구한말 사자관(寫字官) 필체 기반의 폰트 디자인 -대한의원개원칙서(大韓醫院開院勅書)에서 한글재민1.0까지-

Abstract

Hangeul fonts are being developed in diverse ways as cultural products in the growing digital age. In 2019, the Korea Font Association reported that 21 out of 60 plus Seoul, Gyeong-gi area font foundries possess a total of 6,693 fonts. As trend-conscious consumption in the area of fonts has increased in recent years, the market has become saturated with a plethora of fonts in numerous styles. Yet research and development of restored and reinterpreted fonts based on old literature is insufficient. The historical restoration and digitizing of characters based on ancient books, in which a sufficient amount of Hangeul characters can be extracted are currently in the works. However there is close to no example of reinterpreted or historically restored font designs based on the excavation and research of royal archives such as edicts and diplomatic documents. This research recognizes the need to expand on the development of fonts based on the reinterpretation and historical restoration of Hangeul characters that appear in old literature. The purpose of this study lays in the re-examination of the aesthetic value, embedded in ancient typefaces from the late Chosun dynasty (end of the 19th century), and to further contribute to the revitalization of research in the area of heritage design. In order to carry on the legacy and heritage design of Hangeul as a cultural asset, this study uncovers and examines the old typeface of the Korean-Chinese mixed document, ‘Imperial Edict on the Inauguration of Daehan Hospital’ issued in 1908 by Emperor Sunjong. The method of this study is set on the reinterpretation of the characteristics found in the Hangeul typeface of the Imperial Edict and the making of ‘Hangeul Jaemin’ as a response to the usage of fonts in the current digital age. The entire process of producing the font based on the handwriting of the Sachaguan (寫字官) at that time is recorded in detail – from keen examination of the characters to the commercialization of Hangeul Jaemin through an exhibition and free online distribution. This study intends to lay the foundation for global recognition of our unique and beautiful culture through continuously uncovering heritage design assets that contain the wisdom and artistic sense of our ancestors.