{"content_id":"lbjw3q0zr2","slug":"hunminjeongeum-1446-creation-opposition-promulgation","locale":"en","schema_type":"Article","category":"knowledge_base","category_name":"Knowledge Base","title":"Hunminjeongeum: Creation and Promulgation by 1446","summary":"King Sejong created the 28 letters of Hunminjeongeum in 1443. He continued the project after an opposition memorial in 1444, laying broader groundwork for its use with the publication of the Haerye edition in 1446 and an order to introduce it into the clerical examination in 1447.","sponsorship_disclosure":null,"affiliate_disclosure":null,"commerce_disclosure":null,"author":{"name":"Injoys Editorial Team","url":"https://injoys.com/ko/about"},"key_points":["Hunminjeongeum is both the name of the script created in 1443 and the explanatory book published in 1446.","The opposition memorial submitted by Choe Man-ri and others raised concerns about relations with Ming, Confucian education, administrative operations, and the implementation process.","The Haerye edition explained the principles behind the creation of the letters and how they combine, along with examples of their use in actual words.","In 1447, an order was issued to include Hunminjeongeum in the clerical examination.","Hangul Day in 2026 marks the 580th anniversary of the 1446 promulgation, while October 9 is distinct from the actual promulgation date confirmed by historical records."],"content_markdown":"Sejong created the 28 letters of Hunminjeongeum in 1443 to solve the difficulty of writing the Korean language. Despite an opposing memorial in 1444, he continued work on an explanatory text. The Haerye edition, published in 1446, presented both the principles and usage of the new script.\n\nThis article follows the National Institute of Korean History's 『Veritable Records of King Sejong』 and was checked in September 2026.\n\n## The Difference Between the Creation and Promulgation of Hunminjeongeum\n\nHunminjeongeum is the name of both the script and the book. The script was created in 1443. The Haerye edition of 『Hunminjeongeum』, which explained the script, was published in 1446.\n\nCreation refers to developing the writing system. Promulgation refers to making it widely known to the public. Hangeul Day commemorates the publication and promulgation of the Haerye edition in 1446.\n\n| Category | Hunminjeongeum script | Haerye edition of 『Hunminjeongeum』 |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| Date established | 1443 | 1446 |\n| Subject | Newly created writing system of 28 letters | Book explaining the purpose, principles, and usage of the script |\n| Main role | A means of writing the sounds of the Korean language | A standard for learning and using the new script |\n\nThis distinction follows the [National Hangeul Museum's explanation of Hangeul Day](https://www.hangeul.go.kr/webzine/201810/sub1_1.html).\n\n## Timeline from 1443 to 1447\n\nAfter its creation, Hunminjeongeum was introduced into government institutions following controversy and the publication of an explanatory text. The months and days in the historical records below use the lunar calendar of the time. They have not been converted into modern Gregorian calendar dates.\n\n| Date of record | Event | Supporting record |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| Lunar December 1443 | Recorded Sejong's creation of 28 eonmun letters | [December 30 entry in 『Veritable Records of King Sejong』](https://sillok.history.go.kr/id/kda_12512030_002) |\n| Lunar February 20, 1444 | Choe Malli and others submitted an opposing memorial | [Entry for that date in 『Veritable Records of King Sejong』](https://sillok.history.go.kr/popup/print.do?gubun=kor\u0026id=kda_12602020_001) |\n| First ten days of lunar September 1446 | Date when Jeong Inji's preface to the Haerye edition was written | Jeong Inji's preface as presented by the National Hangeul Museum |\n| Lunar September 1446 | Recorded the completion of 『Hunminjeongeum』 | [September 29 entry in 『Veritable Records of King Sejong』](https://sillok.history.go.kr/popup/print.do?gubun=kor\u0026id=kda_12809029_004) |\n| Lunar April 20, 1447 | Ordered Hunminjeongeum to be included in the igwa examination | [Entry for that date in 『Veritable Records of King Sejong』](https://sillok.history.go.kr/id/kda_12904020_001) |\n\n## The Background to Its Creation Was the Gap Between Speech and Writing\n\nSejong stated that the purpose of creating the script was to help the people express themselves. At the time, Korean differed structurally from Classical Chinese. It was difficult to represent everyday speech using only methods that borrowed Chinese characters.\n\nThe royal preface included in 『Veritable Records of King Sejong』 directly explains this problem. A royal preface is a text written by the king himself. The preface presents everyday use as the goal of creating the script.\n\n\u003e It is simply so that people may easily learn it and use it conveniently every day.\n\u003e\n\u003e Korean translation of the royal preface in the September 29 entry for the 28th year of King Sejong, 『Veritable Records of King Sejong』\n\nIdu was a method of writing Korean by borrowing the sounds and meanings of Chinese characters. Using it required knowledge of Chinese characters. Jeong Inji's preface points out the difficulty of this borrowed-character notation.\n\nThe uses of the new script also included transcribing the pronunciation of Chinese characters. The 1444 controversy addressed the revision of rhyme dictionaries. A rhyme dictionary is a book organizing the sounds and rhymes of Chinese characters. The goal of writing Korean and the study of Chinese-character pronunciation must be considered together.\n\n## Why Did Choe Malli and Others Oppose It?\n\nThe memorial submitted by Choe Malli and others argued that the new script could disrupt the existing order. Their opposition was not directed only at the shapes of the letters. Foreign relations, education, and government administration were also subjects of controversy.\n\n| Issue | Argument in the opposing memorial | Sejong's response or position |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| Relations with Ming | Concern that a separate script conflicted with the attitude of following the institutions of Chinese civilization | Cited the convenience of the people as the basis for the new script |\n| Confucian education | Claimed that learning only an easy script would reduce the study of Classical Chinese and Neo-Confucianism | Sought to use it as a means of conveying Confucian ethics to the people |\n| Government administration | Claimed that the new script was unnecessary for work already handled through idu | Countered that idu had also been used for the convenience of the people |\n| Fairness of trials | Claimed that injustice was caused by the officials in charge rather than by the script | Emphasized the problem of the people understanding spoken and written language |\n| Implementation process | Criticized the lack of discussion and the rush to produce and distribute the script | Explained the need for rhyme-dictionary research and the crown prince's participation in the project |\n\nThis comparison is based on the February 20, 1444 entry in 『Veritable Records of King Sejong』. It is difficult to characterize the entire opposition as a group seeking to prevent the people from learning. The arguments shown in the record must be distinguished from the individuals' hidden motives.\n\n## The Turning Point After the Opposition Was the Publication of the Haerye Edition\n\nSejong continued the script project even after the controversy. On the day the memorial was submitted, he sent the officials involved to the State Tribunal. He ordered their release the next day, but dismissed Jeong Changson from office.