한글 옛 글자꼴의 발굴과 개발에 관한 연구 (2) -17-18세기 옛 문헌 글자꼴의 조형성과 타이포그래피를 중심으로-

Abstract

This study aims to explore the potential for developing old Hangul typefaces, particularly those found in the following Korean literature from the 17th and 18th century: Eonhaetaesanjibyo諺解胎産集要, Gwonnyeomyorok勸念要錄, Jinbeobeonhae陣法諺解 and Jeonseolingwagok奠說因果曲. The method used for this study was to collect a selection of letters from the above literature that are still used today, analyze their style and typographic expression and then experiment with the typefaces by employing digital technology. Findings revealed through this study's experimentation are as follows. Eonhaetaesanjibyo from 1608 exhibits the changes its typeface went through from being written with brushes, influenced by traits of the brush as a writing instrument. Gwonnyeomyorok from 1637 displays a unique style of typeface resembling the current multi-baseline layout of non-square frames. In Jinbeobeonhae from 1693, the brush strokes are evenly laid out and tilted, representing an original form of handwritten italic Hangul. The typeface featured in Jeonseolingwagok from 1796 shows excellent formativeness by bearing a mixture of the characteristics of today's Hangul typefaces Batang and Dotum. The selected texts also present typographic expressions of high readability and legibility through the unique, independent arrangement of Hangul in visual contrast with Chinese characters, or through arrangements purely consisting of Hangul. Subsequent digital experiments that ensued successfully demonstrated the potential for developing standardized, aesthetic old typefaces that retain their individual retro characteristics. As such, the significance of this study can be found in its provision of primary data on the diverse and ongoing historical transformation and a living treasure house of Hangul typefaces from the 17th and 18th century, which may also become fundamental research to be used in reinforcing the field of Hangul development in the information age.