“From dots to the world,” an exhibition marking the centenary of Hunmaengjeongeum, the Korean Braille system, runs at the National Museum of World Writing Systems in Incheon until February 14, 2027. The free show features the original 1926 Braille chart, tactile models and a chance to write in Braille.
A century of Hunmaengjeongeum
Park Du-seong promulgated Hunmaengjeongeum on November 4, 1926; November 4, 2026 marks its centenary. Alongside the original Braille chart are drafts on the origins of Korean Braille and of Hunmaengjeongeum, showing corrections and pasted additions.
A 1954 letter in English Braille sent to Dr Boulter of the American Foundation for Overseas Blind records the system’s links with educators abroad.
Tactile models and audio guides
The exhibition is jointly organized by the host museum, the National Hangeul Museum and Songam Braille Library. Labels include Braille, key exhibits are reproduced as models that can be touched, and audio interpretation is available. Original objects cannot be handled; touching is limited to designated tactile exhibits.
Writing in Braille
In the fourth section, visitors can read Braille and tactile books and use a Braille chart to write their names. In the final space, a Braille slate and stylus let them leave comments.
Visitor information
The exhibition runs October 7, 2026–February 14, 2027 in the museum’s first-floor special exhibition gallery. Admission is free. Hours are 10 a.m.–6 p.m., with last entry at 5:30 p.m.
The museum closes on Mondays, January 1 and the days of Seollal and Chuseok. When a Monday is a public holiday, it opens that day and closes the next weekday. Address: 217 Central-ro, Incheon (Songdo-dong 24-8). Exhibition enquiries: 032-290-2031. The official exhibition and visitor pages below post any changes.
Reading a wayfinding sign with Korean text and Braille by touch. This archival image is dated December 20, 2013 according to EXIF; it does not show the 2026 exhibition or the 1926 Hunmaengjeongeum chart.
