Before the invention of this alphabet, Koreans wrote using Hanja, Classical Chinese characters. However, literacy in these characters was largely limited to elite men. To promote literacy, the Korean alphabet was designed so that people with less education could learn to read and write. The Korean alphabet, originally composed of 28 letters, was designed so that the letters each represent a sound. Some consider it to be the most “scientific” alphabet in the world.

The Korean language is spoken by 72 million people on the Korean peninsula, and millions more around the world, including two million in China, and one million in the United States.

South Korea has become an important world player in industry and technology. South Korea’s soft power is also reflected in increased interest in the United States in Korean cultural phenomena such as K-dramas and K-pop videos, which attract billions of viewers. BTS, also known as the Bangtan Boys, is the best-selling Korean band of all-time, having sold over 20 million albums worldwide. Another recent example of the popularity of Korean cultural productions is the TV show “Squid Game,” a current runaway hit.

Interest in learning Korean has increased on campuses across the United States. Global Languages has offered Korean since fall 2016, with enrollments growing annually. Students in MIT Korean classes will celebrate Hangeul Day with a Korean Speech Contest and T-shirts Design Contest during class.

More information: MIT’s Korean Studies program
For information on internships and Global Teaching Labs through MISTI

MIT students are welcome to join the MIT Korean Cultural Association, which holds regular events. Email: kca-exec@mit.edu