the korean alphabet

The Korean Alphabet

Hunminjeongeum is the original name of the Korean script now called Hangeul. It also refers to a historical document explaining its design. Two versions exist: Haerye-bon (in Classical Chinese) and Unhae-bon (in Hangeul).

King Sejong the Great officially introduced the alphabet in 1446, three years after inventing it in 1443. Originally there were 28 letters, but now 24 remain in modern usage — 14 consonants and 10 vowels.

Purpose and Philosophy

Hangeul was designed to be logical and easy to learn. Each letter mimics the shape of the mouth or tongue during pronunciation. King Sejong wanted everyone, not just the elite, to read and write.

Consonants and Vowels

14 consonants (자음, 닿소리)
10 vowels (모음, 홀소리)

The consonants are called ja-eum (자음) or 닿소리, meaning “touch sounds.” They need vowels to form syllables.

The vowels are mo-eum (모음) or 홀소리, meaning “stand-alone sounds.” They can form syllables independently.

For example: the consonant ㄱ needs the vowel ㅏ to make 가.

Structure and Design

The 14 consonants come from 5 root shapes: ㄱ, ㄴ, ㅁ, ㅅ, ㅇ. Additional strokes create stronger sounds.

The now-obsolete vowel ㆍ (A.Rae.A) once symbolized the universe. It was used to form compound vowels but was discontinued in 1933.

The current 10 basic vowels are: ㅏ, ㅑ, ㅓ, ㅕ, ㅗ, ㅛ, ㅜ, ㅠ, ㅡ, ㅣ.

Every Korean syllable must include at least one vowel.