76.3% of the public was found to have been unaware that Teacher's Day is the day King Sejong was born. Although the government designated May 15 of last year as the national holiday 'King Sejong's Birthday,' public awareness remains low.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism conducted a survey on the thoughts of the public regarding King Sejong's birthday and achievements online from April 29 to May 5, with results announced on the 13th.
The survey asked questions such as 'Do you know the day King Sejong was born?', 'Who was the king that granted 130 days of maternity leave to female servants?', and 'Who was the king that implemented a large-scale public opinion survey regarding the tax system for farmland?'.
The survey results showed that 76.3% of the public did not know 'when King Sejong's Birthday is' or 'what the relationship between King Sejong's Birthday and Teacher's Day is.' The percentage of those who were aware of these facts was highest among those in their 60s at 31.5% and lowest among teens at 16.7%.
Teacher's Day was commemorated on May 26 as 'Teacher's Day' starting in 1964, but from 1965 onward, it was set as King Sejong's Birthday on May 15, with the meaning of aspiring to the true teachers of the nation led by teacher organizations.
Furthermore, 60.7% of the public was aware that King Sejong extended maternity leave for female servants to 130 days, and 58% recognized that King Sejong conducted a public opinion survey targeting over 170,000 citizens about the tax system for farmland at that time.
Minister Yoo In-chon noted, 'The policies of King Sejong, who granted 130 days of maternity leave to female servants and implemented large-scale public opinion surveys on the land tax system, all stemmed from a love for the people. Considering the circumstances at that time, it is truly admirable.' He added, 'I hope this survey will serve as an opportunity to further promote King Sejong's achievements and that May 15, 'King Sejong's Birthday,' will become a day for all citizens to celebrate and honor together.'