Tag: Korean Letters

  • Learn Hangul Alphabet

    Learn Hangul Alphabet

    Your First Step in Korean

    Learn the Hangul Alphabet. If you want to start learning Korean, the best place to begin is by learning the Hangul alphabet. Just like ABC in English, Hangul is the Korean “ABC” — a set of letters you can put together to form words. And the good news? You can learn Hangul faster than you think.

    What Is the Hangul Alphabet?

    Hangul is the Korean writing system created in the 15th century by King Sejong the Great. It was designed to be simple and logical so that everyone could learn to read.

    Indeed, the alphabet has:

    • 14 basic consonants
    • 10 basic vowels

    Altogether, these 24 letters form the foundation of Korean. When you add combinations and double letters, you get 40 unique sounds — enough to read any modern Korean word.

    Why Learn Hangul Alphabet First?

    Many beginners try to memorize words without learning Hangul, but that makes progress slower. So, once you know the alphabet:

    • You can sound out new words on your own
    • You’ll recognize common phrases in K-Dramas
    • You’ll avoid mistakes that come from using only Romanization

    Therefore, mastering Hangul makes everything else in Korean much easier.

    How to Learn Hangul Alphabet – Step by Step

    1. Start with consonants — easier to match to English sounds.
    2. Add vowels — practice with simple blocks.
    3. Combine them into syllables (like 안, 한, 국).
    4. Practice daily with short words and phrases.

    Take the Next Step

    You don’t need months to master Hangul. With the right system, you can learn the Korean alphabet in 90 minutes, and master most of the finer points with just a few days.

    👉 So make sure to check out our Hangul Essentials Course — a step-by-step mini-course that takes you through all 40 sounds quickly and clearly.

    Learning Korean starts with Hangul. Once you’ve mastered the alphabet, you’ll be ready for words, phrases, and real conversations.

    Ready for More?

    Of course, this is just the beginning. We’ve created a full list of 100+ K-Drama words and expressions, organized by category and matched with flashcards.

    So if you’ve ever wanted to understand what they’re really saying in your favorite scenes, this is the easiest way to start.

    🎯 Are You Over 50 or Struggling to Learn Korean?

    If you’re over 50 or just finding Korean harder than you expected, you’re not alone.

    We also offer free 1-on-1 strategy sessions for learners who want a clear, personal plan that actually works. Especially useful if traditional apps and videos haven’t helped.

    👉 Book Your Free Strategy Session Today

  • Korean ABC: A Beginner’s Guide to Hangul

    Korean ABC: A Beginner’s Guide to Hangul

    If you’re looking for the Korean ABC, you’re really searching for Hangul — the Korean alphabet. Just like A–B–C in English, Hangul is made up of individual letters that combine to form words. And the good news? It’s far simpler than you might think.

    What Is the Korean ABC?

    The “Korean ABC” refers to the Hangul jamo — the basic building blocks of Korean writing. There are:

    • 14 basic consonants
    • 10 basic vowels

    These 24 letters form the foundation of Korean reading and writing. But there’s more — when you add double consonants and combined vowels, you get a total of 40 sounds in modern Korean.

    Why Hangul Is Easier Than It Looks

    Unlike other Asian scripts that evolved over centuries, Hangul was designed in the 15th century by King Sejong the Great to be easy to learn. Each letter shape matches how your mouth moves when making the sound:

    • ㅁ (m) = closed lips
    • ㄴ (n) = tongue touching the roof of your mouth
    • ㄱ (g/k) = tongue blocking the back of the throat

    Following on from the consonants, vowels are based on three simple shapes:

    • A vertical line (human)
    • A horizontal line (earth)
    • A dot or short stroke (sun)

    How to Start Learning the Korean ABC

    1. Learn consonants first – they’re easier to match to English sounds.
    2. Add vowels – practice reading simple syllables.
    3. Combine letters into full syllable blocks.
    4. Practice with real words — try names or short phrases from K-Dramas.

    The Korean ABC is your first step toward understanding Korean language and culture. Master these 24 letters, and you’ll be able to read almost any Korean word — even if you don’t know its meaning yet.

    Master the 40 Hangul symbols, and you’ve unlocked the door to the entire language.

    Ready for More?

    Of course, this is just the beginning. We’ve created a full list of 100+ K-Drama words and expressions, organized by category and matched with flashcards.

    So if you’ve ever wanted to understand what they’re really saying in your favorite scenes, this is the easiest way to start.

    🎯 Are You Over 50 or Struggling to Learn Korean?

    If you’re over 50 or just finding Korean harder than you expected, you’re not alone.

    We also offer free 1-on-1 strategy sessions for learners who want a clear, personal plan that actually works. Especially useful if traditional apps and videos haven’t helped.

