The Korean alphabet, created in the 15th century, represents a significant development in the history of writing systems. It’s a featural alphabet, meaning that the shapes of the consonants reflect the articulatory features used to pronounce them. This contrasts with alphabets like the Roman alphabet, where letter shapes are largely arbitrary. The creation of this writing system aimed to increase literacy and make written communication more accessible to the common people. Prior to its development, Koreans primarily used Classical Chinese, which posed a considerable barrier to literacy due to its complexity and association with the elite.
The establishment of a distinct and relatively simple writing system was crucial for asserting cultural independence and strengthening national identity. Its ease of learning facilitated the spread of information and contributed to a more informed populace. Its impact can be viewed within the broader context of state-building and cultural innovation, analogous to other periods of deliberate cultural construction designed to unify populations and enhance state power. The deliberate design and official promotion are notable examples of the intersection of culture and governance.