\n\nThis action cannot be interpreted as agreement by the opposition. The result confirmed in the 1446 record is the completion of the explanatory text. The continuation of the project and its publication are clearer facts than the end of the controversy.\n\nJeong Inji's preface states that interpretations and examples were written by royal command. Jeong Inji, Choe Hang, Shin Sukju, Seong Sammun, and others are recorded as participants. The roles of creating the letters and compiling the explanatory text must therefore be distinguished.\n\n## What Principles Were Used to Create the Consonants and Vowels?\n\nHunminjeongeum is a writing system that connects the characteristics of sounds with the shapes of letters. The Haerye edition of 1446 has 17 initial consonant letters. It has 11 medial vowel letters, for a total of 28 letters.\n\n| Category | Basic principle | Explanatory example |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| Basic consonant letters | Modeled on the speech organs or the act of articulation | ㄴ represents the tongue touching the upper gums |\n| Expansion of consonants | Added strokes to basic letters | ㅋ formed by adding a stroke to ㄱ |\n| Basic vowel letters | Used the forms of heaven, earth, and humanity | ㆍ, ㅡ, ㅣ |\n| Expansion of vowels | Combined basic elements | ㅗ, ㅏ, ㅜ, ㅓ |\n| Syllable construction | Combined initial, medial, and final sounds | Combination of the first sound, middle sound, and final consonant |\n\nThe basic consonant letters are ㄱ, ㄴ, ㅁ, ㅅ, and ㅇ. Not all consonants follow the same rule of adding strokes. Letters used for initial sounds were reused for final consonants.\n\nThis explanation is based on the [National Institute of Korean History's explanation of the Haerye edition](https://contents.history.go.kr/play/view.do?levelId=ts_b33).\n\n## Why Explanations and Examples Were Published Together\n\nThe Haerye edition was a book that connected the list of letters to their actual use. The Examples and Significance section contained the purpose of the script's creation and its basic rules of use. The Explanations and Examples section explained its principles in detail.\n\n| Section | Content explained | Role in learning |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| Explanation of the Design of the Letters | Principles used to create the letters | Understanding the relationship between shape and sound |\n| Explanations of Initials, Medials, and Finals | Each sound forming a syllable | Distinguishing the function of each letter |\n| Explanation of Combining Letters | How to combine letters | Learning how to write a syllable |\n| Examples of the Uses of the Letters | Written forms of actual words | Checking examples in which the rules are applied |\n\nThe National Heritage Portal explains that the Examples of the Uses of the Letters contains examples involving 94 words. This figure concerns the structure of the 1446 Haerye edition. It does not mean that people at the time actually learned that number of words.\n\nIncluding rules and examples together makes it possible to compare the explanations with actual written forms. This is an educational function that can be inferred from the structure of the Haerye edition. However, the distribution rate at the time cannot be calculated from the book's structure alone. The information on its structure follows the [National Heritage Portal's explanation of the Haerye edition](https://www.heritage.go.kr/heri/html/HtmlPage.do?pageNo=1_1_2_1\u0026pg=%2Funesco%2FMemHeritage%2FMemHeritage_01.jsp).\n\n## The Difference Between Introducing the Examination in 1447 and Widespread Adoption\n\nThe 1447 record describes an institutional measure linking the new script to the selection of government personnel. Sejong ordered the Ministry of Personnel to administer a Hunminjeongeum examination. It specifically applied to candidates for the igwa examination and to the igwa examinations of each government office.\n\nHere, igwa means the examination used to select clerks responsible for administrative work. For candidates from Hamgil Province, it was to apply from the next triennial examination year. Candidates had to pass Hunminjeongeum before they could take the other examinations. Sejong also ordered Hunminjeongeum to be included in the igwa examinations of each government office.\n\n- Confirmed fact: An order to include Hunminjeongeum in the selection criteria\n- Claim that cannot be made more broadly: It was designated a required subject for all civil service examinations\n- Figures that cannot be learned from this entry: The actual number of candidates, pass rate, and rate of adoption among the general public\n\nIntroducing the examination created an institutional reason to learn the new script. However, an order and the results of its actual implementation require separate evidence. It also does not mean that all people used the script immediately after its promulgation.\n\n## Records and Interpretation\n\nThe records distinguish between Sejong's creation of the script and the scholars' participation in explaining it. Sufficient details about the work before its creation have not survived. Confirmed facts and later hypotheses must not be treated as having the same status.\n\n### What the Records State Directly\n\nThe 1443 entry states that Sejong personally created the 28 letters. Jeong Inji's 1446 preface identifies those who participated in the explanations. These records provide grounds for distinguishing the creator of the script from the writers of the explanatory text.\n\n### Generally Accepted Explanation\n\nPublic historical accounts take Sejong's creation of the script and the scholars' compilation of the Haerye as their basic position. There is insufficient evidence to conclude that the Hall of Worthies jointly carried out all the work of creating the script. Conversely, the explanatory work of the Hall of Worthies scholars must not be erased.\n\n### Controversy Over Shinmi's Role\n\nThere are differing interpretations of the extent of Shinmi's participation in creating the script. The National Institute of Korean Language's May 2017 newsletter presented two views side by side. Kim Mubong distinguished between Sejong's creation of the script and Shinmi's role in distributing it. Jeong Gwang proposed that Sejong and Shinmi created it jointly.\n\nThis does not mean that the newsletter confirmed either view. The entries on the creation and completion mentioned above do not identify Shinmi as a creator. A scene in a film cannot itself serve as historical evidence. The source of these views is the [relevant issue of the National Institute of Korean Language newsletter](https://www.korean.go.kr/nkview/news_pdf/2019_10.pdf).\n\n## The Difference Between the Date of a Record and the Date of an Event\n\nThe date of an entry in the annals does not necessarily mean the exact date on which an event occurred. The December 30, 1443 entry records that the script was created during that month. The September 29, 1446 entry also states that the book was completed during that month.\n\n| Date information | What can be confirmed | Conclusion to avoid |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| December 30, 1443 entry | Record of the script's creation in lunar December | The script was created exactly on December 30 |\n| September 29, 1446 entry | Record of the book's completion in lunar September | The script was promulgated exactly on September 29 |\n| First ten days of September in Jeong Inji's preface | The preface was written in early lunar September | A promulgation event on a specific day |\n| Modern October 9 | Hangeul Day commemoration | Confirmation of the actual date of promulgation at the time |\n\nThis distinction is also necessary when recording historical information as data. The date of the entry and the time of the event should be preserved as separate fields. It is also more accurate to display the commemorative date separately from those two dates.