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Visitors look at works of art on display at the “Let’s Meet New Seoul Typography” exhibition Feb. 25. The event is showing designs and artworks based on newly made calligraphic fonts symbolizing Seoul. The exhibition is being held at the Event Hall near Dongdaemun Culture and History Park through March 28. / Korea Times Photos by Shim Hyun-chul |
By Shim Hyun-chul
Staff Reporter
 Handwriting is as individual and unique as one's fingerprint. When a given penmanship adopts a consistent set of rules, a writing font is born. All letters have different typographic styles, and they can become a symbol depending on how they take shape.
Omnipresent advertisement billboards and storefront signs feature innumerable types of typefaces, each screaming out colorful designs to stand out more than the others. As much as designers pour in time and energy to create them, fonts play a critical role in delivering messages.
When one thinks of Seoul, landmarks and symbols such as the Han River, Mt. Namsan N Seoul Tower, Gwanghwamun and Gyeongbok Palace come to mind. The tourist signs always have a signpost providing maps and information, and the featured typography also become a symbol of the city.
Calligraphic fonts symbolizing Seoul include serif-type Hangang Type and Gothic-style Namsan Types.
A typography exhibition is underway at the event hall of Dongdaemun History and Cutlure Park, downtown Seoul. The event highlights font designs that could easily be overlooked, and draws attention to the aesthetic potentials of ``hangeul'' (Korean alphabet). A total of 12 artists are showcasing cushions, illustrations and other items bearing unique calligraphic styles.
The typefaces representing Seoul were developed by 10 designers over a course of nine months. The project was launched in 2008, aiming to boost the appeal and brand value of the city, and to honor hangeul, which is regarded as one of the most scientific writing systems.
Two fonts were developed for the purpose of integrating functional designs into everyday Seoul life, by adorning signs of public center, information posts, public organization uniforms and subway guides, among others.
Hangang Type and Namsan Type (for Windows and Mac) can be downloaded for free at Seoul City's Web site http://design.seoul.go.kr. The exhibition runs through March 28. Admission is open to everyone. Located near Dongdaemun Culture and History Park Station on subway lines 2, 4 and 5.
shim@koreatimes.co.kr
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