Korean Alphabet (Hangul) - A Beginner's Guide

Curtis -

Introduction:
The Korean alphabet, known as Hangul, is a unique and phonetic writing system developed during the 15th century under the reign of King Sejong the Great. Hangul consists of 14 consonants and 10 vowels, which are combined to form syllables. This lesson will provide a basic understanding of the Korean alphabet and its pronunciation.

Consonants:
a. Pronunciation:

  • ㄱ (giyeok): Pronounced like "g" as in "go".
  • ㄴ (nieun): Pronounced like "n" as in "no".
  • ㄷ (digeut): Pronounced like "d" as in "dog".
  • ㄹ (rieul): Pronounced like "r" as in "run".
  • ㅁ (mieum): Pronounced like "m" as in "mother".
  • ㅂ (bieup): Pronounced like "b" as in "boy".
  • ㅅ (siot): Pronounced like "s" as in "sun".
  • ㅇ (ieung): When it appears at the beginning of a syllable, it is silent. When it appears at the end, it takes on the sound of the following vowel.
  • ㅈ (jieut): Pronounced like "j" as in "jump".
  • ㅊ (chieut): Pronounced like "ch" as in "chair".
  • ㅋ (kieuk): Pronounced like "k" as in "key".
  • ㅌ (tieut): Pronounced like "t" as in "top".
  • ㅍ (pieup): Pronounced like "p" as in "park".
  • ㅎ (hieut): Pronounced like "h" as in "help".

Vowels:
a. Pronunciation:

  • ㅏ (a): Pronounced like "a" as in "father".
  • ㅓ (eo): Pronounced like "eo" as in "hello".
  • ㅗ (o): Pronounced like "o" as in "boat".
  • ㅜ (u): Pronounced like "u" as in "rule".
  • ㅡ (eu): Pronounced like "eu" as in "book".
  • ㅣ (i): Pronounced like "ee" as in "bee".
  • ㅐ (ae): Pronounced like "ae" as in "apple".
  • ㅔ (e): Pronounced like "e" as in "bed".
  • ㅚ (oe): Pronounced like "we" as in "wet".
  • ㅟ (wi): Pronounced like "wi" as in "witch".

Syllables:
a. Combining Consonants and Vowels:

  • Syllables are formed by combining consonants and vowels in a block-like structure.
  • For example: ㄱ + ㅏ = 가 (ga), ㄴ + ㅓ = 너 (neo).

Additional Characters:
a. Double Consonants:

  • Some consonants can be doubled to indicate a stronger pronunciation.
  • For example: ㄲ (gg), ㄸ (dd), ㅃ (bb).

b. Double Vowels:

  • Vowels can also be doubled to emphasize the sound.
  • For example: ㅏ + ㅏ = 아
  • (Continued)
  • Practice Words:
    a. Start with simple words that use the basic consonants and vowels you have learned.
  • 가 (ga) - meaning "family"
  • 노래 (norae) - meaning "song"
  • 사랑 (sarang) - meaning "love"
  • 물 (mul) - meaning "water"
  • 학교 (hakgyo) - meaning "school"

Reading Practice:
a. Read simple sentences to practice your pronunciation.

  • 가방이 빨갛아요. (Gabangi ppalgatayo.) - meaning "The bag is red."
  • 나는 한국 음식을 좋아해요. (Naneun hanguk eumsigeul johahaeyo.) - meaning "I like Korean food."
  • 저는 영화를 보러 갈 거예요. (Jeoneun yeonghwaleul boreo gal geoyeyo.) - meaning "I will go to watch a movie."

  • Congratulations on completing this introductory lesson on the Korean alphabet (Hangul). Remember to practice the pronunciation of the consonants and vowels regularly and gradually expand your vocabulary. With time and practice, you will become more comfortable with reading and pronouncing Korean words. Keep exploring the fascinating world of the Korean language!