On August 31, I had the wonderful opportunity to participate in the "Blooming Korean with Both Hands" (손으로 꽃피우는 한글) Korean calligraphy experience event at the Korean Cultural Center in Shanghai. This immersive event allowed me to delve into the beauty of the Korean language and its artistic expressions.
The experience event included learning about the origins of Hangul, the Korean alphabet. Developed in the 15th century by King Sejong the Great and his scholars, Hangul was created to promote literacy among the common people. Before Hangul, the Korean people primarily used classical Chinese characters, which were complex and difficult to master. King Sejong aimed to create a simpler and more accessible writing system, resulting in Hangul's unique and efficient design.
During the workshop, we also explored the three main styles of Hangul: 판본체 (Panbonche), 궁체 (Gungche), and 민체 (Minche). Each of these styles has its own distinct characteristics. Panbonche is known for its block-like form, commonly used in printed texts. Gungche, or "royal script," features elegant curves and flourishes, reflecting the grace of traditional calligraphy. Minche, on the other hand, is more informal and modern, used in everyday writing. Understanding these styles enriched my appreciation of the artistry involved in Korean calligraphy.
Under the guidance of instructors from the Korean Hangul Museum, I gained insights into the beauty of Hangul's structure. Korean characters are designed based on the principle of sound, with each syllable represented by a combination of consonants and vowels. This phonetic nature makes Hangul both logical and aesthetically pleasing.
In the hands-on portion of the workshop, I practiced writing Hangul characters and created my own artistic postcards and colorful flag decorations. This practical experience allowed me to express my creativity while developing my calligraphy skills. The flow and balance of Hangul characters are truly captivating, showcasing the language's artistic potential.
Additionally, I learned that October 9 marks the 578th Hangul Day (한글날), a celebration of the creation and proclamation of the Korean alphabet. This day commemorates King Sejong’s efforts to promote literacy and acknowledges Hangul as the only writing system with a clearly defined creator and date of its inception. In 1997, UNESCO designated Hangul as a World Cultural Heritage, recognizing its significance in the history of written language.
Participating in this calligraphy workshop not only deepened my understanding of the Korean language but also allowed me to appreciate the cultural heritage that Hangul represents. I left the event feeling inspired and eager to continue exploring the beauty of Korean art and language.
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