1. What is Hangeul?
Hangeul (한글) is the Korean alphabet, the official writing system of the Korean language. It is unique because it was invented deliberately by a king and his scholars, rather than evolving over centuries like most other alphabets.
Hangeul was created in 1443 and officially published in 1446 by King Sejong the Great and a group of scholars from the royal research institute called the Hall of Worthies (Jiphyeonjeon, 집현전). Before Hangeul, Koreans used Chinese characters (Hanja, 한자) for reading and writing. However, Hanja was extremely difficult for ordinary people to learn. Literacy was limited to the elite class, leaving most of the population unable to read or write.
King Sejong recognized this problem and wanted to create a writing system that was simple, logical, and accessible to everyone. His famous words in the introduction to Hunminjeongeum capture this purpose:
“The language of our people is different from that of China. The Chinese characters do not fit the sounds of our language. Therefore, many of our people cannot express themselves in writing. I am deeply saddened by this, so I have created 28 new letters. My wish is that everyone can learn them easily and use them in their daily lives.”
This vision made Hangeul one of the very few alphabets in the world designed with a clear humanitarian and educational purpose.
2. The Original Name: Hunminjeongeum
When first introduced, Hangeul was called Hunminjeongeum (훈민정음), meaning “The Correct Sounds for the Instruction of the People.”
Hunmin (훈민) = to teach the people
Jeong (정) = correct or proper
Eum (음) = sounds
This name reflects the practical mission of Hangeul: not just to be a writing system, but a tool for social equality and education.
Today, the original manuscript of Hunminjeongeum is considered a national treasure of Korea and has been registered by UNESCO as a Memory of the World Heritage for its historical and cultural significance.
3. Why is Hangeul Special?
Hangeul is widely praised as one of the most scientific and efficient alphabets in the world. Its design is both simple and logical:
Shapes of consonants represent articulation points
For example, ㄱ (g/k) represents the shape of the tongue blocking the back of the mouth.
ㄴ (n) resembles the tongue touching the roof of the mouth.
ㅁ (m) shows the shape of closed lips.
Vowels are based on three symbolic elements
A dot (ㆍ) for the sun (heaven)
A horizontal line (ㅡ) for the earth
A vertical line (ㅣ) for the person (human)
By combining these, simple and compound vowels were systematically created.
Easy to learn but powerful in expression
With only 24 basic letters (14 consonants + 10 vowels), learners can read and write Korean.
Letters are grouped into square syllable blocks, making reading very visual and rhythmic.
4. Hangeul in the Modern World
Today, Hangeul serves as the official script of both South Korea and North Korea, and it is studied by millions of learners worldwide who are fascinated by Korean culture, including K-pop, K-drama, Korean cuisine, and Korean history. As Korea’s cultural influence spreads globally, the popularity of learning Hangeul continues to grow rapidly.
In South Korea, Hangeul Day (한글날) is celebrated annually on October 9, marking the official proclamation of the alphabet in 1446. In North Korea, a similar holiday is observed on January 15. These commemorations honor the invention of Hangeul and recognize King Sejong’s vision of universal literacy, which remains meaningful in the modern era.
Because of its scientific design, efficiency, and accessibility, Hangeul is often described as a “perfect alphabet.” Linguists admire its logical structure, while learners appreciate how quickly they can grasp it. More than just a writing system, Hangeul symbolizes Korea’s identity, creativity, and contribution to humanity, inspiring scholars and students across the globe.
5. Why Learn Korean?
Learning Korean is more than mastering a new alphabet—it opens doors to global opportunities, education, careers, and cultural understanding in one of the world’s fastest-growing nations.
A Language Spoken by Millions
Over 77 million people speak Korean as their native language.
It is the official language of both South and North Korea and is widely spoken in large communities in the United States, China, Japan, and beyond.
South Korea: A Global Economic Powerhouse
Ranked among the top 10 largest economies, South Korea is home to world-leading companies such as Samsung, Hyundai, LG, and KIA.
Learning Korean gives you direct access to opportunities in business, trade, and technology.
Education and Study Abroad
Korea is a growing hub for international students, offering top universities, research institutions, and scholarships.
Most universities require the TOPIK exam (Test of Proficiency in Korean) for admission.
Career and Job Opportunities
Korea is a global center for technology, entertainment, and cultural industries.
Korean proficiency provides a competitive advantage for those seeking to work in Korea or collaborate with Korean companies abroad.
Living in Korea
Korea is known for its rich traditions, safety, advanced infrastructure, and vibrant lifestyle.
For those who dream of living in Korea, knowing the language is essential for communication, integration, and daily life.
The Influence of K-Culture
From K-pop and K-drama to K-food, K-beauty, and K-fashion, Korean culture is shaping global trends.
Understanding Korean allows you to enjoy this culture firsthand, without relying solely on translations.