Ancient Hangul Metal Blocks (Yeonju metal blocks)
Small metal blocks were discovered in pots alongside other artifacts by the Sudo Research Institute of Cultural Heritage. These metal blocks were estimated to have been from the Joseon Dynasty (approximately 15th and 16th century) and totaled in 1,600 pieces.
What were these metal blocks you may ask?
Well, these metal blocks had been engraved with a written script on them. This written text is seemingly reminiscent of today’s hangul characters, alongside Chinese characters as well.
This is a very important discovery as it is a groundbreaking representation Korean written language that is still prevalently used today.
The time period in which these blocks were believed to be from was when King Sejong had reigned. King Sejong had made one of the most important historical changes that would advance Korean language and culture. This important change was the Korean phonetic system for written language.
Why was this change so important you may ask?
To answer this question, it is important to look to what previous system of written language was used during the Joseon dynasty and ones preceding even that.
Given the history of Korea, China had major influence in Korea as in the past, they had invaded and colonized the country (3rd and 4th century). And because of this, they introduced the writing system of Hanja, a tradition writing system that consists of Chinese Characters. Hanja would provide the ability for the Chinese to exchange, trade and communicate with Koreans.
However, Korea still had their own people as their rulers. And if not for King Sejong, the creator of the Hangul writing system, Hanja (Chinese characters) would still be used today.
Chinese Characters are known to be more difficult to learn given its complexity, but also the vast number of characters that exist which is just over 50,000. Even though 2,000-8,000 characters may be enough to be able to understand most written text, it can still prove to be a difficult task for many people. And it can be especially difficult and even virtually impossible to those who were poor, lacked resources (books), or not as privileged to receive the education necessary to be able to read and write.
The hangul alphabet on the other hand which is what is used today, is much simpler and easier to learn and understand. Each of the symbols represent and reflect the shape of how a certain sound would look when using your mouth to produce that sound. This makes the alphabet purposely consistent with speech and is believed to be what King Sejong had in mind with its creation.
Now, everyone regardless of social or economic status would now have the ability to read and write, which would influence aspects of Korean culture, government, and society on forward.
The discovery of these Yeonju metal blocks that were found prove to be a reminder of the revolutionary and historic change that Hangul made to Korea’s future progression. And it shows how Korea’s writing language became what it is today.
Metal type blocks from King Sejong’s reign discovered (koreaherald.com)
Ancient hangul type among treasure trove of buried relics (joins.com)
Comments
Hi Justina~
I knew about the history about King Sejong and Hangeul, but I didn’t know about the ancient Yeonju metal blocks! They are a lot smaller than I thought and I’m curious about the manufacturing process since it’s estimated to be from the 15th century. Also very cool that both Hangeul and Chinese characters were engraved.