My Impression of Korea - Korea.net

BOOKS
(From left)
Korean-English,
Vietnamese and
Mongolian versions
of Hunminjeongeum
Jiphyeonjeon, meaning the
hall of worthies in Korean, is
where Joseon scholars
created and studied Hangeul
(top) and the ceremony to
declare the creation of
Hangeul
Hunminjeongeum
Translated into
Four Languages
Author: The National Institute of Korean Language
Publisher: Thinking Tree
Pages: 160
The National Institute of Korean Language
has launched the Korean document “Hunminjeongeum”
in four languages: English,
Chinese, Mongolian and Vietnamese.
Huminjeongeum, meaning “correct sounds
to instruct the people,” is Korea’s first instruction
book on Hangeul, Korean unique writing
system, published in 1446 by King Sejong the
Great (1397-1450) who also created the characters.
Korea celebrated its 562nd anniversary
of the creation of Hangeul on Oct. 9.
As the original copy of the book is written
in classical Chinese characters with Hangeul
additions, it has been even harder for foreigners
to approach. The latest editions include
extra explanation that details the characteristics
of the book and its value from the per-
The portrait of King Sejong the Great
spective of linguistic study. Attached to the
original text is a modern Korean translation in
Hangeul.
The book also includes the “Haeryebon”
version (explanation and examples of correct
sounds to teach people), that details how
each Hangeul character is supposed to be
pronounced.
Professor Kim Joo-won and Lee Sang-eok
of Seoul National University were put in
charge of writing the explanation for
Hunmingjeongeum. The Hangeul translation
of the original was done by honorary professor
Shin Sang of Chonnam National
University.
“Aside from English we have also published
it in Chinese, Mongolian and
Vietnamese versions as these countries show
a big interest in Korean culture and demands
are higher than in other areas,” one official
from the institute explained. “In the long run
we plan to publish books in French, German,
Russian, Spanish and other languages to
promote the book that marked the birth of
Korea’s very own writing system.”
The English version will be distributed to
Korean cultural centers worldwide and offered
to overseas scholars in related fields. It
is also currently on display at local bookstores.
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62 KOREA NOVEMBER 2008
NOVEMBER 2008 KOREA 63