Representation of Hangul in the work of contemporary artists in South Korea

This article examines the use of the Hangul image in the works of contemporary South Korean artists as a key element of South Korea’s cultural identity and self-definition. Created in the fifteenth century by King Sejong, Hangul has become an important symbol of the independence of Korean culture from Japanese culture and an element of Korean writing to facilitate literacy. In this way, Hangul played a key role in mass enlightenment by making knowledge accessible, connecting different segments of society, and serving as an important tool in the dissemination of culture and education. In today’s context of globalization and digitalization, artists are increasingly turning to the Korean alphabet, using it in their installations using digital technology and multimedia formats, allowing them not only to preserve cultural heritage but also to reinterpret it through the lens of the digital age. Through such works, Hangul acquires new forms of expression, becoming not just a writing, but also a significant visual and philosophical symbol. Examples of exhibitions and installations, such as those at the National Hangul Museum and the Gangseong Museum, demonstrate not only the significance of Hangul in preserving cultural heritage, but also its role as a bridge between tradition and innovation, confirming its relevance in contemporary society and its significance to Korean national identity. For example, an exhibition at the National Museum of Hangul (Seoul, 2017) focused on Hongminjonim, a treatise explaining the principles of the creation and use of the alphabet. Visual and sound elements created a unique space where the traditional Korean alphabet was perceived through a contemporary lens. Kang Ik Joon’s installation Gwanghwamun Ariran (2020), incorporating elements of digital technology, expresses political and cultural ideas, the pursuit of unity, and the preservation of memory. Kang Ik Joon through his installation “Hangul Wall” (2024) interprets the Korean alphabet into contemporary art without losing its meaning. Through the image of Hangul, the artists lay down a powerful visual image that does not leave their compatriot indifferent. In the context of globalization and technological change, Hangul retains its uniqueness as an important tool for expressing Korean identity and cultural memory. As a stimulus for creative processes, Hangul continues to inspire artists, creating a new space for self-expression.