Hangeul Day 2026 is a big one: on October 9, Korea marks the 100th anniversary of Hangeul Day, the national holiday celebrating the Korean alphabet, and the whole of Seoul is throwing a party for it. If you are in Korea this month, or just love the culture behind K-dramas and K-pop lyrics, here is a practical guide to the dates, the free events at Gwanghwamun Square, and what to know before you go.

What Is Hangeul Day, and Why Is 2026 Special?

Hangeul Day (October 9) is a South Korean national holiday honoring the creation of the Korean alphabet by King Sejong the Great. Before Hangeul, Koreans spoke Korean but mostly wrote with borrowed Chinese characters. The book that explains the new alphabet, the Hunminjeongeum, is designated National Treasure No. 70 and was inscribed in UNESCO’s Memory of the World register in 1997.

This year carries extra weight. According to Korea.net, 2026 is both the centennial of Hangeul Day and the 580th anniversary of the Hunminjeongeum’s promulgation. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism is running a nationwide Hangeul Week from October 6 to 17 under the theme “Hangeul by My Side.”

Hangeul Hanmadang at Gwanghwamun Square (October 6-8)

The main event is the festival Hangeul Hanmadang, held October 6 to 8 at Gwanghwamun Square in Jongno-gu. Expect musicals, poetry readings, songs and storytelling, plus around 20 interactive programs, including a Hangeul playground for kids and hands-on activities. It is the easiest place to feel the holiday in person, and the square sits right in front of Gyeongbokgung Palace, so you can pair it with a palace visit.

King Sejong’s statue is the square’s centerpiece, which makes it a natural photo stop on Hangeul Day. Below the statue there is also a free exhibition space called The Story of King Sejong, which Seoul’s city government has described as covering his life as well as his achievements. Opening hours can change, so check before you head down.

The Night Light Show and Cultural Products (October 8-11)

On October 8 at 7 p.m., a celebration on the eve of Hangeul Day takes place at Gwanghwamun Square. The highlight is “Twenty-Four, the Universe,” a video projection on the square’s exterior wall that shows Hangeul’s 24 consonants and vowels forming constellations. The video screens from October 8 to 11, between 8 and 11 p.m., so you have four evenings to catch it.

During the same days, the National Hangeul Museum hosts the Hangeul Cultural Industry Exhibition at the square, showcasing and selling Hangeul-related cultural products and content. It is a good place to pick up a unique, non-touristy souvenir, such as something printed with Hangeul.

Beyond Gwanghwamun: Sejong, Incheon and the Museum Closure

If you want to travel further, the Sejong Hangeul Festival runs October 9 to 11 in Sejong City, and the Hangeul Run race takes place on October 9. In Incheon, the National Museum of World Writing Systems in Yeonsu-gu opens the exhibition “Hunmaengjeongeum” on October 7, running through January.

One heads-up for museum fans: the National Hangeul Museum in Yongsan is currently closed for fire-damage repairs and expansion, with reopening planned for October 2028, according to the museum guide Musa. In the meantime, a free special exhibition for the centennial, “FROM 1926 TO INFINITY,” is being held off-site at the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History from October 2 to February 9.

FAQ: Hangeul Day 2026

When is Hangeul Day 2026?

Hangeul Day is October 9, which falls on a Friday this year. Hangeul Week runs from October 6 to 17, and the main festival at Gwanghwamun Square runs October 6 to 8.

Are the Gwanghwamun events free?

The official announcements describe the festival, the projection and the exhibition as public events at Gwanghwamun Square, and no ticket requirement was mentioned. Individual programs may have their own rules, so check the official Hangeul Week site on the day.

Is the National Hangeul Museum open?

Not right now. The museum is closed for repairs after a fire and is planned to reopen in October 2028. Its centennial exhibition is being held at the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History instead.

Whether you catch the projection after dark or just stand under King Sejong’s statue, Hangeul Day is a rare chance to see how much pride Koreans take in their alphabet, the same alphabet behind every K-drama subtitle and K-pop lyric sheet. Arrive early on the weekend dates, since crowds at Gwanghwamun tend to build in the evening.

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Source: Korea.net, Wealth of events from Oct. 6-17 to mark centennial Hangeul Day