Exhibition on ancient Korean script, Hangeul, opens in Hanoi

An artwork by master artisan Byeol Ha, President of Korean Hangeul Design Association, with images of the lotus and the eternal blossom of Korea, mugung flowers, represents the current good relationship between Republic of Korea and Vietnam.

Created by King Sejong (1397-1450) in 1443, Hangeul has been the vital cornerstone of the Korean Culture for over 500 years. Its evolution over the centuries also reflects that of Korean people's life and soul.

At the inauguration of the three month long exhibition, Director of Vietnam's National Library Nguyen Xuan Dung said, "Activities at this exhibition and the MoU prove the mutual commitment by both countries in nurturing cultural understanding and academic exchange, as well as providing material for scholars, researchers and lovers of Hangeul from both sides to talk, exchange idea so as to enrich both of our cultures."

Launched in 2016 in Korea, the Hangeul Design project has been an initiative that sheds new light on the traditional values from a design perspective, using it as a source of inspiration for contemporary visual and applied arts.

At the event, Director of the Korean National Hangeul Museum Kim Il-hwan said that his institute has launched a first-hand arts experience programme, where learners of Korean language can create their own work, 'The beauty of Hangeul'.

The Hangeul museum hopes to spread the experience to wider audience, with it being taken out to Korean-language programmes based at colleges, universities and cultural centres in many provinces of Vietnam.

The exhibition will last through to August 9 at the Hanoi-based national library.