Korean Organizations Call for Hangul Signage at Gwanghwamun

On December 28, 2024, various Hangul advocacy groups, including the Hangul Signage Promotion Committee, held a press conference in front of Gwanghwamun in Seoul. They argued for the replacement of the current Chinese character sign with a Hangul sign, stating that the existing sign, which represents the main gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace, is a source of embarrassment for the nation.

The groups emphasized that Hangul is not only a national heritage of South Korea but also a significant cultural asset for humanity. They believe that a Hangul sign would be more fitting for Gwanghwamun than the current Chinese characters.

Additionally, the organizations proposed December 28 as the official celebration day for Hangul, marking the 581st anniversary of its creation, based on the symbolic significance of the 28 basic characters of Hangeul, whose exact creation date remains uncertain.

However, Choi Eung-cheon, the head of the Cultural Heritage Administration, expressed opposition to this idea during a National Assembly audit in October. He stated that the current sign is the result of extensive discussions and historical verification, and any changes would disrupt the established restoration principles that aim to reflect the sign as it was during the reconstruction of Gyeongbokgung from 1865 to 1868. Choi added that considering the time and costs already invested, he is against restarting the process.