\n\n## The Meaning of the 580th Anniversary of Hangeul Day in 2026\n\nOctober 9, 2026 (South Korea) is the 580th anniversary commemorating the promulgation in 1446. This differs from the number of years counted from the script's creation in 1443. As of September 25, 2026, 14 days remain until the commemoration.\n\nOctober 9 is a commemorative date chosen based on the date in Jeong Inji's preface to the Haerye edition. The preface records the first ten days of lunar September. The National Institute of Korean Language explains that the date was set using the last day of that period. This background can be found in the [National Institute of Korean Language's explanation of the date of Hangeul Day](https://www.korean.go.kr/front/mcfaq/mcfaqView.do?mcfaq_seq=9028\u0026mn_id=216).\n\nIts significance today lies in the fact that both the letters and instructions for their use were preserved. The Haerye edition is a document that allows the purpose of the script's creation to be examined. The principles behind the composition of the letters can also be confirmed through this document. This book was also the item inscribed on the Memory of the World Register in 1997.\n\n## Frequently Asked Questions\n\n### Was Hunminjeongeum created in 1443 or 1446?\n\nThe script was created in 1443. The Haerye edition was published in 1446. Both years appear because the script and the book share the same name.\n\n### Was Choe Malli's opposing memorial submitted before the script was created?\n\nThe memorial of 1444 came after the 1443 record of the script's creation. It opposed the implementation and distribution of the new script. By the time of the memorial, the learning and printing of the script had already become subjects of controversy.\n\n### Did Sejong persuade all the opponents to agree?\n\nThe relevant entry does not state that the entire opposition agreed. It records arguments between the king and his officials, as well as disciplinary measures. The fact that the book was later published must be distinguished from agreement by the opposition.\n\n### Was the Haerye edition written in Hangeul?\n\nThe explanatory sentences in the Haerye edition were written in Classical Chinese. The new letters and examples of Korean words were included in it. It is distinct from the eonhae edition, which translated the explanations into Korean.\n\n### Did all government officials take a Hunminjeongeum examination starting in 1447?\n\nIt cannot be generalized that way. The relevant record is an order concerning selection through the igwa examination. It does not record that the requirement applied to every government post or every civil service examination.\n\n### Is Hangeul Day the actual date of promulgation?\n\nOctober 9 was chosen as a day to commemorate the promulgation. Records from the time do not specify its exact date. The date of the commemoration must be distinguished from the date of the historical event.","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eSejong created the 28 letters of Hunminjeongeum in 1443 to solve the difficulty of writing the Korean language. Despite an opposing memorial in 1444, he continued work on an explanatory text. The Haerye edition, published in 1446, presented both the principles and usage of the new script.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis article follows the National Institute of Korean History's 『Veritable Records of King Sejong』 and was checked in September 2026.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#the-difference-between-the-creation-and-promulgation-of-hunminjeongeum\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"the-difference-between-the-creation-and-promulgation-of-hunminjeongeum\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eThe Difference Between the Creation and Promulgation of Hunminjeongeum\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHunminjeongeum is the name of both the script and the book. The script was created in 1443. The Haerye edition of 『Hunminjeongeum』, which explained the script, was published in 1446.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCreation refers to developing the writing system. Promulgation refers to making it widely known to the public. Hangeul Day commemorates the publication and promulgation of the Haerye edition in 1446.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"overflow-x-auto\"\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCategory\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHunminjeongeum script\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHaerye edition of 『Hunminjeongeum』\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Category\"\u003eDate established\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Hunminjeongeum script\"\u003e1443\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Haerye edition of 『Hunminjeongeum』\"\u003e1446\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Category\"\u003eSubject\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Hunminjeongeum script\"\u003eNewly created writing system of 28 letters\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Haerye edition of 『Hunminjeongeum』\"\u003eBook explaining the purpose, principles, and usage of the script\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Category\"\u003eMain role\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Hunminjeongeum script\"\u003eA means of writing the sounds of the Korean language\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Haerye edition of 『Hunminjeongeum』\"\u003eA standard for learning and using the new script\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis distinction follows the \u003ca href=\"https://www.hangeul.go.kr/webzine/201810/sub1_1.html\"\u003eNational Hangeul Museum's explanation of Hangeul Day\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#timeline-from-1443-to-1447\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"timeline-from-1443-to-1447\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eTimeline from 1443 to 1447\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter its creation, Hunminjeongeum was introduced into government institutions following controversy and the publication of an explanatory text. The months and days in the historical records below use the lunar calendar of the time. They have not been converted into modern Gregorian calendar dates.