Hangeul Museum to Be Set Up in Seoul
Korea Times
04-03-2009 18:57
By Bae Ji-sook
Staff Reporter
An underground passageway in Gwanghwamun, central Seoul, where the statue of Hangeul creator King Sejong of the Joseon Kingdom is to be erected in July, will be transformed into a museum for Hanguel as early as December, the Seoul Metropolitan Government said Friday.
To honor one of the world’s most creative written alphabets, not only historical relics but current fashion and cultural items related to its characters will be put on display, the city said.
The exact outline of the museum is yet to be finalized but organizers are contemplating a gallery-like museum easily accessible to pedestrians.
The 100-meter long, 1,613 square-meter-large space will be filled with original books and copies made using Hangeul. About 400 items featuring the characters in their designs such as clothes, fashion items and art works will also be displayed.
Seoul city advisor Boo Doo-wan suggested that the city government reclaim cultural assets that were taken to foreign countries during Japanese colonial rule between 1910 and 1945.
The government is considering installing “moving walkways” from the entrance of the underground passage to the museum, to improve accessibility.
The project ― conceived by Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon ― is to commemorate the erection of the statue of King Sejong.
City official Kim sung-soo said the museum will boost Seoul’s historical and cultural image. “We are expecting to attract more foreign tourists through the project,” he said.