JuHyeon Ma, a third-year graphic design student, has created a unique publication titled The Script, exploring the history and cultural significance of Hangeul, the Korean writing system. Rooted in a deep appreciation for her heritage, the book aims to introduce Hangeul to a global audience, particularly readers outside Korea, highlighting its scientific principles, historical evolution, and cultural impact.
JuHeyon's designer journey
JuHyeon’s passion for graphic design began at a young age, inspired by her sister’s friend who introduced her to Photoshop. Her love for album design, particularly in the K-pop industry, fueled her creative ambitions. Now, as a student exploring diverse fields like UX, UI, and publication design, she is still defining her style and interests.
Inspiration for the book
Having lived her entire life in Korea before moving to Rotterdam for her studies, JuHyeon experienced a shift in perspective. While Hangeul was an everyday part of her life in Korea, she realized how little it was understood or discussed internationally. Motivated by the scarcity of English-language materials about Hangeul, JuHyeon set out to create a book that could educate and captivate a non-Korean audience.Hangeul is one of the few writing systems in the world with a documented origin and a known creator King Sejong the Great. Designed in the 15th century, it is celebrated for its scientific design and accessibility, yet it remains relatively unknown outside Korea. JuHyeon’s goal is to change that by sharing its intellectual depth and graphic beauty.
Design process
The Script began as a school project during an immersive narrative and publication course. JuHyeon chose Hangeul as her subject, weaving together its historical context, the challenges of colonization, and its typographic development. She paid meticulous attention to detail, ensuring the book not only conveyed accurate information but also provided a visually engaging reading experience. One of the most striking aspects of the book is its design, inspired by historical references. JuHyeon mirrored the format and binding methods of an original Hangeul publication from the time of its creation, aiming to preserve the spirit of its inventor, King Sejong. Creating the book posed unique challenges for JuHyeon as a non-native English speaker. From mastering the nuances of punctuation and margins to ensuring clarity for an international audience, the project pushed her to develop her skills in both content and design. She emphasized making the book accessible and enjoyable, allowing readers to focus on its narrative without distraction.
Beyond the classroom
Though The Script originated as a school project, JuHyeon has plans to take it further. Her vision is to commercialize the book for markets in the U.S. and Europe, sharing the story of Hangeul with a broader audience. JuHyeon hopes the book will spark curiosity and appreciation for Hangeul, not only as a Korean cultural artifact but as a universal example of thoughtful and inclusive design. With growing interest in Korean culture worldwide, she sees The Script as an opportunity to contribute to this cultural exchange, bridging her identity as a Korean designer with her experiences abroad. With The Script, JuHyeon combines her skills in conceptualization and visual storytelling, creating a project that is both personal and globally relevant. As she moves forward, she seeks funding to produce and distribute the book, overcoming the challenges of material costs and production to bring her vision to life.
By introducing Hangeul to new audiences, JuHyeon Ma’s The Script stands as a testament to the power of design to connect cultures and celebrate shared knowledge. Do you want to see more of her work? Check out her Instagram page.
