South Africa Joins Global Tribute to Hangeul: Korean Alphabet Celebrated at Korean Cultural Centre SA

Post Date14.10.2025
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On 4 October, the Korean Cultural Centre in South Africa (KCCSA) brought together over 100 guests for a festive programme held in the lead-up to Hangeul Day, Korea’s annual celebration of its unique alphabet on 9 October.

The day-long programme introduced guests to the creativity and legacy of Hangeul through an engaging mix of language, crafts, and performance. Activities ranged from a quick “Learn Korean in 30 Minutes” lecture and a class on Korean calligraphy to hands-on sessions where participants made their own Korean name stamps, crafted replicas of the gat (Korea’s traditional wide-brimmed hat), and even sampled dishes at a pop-up Korean ramyeon station.

The highlight of the celebration was a Korean Song Contest, which saw contestants take to the stage after months of preparation to perform their favourite songs in Korean. Their efforts were met with enthusiastic applause and cheers from the audience, creating a vibrant atmosphere that reflected the growing popularity of Korean language and culture in South Africa.

“Hangeul is more than a writing system – it represents the creativity and identity of the Korean people,” said Jiyeol YOU, Director of the Korean Cultural Centre. “We are delighted to see such enthusiasm here in South Africa, and we hope this event offered an accessible and memorable way for South Africans to connect with Korea’s cultural heritage.”

Hangeul Day is celebrated every year on 9 October in Korea, commemorating the proclamation of the Korean alphabet in 1446 by King Sejong the Great. This year marks the 579th anniversary of Hangeul’s creation.

The celebration highlighted how Hangeul’s legacy continues to inspire curiosity and appreciation worldwide, including in South Africa where its story is finding new resonance.

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