The Winter Olympics reminds us of the value of learning a second language

Potentially related to Japanese, Korean first borrowed its writing system from Chinese characters. But King Sejong the Great introduced a new writing system in the 15th century. He wanted everybody to be able to read and write, which had been difficult when using Chinese characters.
The new writing system, Hangul, was an innovation Koreans are still proud of today. The document in which it was introduced, the Hunminjeongeum, is one of Korea’s most important historical documents; the date of its publication – October 9, 1446 – is now Hangul Day, a public holiday. More...