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"overflow-x-auto\"\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDate of record\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eEvent\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSupporting record\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Date of record\"\u003eLunar December 1443\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Event\"\u003eRecorded Sejong's creation of 28 eonmun letters\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Supporting record\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://sillok.history.go.kr/id/kda_12512030_002\"\u003eDecember 30 entry in 『Veritable Records of King Sejong』\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Date of record\"\u003eLunar February 20, 1444\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Event\"\u003eChoe Malli and others submitted an opposing memorial\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Supporting record\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://sillok.history.go.kr/popup/print.do?gubun=kor\u0026amp;id=kda_12602020_001\"\u003eEntry for that date in 『Veritable Records of King Sejong』\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Date of record\"\u003eFirst ten days of lunar September 1446\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Event\"\u003eDate when Jeong Inji's preface to the Haerye edition was written\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Supporting record\"\u003eJeong Inji's preface as presented by the National Hangeul Museum\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Date of record\"\u003eLunar September 1446\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Event\"\u003eRecorded the completion of 『Hunminjeongeum』\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Supporting record\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://sillok.history.go.kr/popup/print.do?gubun=kor\u0026amp;id=kda_12809029_004\"\u003eSeptember 29 entry in 『Veritable Records of King Sejong』\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Date of record\"\u003eLunar April 20, 1447\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Event\"\u003eOrdered Hunminjeongeum to be included in the igwa examination\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Supporting record\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://sillok.history.go.kr/id/kda_12904020_001\"\u003eEntry for that date in 『Veritable Records of King Sejong』\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#the-background-to-its-creation-was-the-gap-between-speech-and-writing\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"the-background-to-its-creation-was-the-gap-between-speech-and-writing\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eThe Background to Its Creation Was the Gap Between Speech and Writing\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSejong stated that the purpose of creating the script was to help the people express themselves. At the time, Korean differed structurally from Classical Chinese. It was difficult to represent everyday speech using only methods that borrowed Chinese characters.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe royal preface included in 『Veritable Records of King Sejong』 directly explains this problem. A royal preface is a text written by the king himself. The preface presents everyday use as the goal of creating the script.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is simply so that people may easily learn it and use it conveniently every day.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKorean translation of the royal preface in the September 29 entry for the 28th year of King Sejong, 『Veritable Records of King Sejong』\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIdu was a method of writing Korean by borrowing the sounds and meanings of Chinese characters. Using it required knowledge of Chinese characters. Jeong Inji's preface points out the difficulty of this borrowed-character notation.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe uses of the new script also included transcribing the pronunciation of Chinese characters. The 1444 controversy addressed the revision of rhyme dictionaries. A rhyme dictionary is a book organizing the sounds and rhymes of Chinese characters. The goal of writing Korean and the study of Chinese-character pronunciation must be considered together.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#why-did-choe-malli-and-others-oppose-it\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"why-did-choe-malli-and-others-oppose-it\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eWhy Did Choe Malli and Others Oppose It?\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe memorial submitted by Choe Malli and others argued that the new script could disrupt the existing order. Their opposition was not directed only at the shapes of the letters. Foreign relations, education, and government administration were also subjects of controversy.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"overflow-x-auto\"\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eIssue\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eArgument in the opposing memorial\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSejong's response or position\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Issue\"\u003eRelations with Ming\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Argument in the opposing memorial\"\u003eConcern that a separate script conflicted with the attitude of following the institutions of Chinese civilization\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Sejong's response or position\"\u003eCited the convenience of the people as the basis for the new script\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Issue\"\u003eConfucian education\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Argument in the opposing memorial\"\u003eClaimed that learning only an easy script would reduce the study of Classical Chinese and Neo-Confucianism\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Sejong's response or position\"\u003eSought to use it as a means of conveying Confucian ethics to the people\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Issue\"\u003eGovernment administration\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Argument in the opposing memorial\"\u003eClaimed that the new script was unnecessary for work already handled through idu\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Sejong's response or position\"\u003eCountered that idu had also been used for the convenience of the people\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Issue\"\u003eFairness of trials\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Argument in the opposing memorial\"\u003eClaimed that injustice was caused by the officials in charge rather than by the script\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Sejong's response or position\"\u003eEmphasized the problem of the people understanding spoken and written language\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Issue\"\u003eImplementation process\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Argument in the opposing memorial\"\u003eCriticized the lack of discussion and the rush to produce and distribute the script\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Sejong's response or position\"\u003eExplained the need for rhyme-dictionary research and the crown prince's participation in the project\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis comparison is based on the February 20, 1444 entry in 『Veritable Records of King Sejong』. It is difficult to characterize the entire opposition as a group seeking to prevent the people from learning. The arguments shown in the record must be distinguished from the individuals' hidden motives.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#the-turning-point-after-the-opposition-was-the-publication-of-the-haerye-edition\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"the-turning-point-after-the-opposition-was-the-publication-of-the-haerye-edition\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eThe Turning Point After the Opposition Was the Publication of the Haerye Edition\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSejong continued the script project even after the controversy. On the day the memorial was submitted, he sent the officials involved to the State Tribunal. He ordered their release the next day, but dismissed Jeong Changson from office.