KSI Auburn Hosts
the 2024 Korean Name & Design Contest

> Celebrating the 578th Hangeul Day, KSI Auburn presents the “2024 Korean Name & Design Contest”

> Participants from various ages and backgrounds exhibit their works under the theme “The Beauty of Hangeul”

From September 9 to 27, KSI Auburn hosted the 2024 Korean Name & Design Contest to commemorate the 578th Hangeul Day, celebrate King Sejong’s contributions, and raise awareness about the value of Hangeul. This year’s theme, “The Beauty of Hangeul,” invited participants to submit creative designs of their names written in Hangeul. The contest was divided into three categories: children, teenagers, and adults. Participants included not only learners from KSI Auburn but also individuals from diverse age groups and backgrounds. Each submission showcased the unique beauty of their names expressed through innovative Hangeul designs. The participants’ works have been on display at KSI Auburn since October 1, offering visitors an opportunity to appreciate the creativity and artistry of Hangeul.
 
 

On October 5, the awards ceremony for the contest provided participants with another opportunity to reflect on and express their thoughts about the Korean language through a special segment titled “My Favorite Korean Word.” One participant who chose the word “채움” (filling or fulfillment) shared, “The sound of the word, starting with ㅊ and ending with ㅁ, gives me the feeling of filling the world with love and happiness.” A photo booth was also set up at the awards ceremony, allowing participants to commemorate the event and take photos in celebration of the 2024 Korean Name & Design Contest. During the ceremony, certificates and prizes were awarded to the first, second, and third place winners in the adult and youth categories, while participation awards were presented to the winners in the children’s category.
 
 

The mother of Shin Rohan, who won second place in the youth category, expressed her gratitude, saying, “As children born and raised in the U.S., it is often challenging for them to find their identity as Koreans during their teenage years. This contest provided an opportunity for my children to discover their identity through the Korean language and their Korean names.” Choi Mi-na, the first-place winner in the adult category, shared, “Participating in this event with children allowed me to convey the image of Korean as a fun and exciting language, making it an even more rewarding experience.”

The event organizers—Professor Ellie Lee, and instructors Yun Ji-yeong, Son Gui-young, Lee Mi-young, and Daniel Kim—expressed their gratitude to all participants as they displayed each artwork and transformed the institute into an art gallery. This contest offered participants a meaningful chance to revisit the value of Hangeul, carry on its legacy, and deepen their love for and use of the Korean language.

Article by Lee Mi-young, correspondent at the KSI Auburn