[Seoul=Newsis] Reporter Lee Soo-ji – The National Heritage Administration announced on the 23rd that “Hangeul Calligraphy” will be designated as a new category of National Intangible Heritage.
The newly designated “Hangeul Calligraphy” encompasses the act of writing in Hangeul, Korea’s unique script, using ink and brush, along with the traditional knowledge it contains.
Since the 15th century, when Hunminjeongeum was created and promulgated, “Hangeul Calligraphy” has been used as an important means of recording Korean life on various media such as metal, stone, and textiles, beyond just paper.
It was used in everything from royal to civilian life, including handwritten copies of literary works and everyday correspondence in Hangeul.
In addition to traditional fonts like Panbonche and Gungche, it continues today through diverse individual handwriting styles known as Minche.
Panbonche was a typeface used primarily for carving books for printing purposes during the mid to late Joseon Dynasty, while Gungche was used by court calligraphists writing with brushes in the royal court.
“Hangeul Calligraphy” is a form of original formative art using letters, conveying the aesthetic sense and social aspects of different eras through various calligraphic works.
Notable calligraphers such as Sohn Jae-hyeong (1903-1981), Lee Cheol-gyeong (1914-1989), and Kim Chung-hyun (1921-2006) contributed to the artistic expression and popularization of Hangeul script.
In modern times, organizations like the Galmul Hangeul Calligraphy Association, the Korean Calligraphy Association, and the Sejong Hangeul Calligraphy Group are working to preserve the artistic value and cultural identity of Hangeul calligraphy.
Furthermore, the artistic significance and function of “Hangeul Calligraphy” have recently expanded into calligraphy, emphasizing elements of letter design.
The National Heritage Administration believes that “Hangeul Calligraphy” merits designation as a National Intangible Heritage because it has continued from the creation of Hangeul to the present, contributes to studies in various fields such as folklore, Korean language, culinary, cultural, and script history, uniquely distinguishes itself with specific styles and refined beauty, and contributes to cultural diversity and creativity by being passed on and expanding into various art fields through different educational institutions.
However, considering that “Hangeul Calligraphy” is still transmitted through diverse educational institutions and related organizations and enjoyed by the entire population, it will be designated as a community category without recognizing specific holders or groups.