A special exhibition highlighting the need for the preservation of the Jeju language, classified as an endangered language by UNESCO, will be held. The Dol Hareubang Park Management Office of Jeju Island and the National Hangeul Museum are jointly hosting the special exhibition titled “Can’t Resist Dialects!” at the Seolmundaehalmang Exhibition Hall to celebrate its opening. The exhibition will open on the 23rd and run until December 7th in the special exhibition room at Seolmundaehalmang Exhibition Hall in Jeju Stone Park. It is co-organized with the National Hangeul Museum to showcase the taste and diversity of dialects from across the country and raise awareness about the importance of dialect preservation.
The exhibition is divided into three parts. The first part covers the concept of dialects and the emergence of standard language, featuring documents like the “Proposal for the Unified Korean Spelling System” (1933) and the first edition of “Research on Korean Dialects” (1944), along with various materials from the starting point of Hangeul and dialect research to contemporary media content. The second part presents literary works written in dialects, such as the first edition of “The Silence of Love” (1926) and “A Day in the Life of Mr. Gubo, Novelist” (1938), showcasing the landscape of lives within dialects through Korean records of dialects from other regions and accounts of dialects observed by foreigners. The third part highlights the characteristics of Jeju language shaped by natural environments, exploring regional languages divided by Hallasan into southern and northern, and eastern and western villages with local pronunciations. It also spotlights Jeju dialect researchers and examines key research materials like “Jeju Dialect Dictionary” (1947) and “Jeju Dialect Survey Cards” (1950s), as well as activities of local groups dedicated to dialect preservation.
The interactive exhibits allow visitors to participate in games such as “Jeju Dialect Cards” and “Jeju Language Proficiency Test,” and “Dialect Proficiency Test” to learn practical dialects useful in daily life.
Kim Dong-hee, the director of Dol Hareubang Park Management Office, stated, “This exhibition is designed to widely promote the value of Hangeul culture and enhance linguistic cultural diversity.” He expressed hope that visitors will appreciate the diversity of dialects and the power of Hangeul while reflecting on the importance of the Korean language through the stories of Jeju dialect shaped by wind and stone.