Hangeul Day, the holiday celebrating the Korean alphabet, falls on Friday, October 9, 2026 — and the 2026 holiday is special. It marks 100 years since “Gagya Day,” the holiday’s forerunner, was created in 1926, and 580 years since King Sejong proclaimed Hunminjeongeum, so special exhibitions and activities are popping up everywhere.
Instead of an amusement park, why not visit places that connect kids to Hangeul and King Sejong? Here are five, based on officially announced events and opening information.
1. Hangeul Day Activities at Yongsan Park Officers’ Housing Block 5
National Hangeul Museum’s “Hangeul Day Beside Us” is the first place to look at with kids.
The National Hangeul Museum’s main building is closed for construction, so don’t go there directly. The 2026 Hangeul Day event is held in Yongsan Park’s Officers’ Housing Block 5.
- Event: “Hangeul Day Beside Us,” 100th Hangeul Day education and activity event
- Dates: October 2–11, 2026 (closed October 6)
- Hours: 10:00–17:30
- Venue: Yongsan Park Officers’ Housing Block 5
- Fee: free, no reservation needed
- Parking: no dedicated parking
It’s packed with hands-on programs: learning about King Sejong, making Hangeul postcards and crafting lanterns shaped like traditional gat hats.
For elementary schoolers, it naturally explains why Hangeul Day exists. Walk-in participation is easy, but go in the morning on October 9 itself, when crowds peak.
2. National Museum of Korean Contemporary History in Gwanghwamun
The 100th Hangeul Day special exhibition “1926, Infinite 26.”
This is a must on a Hangeul Day trip. “Ilgu-iryuk” in the title refers to 1926, when the holiday began.
- Dates: October 2, 2026 – February 9, 2027
- Venue: 3rd-floor theme gallery
- Admission: free
- Hours: 10:00–18:00 (until 21:00 on Wednesdays and Saturdays); last entry 30 minutes before closing
- No dedicated parking
It shows when Hangeul Day began and how the alphabet carried through modern Korean history.
With kids, continue to the King Sejong statue in Gwanghwamun Square right outside.
3. Add “The Story of King Sejong” in Gwanghwamun
No need to move the car again.
Under the King Sejong statue is “The Story of King Sejong” exhibition hall, covering his life, the creation of Hangeul, science, art and defense in a kid-friendly way. “The Story of Admiral Yi Sun-sin” is right next door.
It’s open Tuesday–Sunday 10:00–18:30 (until 21:00 on Fridays); the Sejong exhibit closes at 18:00. Free admission.
A Hangeul Day Route in Gwanghwamun
National Museum of Korean Contemporary History → Gwanghwamun Square → King Sejong statue → The Story of King Sejong and Admiral Yi Sun-sin
This is the most efficient Hangeul Day learning trip for elementary schoolers, linking the holiday’s history with King Sejong’s story in one go.
4. National Museum of World Writing Systems, Incheon
The Hunmaengjeongeum 100th anniversary special exhibition.
If you’d like a Hangeul Day outing outside Seoul, try Songdo in Incheon. From October 7, the museum hosts “From Dots to the World: 100 Years of Hunmaengjeongeum” (until February 14, 2027).
Hunmaengjeongeum is Korea’s own braille system for the visually impaired. It’s a great way to explain to kids that writing should let everyone communicate — not just Hunminjeongeum.
General admission is free; hours are Tuesday–Sunday 10:00–18:00 (last entry 17:30), closed Mondays, January 1, and Seollal and Chuseok days.
With little ones, check the “Letter Land Playground” (ages 4–7, reservations required). Songdo Central Park is nearby for a walk afterward.
5. King Sejong’s Royal Tomb, Yeoju
A trip to meet the king who created Hangeul.
If you prefer history to festivals, visit Yeongneung, where King Sejong and Queen Soheon rest — the destination most directly tied to Hangeul Day.
It’s at 269-10 Yeongneung-ro, Sejongdaewang-myeon, Yeoju-si, Gyeonggi-do, reachable by bus from Sejongdaewangneung or Yeoju station. Adult admission is just 500 KRW.
Leave time for the King Sejong History and Culture Center, which covers Hangeul plus the rain gauge, astronomy, music and science of his reign.
It involves more walking than Seoul’s events but suits families who want an autumn outing with history.
Where to Go for Hangeul Day 2026?
- Hands-on activities: Yongsan Park, “Hangeul Day Beside Us”
- History learning for elementary schoolers: Contemporary History museum + Gwanghwamun Square + The Story of King Sejong
- Outing with preschoolers near Seoul: National Museum of World Writing Systems, Incheon
- Autumn outing plus history: King Sejong’s tomb, Yeoju
As the holiday’s 100th anniversary, 2026 is a year worth explaining to your kids why October 9 is Hangeul Day. My one-day pick: the special exhibition → King Sejong statue → The Story of King Sejong — short distances with a good mix of indoor and outdoor time.
Dates, programs and prices in this guide are as of the 2026 edition. Check the official website for next year’s schedule before you go.
More Family Trips on Yans World
- Traveling Together: The Beautiful Hyeonchungsa in All Four Seasons, Perfect for Visiting with Kids
- Children’s Day Seoul Tour: City Hall Plaza, Deoksugung Palace, Doldam Kong Banana Crepe, City Tour Bus
Schedules and prices can change, so check the Korea Tourism Organization (VISITKOREA) before you go.