구한말 사자관(寫字官) 필체 기반의 폰트 디자인(2) -KS X 1001 한자 4,888자를 포함한 한글재민2.0-

Abstract

Hangeul, being Korea’s key tool of communication, is expressed in a wide range of styles through Hangeul fonts, suiting today’s digital environment. For a Hangeul font to be completed, the set must show consistency in style not only in the Hangeul characters but also in and through the Latin alphabet, Roman numerals and special characters. Most existing fonts carry out this rule of thumb for the mentioned categories, but Hanja (Chinese) characters are seldom included in the set. This is due to the massive amount of characters and the strenuous time required to design and develop. A large percentage of the Korean vocabulary takes root in Hanja characters. Therefore it is needless to say that there are times when it is necessary to mix or present side by side, Hangeul and Hanja characters for better understanding and accurate conveyance of meaning. This becomes especially necessary when describing proper nouns and homonyms such as ancient quotes, name of places, and official names. When these instances occur it is difficult to find existing Hanja fonts that stylistically harmonize with Hangeul fonts with unique characteristics. Accordingly, this study uncovers the process of implementing 4,888 additional Hanja characters that stylistically correspond to the Hangeul characters of ‘Hangeul Jaemin’ font, which is a reinterpretation of the characters shown in the ‘Imperial Edict on the Inauguration of Daehan Hospital’ issued by Emperor Sunjong. The purpose of this study lies in the reinterpretation of Hangeul and Hanja characters embodied in ‘Sachaguan’ handwriting, for use in the modern era. From the unification of Hanja characteristics to the completion of 4,888 Hanja characters, the process is recorded in detail. The making of Hangeul Jaemin 2.0 marks a milestone in that it is the first time Hanja characters have been added to a display font. This study takes an experimental approach to font design in order to resurface ancient documents in the digital environment. Besides the Imperial Edict, there is a sea of ancient documents that have yet to be discovered anew. It is the researcher’s hope that through this study, more creative attempts will be made not only in the rediscovery and reinterpretation of Korea’s legacy, Hangeul, but also in various territories of characters.