May 15th to Become a National Holiday Celebrating the Birth of King Sejong the Great

May 15, 'Sejong Daewang Birth Anniversary'
May 27, 'Space Aviation Day'

May 15 and 27 have been designated as 'Sejong the Great's Birthday' and 'Aerospace Day,' respectively.

Yonhap News

The Ministry of the Interior and Safety announced that the amendment to the 'Regulations on Various Commemorative Days' was approved at the Cabinet meeting on the 19th.

Sejong the Great's Birthday commemorates May 15, 1397 (solar calendar), the birthdate of King Sejong the Great. Although Hangeul Day (October 9), which celebrates the creation of the Hunminjeongeum, exists, this day was separately designated in recognition of his achievements in various fields such as economy, society, culture, and national defense. A Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism official stated, "We plan to inherit and develop King Sejong's benevolent philosophy, spirit of independence, and practical mindset, which are among the most brilliant achievements in our history."

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Cultural Heritage Administration will illuminate the commemorative day with diverse events. The 'Sejong Culture Award,' which was held during Hangeul Week (October), will be advanced to an earlier date for awarding, and the Sungmojejeon and other events will be promoted to establish the day as a cultural festival. The Sungmojejeon is a ritual held at Yeongneung in Yeoju on Sejong the Great's Birthday to honor his achievements.

Aerospace Day was established to commemorate the Aerospace Administration, which opened on May 27, and to raise public interest in aerospace. The goal is to realize Korea as one of the 'Top 5 Aerospace Powers' and to lead the upcoming aerospace economy era.

Yonhap News

An official from the Ministry of the Interior and Safety explained, "The establishment of a dedicated space agency to promote public-private cooperation signifies laying the foundation for nurturing the domestic aerospace industry ecosystem," adding, "The Aerospace Administration has worked hard to spread public consensus by gathering opinions from over 10,000 participants including industry, academia, research institutes, local governments, and the public for the designation of the commemorative day."

The government plans to hold commemorative events linked with science, technology, and cultural programs on Aerospace Day next year. Taking advantage of the fourth launch of the Nuri rocket and other occasions, events that the public can experience firsthand will be prepared, and a cooperative system will be established with related institutions such as the Space Science Museum (located at Naro Space Center) to expand the cultural base related to aerospace.