    👉 Book Your Free Strategy Session Today

  • Korean Hangul Symbols Aren’t Random

    Korean Hangul Symbols Aren’t Random

    Here’s How The Korean Hangul Symbols Were Designed

    If you’ve ever seen some Korean Hangul Symbols and thought, “What do these symbols mean?”, you’re not alone. To many new learners, the Korean alphabet looks like a series of circles, lines, and boxes—almost abstract. But those shapes aren’t random.

    That’s because they’re part of Hangul, Korea’s writing system, and they were designed with purpose.

    What Are Korean Hangul Symbols?

    The term “Korean Hangul symbols” usually refers to the individual letters, called jamo. These letters combine to form syllable blocks like 한 or 글.

    There are:

    14 basic consonants

    10 basic vowels

    Plus combined letters (like ㅘ or ㅢ), making a total of 40 modern sounds

    But what makes Hangul so unique is how King Sejong created these symbols.

    These Korean Hangul Symbols Didn’t Evolve – They Emerged Through Design

    Unlike many writing systems that developed over centuries, King Sejong the Great and a team of scholars invented Hangul in the 15th century by . So what was their goal? Create a writing system that was easy for everyday people to learn.

    That’s because each symbol was built around logic.

    Shapes That Match Sounds

    Now, here’s where it gets brilliant:

    Consonants reflect the shape your mouth makes.

    For example: ㅁ (m) represents a closed mouth

    ㄴ (n) shows the tongue touching the roof of your mouth

    ㄱ (g/k) mimics the tongue blocking the back of the throat

    Vowels are based on three elements:

    A dot (now a short stroke) = the sun

    A horizontal line = the earth

    A vertical line = the human

    So these shapes combine to form vowel sounds in a way that reflects harmony in the universe.

    So Why Does It Matter?

    Understanding the design of these Korean Hangul symbols makes learning faster. You stop seeing random shapes—and start seeing patterns. You see how form follows function.

    Hangul isn’t just beautiful. It’s smart.

    Ready to start reading Korean?

    Master the 40 Hangul symbols, and you’ve unlocked the door to the entire language.
    Ready for More?

    Of course, this is just the beginning. We’ve created a full list of 100+ K-Drama words and expressions, organized by category and matched with flashcards.

    So if you’ve ever wanted to understand what they’re really saying in your favorite scenes, this is the easiest way to start.

    🎯 Are You Over 50 or Struggling to Learn Korean?

    If you’re over 50 or just finding Korean harder than you expected, you’re not alone.

    We also offer free 1-on-1 strategy sessions for learners who want a clear, personal plan that actually works. Especially useful if traditional apps and videos haven’t helped.

    👉 Book Your Free Strategy Session Today

  • All Hangul Alphabet

    All Hangul Alphabet

    How Many Letters Are There – All Hangul Alphabet?

    If you’re just starting to learn Korean, one of the first questions you’ll ask about the all Hangul alphabet is: How many letters are in the Korean alphabet? The answer might surprise you.

    Koreans call their writing system Hangul. It’s known for being logical and learner-friendly. Unlike other East Asian scripts that require memorizing thousands of characters, Hangul is made up of a fixed set of letters called jamo.

    Before Hangul, Koreans used the same alphabet as China, but most Koreans could not read or write. King Sejong created Hangul so that everyone in his Kingdom could read and write Korean.

    So how many are there in total?

    The basic Hangul alphabet consists of 24 letters:

    • 14 consonants
    • 10 vowels

    All Hangul Alphabet – The Full Number

    These form the foundation of Korean reading and writing. But there’s more. When you include double consonants and combined vowels, you reach the complete set of 40 sounds. That’s why some learners refer to the “all Hangul alphabet” as having 40 elements.

    Here’s the full breakdown:

    • 14 basic consonants (like ㄱ, ㄴ, ㄷ)
    • 5 double consonants (like ㄲ, ㅃ)
    • 10 basic vowels (like ㅏ, ㅓ, ㅣ)
    • 11 combined vowels (like ㅘ, ㅢ)

    Each letter has a single, consistent sound—one letter, one sound. This makes Hangul a phonetic system, ideal for beginners.

    If you can recognize these 40 symbols, you can begin sounding out real Korean words—even if you don’t know what they mean yet. That’s why the “all Hangul alphabet” is such a powerful first step.

    Ready to get started? Learn the 24 basics first, then move on to combinations. You don’t need to memorize thousands of characters—just 40 clear sounds that unlock an entire language.

    How many have you mastered? Let us know in the comments below.

    Ready for More?

    Of course, this is just the beginning. We’ve created a full list of 100+ K-Drama words and expressions, organized by category and matched with flashcards.

    So if you’ve ever wanted to understand what they’re really saying in your favorite scenes, this is the easiest way to start.

