Hangul Day 100th anniversary in Seoul: free events at Gwanghwamun (Oct 6–11, 2026)
Hangul Day turns 100. Gwanghwamun Square hosts three days of free shows and hands-on booths, an eve concert with ATHEART, and media art on the palace gate.
Photo: Seoul Tourism Organization (KOGL Type 1), via Wikimedia Commons
- When
- Oct 6–11, 2026 (Hangul Week runs Oct 6–17 nationwide)
- Where
- Gwanghwamun Square, Jongno-gu
- Subway
- Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5)
- Price
- Free
Day by day
- OCT 6–8Hangul festival on Gwanghwamun Square
Musical and traditional performances, calligraphy displays, a kids' Hangul playground and about 20 hands-on booths.
광화문광장Google Maps - OCT 8 · 7 PMHangul Day eve concert
100 lights for 100 years, then K-pop group ATHEART and indie band Broccoli, you too. Sejong Institute foreign students read 'The Meaning of Hangul'.
- OCT 8–11 · 8–11 PMMedia art on Gwanghwamun Gate
"Twenty-four, Universe": Hangul's consonants and vowels turn into constellations and nature scenes on the gate.
광화문Google Maps - OCT 9Hangul Day (public holiday)
Music and crafts on the square, like making Hangul hats and a graffiti wall.
- OCT 6–8Hangul design market at the National Hangeul Museum
Furniture, homeware and stationery designed with Hangul.
국립한글박물관Google Maps
Local tips
- Go after 8 PM on Oct 8–11 for the gate media art, then walk to Cheonggyecheon.
- Oct 9–11 is a long weekend; expect crowds around Gwanghwamun and Gyeongbokgung.
- The King Sejong statue on the square marks the king who created Hangul in the 1440s.
FAQ
What's happening for Hangul Day 2026 in Seoul?
Hangul Day turns 100 in 2026. Gwanghwamun Square hosts a free Hangul festival Oct 6–8, an eve concert on Oct 8 at 7 PM with ATHEART and Broccoli, you too, and media art on Gwanghwamun Gate Oct 8–11 from 8 to 11 PM.
Is it free?
Yes. The Gwanghwamun Square programs are free.
Is Hangul Day a public holiday?
Yes. October 9 is a public holiday in Korea. In 2026 it falls on a Friday, making Oct 9–11 a long weekend.
How do I get to Gwanghwamun Square?
Take Line 5 to Gwanghwamun Station; the square is right above the station.
Sources: Newspim (Oct 2, 2026) · Financial News (Oct 2, 2026) · ZDNet Korea (Oct 2, 2026)