'The correct sound for teaching the blind.' This is the meaning of 'Hoonmaengjeongeum,' the Korean Braille system created by Park Du-sung (1888–1963). During the Japanese colonial period, visually impaired individuals struggled to learn due to reliance on Japanese Braille. In response, Park and his students developed a system that represents the initial, medial, and final sounds of Korean using six dots. Hoonmaengjeongeum was introduced to the world on November 4, 1926, coinciding with the 480th anniversary of the proclamation of Hangeul, and this year marks its 100th anniversary.
To commemorate this milestone, the National Museum of World Writing, the National Hangeul Museum, and the Songam Braille Library will host a special exhibition titled 'From Dots to the World: 100 Years of Hoonmaengjeongeum' starting on the 7th.
The exhibition will showcase 65 items from 50 collections held by domestic and international institutions, including the National Hangeul Museum, Songam Braille Library, National Central Library, Daegu University Central Museum, the National Library of France, the National Institute for the Education of Visually Impaired Youth in France, and the Valentin Hauy Association. Among these, 11 items designated as national registered cultural heritage will also be displayed.
One of the highlights is the 1926 Braille chart for Hoonmaengjeongeum. Unlike the previously used four-dot system, it combines six dots and distinguishes between initial, medial, and final sounds according to the principles of Hangeul. Frequently used characters were abbreviated for easier reading and writing. The consonant and vowel system established at that time is still in use today.
Park Du-sung, along with his students, organized the 'Yukhwasa' to promote Braille literacy. They implemented a 'correspondence education' program, sending Braille educational materials and recording tools by mail for families to study together. They encouraged Braille use by suggesting, 'Let’s write letters in Braille. Let’s teach each other if we encounter someone who doesn’t know.'
Documentation of this process includes a 'journal' written by Park from 1926 to 1949, where he recorded activities related to visually impaired individuals, such as correspondence education and Braille book production. This journal provides insight into the creation and dissemination of Hoonmaengjeongeum.
The exhibition will also feature the original draft of 'The Origin of Hoonmaengjeongeum' (1946), a manuscript written by Park to explain the principles and content of Korean Braille. It covers not only Korean Braille but also symbols for mathematics, chemistry, music, and foreign languages. The 'Korean Braille Manual' written in 1946 details the principles and usage of Korean Braille, supplemented with illustrations for parts that are difficult to explain with text alone.
Another significant item is the Braille magazine 'Chokbul,' published around 1949. It was released weekly to inform visually impaired individuals about major news, including the funeral of Kim Gu. During a time when paper was scarce, it was printed using recycled paper, leaving evidence of the printing being bound upside down.
Additionally, a document titled 'To Those Who Cannot See and Their Friends,' created in the 1940s, includes the phrase, 'A skilled carpenter does not discard damaged wood.' This material was produced by the Korean Blind Business Association to raise awareness about the need for education for visually impaired individuals and the purpose of establishing the organization.
The exhibition space is designed for both visually impaired and sighted visitors. All explanatory texts are provided in Braille, and key materials are available as tactile models. Audio guides will also be available. Visitors can read Braille books and tactile books, and experience writing their names in Braille using a Braille chart.
Kim Myung-in, director of the National Museum of World Writing, stated, 'This exhibition is not only a celebration of the 100th anniversary of Hoonmaengjeongeum's creation but also aims to raise awareness about the issues faced by individuals with disabilities and minorities who still do not enjoy their rights as citizens.' He added, 'We hope this serves as an opportunity to highlight the issues of marginalized groups in our society.'
The exhibition will run until February 14, 2027, at the National Museum of World Writing's special exhibition hall. Admission is free.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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