Learning a new language is always exciting. Today we will talk about the Korean Language, one of the most popular languages across the world in recent times. There are 78 Million people worldwide who speak the Korean Language. In this blog, we will discuss the ways to learn the Korean alphabet easily and effectively.
Korean Language:
There are two types of Korean Language- The South Dialect(used in South Korea) and the North Dialect(used in North Korea).
The Alphabet System of the Korean Language is known as Hangul (한글). The official writing of South Korea is also called Hangul, and the official writing of North Korea is called Joseongeul(조선글).
The Korean writing system was created by King Sejong the Great.
Hangul:
Hangul is also pronounced as ‘Hangeul’. Hangul consists of two words, ‘Han’ and ‘Gul’. ‘Han’ means ‘Korean’ and ‘Gul’ means ‘Letter’; therefore ‘Hangul’ means ‘Korean Letter’.
The Word Hangul originated from the Chinese.
Origin of Korean Language- ‘Hangul’:-
Before the invention of Hangul, Koreans used the Chinese language.
However, King Sejong the Great wanted to create a word which would be much easier to pronounce. In 1443, King Sejong the Great created the first word of Hangul.
With this new word, many other double consonants and complex vowels were created. This new language was named ‘Hangul’ and was used by people of all classes.
In earlier times, Korean texts were written from right to left, just like ancient Chinese. However, with time it changed, and now it is written from left to right.
At first, there were 28 letters in the Korean language, but with time 4 letters were lost, and now there are only 24 letters in the Korean language.
Why learn the Korean alphabet?
Why learn Hangul? Let’s find out. South Korea is one of the growing and most developing economies in Asia and the world. Learning the Korean language/Hangul can help you grow your career and business.
And on the fun side, learning the Korean alphabet can help us understand k-dramas and many Korean shows.
How many letters are there in the Korean Alphabet?
It is not very difficult to learn the Korean Alphabet pronunciation/Hangul Alphabet. The Korean Alphabet’s pronunciation shares many similarities with the English Language.
The Korean Alphabet has fourteen Consonants and ten Vowels.
There are thirty eight letters in total in the Korean Alphabet, which include double consonants and vowel combinations.
https://www.90daykorean.com/how-to-learn-the-korean-alphabet/
Korean alphabet A to Z:
14 consonants (ㄱ ㄴ ㄷ ㄹ ㅁ ㅂ ㅅ ㅇ ㅈ ㅊ ㅋ ㅌ ㅍ ㅎ) and 10 vowels (ㅏ ㅑ ㅓ ㅕ ㅗ ㅛ ㅜ ㅠ ㅡ ㅣ).
How does the Korean Alphabet work?
Let us now learn how the Korean alphabet is pronounced. It will seem a little difficult to learn the Korean language alphabet for beginners, but you will learn it slowly and nicely. Let’s get started.
Korean alphabet chart and its pronunciation
Korean Consonants:-
Korean Consonant’ ㄱ’ – makes the sound of ‘g’ in ‘good.’
Korean Consonant’ ㄴ’ – makes the sound as ‘n’ in ‘nose.’
Korean Consonant’ ㄷ’ – makes the sound as ‘d’ in ‘day.’
Korean Consonant’ ㄹ’ – makes the sound as ‘L’ is ‘Lamp.’
Korean Consonant’ ㅁ’ – makes the sound of ‘m’ in ‘moon.’
Korean Consonant’ ㅂ’ – makes the sound of ‘b’ in ‘banana.’
Korean Consonant’ ㅅ’ – makes the sound as ‘s’ in ‘spoon.’
Korean Consonant ‘ㅇ’ – makes the sound as ‘ng’ in ‘yang.’
Korean Consonant’ ㅈ’ – makes the sound of ‘j’ in ‘jelly.’
Korean Consonant’ ㅊ’ – makes the sound of ‘ch’ in ‘chair.’
Korean Consonant’ ㅋ’ – makes the sound of ‘k’ in ‘kiwi.’
Korean Consonant’ ㅌ’ – makes the sound of ‘t’ in ‘tomato.’
Korean Consonant’ ㅍ’ – makes the sound of ‘p’ in ‘panda.’
Korean Consonant’ ㅎ’ – makes the sound of ‘h’ in ‘hat.’
Vowel:
There is one important rule for Vowels in the Korean language. For every Vowel in Hangul, ‘ㅇ’ is added before it. ‘ㅇ’ is silent.
Korean Vowel’ ㅏ’ – makes the sound of ‘a’ at the end of ‘Santa.’
Korean Vowel’ ㅑ’ – makes the sound of ‘ya’ in ‘yahoo.’
Korean Vowel’ ㅓ’ – makes the sound of ‘o’ in song (without the ‘ng’ sound)
Korean Vowel’ ㅕ’ – makes the sound of ‘yo’ in ‘young.’
Korean Vowel’ ㅗ’ – makes the sound of ‘o’ in ‘doll.’
Korean Vowel’ ㅛ’ – makes the sound of ‘yo’ in ‘yoga.’
Korean Vowel’ ㅜ’ – makes the sound of ‘u’ in ‘unicorn.’
Korean Vowel’ ㅠ’ – makes the sound of ‘you’ in ‘youth.’
Korean Vowel’ ㅣ’ – makes the sound of ‘y’ in ‘baby.’
