Hangeul Day Turns 100 Tomorrow - What to See at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul
Date: October 9, 2026
Place: Gwanghwamun Square, Seoul
Admission: Free
Booking: Not required
2026 marks 100 years since Gagya Day, the predecessor of Hangeul Day, and 580 years since Hunminjeongeum was promulgated. For visitors in Seoul, Gwanghwamun is the clearest place to experience the anniversary in person.
What happens on October 9
From 11:00 to 16:00, Seoul's centennial program takes place at Nori Madang in front of the King Sejong statue. The free event includes Hangeul displays, postcard and hat-making activities, collaborative artwork and Korean-language music performances.
Stay after dark
The separate media facade Twenty-Four, Universe runs on Gwanghwamun Gate from October 8 to 11, from 20:00 to 23:00. It transforms Hangeul's 24 consonants and vowels into constellations, natural forms and imagery inspired by the gate's traditional dancheong.
Visitor notes
Nearest station: Gwanghwamun Station, Line 5. Gyeongbokgung Station, Line 3, also works for the palace area.
Language: Do not assume every daytime activity has English interpretation. The outdoor square and projection are easy to experience without Korean fluency.
Important: The larger Hangeul Hanmadang runs October 6 to 8 and ends before Hangeul Day. The October 9 Seoul city program is separate.
Why go now
Hangeul Day happens every year, but the centennial does not. The 100th anniversary, King Sejong setting and four-night media facade make October 9 an unusually visible moment to experience Korean language and culture in central Seoul.
Sources: Seoul Metropolitan Government; Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hangeul Week program. Outdoor schedules may change.
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