Have you ever noticed that prominent personalities in Korean history are honoured in the classroom names at Sejong Korean Language School? Let’s examine these people’s biographies and their accomplishments in more detail below.
Let’s start by examining the individuals on the 34th floor: Kim Yu Shin, Jang Young Sil, Choe Yeong, and King Jeongjo. During the Joseon Dynasty, Jang Young Sil was a well-known technologist who is credited with creating important inventions including the water clock, which had a major positive impact on agriculture at the time. The late Joseon era’s 22nd king, King Jeongjo, pursued reform programmes meant to go beyond factional conflicts and promote national unity. Goryeo period commander, General Choe Yeong, was instrumental in keeping the country safe from foreign attack. Finally, during the Shilla Dynasty, Kim Yu Shin made a significant contribution to the unification of the Three Kingdoms.
Admiral Yi Sun-sin, King Sejong, King Gwanggeato, and King Taejo are located on the twelfth story. Goguryeo’s 19th monarch, King Gwanggeato, increased the kingdom’s borders to include Manchuria. The Joseon Dynasty was founded by King Taejo, who also built the groundwork for its administration. Renowned military strategist of the Joseon era Admiral Yi Sun-sin won several battles against the Japanese navy, most notably in the well-known Battle of Myeongnyang. Last but not least, the ₩10,000 banknote honours King Sejong, who is highly regarded by Koreans and is known for inventing the Korean alphabet Hangul.
The 10th floor houses Queen Seondeok, Shin Saimdang, Yulgok Yi I, and Toegye Yi Hwang. The first queen of Korea, Queen Seondeok, was the 27th monarch of the Silla Kingdom and is credited with founding the Cheomseongdae observatory. Renowned Joseon-era Confucian scholar Yulgok Yiyi was a revered advisor to kings and left behind a body of important writings. Renowned for her artistic and educational accomplishments, Shin Saimdang broke social conventions as a self-reliant woman during the Confucian era. She is on the ₩50,000 banknote as well. The ₩1,000 banknote honours Toegye Yi Hwang, a prominent Confucian scholar who made important contributions to the field and study of ethics.
These individuals, who have been immortalised in our classroom names, stand for the diverse and rich Korean history and culture that we examine and honour during our language studies. Join us for Korean lessons today if you want to learn more about the language and culture of Korea! Discover the wonders of Korea’s past while learning the language for a brighter future.
Written by: Ms Im Minju, April 2024