Korean Vowel’ ㅡ’ – this sound does not exist in English. Best way to describe it is as when you are surprised, ‘uh?’
Korean Double Consonants:-
There are 5 Korean Double Consonants.
Korean Double Consonant’ ㄲ’ – makes the sound of ‘k’ in ‘ski.’
Korean Double Consonant’ ㄸ’ – makes the sound as ‘to in ‘kitten.’
Korean Double Consonant’ ㅃ’ – makes the sound of ‘p’ in ‘apartment.’
Korean Double Consonant’ ㅆ’ – makes the sound of ‘sh’ in ‘sushi.’
Korean Double Consonant’ ㅉ’ – has no sound in English. It is a mixture of ‘j’ in ‘Jim’ and ‘ch’ in ‘china.’
Korean Complex Vowels:-
There are 11 Complex Vowels in Hangul.
Korean Complex Vowel’ ㅐ’ – makes the sound of ‘a’ in ‘rare.’
Korean Complex Vowel’ ㅒ’ – makes the sound of ‘ya’ in ‘yak.’
Korean Complex Vowel’ ㅔ’ – makes the sound of ‘e’ is ‘help.’
Korean Complex Vowel’ ㅖ’ – makes the sound of ‘ye’ in ‘yet.’
Korean Complex Vowel’ ㅘ’ – makes the sound of ‘wo’ in ‘wow.’
Korean Complex Vowel’ ㅙ’ – makes the sound of ‘we’ in ‘wedding.’
Korean Complex Vowel’ ㅚ’ – makes the sound of ‘wha’ in ‘whale.’
Korean Complex Vowel’ ㅝ’ – makes the sound of ‘who’ in ‘whole.’
Korean Complex Vowel’ ㅞ’ – makes the sound of ‘we’ in ‘web.’
Korean Complex Vowel’ ㅟ’ – makes the sound as the word ‘we.’
Korean Complex Vowel’ ㅢ’ – makes the sound as ‘wi’ in ‘willow.’
Korean words:-
Now learn a few words in the handful, how they are pronounced and what they mean in English.
대한민국 (dae han min gug) South Korea
방 (bang) Room
엄마 (eom ma) Mum
밥 (bap) Banana
사과 (sa gwa) Apple
친구 (chin gu) Friend
지도 (Ji do) Map
토마토 (to ma to) Tomato
커피 (ko pi) Coffee
버스 (bo sseu) Bus
여자 (yo ja) Woman
아이 (a e) Child
딸 (ddal) Daughter
아빠 (appa) Dad
의사 (or sa) Doctor
고마워 (go ma weo) Thank You
https://flexiclasses.com/korean/alphabet/#chapter-10
How long does one need to learn the Korean language?
• With 1-2 hours of practice every day, you can learn the basic Korean language in 2-3 months. And within 6 months, you will be able to make simple conversations in the Korean language.
For fluency, you will need 1200 to 2400 hours of practice.
It is not as complex as you think. Korean alphabets’ pronunciation is similar to many English letters and words.
There are many online learning services available where you can learn the Korean language/hangul.
Tips for learning Korean Language fast
• It is often said, “Practice makes a man perfect.” This is very true, and the same is the secret to learning Korean.
• With everyday training and practice, one can learn Hangul easily.
• At first, you will find it complex and difficult. But it is actually easier than you think.
• First, you have to choose your learning platform. Be it any online class or from any website or book.
• Start from the basics and try to memorize the Korean alphabet as pictures.
• Make sure you take note of every alphabet you learn. Write them down in a notebook.
• After the alphabet is completed, move on to some simple words like mom, dad, hello, thank you, etc.
• You will have to practice for 1-2 hours every day and keep up with consistency. Only then can you learn it quickly.
• Keep using simple Korean language in your conversations with your family and friends.
For beginners, it will be a little difficult, but with time and practice, you will get used to the alphabet and words. Korean Alphabet and Hangul letters may look complex but are easy to learn.
You can learn Korean like any other language. Start with the basics and then slowly you will become fluent in the language.
FAQs:-
1) How many letters are there in the Korean alphabet?
• There are 24 Letters in the Korean Language. 14 Consonants and 10 Vowels.
2) What is the Korean Language called?
• The Korean language is called Hangul. It is also pronounced as ‘Hangeul’. So the word ‘Hangul’ can be used in place of ‘Korean Language’. The Hangul writing system is used in both North and South Korea.
3) Who created Hangul, and when was it created?
• Hangul was created by the Korean King, Sejong the Great in 1443. King Sejong wanted to create a language which could be read and written easily by people of all classes.
4) Is it difficult to learn Hangul?
• It is not difficult to learn Hangul. With some practice, you can easily learn Hangul. The Korean alphabet is pronounced similarly to English. Therefore, making it easy to learn.
5) Are there any Complex Vowels and Consonants in Hangul?
• Yes, there are 5 Double Consonants and 11 Complex Vowels in Hangul. Including these double consonants and complex vowels, there are 38 letters in Hangul.
6) Which is the best platform to learn Korean?
• Curiotory offers the best coaching for the Korean Language. With the Curiotory Korean Language course, you can easily learn Hangul. Curiotory offers courses at a reasonable price. And you can learn the Korean language from both native and Indian experts.