Read "The Land of Sejong" by Kim Jin-myung and win 30 million won ($22,411).
Marking the 580th anniversary of King Sejong's proclamation of the Korean script Hunminjeongeum and the 100th anniversary of Hangeul Day, a book report contest is being held to celebrate Hangeul's history.
Hosted by the King Sejong the Great Memorial Society and organized with support from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Ministry of Education, the Korean Language Society, and around 30 cultural organizations, the contest invites contestants to read the two-volume historical novel and submit a book report by Oct. 31.
"The Land of Sejong" by Kim Jin-myung explores King Sejong's efforts to transform Joseon through the creation of Hangeul, blending historical events with the author's imagination.
"Marking the 100th anniversary of Hangeul Day, I hope this serves as an opportunity for our people and students to read the book and cherish the significance of Hangeul — the world's most magnificent alphabet," said Kim In-hu, CEO of Eta Books.
Awards will be given across the separate divisions — general or university, elementary, middle and high school students. Around 600 winners will be selected in total, with top winners in each student category receiving awards from the Ministry of Education.
The top winner from the general or university students will receive 30 million won, followed by other award recipients. Top winners in the high and middle school divisions will receive 5 million won and 3 million won, respectively. Elementary school students will be rewarded with cultural gift cards, worth 1 million won for the top winner.
Thirty schools will be named "Outstanding Reading Schools" and receive 2 million won each in development funds.
Winners will be announced Nov. 21.
mjcha@heraldcorp.com