Current Status and Prospects of Hangeul Calligraphy since the 1990s

This study analyzed the characteristics of various fonts and creations that appeared in the modernization process of Hangul calligraphy for 30 years since the 1990s, and diagnosed the artistic status and prospects of modern Hangul calligraphy. When discussing Korean calligraphy differentiated from China and Japan in the East Asian Chinese culture, 'Hangul Calligraphy' can be cited. Hangeul is the only character that has distinct Korean characteristics, and has been narrated in various calligraphy and calligraphy over the hundreds of years since its creation in 1446. As Hangeul has been added to various aesthetic elements over the past 500 years, Hangul calligraphy has become artistic as well as the practicality of communication and lyrical expression. However, since Hangul had a stronger practicality centered on narrative that was formed over a long period of time, it was through school education and research and creative activities of calligraphers after liberation. Hangeul calligraphy in the mid-to-late 20th century was mainly composed of two mountain ranges: “Old Hangul typeface”, an artistic version of Hunminjeongeum, a font of the early days of creation, and “Gungche”, which was formed around the female writing history of the court. Then, after the 1990s, Hangeul calligraphy began to pursue diversity as it discovered the aesthetics of various calligraphy styles that were narrated by the four godfathers and the private sector for 500 years in the Joseon Dynasty. In other words, starting with reinterpreting it based on traditional techniques, the tendency to recognize Hangul calligraphy as an independent art through self-directed interpretation, unique font development, and pictorial formation has become clear and expand Hangul into literary art. Hangeul calligraphy in the 21st century stands out for its self-directed interpretation of classics, the development of its own typeface and formative language, the creation of unique and unconventional works, and the advancement of art in response to the emotional demands of the times. These modern Hangul calligraphy became the artistic birthplace of the recent popular trend of Hangul calligraphy design and provided an analog motif in terms of font development for visual design. The various potential artistry of Hangul calligraphy is developed as fonts, showing infinite development potential.