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis action cannot be interpreted as agreement by the opposition. The result confirmed in the 1446 record is the completion of the explanatory text. The continuation of the project and its publication are clearer facts than the end of the controversy.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJeong Inji's preface states that interpretations and examples were written by royal command. Jeong Inji, Choe Hang, Shin Sukju, Seong Sammun, and others are recorded as participants. The roles of creating the letters and compiling the explanatory text must therefore be distinguished.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#what-principles-were-used-to-create-the-consonants-and-vowels\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"what-principles-were-used-to-create-the-consonants-and-vowels\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eWhat Principles Were Used to Create the Consonants and Vowels?\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHunminjeongeum is a writing system that connects the characteristics of sounds with the shapes of letters. The Haerye edition of 1446 has 17 initial consonant letters. It has 11 medial vowel letters, for a total of 28 letters.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"overflow-x-auto\"\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCategory\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBasic principle\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eExplanatory example\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Category\"\u003eBasic consonant letters\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Basic principle\"\u003eModeled on the speech organs or the act of articulation\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Explanatory example\"\u003eㄴ represents the tongue touching the upper gums\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Category\"\u003eExpansion of consonants\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Basic principle\"\u003eAdded strokes to basic letters\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Explanatory example\"\u003eㅋ formed by adding a stroke to ㄱ\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Category\"\u003eBasic vowel letters\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Basic principle\"\u003eUsed the forms of heaven, earth, and humanity\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Explanatory example\"\u003eㆍ, ㅡ, ㅣ\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Category\"\u003eExpansion of vowels\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Basic principle\"\u003eCombined basic elements\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Explanatory example\"\u003eㅗ, ㅏ, ㅜ, ㅓ\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Category\"\u003eSyllable construction\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Basic principle\"\u003eCombined initial, medial, and final sounds\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Explanatory example\"\u003eCombination of the first sound, middle sound, and final consonant\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe basic consonant letters are ㄱ, ㄴ, ㅁ, ㅅ, and ㅇ. Not all consonants follow the same rule of adding strokes. Letters used for initial sounds were reused for final consonants.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis explanation is based on the \u003ca href=\"https://contents.history.go.kr/play/view.do?levelId=ts_b33\"\u003eNational Institute of Korean History's explanation of the Haerye edition\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#why-explanations-and-examples-were-published-together\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"why-explanations-and-examples-were-published-together\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eWhy Explanations and Examples Were Published Together\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Haerye edition was a book that connected the list of letters to their actual use. The Examples and Significance section contained the purpose of the script's creation and its basic rules of use. The Explanations and Examples section explained its principles in detail.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"overflow-x-auto\"\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSection\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eContent explained\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRole in learning\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Section\"\u003eExplanation of the Design of the Letters\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Content explained\"\u003ePrinciples used to create the letters\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Role in learning\"\u003eUnderstanding the relationship between shape and sound\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Section\"\u003eExplanations of Initials, Medials, and Finals\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Content explained\"\u003eEach sound forming a syllable\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Role in learning\"\u003eDistinguishing the function of each letter\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Section\"\u003eExplanation of Combining Letters\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Content explained\"\u003eHow to combine letters\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Role in learning\"\u003eLearning how to write a syllable\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Section\"\u003eExamples of the Uses of the Letters\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Content explained\"\u003eWritten forms of actual words\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Role in learning\"\u003eChecking examples in which the rules are applied\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe National Heritage Portal explains that the Examples of the Uses of the Letters contains examples involving 94 words. This figure concerns the structure of the 1446 Haerye edition. It does not mean that people at the time actually learned that number of words.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIncluding rules and examples together makes it possible to compare the explanations with actual written forms. This is an educational function that can be inferred from the structure of the Haerye edition. However, the distribution rate at the time cannot be calculated from the book's structure alone. The information on its structure follows the \u003ca href=\"https://www.heritage.go.kr/heri/html/HtmlPage.do?pageNo=1_1_2_1\u0026amp;pg=%2Funesco%2FMemHeritage%2FMemHeritage_01.jsp\"\u003eNational Heritage Portal's explanation of the Haerye edition\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#the-difference-between-introducing-the-examination-in-1447-and-widespread-adoption\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"the-difference-between-introducing-the-examination-in-1447-and-widespread-adoption\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eThe Difference Between Introducing the Examination in 1447 and Widespread Adoption\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 1447 record describes an institutional measure linking the new script to the selection of government personnel. Sejong ordered the Ministry of Personnel to administer a Hunminjeongeum examination. It specifically applied to candidates for the igwa examination and to the igwa examinations of each government office.