- Commemorative event to be held at Gyeongbokgung Palace on May 15 under the theme “Yeominrak: Sharing Joy with the World”

- Online pre-registration for participants opens May 11–13

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (Minister CHAE Hwi-young, MCST) will hold a commemorative event celebrating the 629th anniversary of the birth of King Sejong at 6:00 p.m. on May 15 (Friday) at the square in front of Heungnyemun Gate at Gyeongbokgung Palace. 

Under the theme “Yeominrak: Sharing Joy with the World,” the event will honor King Sejong’s devotion to the people and his cultural achievements, reflecting his deep care for all his people, extending even to those farthest from the center of power. It will also serve as a festive celebration for all to enjoy. Hosted by actor RYU Seung-ryong and attended by some 1,000 citizens, the event will feature a wide range of cultural programs. These include traditional arts performances by the National Gugak Center, such as “Daechwita” and “Yeominrak,” as well as dance performances that reinterpret tradition through a contemporary lens, including “Jeongdaeeop Ilmu” and “Polaris and the Twenty-Eight.” 

The Sejong Culture Award will also be presented to individuals and organizations that have contributed to the creative development of Korean culture across four fields: Korean Language & Hangeul; Cultural Arts & Humanities; Cultural Welfare & Diversity; and Cooperation in Cultural Exchange & Globalization.

In addition, on the afternoon of May 14, the day before King Sejong the Great’s Birth Commemoration Day, an event will be held in front of the Statue of King Sejong at Gwanghwamun Square. Citizens will be able to write birthday messages, which will be projected onto the ground as visual displays. At the square in front of Heungnyemun Gate at Gyeongbokgung Palace, a rich array of exhibitions and hands-on programs will run from 10:00 a.m. on May 15 until the commemorative event begins at 6:00 p.m. These programs will offer special memories for families through activities such as the “Hunminjeongeum Preface Rubbing Experience” and “Making Angbuilgu (Hemispherical Sundial).” The commemorative event is free and open to all. Online pre-registration will be available from May 11 to 13 through the official event Instagram account (@sejong_mcst) and the MCST website (www.mcst.go.kr).