About Oesol Museum:

Hyunbae Choi, The greatest Hangeul Scholar & researcher

The Oesol Memorial Hall, dedicated to scholar Choi Hyeon-bae, holds great value and symbolizes the spirit of his love for the Korean language in the city of Ulsan. It symbolizes the city's commitment to preserving and promoting the Korean language, fostering cultural pride, and serving as a center for education and cultural exchange. Choi Hyeon-bae was a renowned scholar who made significant contributions to the study and preservation of the Korean language, particularly Hangul, the Korean alphabet. His dedication to promoting the beauty and importance of Hangul has had a lasting impact on Korean culture and identity.

The establishment of the Oesol Memorial Hall in Ulsan signifies the city's recognition and appreciation of Choi Hyeon-bae's legacy. It serves as a place of remembrance and tribute, preserving his teachings and inspiring future generations to embrace the Korean language with pride and reverence.In honoring Choi Hyeon-bae's love for Hangul, Ulsan embraces its role as a guardian of Korean heritage and culture. The city recognizes the intrinsic value of the Korean language as a vessel of communication, cultural expression, and historical preservation.

By celebrating Choi Hyeon-bae's contributions, Ulsan sends a powerful message about the importance of language in shaping a collective identity. It highlights the significance of preserving and promoting one's native language, fostering a sense of pride, unity, and cultural continuity within the community. Furthermore, the Oesol Memorial Hall serves as a cultural and educational center, offering opportunities for visitors and residents to learn about the history, development, and significance of Hangul. It becomes a space for fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Korean language, strengthening the connection between the people of Ulsan and their cultural heritage.

Dr. Choi Hyeonbae oesol Birthplace Memorial (외솔 최현배선생 기념관)
https://www.junggu.ulsan.kr/oesol/

Byeongyeong 12-gil, 15,  Jung-gu, Ulsan, Korea
Phone: 052-290-4828

The Revolution of Letters 

The main points of scholar Choi Hyeon-bae's "The Revolution of Letters" can be summarized in English as follows:

Choi Hyeon-bae's "The Revolution of Letters" explores the transformative power of letters, specifically focusing on the Korean alphabet, Hangul. In his work, he highlights several key points:

Independence of Hangul: Choi emphasizes that Hangul is a uniquely Korean creation, distinct from Chinese characters, and therefore plays a crucial role in asserting Korea's cultural identity and independence. He argues that embracing Hangul as the primary script is vital for preserving the integrity of the Korean language.

Simplicity and Accessibility: Choi celebrates Hangul's simplicity and phonetic nature, which make it accessible to a broader population. He contends that the ease of learning and using Hangul empowers individuals to participate actively in society and encourages literacy among all segments of the population.

Democratisation of Knowledge: Choi asserts that Hangul's invention facilitated the democratization of knowledge by enabling ordinary people to read and write. This led to a more inclusive society, where information and ideas could be shared more widely, fostering intellectual growth and social progress.

Cultural Revitalization: Choi argues that the adoption and widespread use of Hangul breathed new life into Korean literature, language, and culture. By providing a medium for expressing the unique nuances and subtleties of the Korean language, Hangul played a pivotal role in preserving and promoting Korean cultural heritage.

Linguistic Evolution: Choi emphasizes that Hangul is not a static entity but a living script capable of evolving and adapting to the changing needs of the language. He encourages further research and exploration into Hangul's potential for innovation, such as its adaptability to technological advancements.

Overall, Choi Hyeon-bae's "The Revolution of Letters" advocates for the recognition and promotion of Hangul as an essential element of Korean cultural identity, asserting its significance in fostering independence, literacy, inclusivity, and cultural revitalization.