The Story of King Sejong

 

Visited The Story of King Sejong museum with the VISION KOREA 2011 participants on the 22nd of December, 2011The Story of King Sejong is a place where visitors can learn about and experience the beauty of Hangeul (Korean alphabets) invented by King Sejong.  King Sejong, the 4th king of the Joseon Dynasty (1397-1450, reigning from 1418-1450) was responsible for some of the most brilliant achievements in the history of Korea, including the creation of Hangeul (Korean alphabet) and great advancements in the areas of science, culture, art and politics. The passage behind the Statue of King Sejong in Gwanghwamun Square is home to The Story of King Sejong Exhibition Hall, which describes some of the king’s most astounding contributions to the development of Korea as a nation.

The Story of King Sejong Exhibition Hall comprises of 9 different sections with a total area of 3,200㎡.

1. King Sejong as a Human: An introduction to King Sejong's birthplace, family background, personality, and hobbies. Visitors are given a comprehensive view of King Sejong's life.

2. Ideology Focused on the People: A site featuring composite videos that highlight King Sejong;s philosophy of love for his people. 

3. Creation of Hangeul (Korean Alphabets): This site details, in plain language, the creation of Hangeul and its principle lucidly and features various ancient literature written in Hangeul.
4. Science and Art: This site introduces King Sejong's scientific and artistic achievements and provides detailed explanations abut the sundial and an astronomical chart. Visitors can take closer look at various traditional Korean musical instruments that were created during King Sejong's reign, such as Pyeongjong and Pyeongyeong, and listen to music performed with these instruments. 

5. Military policy: This site showcases King Sejong's military achievements, such as the repossession of Tsushima, the suppression of the Jurchen tribes and the establishment of four ports and six posts on the northern border.Here, visitors can also see a multi-launch rocket, which was created during King Sejong's reign, being fired. 

6. Hangeul Gallery: The gallery that features the work of modern artists, across diverse genres, who use Hangeul as an inspiration. 

7. Hangeul Library: Visitors can sit back and read various publications not only on King Sejong and Admiral Yi Sunshin but also on various other topics.  

Throughout the museum are a variety of displays detailing Sejong’s invention of Hangeul, and his scientific, artistic, military, and political contributions (including the theory of Minbon, which recognized the people as the base of politics). Visitors can also enjoy films, museum shops and calligraphy writing.