The creation of the Hangul alphabet represented a significant advancement in Korean language and culture. Under the patronage of King Sejong the Great, the publication aimed to provide a simpler and more accessible means of communication for the Korean people. Prior to this, the elite primarily utilized Classical Chinese, which posed a barrier to the majority of the population. Sejong recognized the need for a more practical system that would allow everyone, regardless of their social status, to read and write. This initiative was also fueled by the desire to strengthen the national identity amid foreign influences.

The development process involved a team of scholars, who contributed to the design of the letters, which reflect the phonetics of spoken Korean. The new script was first known as ‘Hunminjeongeum,’ which translates to 'the correct sounds for the instruction of the people.' The publication included detailed information on the letters’ shapes and their corresponding sounds, making the system highly instructional. The Hangul alphabet consists of 14 basic consonants and 10 basic vowels, which can be combined to form syllables.

The dissemination of Hangul was initially met with resistance from the Confucian elite who favored the traditional use of Chinese characters. However, the practicality of Hangul gradually led to its acceptance, and it became the foundation for modern Korean writing. The introduction of this native script has had lasting effects on literacy rates in Korea and has been integral in the preservation and propagation of Korean culture and identity.