The China Character Museum in Anyang has sparked controversy after classifying Hangul as a minority script and presenting inaccurate information.
On the 10th, Seo Kyung-deok, a professor at Sungshin Women's University, said he confirmed the museum's problems after receiving tips from online users. During an inspection of the Hangul section in the museum's second-floor minority-ethnic exhibition, he found numerous errors.
The exhibit's title was incorrect. The museum labeled Hangul as 'Joseonmun' and translated it into English simply as 'Korean' rather than 'Korean alphabet.'
Basic facts about Hangul's creation were also inaccurate. The museum listed King Sejong's creation date as 'January 1444,' but Professor Seo said the correct date is 'December 1443.'
Professor Seo said the most serious problem is that the exhibit portrays Hangul as one of China's minority scripts. He criticized the display as part of a broader pattern, likening it to past Chinese claims that hanbok and kimchi are traditional Chinese culture based on the practices of ethnic Koreans.
He added that the museum's current exhibit appears intended to present even Hangul as Chinese culture, and he expressed deep concern.
China has faced international criticism for claiming Korea's Lunar New Year as the Chinese New Year and for asserting that elements of Korean food culture are uniquely Chinese.
Professor Seo urged a government response, saying national authorities should formally protest and demand corrections from the state-run China Character Museum.
