THE KOREA SOCIETY

The Korea Society

Korean Language Resources 

Are you learning Korean? This page offers free Korean language resources open to the public to support your Korean learning journey. If you’d like to take your Korean learning to the next level, join our 2026 Fall Korean Language Online Classes!

Creation of Hangeul

Hangeul (한글) is the Korean writing system created under the leadership of King Sejong the Great during the Joseon Dynasty. It was designed to make reading and writing Korean more accessible to ordinary people.

Before Hangeul

Before Hangeul was created, Koreans primarily used Classical Chinese characters (Hanja) for writing. However, Chinese characters were difficult to learn and did not easily represent the sounds and grammatical structure of the Korean language.

As a result, many ordinary people had difficulty learning to read and write.

King Sejong and the Creation of Hangeul

King Sejong wanted to create a writing system that ordinary people could learn and use more easily.

A new writing system was completed around 1443, and King Sejong introduced it as Hunminjeongeum (훈민정음), meaning approximately “the proper sounds for the education of the people.(백성을 가르치는 바른 소리)”

The Proclamation of Hangeul

In 1446, the Hunminjeongeum Haerye was published. This important document explained the principles behind the new writing system and how the letters should be used.

For this reason, 1443 is generally associated with the creation of Hangeul, while 1446 marks its official promulgation and publication.

What Makes Hangeul Unique?

One of the most remarkable features of Hangeul is its systematic design. The shapes of several consonants were based on the shape or position of the speech organs used to pronounce them.

For example:

• ㄱ (g/k) reflects the shape of the tongue when making the sound.
• ㄴ (n) reflects the shape of the tongue touching the upper gum.
• ㅁ (m) represents the shape of the mouth.
• ㅅ (s) represents the shape of the teeth.
• ㅇ (ng/silent) represents the shape of the throat.

Korean vowels were also developed from a set of basic elements representing heaven, earth, and humanity.

Another distinctive feature is that letters are combined into syllable blocks rather than written simply in a linear sequence.

For example:

ㅎ + ㅏ + ㄴ → 한

Why Is Hangeul Important?

The creation of Hangeul was more than the creation of a new writing system. It was an important cultural and social development that made it easier for Koreans, including ordinary people who had previously had limited access to literacy, to read and write in their own language.

Today, Hangeul is the official writing system of the Korean language, and October 9 is celebrated as Hangeul Day (한글날) in South Korea to commemorate its creation and promulgation.

Before learning Korean Vowels and Consonants, please read the Romanization Guide.

About Romanization: Korean words may be written differently in English because several Romanization systems are used. Although the spellings may differ, the Korean pronunciation remains the same.
Examples:
김밥 → Kimbap / Gimbap
불고기 → Pulgogi / Bulgogi
태권도 → Taekwondo / Taegwondo

Korean Vowels 

Korean Consonants 

Double Consonants (Tense Consonants)

Note: These are called tense consonants because they are pronounced with greater tension in the speech muscles. They are not simply “double” versions of the basic consonants.

Basic Korean Greetings

Korean Romanization Charts: HERE 

Korean Language & Culture Quiz Answer 

These quizzes were originally shared on The Korea Society’s social media accounts. Try answering the questions yourself first, then check the answers and read the explanations to learn more. It’s a fun way to practice your Korean and build your knowledge of Korean language and culture!

Question 1: When you are at a restaurant, how do you order food?

a. Wait for them to come to you
b. Ring the table bell
c. Raise your hand

Question 2: If you need something, what do you say to get the waiter’s attention?

a. 안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo)
b. 어서 오세요 (eoseo oseyo)
c. 저기요 (jeogiyo)

Question 1: 아무래도 사랑인가 봐
Which translation is correct?

A. I want to fall in love.
B. I guess this is love.
C. Love is difficult.

Question 2: 나도 모르게 따라 웃는데
Which translation is correct?

A. I laugh because you told me to.
B. Without realizing it, I find myself smiling too.
C. I smile before you do.

Question 1: Do people talk on the phone while riding transit in Korea?

A. Yes! Talking on the phone is common and no one cares.
B. No. Most people avoid phone calls on transit.

Question 2: What can you say when you need to get past someone in a crowd?

A. 저기요 (jeogiyo)
B. 실례합니다 (sillyehamnida)
C. 안녕 (annyeong)

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