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere, igwa means the examination used to select clerks responsible for administrative work. For candidates from Hamgil Province, it was to apply from the next triennial examination year. Candidates had to pass Hunminjeongeum before they could take the other examinations. Sejong also ordered Hunminjeongeum to be included in the igwa examinations of each government office.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConfirmed fact: An order to include Hunminjeongeum in the selection criteria\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClaim that cannot be made more broadly: It was designated a required subject for all civil service examinations\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFigures that cannot be learned from this entry: The actual number of candidates, pass rate, and rate of adoption among the general public\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIntroducing the examination created an institutional reason to learn the new script. However, an order and the results of its actual implementation require separate evidence. It also does not mean that all people used the script immediately after its promulgation.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#records-and-interpretation\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"records-and-interpretation\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eRecords and Interpretation\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe records distinguish between Sejong's creation of the script and the scholars' participation in explaining it. Sufficient details about the work before its creation have not survived. Confirmed facts and later hypotheses must not be treated as having the same status.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#what-the-records-state-directly\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"what-the-records-state-directly\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eWhat the Records State Directly\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 1443 entry states that Sejong personally created the 28 letters. Jeong Inji's 1446 preface identifies those who participated in the explanations. These records provide grounds for distinguishing the creator of the script from the writers of the explanatory text.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#generally-accepted-explanation\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"generally-accepted-explanation\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eGenerally Accepted Explanation\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePublic historical accounts take Sejong's creation of the script and the scholars' compilation of the Haerye as their basic position. There is insufficient evidence to conclude that the Hall of Worthies jointly carried out all the work of creating the script. Conversely, the explanatory work of the Hall of Worthies scholars must not be erased.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#controversy-over-shinmis-role\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"controversy-over-shinmis-role\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eControversy Over Shinmi's Role\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are differing interpretations of the extent of Shinmi's participation in creating the script. The National Institute of Korean Language's May 2017 newsletter presented two views side by side. Kim Mubong distinguished between Sejong's creation of the script and Shinmi's role in distributing it. Jeong Gwang proposed that Sejong and Shinmi created it jointly.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis does not mean that the newsletter confirmed either view. The entries on the creation and completion mentioned above do not identify Shinmi as a creator. A scene in a film cannot itself serve as historical evidence. The source of these views is the \u003ca href=\"https://www.korean.go.kr/nkview/news_pdf/2019_10.pdf\"\u003erelevant issue of the National Institute of Korean Language newsletter\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#the-difference-between-the-date-of-a-record-and-the-date-of-an-event\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"the-difference-between-the-date-of-a-record-and-the-date-of-an-event\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eThe Difference Between the Date of a Record and the Date of an Event\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe date of an entry in the annals does not necessarily mean the exact date on which an event occurred. The December 30, 1443 entry records that the script was created during that month. The September 29, 1446 entry also states that the book was completed during that month.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"overflow-x-auto\"\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDate information\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat can be confirmed\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eConclusion to avoid\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Date information\"\u003eDecember 30, 1443 entry\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"What can be confirmed\"\u003eRecord of the script's creation in lunar December\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Conclusion to avoid\"\u003eThe script was created exactly on December 30\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Date information\"\u003eSeptember 29, 1446 entry\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"What can be confirmed\"\u003eRecord of the book's completion in lunar September\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Conclusion to avoid\"\u003eThe script was promulgated exactly on September 29\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Date information\"\u003eFirst ten days of September in Jeong Inji's preface\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"What can be confirmed\"\u003eThe preface was written in early lunar September\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Conclusion to avoid\"\u003eA promulgation event on a specific day\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Date information\"\u003eModern October 9\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"What can be confirmed\"\u003eHangeul Day commemoration\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Conclusion to avoid\"\u003eConfirmation of the actual date of promulgation at the time\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis distinction is also necessary when recording historical information as data. The date of the entry and the time of the event should be preserved as separate fields. It is also more accurate to display the commemorative date separately from those two dates.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#the-meaning-of-the-580th-anniversary-of-hangeul-day-in-2026\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"the-meaning-of-the-580th-anniversary-of-hangeul-day-in-2026\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eThe Meaning of the 580th Anniversary of Hangeul Day in 2026\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOctober 9, 2026 (South Korea) is the 580th anniversary commemorating the promulgation in 1446. This differs from the number of years counted from the script's creation in 1443. As of September 25, 2026, 14 days remain until the commemoration.