    🎯 Are You Over 50 or Struggling to Learn Korean?

    If you’re over 50 or just finding Korean harder than you expected, you’re not alone.

    We also offer free 1-on-1 strategy sessions for learners who want a clear, personal plan that actually works. Especially useful if traditional apps and videos haven’t helped.

    👉 Book Your Free Strategy Session Today

  • Wae Hangul Style: How to Write Why In Korean

    Wae Hangul Style: How to Write Why In Korean

    You’ve probably heard this word in Korean dramas, so let’s learn how to write wae hangul style.

    The word 왜 (wae) means “why” in Korean. It’s simple, powerful, and shows up in emotional scenes where characters demand answers—angrily, sadly, or with deep confusion.

    Let’s break down what it means, how it’s used, and how to write it in Hangul.

    What Does Wae (왜) Mean?

    In plain terms, 왜 = why

    It’s used to ask questions, express frustration, or react to unexpected situations. For example, you’ll hear it:

    • When a character finds out a secret
    • During a breakup or confrontation
    • In casual everyday questions like “Why are you late?”

    How to Write Wae Hangul Style

    We write 왜 using two Hangul components:

    • ㅇ = placeholder consonant
    • ㅙ = compound vowel (a mix of ㅗ and ㅐ)

    So when you write 왜, you’re really writing a single-syllable block made up of:

    ㅇ + ㅙ

    It’s pronounced roughly like “weh”, with a short, crisp vowel.

    Common Phrases That Use 왜

    These are real, everyday expressions you’ll hear in dramas and daily conversation.

    KoreanRomanizationMeaning
    왜?wae?Why?
    왜 그래?wae geurae?What’s wrong?
    왜 이렇게 늦었어?wae ireoke neut-eosseo?Why are you so late?

    Notes:

    Line 2 – In English the phrase literally translate to: Why (are you) like that?

    Wae Hangul Pronunciation Tip

    Keep it light. Wae is quick and sharp—don’t drag the vowel out. Think of it as weh, not way.

    If you’re unsure, say “where” quickly, then cut off the ‘r’ sound. That’s close.

    Ready for More?

    Of course, this is just the beginning. We’ve created a full list of 100+ K-Drama words and expressions, organized by category and matched with flashcards.

    So if you’ve ever wanted to understand what they’re really saying in your favorite scenes, this is the easiest way to start.

    🎯 Are You Over 50 or Struggling to Learn Korean?

    If you’re over 50 or just finding Korean harder than you expected, you’re not alone.

    We also offer free 1-on-1 strategy sessions for learners who want a clear, personal plan that actually works. Especially useful if traditional apps and videos haven’t helped.

    👉 Book Your Free Strategy Session Today

  • King Sejong Hangul Connection

    King Sejong Hangul Connection

    For new learners, grasping The King Sejong Hangul Connection gives deeper meaning to each letter they study.

    A Brief History of the Korean Alphabet

    The Korean writing system, known as Hangul, is unique among world scripts. It didn’t gradually evolve, but rather it was intentionally created under the leadership of one man: King Sejong the Great.

    This connection between King Sejong and Hangul is central to understanding not just Korean history, but also why the language is so accessible for modern learners.

    Who Was King Sejong?

    King Sejong ruled during the 15th century (1397–1450) and history shows, he was one of Korea’s most respected monarchs. His reign was marked by reforms in law, science, agriculture—and most famously, language.

    Before Hangul, Korean writing relied on Classical Chinese characters, which were difficult for most commoners to learn, which meant literacy was largely limited to the elite.

    Why Did King Sejong Create Hangul?

    King Sejong believed that everyone—not just scholars—should be able to read and write. In 1443, he commissioned the creation of a phonetic alphabet that matched the sounds of spoken Korean. The result was Hunminjeongeum (“The Proper Sounds for the Instruction of the People”), which later became known simply as Hangul.

    “A wise man can learn it in a morning; a fool can learn it in ten days.”
    – Preface to Hunminjeongeum, 1446

    What Makes Hangul So Unique?

    • It’s phonetic because each character represents a sound, not a concept.
    • It’s logical. The shapes of the letters are based on the position of the tongue and mouth.
    • It’s efficient. You can learn to read basic Korean in a day or two.

    This is why many people refer to Sejong Hangul as one of the most learner-friendly writing systems in the world.

    Where Can You See The King Sejong Hangul Legacy Today?

    • The King Sejong Hangul Statue in Gwanghwamun Square, Seoul, honors his achievements.
    • Hangul Day is a national holiday in South Korea, celebrated every October 9th.
    • Textbooks, schools, and universities often refer to The King Sejong Hangul Connection when teaching the alphabet.
    • The historical K-Drama “Tree With Deep Roots” tells the story of how King Sejong fought to make Hangul the official alphabet of Korea, despite political resistance and threats to his rule.

