Exhibition

Hangeul Cultural Products:

The Korean Script as a Source of Design

26.09. – 12.12.2025

Can Hangeul be turned into a product?

The exhibition Hangeul Cultural Products, presented by the Korea Kulturzentrum, begins with this very question. Going beyond its function as a writing system, the exhibition explores how the visual structure and philosophical principles of Hangeul can intersect with contemporary design. Designers from various fields in Korea have come together to examine this idea, using their native script as both inspiration and medium. The result is a series of design experiments that reveal the cultural and aesthetic potential of Hangeul.

Hangeul was created in 1443 by King Sejong the Great of the Joseon Dynasty(1392–1910) for the Korean people. Designed to be logical and scientific, it was intended to be easy for everyone to learn. The consonants were modeled after the shapes of the speech organs, while the vowels are composed of dots and lines symbolizing heaven (ㆍ), earth (ㅡ), and humanity (ㅣ). Each character thus embodies both philosophical meaning and visual order. Unlike English or German, Hangeul syllables are not written in a simple horizontal line but are arranged within square-shaped “blocks”, creating a visually distinctive modular structure. This characteristic demonstrates Hangeul’s potential as more than just a writing system—it becomes a design element in its own right.

Jointly organized by the Korea Kulturzentrum and the National Hangeul Museum, and held in cooperation with the Vienna Design Week, this exhibition introduces audiences in Austria to the ways in which the uniquely creative script Hangeul can be transformed into a new aesthetic language through product design.

Featuring the works of 35 designers and design collectives, the exhibition presents approximately 40 design pieces—ranging from household items and board games to stationery, toys, jewelry, and fashion. Each work draws inspiration from the structural and conceptual elements of Hangeul.

We would like to invite you to discover the visual and creative potential of Hangeul as it comes to life in everyday objects at the exhibition Hangeul-based design products.

Free admission

Opening:

29 September 2025, 5:00 PM

Korea Kulturzentrum (Kärntner Str. 43, 1010 Wien, Entrance: Krugerstr. 1)

*No registration required.