Maruzi is a recently coined Korean word (officially
recognized in 2009) meaning landmark in English. The areas surrounding Sejong-ro
are the ideal place for such a cultural tourism hub as many Hangeul-related
legacies are located here, such as the birth place of King Sejong, the house of
Korean linguist Ju Si-kyung and the headquarters of the Korean Language
Society.
In the Hangeul Maruzi, Seoul City plans to offer diverse
Hangeul-related facilities and cultural products, such as a park and streets,
guest rooms, Hangeul classes and brush-writing events. In addition, other
cultural content will be supported and Hangeul-related international conferences
are planned.
Before its construction heads in to full-swing, Seoul City
will first build the “Hangeul 11,172 Garden” on 8,868 square meters of land in
Sejongno Park, near the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, by the first half
of this year. The 11,172 refers to the total number of letters that can be made
by using the 24 consonants and vowels of Hangeul. These letters will be carved
by 11,172 people on individual stones, which will then be laid on the garden’s
floor.
By the end of July, Seoul City will develop and provide a one-hour
Hangeul-reading program through which people can learn to read Korean. It also
plans to expand its existing programs located in Gwanghwamun in which foreigners
can have their family mottos and Korean names written in brush. The city will
frame the brush-written names at cheap prices.
* Government press release
(January 17)
[Source : Korea.net]