The question of why Seoul, South Korea, uses Hangul for its official writing system instead of Kanji (which is used in Japan) is rooted in the historical development of the Korean language and writing system. Understanding this choice requires delving into the history of Korea and its evolution from Chinese influence to the creation of its unique alphabet, Hangul.
The Influence of Chinese Characters in Korea
Historically, Korea adopted Chinese characters (Hanja) for written language due to the significant influence of Chinese culture. For centuries, Korean scholars used Hanja to write, and it was the dominant system for recording literature, official documents, and historical texts. However, the use of Hanja was complex and challenging for the common people, as it required a high level of literacy and knowledge of the Chinese language.
The Creation of Hangul
In the 15th century, King Sejong the Great recognized the difficulty of learning Chinese characters and sought to create a more accessible writing system for the Korean people. In 1443, he established the creation of Hangul, a phonetic alphabet specifically designed for the Korean language. Hangul was simpler to learn and allowed more people to become literate quickly. This new writing system was officially promoted during King Sejong’s reign and gradually replaced the use of Hanja in daily life.
The Decline of Hanja
While Hanja was still used alongside Hangul for many years, especially in scholarly and formal contexts, its usage began to decline in the 20th century. By the time Korea became divided into North and South Korea, Hangul had become the dominant script in the South, while North Korea had fully adopted Hangul for all forms of writing. The move away from Hanja was part of a broader trend to assert Korean identity and independence from Chinese influence.
Hangul Today in South Korea
In modern South Korea, Hangul is the official script for all written communication, including education, government, and media. While Hanja is still taught in schools to a certain extent and used in some academic and legal contexts, it is not widely used in everyday writing. The focus on Hangul reflects the country’s commitment to making the Korean language more accessible to all its citizens, regardless of social status or educational background.
Why Not ‘Se’ or ‘West’ for Seoul?
Regarding the suggestion of using ‘Se’ or ‘West’ (like 西蔚 for Seoul), it is important to note that the name ‘Seoul’ itself has historical significance. The name Seoul (서울) comes from the Middle Korean term ‘Seorabeol,’ which referred to the capital city. Over time, the name evolved, and Seoul became the modern form. The use of Hangul for Seoul is consistent with South Korea’s broader language policy and its efforts to preserve and promote the Korean identity through the use of the Korean alphabet.
Conclusion
The reason Seoul uses Hangul and not Kanji (or an alternative like 西蔚) is due to historical, linguistic, and cultural factors. Hangul was specifically created to make the Korean language more accessible to the population, and it has become a key symbol of Korean identity. While Hanja has historical roots in Korea, Hangul remains the primary writing system in South Korea today.
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