76% of the Public Does Not Know the Day of King Sejong's Birth

Recent research indicates that the majority of the public is unaware of 'King Sejong's Birthday'.

According to a survey conducted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korean Language and Culture Association, about 8 out of 10 people only recognize May 15 as Teacher's Day.

This survey was conducted for the first time since the day was designated as a national commemorative day last year, in anticipation of the upcoming 'King Sejong's Birthday'. A total of 1,077 respondents participated, proportionately distributed by gender, age, and region.

The survey revealed that the main demographic aware of May 15 as 'King Sejong's Birthday' is primarily individuals in their 60s, with an awareness rate of 31.5%.

In contrast, the age group of teenagers recorded the lowest awareness rate at 16.7%. This finding corresponds with the overall public recognition of King Sejong's achievements. Notably, 58% of respondents were aware of the first public opinion poll conducted by King Sejong, which took place in 1430, when he surveyed the people nationwide regarding their thoughts on the tax system for fields and rice paddies.

The origin of Teacher's Day, according to the National Archives of Korea, began in 1958 as a volunteer activity to care for a sick teacher at a girls' high school in Chungcheongnam-do.

Subsequently, in 1964, it was celebrated as 'Teacher's Day', and later, it was designated as 'King Sejong's Birthday' on May 15 by teacher organizations.

Image source: Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, News1