PHOTOS: Remembering King Sejong the Great

SEOUL, May 16 (AJP) - King Sejong the Great, the fourth monarch of the Joseon Dynasty, whose reign saw the creation of Hangeul, the nation’s indigenous alphabet, and significant advancements across economic, social, cultural, and military spheres, was honored on Thursday in the first national commemoration of his birthday.

May 15 was designated a national commemorative day last November.

King Sejong is widely revered by South Koreans today, often mentioned alongside the famed Admiral Yi Sun-sin as one of the country's most esteemed historical figures.

The government marked the occasion with a ceremony held at Gyeongbokgung Palace. The event featured performances, exhibitions, and interactive displays intended to highlight King Sejong’s enduring legacy and pay tribute to his guiding principles of public welfare, independence and pragmatism.

세종재왕 — A newly commissioned portrait of a young King Sejong the Great is unveiled during a ceremony at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul on May 9. The portrait is the result of a year-long effort to depict him in his younger years. Yonhap

A newly commissioned portrait of a young King Sejong the Great is unveiled during a ceremony at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul on May 9. The portrait is the result of a year-long effort to depict him in his younger years. Yonhap

Kim Ju-won, head of the Hangul Society, offers flowers during a birthday celebration held in front of the statue of King Sejong the Great at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul on May 14. Yonhap

A performance takes place during a birthday celebration held in front of the statue of King Sejong the Great at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul on May 14. Yonhap

Attendees pose for a commemorative photo in front of Heungnyemun Gate at Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul on May 5 during a ceremony marking King Sejong's birthday. Courtesy of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism

The tomb of King Sejong the Great in Yeoju, Gyeonggi Province/ Courtesy of the Royal Tombs and Palaces Division

Cho Bo-hee jobo@ajupress.com

PHOTOS: Remembering King Sejong the Great

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