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOctober 9 is a commemorative date chosen based on the date in Jeong Inji's preface to the Haerye edition. The preface records the first ten days of lunar September. The National Institute of Korean Language explains that the date was set using the last day of that period. This background can be found in the \u003ca href=\"https://www.korean.go.kr/front/mcfaq/mcfaqView.do?mcfaq_seq=9028\u0026amp;mn_id=216\"\u003eNational Institute of Korean Language's explanation of the date of Hangeul Day\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts significance today lies in the fact that both the letters and instructions for their use were preserved. The Haerye edition is a document that allows the purpose of the script's creation to be examined. The principles behind the composition of the letters can also be confirmed through this document. This book was also the item inscribed on the Memory of the World Register in 1997.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#frequently-asked-questions\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"frequently-asked-questions\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#was-hunminjeongeum-created-in-1443-or-1446\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"was-hunminjeongeum-created-in-1443-or-1446\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eWas Hunminjeongeum created in 1443 or 1446?\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe script was created in 1443. The Haerye edition was published in 1446. Both years appear because the script and the book share the same name.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#was-choe-mallis-opposing-memorial-submitted-before-the-script-was-created\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"was-choe-mallis-opposing-memorial-submitted-before-the-script-was-created\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eWas Choe Malli's opposing memorial submitted before the script was created?\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe memorial of 1444 came after the 1443 record of the script's creation. It opposed the implementation and distribution of the new script. By the time of the memorial, the learning and printing of the script had already become subjects of controversy.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#did-sejong-persuade-all-the-opponents-to-agree\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"did-sejong-persuade-all-the-opponents-to-agree\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eDid Sejong persuade all the opponents to agree?\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe relevant entry does not state that the entire opposition agreed. It records arguments between the king and his officials, as well as disciplinary measures. The fact that the book was later published must be distinguished from agreement by the opposition.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#was-the-haerye-edition-written-in-hangeul\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"was-the-haerye-edition-written-in-hangeul\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eWas the Haerye edition written in Hangeul?\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe explanatory sentences in the Haerye edition were written in Classical Chinese. The new letters and examples of Korean words were included in it. It is distinct from the eonhae edition, which translated the explanations into Korean.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#did-all-government-officials-take-a-hunminjeongeum-examination-starting-in-1447\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"did-all-government-officials-take-a-hunminjeongeum-examination-starting-in-1447\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eDid all government officials take a Hunminjeongeum examination starting in 1447?\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt cannot be generalized that way. The relevant record is an order concerning selection through the igwa examination. It does not record that the requirement applied to every government post or every civil service examination.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#is-hangeul-day-the-actual-date-of-promulgation\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"is-hangeul-day-the-actual-date-of-promulgation\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eIs Hangeul Day the actual date of promulgation?\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOctober 9 was chosen as a day to commemorate the promulgation. Records from the time do not specify its exact date. The date of the commemoration must be distinguished from the date of the historical event.\u003c/p\u003e\n","tags":["Hunminjeongeum","Hangeul Day"],"faqs":[{"question":"Why are the years when Hunminjeongeum was created and promulgated different?","answer":"1443 was the year the 28 letters were created. 1446 was the year the Haerye edition, which contains their principles and usage, was published. The dates distinguish the creation of the script from the publication of the book."},{"question":"What was Sejong's purpose in creating Hunminjeongeum?","answer":"The King's preface identifies the problem that the people had difficulty expressing their thoughts in writing. Sejong stated that his purpose was to let them easily learn the new script and use it in daily life."},{"question":"Why did Choe Malli and others oppose it?","answer":"They were concerned about relations with Ming and the impact on Confucian education. They also took issue with changes to the existing Idu-based administration and the process by which the initiative was pursued. They further argued that the new script alone could not redress injustices in trials."},{"question":"Did the scholars of the Hall of Worthies create Hunminjeongeum?","answer":"The Annals of King Sejong record that Sejong personally created it. Jeong Inji's preface says that the scholars wrote the commentary and examples. The roles of creating the script and compiling the explanatory text must be distinguished."},{"question":"How many letters were there when Hunminjeongeum was created?","answer":"There were 28 letters when it was created. Based on the structure of the Haerye edition, these consisted of 17 initial consonant letters and 11 medial vowel letters."},{"question":"What does the Haerye edition contain?","answer":"It contains the purpose of the script's creation, the sounds of the letters, and how to use them. It also explains the principles used to create the letters and how to combine them into syllables. The Yongjarye includes the spellings of actual words."},{"question":"How are the Haerye edition and the Eonhae edition different?","answer":"The Haerye edition is a book that explains the principles and examples of use of the new script in Classical Chinese. The Eonhae edition refers to an edition that renders the Classical Chinese content in Korean. The two names must not be used to mean the same thing."},{"question":"What does the record of the 1447 Hunminjeongeum examination show?","answer":"It shows an order to include Hunminjeongeum in examinations for selecting clerical officials. Candidates from Hamgil Province were to be tested on it first starting with the next regular examination year. This entry does not provide the actual number of candidates or the pass rate."},{"question":"Is the claim that Sinmi created Hunminjeongeum a confirmed fact?","answer":"The accounts of its creation and completion do not identify Sinmi as its creator. Some interpretations of Sinmi's role argue that he participated in its dissemination or was a co-creator. These claims cannot be asserted with the same certainty as the established facts about its creation."