How to Read and Write Hangeul

Introduction

• Hangeul is the Korean alphabet.
• Initially appears complex but is simple with practice.
• Learn Hangeul early to aid language learning.

History of Hangeul

• Created in the mid-1400s by King Sejong.
• Allowed Koreans to read/write in their language.
• 24 unique letters: easier than Chinese/Japanese.

Structure

• Similar to the English alphabet: consonants and vowels.
• Minimum one consonant and one vowel needed for syllables.

Writing Order

• Correct stroke order is crucial.
• Differences in stroke order can lead to different letters.

Basic Letters

Consonants

• ㄱ (giyeok): like K/G
• ㄴ (nieun): like N
• ㄷ (digeut): like T/D
• ㅁ (mieum): like M
• ㅂ (bieup): like P/B
• ㅅ (siot): like S
• ㅇ (ieung): silent or NG
• ㅋ (kieuk): strong K
• ㅌ (tieut): strong T
• ㅍ (pieup): strong P
• ㅎ (hieut): like H

Vowels

• ㅏ (a): as in "car"
• ㅓ (eo): as in "up"
• ㅗ (o): as in "old"
• ㅜ (u): as in "glue"
• ㅡ (eu): as in "good"
• ㅣ (i): as in "tree"

Syllable Blocks

• Consonant + Vowel (CV)
• Consonant + Vowel + Consonant (CVC)
• Used to form syllables in blocks
• Horizontal/Vertical vowel distinction

Additional Letters

Double Consonants

• ㄲ (ssang giyeok)
• ㄸ (ssang digeut)
• ㅃ (ssang bieup)
• ㅆ (ssang siot)
• ㅉ (ssang jieut)

Strong Consonants

• ㅋ, ㅌ, ㅍ, ㅊ (similar but stronger)

Complex Vowels (Diphthongs)

• ㅐ, ㅔ, ㅒ, ㅖ, ㅚ, ㅟ, ㅞ (combinations)

Sound Change Rules

Basic Rules

• Consonants change sounds based on position.
• Some consonants change when followed by specific sounds.

Common Changes

• Base consonant becomes double when followed by another base.
• ㅎ influences surrounding sounds, creating stronger sounds.

Nasalization

• Non-nasal consonants can become nasal (e.g., ㄱ to ㅇ) when followed by a nasal consonant.

Lateralization

• ㄴ becomes ㄹ and vice-versa under specific conditions.

Practice Tips

• Regular practice is key.
• Use of syllable blocks for practical exercises.

Conclusion

• Mastery of Hangeul aids in learning Korean language.
• Continuous practice and exposure will enhance fluency.