The 96th Hangeul Braille Day Ceremony... "A New Beginning in Everyday Life"

Established to commemorate the announcement of the 6-point braille system 'Hunmaengjeongeum' on November 4, 1926

Promotional Material for the 96th Hangeul Braille Day Ceremony. Photo by Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced on the 3rd that it will hold a commemorative ceremony for the '96th Hangeul Braille Day' in collaboration with the Korea Blind Union. However, considering the national mourning period, the event will be scaled down and a moment of silence will be held to pay tribute.

November 4th marks the '96th Hangeul Braille Day.' It was established to commemorate November 4, 1926, when Songam Park Doo-seong announced the 6-dot Braille system 'Hunmaejeongeum,' designed so that visually impaired people could write and read Hangeul in Braille.

Songam Park Doo-seong is known as the 'Sejong the Great of the visually impaired' for having developed the 6-dot Braille Hunmaejeongeum after seven years of research, moved by the sight of visually impaired people learning Japanese Braille during the Japanese colonial period.

This year's commemorative ceremony will be held under the theme 'Hangeul Braille, a New Beginning in Everyday Life.' It reflects the hopes of visually impaired people to prepare a new future through the past and present of Hangeul Braille. The event will include the screening of an introductory video on Hangeul Braille, which began with Songam's cultural independence spirit and dedication during the Japanese colonial period, as well as awards for contributors to the development of Hangeul Braille and contest winners.

The recipients of the Hangeul Braille development merit award include ▲ Mr. Bu Gi-dong of the Gyeonggi Branch of the Korea Blind Union, who contributed to the rehabilitation and independence of the visually impaired ▲ Director Seo Seung-hee of the Seongbuk Visually Impaired Learning Support Center, who contributed to the development of guidelines for Braille textbooks and Braille book production ▲ Deputy Director Lim Kyung-eok of the Nowon Visually Impaired Welfare Center, who has worked hard on Braille education including Braille textbook production and the opening of an online Braille school. They will receive commendations from the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

A Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism official said, "'Hangeul Braille Day' is hoped to be an opportunity to create an environment where visually impaired people can enjoy daily life through Braille and to improve public awareness of Braille," adding, "We ask for continued interest in Hangeul Braille."