    🎯 Are You Over 50 or Struggling to Learn Korean?

    If you’re over 50 or just finding Korean harder than you expected, you’re not alone.

    Grab your free guide with our 100 KDrama words and phrases here:

    We also offer free 1-on-1 strategy sessions for learners who want a clear, personal plan that actually works. Especially useful if traditional apps and videos haven’t helped.

    👉 Book Your Free Strategy Session Today

  • How to Write V in Korean Hangul (Even Though It Doesn’t Exist)

    How to Write V in Korean Hangul (Even Though It Doesn’t Exist)

    If you’re trying to write V in Korean Hangul, you’ll quickly hit a wall. Why? It’s because there’s no V sound in Hangul.

    But that doesn’t mean Koreans never say V-sounding words. They just adapt them using the closest sounds available in the Korean alphabet.

    Let’s break it down.

    Why You Can’t Write V in Korean Hangul

    Hangul, the Korean writing system, was created in the 15th century. It was designed to match the sounds of the Korean language—and Korean has no native “V” sound.

    That’s why even today, modern Korean learners have to work around the V using other sounds in the Hangul set.

    The Common Substitution: ㅂ (B Sound)

    When Korean speakers need to say a V word, they usually substitute it with the ㅂ sound, which is pronounced like a soft “B.”

    English Word Hangul Pronunciation

    Vanilla 바닐라 ba-nil-la
    Video 비디오 bi-di-o
    Voice 보이스 bo-i-seu

    As you can see, there’s no direct letter V. Instead, 바 (ba), 비 (bi), or 보 (bo) are used.

    It’s not a perfect match—but it’s close enough that Koreans understand the meaning instantly.

    If You’re Trying to Write V in Korean Hangul, How Can You Create a V Sound in Korean?

    Some speakers might try to pronounce V more accurately by forcing their bottom lip and top teeth together. But this is not natural in Korean speech patterns—and there’s no letter for it.

    Even if you force the V sound, you’ll still write it using ㅂ, because that’s the standard phonetic workaround.

    What This Means for Learners

    If you’re learning Korean and your name, nickname, or brand uses a V—don’t try to invent a new sound. Use ㅂ.

    Examples:

    • “Victoria” → 빅토리아 (Bik-to-ri-a)
    • “Television” → 텔레비전 (Tel-le-bi-jeon)

    🎯 Are You Over 50 or Struggling to Learn Korean?

    If you’re over 50 or just finding Korean harder than you expected, you’re not alone.

    Grab your free guide with our 100 KDrama words and phrases here:

    We also offer free 1-on-1 strategy sessions for learners who want a clear, personal plan that actually works. Especially useful if traditional apps and videos haven’t helped.

    👉 Book Your Free Strategy Session Today

  • How to Write A in Korean Hangul — A Beginner’s Guide to the Korean Vowel ㅏ

    How to Write A in Korean Hangul — A Beginner’s Guide to the Korean Vowel ㅏ

    If you’re just starting your journey into the Korean language, you might wonder how to write letter “A” in Korean Hangul.

    That’s because the Korean alphabet — known as Hangul — doesn’t use Roman letters, so even simple sounds like “A” have their own unique characters. But don’t worry — it’s easier than you think.

    What Is A in Korean Hangul?

    In Korean, the closest equivalent to the English sound “A” as in “father” is the vowel: ㅏ
    It’s pronounced like “ah” — open and relaxed.

    This is one of the basic Korean vowels and a perfect place to start if you’re learning Hangul.

    How to Write A In Korean Hangul

    ㅏ is written in two strokes:

    1. Draw a vertical line from top to bottom.
    2. Then draw a short horizontal line to the right, starting from the middle of the vertical line.

    Here’s a visual tip:
    It almost looks like a simple flag post!

    Bonus: What Words Use ㅏ?

    Here are a few Korean words that include ㅏ:

    • 아빠 (appa) – dad
    • 사랑 (sarang) – love
    • 바나나 (banana) – banana

    You’ll find ㅏ all over Korean vocabulary!

    Learning Tip

    ㅏ is one of 10 basic Korean vowels, so learning how to write A in Korean Hangul will put you on the right path to learning Korean.

    If you learn just these, you’ll unlock a huge portion of written Korean. It’s the foundation of learning to read and write fluently.

    🎯 Are You Over 50 or Struggling to Learn Korean?

    If you’re over 50 or just finding Korean harder than you expected, you’re not alone.

    Grab your free guide with our 100 KDrama words and phrases here:

    We also offer free 1-on-1 strategy sessions for learners who want a clear, personal plan that actually works. Especially useful if traditional apps and videos haven’t helped.

    👉 Book Your Free Strategy Session Today