King Sejong invented Hanguel in the 15th century. His goal wasn’t to inflict another language on his subjects. Rather, he created a 28-letter alphabet that was simple enough for even the lower class who didn’t attend school to learn. (Four letters were eventually dropped to its current 24-letter count.) Until then, most books and documents were written in classical Chinese, which was complicated and accessible primarily by the privileged upper class. He wanted everyone to be able to read, write and communicate in a common language. Knowledge would help equalize his people.