The title 'the Great' was rarely granted in the history of the Joseon Kingdom. Only two monarchs were honored with this distinction, based on specific criteria, including love for the people, a strong sense of justice, and a clear commitment to improving society. For this reason, King Sejong is remembered with pride and respect as a ruler who genuinely cared for his people.
Born in 1397, King Sejong became the fourth ruler of the Joseon Kingdom in the early 15th century. His reign marked a period of political stability, as well as significant cultural, social, and scientific development.
Sejong maintained close communication with the public and is recognized as one of the first rulers to conduct surveys in order to understand people’s needs and opinions. Despite holding absolute authority, he emphasized listening as a central principle of leadership.
His efforts extended beyond governance to include social reform. At a time when slaves were treated as property, he introduced measures to improve their conditions, extending maternity leave for enslaved women from seven days to 130 days, and granting paternity leave to their husbands. This reinforced the principle that dignity and justice apply to all members of society.
King Sejong also supported scientific and technological advancement. A notable example is Jang Yeong-sil, a scientist who was originally a government slave. Recognizing his abilities, Sejong appointed him to an official position. With this support, Jang developed important inventions, including the water clock, which improved timekeeping, and the rain gauge, which supported agricultural planning and disaster preparedness, in addition to contributing to the development of astronomical instruments.
In addition, Sejong established a royal research institute that brought together talented individuals from different social backgrounds. This reflected his belief that ability should be evaluated based on merit rather than social status. The relationship between King Sejong and Jang Yeong-sil has been depicted in the film 'Forbidden Dreams', highlighting the importance of supporting talent.
King Sejong’s achievements were numerous and far-reaching, and what has been mentioned so far represents only a brief overview. In recognition of his contributions to literacy and education, established the King Sejong Literacy Prize in 1989, awarded annually to individuals and organizations contributing to literacy education worldwide. In addition, the King Sejong Institute was established to promote the Korean language and spread Hangul globally. A statue of King Sejong was also erected in as a symbol of his legacy and educational vision. Furthermore, the was founded to highlight the history and development of the Korean alphabet.
October 9 was designated as an official holiday in Korea to celebrate Hangul. On this day, Koreans commemorate the alphabet that made literacy accessible to all members of society.
Taken together, the legacy of King Sejong the Great represents more than a historical account. It reflects enduring values of justice, knowledge, and human dignity. Even from a personal perspective as an Egyptian, his achievements stand as a source of admiration, demonstrating how education and compassion can contribute to national development and leave a lasting global impact.
Keywords:
King Sejong the Great, National Hangeul Museum, Hangul Day, Joseon Kingdom, Korean culture, Korea net, Republic of Korea.
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