},{"question":"What is the 580th anniversary marked by Hangeul Day in 2026?","answer":"It is the 580th anniversary commemorating the publication and promulgation of the Haerye edition in 1446. It is not an anniversary counted from the creation of the script in 1443."},{"question":"Was Hunminjeongeum actually promulgated on October 9, 1446?","answer":"The exact date of promulgation cannot be determined from records of the time alone. October 9 is a commemorative date established based on the record in the preface to the Haerye edition that dates it to the first ten days of the ninth lunar month."},{"question":"Did all the people use Hangeul immediately after its promulgation?","answer":"The publication of the Haerye edition alone cannot prove widespread dissemination. Institutional adoption and the spread of actual use must be distinguished. The records examined do not provide the rate of adoption among the general population at the time."}],"sources":[{"url":"https://sillok.history.go.kr/id/kda_12512030_002","title":"National Institute of Korean History, Annals of King Sejong, December 30 of King Sejong's 25th year, Creation of Hunminjeongeum","type":"source"},{"url":"https://sillok.history.go.kr/popup/print.do?gubun=kor\u0026id=kda_12602020_001","title":"National Institute of Korean History, Annals of King Sejong, February 20 of King Sejong's 26th year, Petition Opposing Hunminjeongeum by Choe Man-ri and Others","type":"source"},{"url":"https://sillok.history.go.kr/popup/print.do?gubun=kor\u0026id=kda_12809029_004","title":"National Institute of Korean History, Annals of King Sejong, September 29 of King Sejong's 28th year, Completion of Hunminjeongeum and the Prefaces by the King and Jeong In-ji","type":"source"},{"url":"https://sillok.history.go.kr/id/kda_12904020_001","title":"National Institute of Korean History, Annals of King Sejong, April 20 of King Sejong's 29th year, Hunminjeongeum to Be Tested in the Selection of Officials from Among the Sons of Hamgil Province","type":"source"},{"url":"https://www.heritage.go.kr/heri/html/HtmlPage.do?pageNo=1_1_2_1\u0026pg=%2Funesco%2FMemHeritage%2FMemHeritage_01.jsp","title":"National Heritage Portal, Structure and Usage Examples of the Hunminjeongeum Haerye Edition","type":"source"},{"url":"https://contents.history.go.kr/play/view.do?levelId=ts_b33","title":"National Institute of Korean History's Korean History Net, Sueopyeon of the Hunminjeongeum Haerye Edition and Commentary","type":"source"},{"url":"https://www.hangeul.go.kr/webzine/201810/sub1_1.html","title":"National Hangeul Museum, October 2018 Newsletter, Why Hangeul Day Is on October 9","type":"source"},{"url":"https://www.korean.go.kr/front/mcfaq/mcfaqView.do?mcfaq_seq=9028\u0026mn_id=216","title":"National Institute of Korean Language, Explanation of the Date of Hangeul Day and Jeong In-ji's Preface","type":"source"},{"url":"https://www.korean.go.kr/nkview/news_pdf/2019_10.pdf","title":"National Institute of Korean Language, Comma, Period., October 2019 Issue, Two Views on the Creation of Hunminjeongeum","type":"source"}],"images":[{"id":1499,"url":"https://injoys.com/rails/active_storage/blobs/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MjE4OTAsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--bdc35fce5c755dcdfcb33e3ef956129763479bca/ai-4a3d24ee.webp","is_representative":false,"generation_method":"ai_semi","license":"ai_generated","mime_type":"image/webp","width":1536,"height":1024,"translations":{"ko":{"alt":"가을 궁궐의 인쇄 작업장에서 장인들이 목판에 먹을 바르고 종이를 말리고 묶으며, 뒤편 학자들이 원고를 살핀다.","caption":"1446년 해례본 간행은 훈민정음의 창제 원리와 글자 결합 방법을 알리는 단계였다.","description":null},"en":{"alt":"In an autumn palace workshop, printers ink woodblocks, dry sheets and bind pages while scholars check manuscripts.","caption":"The 1446 publication of the Haerye explained how Hunminjeongeum’s letters were devised and combined.","description":null},"ja":{"alt":"秋の宮殿の印刷工房で、職人たちが木版に墨を塗り、紙を乾かして綴じ、奥では学者が原稿を確認している。","caption":"1446年の解例本刊行は、訓民正音の文字の創製原理と組み合わせ方を伝える一歩となった。","description":null},"es":{"alt":"En un taller palaciego otoñal, artesanos entintan bloques, secan hojas y encuadernan páginas mientras eruditos revisan manuscritos.","caption":"La publicación del Haerye en 1446 explicó cómo se crearon y combinaban las letras del hunminjeongeum.","description":null},"id":{"alt":"Di bengkel cetak istana pada musim gugur, perajin meninta blok kayu, mengeringkan lembaran dan menjilid halaman; cendekiawan memeriksa naskah.","caption":"Penerbitan Haerye pada 1446 menjelaskan asal-usul dan cara menggabungkan huruf Hunminjeongeum.","description":null},"pt":{"alt":"Numa oficina palaciana no outono, artesãos tintam blocos de madeira, secam folhas e encadernam páginas enquanto estudiosos conferem manuscritos.","caption":"A publicação do Haerye em 1446 explicou como as letras do Hunminjeongeum foram criadas e combinadas.","description":null},"zh-hant":{"alt":"秋日宮廷印刷工坊裡，工匠為木版上墨、晾乾紙張並裝訂書頁，遠處的學者核對文稿。","caption":"1446年《訓民正音解例本》的刊行，說明了字母的創製原理與組合方法。","description":null},"de":{"alt":"In einer Palastdruckwerkstatt im Herbst färben Handwerker Holzstöcke ein, trocknen Bögen und binden Seiten; Gelehrte prüfen Manuskripte.","caption":"Die Veröffentlichung des Haerye 1446 erklärte die Entstehung und Verbindung der Hunminjeongeum-Buchstaben.","description":null}}},{"id":1500,"url":"https://injoys.com/rails/active_storage/blobs/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MjE4OTYsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--7babf552308e7027add26ad3f5bb0548cfb6aedc/ai-84e1124a.webp","is_representative":false,"generation_method":"ai_semi","license":"ai_generated","mime_type":"image/webp","width":1536,"height":1024,"translations":{"ko":{"alt":"눈 덮인 궁궐 마당에서 관리들이 꿇어앉고, 한 관리가 상소문을 탁자에 놓는다. 왕은 전각 깊숙이 앉아 있다.","caption":"1444년 반대 상소는 새 문자의 추진 절차와 유교 교육에 미칠 영향을 문제 삼았다.","description":null},"en":{"alt":"Officials kneel in a snowy palace courtyard as one sets a petition on a table; the king sits deep inside the hall.","caption":"The 1444 petition challenged the new script’s rollout and its implications for Confucian education.","description":null},"ja":{"alt":"雪の積もる宮廷で官吏たちがひざまずき、一人が上疏文を卓に置く。王は殿内の奥に座っている。","caption":"1444年の反対上疏は、新文字の推進手続きや儒教教育への影響を問題にした。","description":null},"es":{"alt":"Funcionarios arrodillados en un patio nevado; uno deja una petición sobre una mesa y el rey está al fondo del salón.","caption":"La petición de 1444 cuestionó el proceso de implantación de la nueva escritura y su efecto en la educación confuciana.","description":null},"id":{"alt":"Para pejabat berlutut di halaman istana bersalju; seorang meletakkan petisi di meja, sementara raja berada jauh di dalam balairung.","caption":"Petisi penolakan tahun 1444 mempersoalkan proses penerapan aksara baru dan dampaknya terhadap pendidikan Konfusian.","description":null},"pt":{"alt":"Oficiais ajoelhados num pátio nevado; um deles põe uma petição sobre a mesa, e o rei está ao fundo do salão.","caption":"A petição de 1444 questionou a implementação da nova escrita e seus efeitos na educação confuciana.","description":null},"zh-hant":{"alt":"積雪的宮廷庭院裡，官員跪地，一人將奏疏放上矮桌；國王坐在殿堂深處。","caption":"1444年的反對奏疏質疑新文字的推行程序及其對儒家教育的影響。","description":null},"de":{"alt":"Beamte knien im verschneiten Palasthof; einer legt eine Bittschrift auf einen Tisch, der König sitzt tief im Saal.","caption":"Die Eingabe von 1444 stellte das Vorgehen bei der Einführung der neuen Schrift und Folgen für die konfuzianische Bildung infrage.","description":null}}}],"published_at":"2026-09-25T13:13:04+09:00","updated_at":"2026-09-25T13:13:04+09:00","license":"cc_by","translation_status":"reviewed","available_locales":["ko","en","ja","es"],"data_locales":["ko","en","ja","es","id","pt","zh-hant","de"],"url":"https://injoys.com/en/articles/hunminjeongeum-1446-creation-opposition-promulgation"}