The History and Future of Hangeul

Book excerpt: The author traces the history and evolution of Hangeul, considers its scientific principles, practicality and features, addresses the question of the so-called ‘culture block’ in the international arena, and anticipates the direction in which it could evolve and thereby attract wider usage and credibility. First proclaimed in 1446 as the ‘correct sounds for the instruction of the people’ (Hunminjeongeum), the Korean indigenous script is considered to be one of the most practical and logical languages in the world, yet as a unique minority language it is regarded by many as being under threat from the Roman alphabet and dominant languages of the East Asian region.