The Portrait of Sejong

The biggest note in Korean currency is for 10,000 won. Some people call it Baechuip (cabbage leaf) because it has a green color. Baechuip is the main ingredient of Kimchi.

The portrait of Sejong, the great ruler of the Joseon era and the inventor of Hunminjeongeum (Korean Alphabet) is depicted on the front side.

He was a king respected by people from all generations in Korea because he invented our own language which we proudly use. Also, who wouldn’t like to have the biggest bill which he is on?
No realistic portraits of Sejong remain so his portrait has been drawn on the note by inference from old books that describe him. It could be anyone's portrait. The note mentions that he lived from 1397 to 1450.

Is he happy on the green leaf? It has been said that he wouldn’t eat if there is no meat in the meal. He wasn’t a vegetarian. In fact, I have never looked at his portrait carefully so far. While writing this article, I looked carefully this time. He appears to have a slight smile. I think that he enjoys green on the 10,000 won note.