The King’s Letters 2019

In the heart of the 15th century CE, Korea’s Sejong the Great yearned to revolutionize literacy among his people. At this time, the Joseon dynasty primarily used Chinese characters, creating a barrier for the average citizen to learn to read and write. Determined to change this, King Sejong embarked on a visionary quest to develop an accessible writing system that everyone could adopt. To accomplish this, he sought the help of a distinguished Buddhist monk, Shinmi, and his fellow monks, whose knowledge of Sanskrit and other phonetic languages bestowed upon them unique insights necessary for creating a new alphabet.

Sejong, a ruler deeply committed to his people’s welfare, made a bold promise: if the monks succeeded, he would build a Buddhist temple. Queen Soheon, secretly a devout Buddhist herself, welcomed the monks into the royal palace. Due to the tense political atmosphere—marked by conflicts between Buddhists and the dominant Confucian scholars—trust was fragile. To protect the monks and their secret work, they were disguised as court eunuchs, and everyone involved was sworn to secrecy. The project proved to be an immense challenge, not only because of the technical hurdles but also because it took a toll on Sejong’s health. The king suffered from diabetes, which caused him to lose sight in his right eye, and doctors advised him to avoid stress.

Seeking relief and privacy, Sejong moved to a mountain spa, where he received eye treatments while the monks continued their work in absolute secrecy. After arduous effort and perseverance, they finally completed the new script, now known as Hangul or Chosŏn’gŭl. Upon returning to the palace, Sejong eagerly presented the new writing system to his court. However, this achievement stirred political tensions—both the Buddhists and Confucians sought recognition for their roles in the creation of Hangul. The Buddhists expected the king to honor his promise, but the Confucian scholars, wary of losing their influence and eager to maintain good relations with China, pushed for control and credit. Ultimately, Sejong was pressured to favor the Confucians and ordered the monks to leave the court.

Heartbroken and grief-stricken, Queen Soheon tragically starved herself to death, a sacrifice made in hopes of reuniting her with her husband. Out of respect and love for her, Sejong chose to honor her final wish by recalling Shinmi and the monks to the palace. This act of reconciliation allowed for the construction of the promised Buddhist temple, and Shinmi led a solemn funeral for the late queen.

Throughout his reign, Sejong reflected on his legacy, knowing he had been king for thirty years and wishing to leave behind a lasting contribution. In a moment of introspection, Shinmi offered an allegorical reply, indicating that Sejong’s one book—the creation of Hangul—would have an enduring and profound impact on Korean society for generations to come.

This story isn’t just about linguistic innovation; it’s a tale of dedication, political intrigue, spiritual devotion, and personal sacrifice, illustrating how one man’s vision can change the course of history.