Mid-Atlantic Christian University. She has worn many hats over the years—working in customer service, marketing, and now also serving as a volunteer Co-Editor and Social Media Marketing Manager for United on the RoK Magazine. Her writing and digital work focus on building community and supporting military-connected and expatriate populations in Korea. Melissa also volunteers with South of Seoul, where she helps manage online social media groups, supports local language exchanges, and creates original content to assist newcomers and long-term residents alike. Together, Chuck and Melissa share their lives with their three beloved Shih Tzu daughters—Minion, Sookie (forever in their hearts), and Mayhem—who are frequently featured in their videos and social media posts. Whether they’re sipping coffee at a neighborhood café, exploring hidden corners of Korea, or experimenting with homemade whiskey and brandy on their second channel, Shining with KimchiRednecks, Chuck and Melissa are passionate about sharing the real and ever-evolving journey of life abroad. One of their greatest joys is cooking, and they frequently document their culinary adventures—especially their experiences learning to prepare Korean dishes and other global cuisines—on their YouTube channel, inviting others to celebrate food, culture, and connection alongside them. Follow Chuck, Melissa & the KimchiRednecks Adventures: YouTube: @kimchirednecks YouTube: @shiningwithkimchirednecks Instagram: @kimchirednecks Facebook: KimchiRednecks United on the RoK Magazine: www.unitedontherokmag.com

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