How to Read and Write Korean Language

Hangeul

Hangeul was invented by King Sejong of the Joseon Dynasty, and introduced to the public in 1443 as "Hun-Min-Jeong-Eum". When first proclaimed by King Sejong, Hangeul has consisted of 28 letters in total, but presently, 40 letters as listed below are used as Hangeul. The vowels were designed on the basis of the Three Basic Components of the universe" Heaven, Earth, and Man. The consonants were designed to reflect the place and manner of articulation when we make consonant sounds. The five basic consonants are as follows: ㄱ, ㄴ, ㅅ, ㅁ, ㅇ. The other consonants were made by adding strokes to these basic consonants.