Why 15th May? The Legacy of King Sejong the Great
Teachers’ Day is celebrated on 15th May, the birthday of King Sejong the Great, the 15th‑century monarch who created Hangul, the Korean alphabet, and championed education, science, and welfare.
King Sejong is often called “the teacher of ten thousand generations”, making his birthday a symbolic choice for honouring educators. In 2023, the South Korean government officially designated 15th May as a national commemorative day for King Sejong, giving the date dual significance.
How Teachers’ Day Began
The origins of Teachers’ Day are surprisingly humble:
- In 1958, students in the Korean Junior Red Cross began visiting sick or retired teachers to show appreciation.
- The idea spread, and in 1963, it became an official observance known as the Day of Gratitude to Teachers.
- In 1965, the government moved the date to May 15 to align with King Sejong’s
- birthday.
This blend of grassroots student appreciation and national symbolism shaped the holiday into what it is today.
How South Koreans Celebrate Teachers’ Day
Carnations and Thank‑You Letters
Students traditionally give red carnations, handwritten letters, or small tokens of appreciation to teachers. Carnations symbolize respect and gratitude.
School Events
Schools often hold short ceremonies, sing the traditional Teachers’ Day song (“스승의 은혜”), or present small performances.
Visits from Former Students
It is common for graduates to return to their old schools to greet former teachers, a gesture reflecting Korea’s strong culture of lifelong respect.
Shortened School Day
Many schools finish early, often around noon, to give teachers a lighter schedule.
Modern Changes: The Anti‑Corruption Law
Gift‑giving used to be a major part of Teachers’ Day, sometimes even involving expensive gifts. This changed dramatically with the Kim Young‑ran Act (2016), which prohibits teachers from receiving gifts above a small monetary limit to prevent bribery and favouritism.
Today:
- Small gifts under 50,000 won may be allowed.
- Many teachers prefer simple letters or carnations.
- Some schools discourage gifts entirely.
This shift has made the holiday more symbolic and less material.
Cultural Meaning: Teachers as Moral Guides
In Korean tradition, teachers are not just instructors, they are moral mentors. Confucian values place teachers alongside parents and rulers in terms of respect.
A famous proverb says:
“Do not even step on your teacher’s shadow.”
This reflects the deep reverence historically given to educators.
Another traditional saying, “군사부일체 (gun‑sa‑bu‑il‑che)”, means “King, teacher, and father are one.”
These values continue to influence how Koreans view education and the people who provide it.
Teachers’ Day in Today’s Korea
While the emotional intensity of past celebrations has softened, Teachers’ Day remains a meaningful cultural moment. Modern observances focus on:
- Respect, not material gifts
- Reflection on the role of education
- Recognition of teachers’ contributions to society
Even with changing norms, 15h May continues to be a day when Koreans pause to honour the people who guide, mentor, and inspire them.
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