POLL: Koreans Want Alphabet Day Off

BUSAN, South Korea - From 1945 until 1991, Hangul Day (recall that hangul is the Korean alphabet, created by King Sejong in the 15th century) was a working holiday – October 9 to the ROK meant no school, no banks, just linguistic and perhaps even lexicographical parties all day long. But in 1991, under pressure from major companies to increase working days, the government renounced the holiday of its official status, and it now rests as a minor government press release accompanied by a relatively insignificant park parade.

But according to a nationwide poll conducted in mid-April, 84% of Korean citizens want Hangul Day to return to its former glory and, importantly, they want another day off. No word yet on whether the numbers will have any tangible effect, but the fact that the numbers are 8% higher than the same poll taken last year is telling.

< Groundbreaking of International Cruise Terminal at Busan North Port < Read More > Football - Korea Easily Defeats Lebanon in WC Qualifiers >