Culture Identity

Humans express their culture and thought through their language. Therefore, we can say that language is one of the most representative things to show their cultural identity.
 Historically, Korea did not have our own language. We borrowed chinese letters and it had a big effect on traditional Korean culture. However, Chinese letters were very difficult to learn and use for lower class people. Therefore, reading and writing chinese letters was a symbol of high class group and it meant their special power at that time. Accordingly, King SEJONG invented our own language called as "Hangul".
This was totally different from Chinese letter which is hieroglyphics and Korean language was a phonogram the same as English. That meant that ordinary people who hasn't studied for a long time could  learn and use very easily and quickly. Finally, the "Hangul" has been our own official language since then and we are still using it.
 In conclusion, I think "Hangul" is the most representative icon to express the cultural identity of Korea.