{"content_id":"cjuqstlbu8","slug":"hangeul-28-letters-creation-and-modern-alphabet","locale":"en","schema_type":"Article","category":"knowledge_base","category_name":"Knowledge Base","title":"Hangul's 28 Letters: Design Principles and Why 24 Remain","summary":"Hunminjeongeum originally had 28 letters: 17 consonants and 11 vowels. This explains how the letters were designed and what happened to the four that disappeared, while clarifying commonly confused facts about records of Sejong's creation of Hangul and how Hangul spread.","sponsorship_disclosure":null,"affiliate_disclosure":null,"commerce_disclosure":null,"author":{"name":"Injoys Editorial Team","url":"https://injoys.com/ko/about"},"key_points":["Hunminjeongeum's original 28 letters comprised 17 consonants and 11 vowels.","The consonants were designed mainly by modeling the speech organs and adding strokes.","The 24 basic letters of modern Hangul and the 40 letters used for learning are counted differently.","Sejong's direct creation of Hangul should be distinguished from the Jiphyeonjeon scholars' compilation of the Haerye.","A sound can survive even when its letterform disappears, as with the final consonant sound of the old ieung."],"content_markdown":"The 28 letters of Hunminjeongeum created by King Sejong consist of **17 consonants and 11 vowels**. The writing system was designed to record the speech sounds and Chinese character pronunciations of the time. It uses a different counting standard from today’s 24 basic letters or the 40 letters commonly taught to learners.\n\nThe number and composition of the original letters are based on the 1446 explanatory edition of 『Hunminjeongeum』.\n\n## Why Hangul Was Created with 28 Letters\n\nThe number 28 is the sum of the letters designated for initial and medial sounds. The initial is the first sound of a syllable, and the medial is the vowel in its center. Letters for initial sounds were reused for final consonants.\n\nThere was therefore no need to create a separate letter for every syllable. Many syllables could be written by combining a small set of letters. 『Hunminjeongeum』 explains how these letters were formed and combined. See the [explanation of the explanatory edition on Our History Net](https://contents.history.go.kr/play/view.do?levelId=ts_b33).\n\n| Category | Letters at the time of creation | Number of letters |\n|---|---|---:|\n| Initial letters | ㄱ, ㅋ, ㆁ, ㄷ, ㅌ, ㄴ, ㅂ, ㅍ, ㅁ, ㅈ, ㅊ, ㅅ, ㆆ, ㅎ, ㅇ, ㄹ, ㅿ | 17 |\n| Medial letters | ㆍ, ㅡ, ㅣ, ㅗ, ㅏ, ㅜ, ㅓ, ㅛ, ㅑ, ㅠ, ㅕ | 11 |\n| Total | Initial and medial letters | 28 |\n\nThe 28 letters should not be taken as a count of every Korean sound at the time. Some sounds were written by placing the same letter side by side. The aim of systematically recording Chinese character pronunciations also shaped how the letters were used.\n\n## The Principles Behind the Consonants and Vowels\n\nHangul was designed so that the shapes of its letters show relationships between sounds. The basic consonant letters were modeled on the speech organs or their positions during pronunciation. The basic vowel letters are explained through shapes symbolizing heaven, earth, and humanity.\n\n### Pictorial Consonants and Added Strokes\n\nThe five basic consonant letters are ㄱ, ㄴ, ㅁ, ㅅ, and ㅇ. Pictorial design means modeling a letter on a shape. Adding strokes means extending a basic letter with extra strokes.\n\n| Basic letter | Shape it represents according to the explanatory edition | Related letters with added strokes |\n|---|---|---|\n| ㄱ | The back of the tongue blocking the throat | ㅋ |\n| ㄴ | The tongue touching the upper gums | ㄷ, ㅌ |\n| ㅁ | The shape of the mouth | ㅂ, ㅍ |\n| ㅅ | The shape of the teeth | ㅈ, ㅊ |\n| ㅇ | The shape of the throat | ㆆ, ㅎ |\n\nThe 5 basic letters and 9 letters formed by adding strokes make 14. Adding ㆁ, ㄹ, and ㅿ brings the consonant total to 17. These three are treated as variant letters, distinct from those explained by the usual added-stroke principle. The [entry on variant letters in the Encyclopedia of Korean Culture](https://encykorea.aks.ac.kr/Article/E0078691) explains the difference.\n\n### Basic Vowels and Their Combinations\n\nThe vowels were based on ㆍ, ㅡ, and ㅣ. The explanatory edition connects them with heaven, earth, and humanity, respectively. It then explains the remaining vowel letters as combinations of these basic forms.\n\n- Basic vowel letters: 3, namely ㆍ, ㅡ, and ㅣ\n- Vowel letters combining the basic forms: 4, namely ㅗ, ㅏ, ㅜ, and ㅓ\n- Vowel letters extended by adding dots: 4, namely ㅛ, ㅑ, ㅠ, and ㅕ\n\nThis makes 11 letters: 3 plus 4 plus 4. The explanation of the vowels also draws on the yin-yang thought of the time. That philosophical explanation should be distinguished from an explanation based on modern phonetics.\n\n## Comparing 28, 24, and 40 Letters\n\nThe three numbers count different sets of letters. The 28 letters are those from the time of Hangul’s creation. The modern basic set has **24 letters**, while teaching materials may also include letters formed by combining them.\n\n| Number of letters | What is counted | Composition |\n|---|---|---|\n| 28 | Letters at the time Hunminjeongeum was created | 17 consonants and 11 vowels |\n| 24 | Basic letters under modern Hangul orthography | 14 consonants and 10 vowels |\n| 40 | Consonants and vowels commonly covered in learning | 19 consonants and 21 vowels |\n\nThe 40 letters taught to learners are the basic 24 plus 16 combined letters. The 5 additional consonants are ㄲ, ㄸ, ㅃ, ㅆ, and ㅉ. The 11 additional vowels are ㅐ, ㅒ, ㅔ, ㅖ, ㅘ, ㅙ, ㅚ, ㅝ, ㅞ, ㅟ, and ㅢ.\n\nArticle 4 of the National Institute of Korean Language’s Hangul orthography rules establishes the basic letters.\n\n\u003e The number of Hangul letters shall be twenty-four,\n\nTeaching 40 letters therefore does not conflict with the rule on basic letters. For accuracy, though, the count should specify what it includes. The rule and letter list are available in the [Korean Language Standards](https://korean.go.kr/kornorms/m/m_regltn.do).\n\n## How the Four Letters That Disappeared Differ\n\nThe letters excluded from the basic set are ㅿ, ㆁ, ㆆ, and ㆍ. Changes in pronunciation and writing conventions contributed to their disappearance. The four did not all disappear for the same reason.\n\n| Letter | Name | Distinction in how it changed |\n|---|---|---|\n| ㅿ | Banchieum | Disappeared from writing as the sound it represented changed |\n| ㆁ | Old ieung | The final consonant sound remains, but is now written ㅇ |\n| ㆆ | Yeorin hieut | Its use declined after being limited to contexts such as recording Chinese character pronunciations |\n| ㆍ | Arae-a | Went through pronunciation changes, including merger with other vowels, and changes in spelling conventions |\n\nOld ieung shows why letters must be distinguished from sounds. The sound it represented remains in the final consonant of the modern word ‘강’. The loss of four letters therefore does not, by itself, mean that four sounds disappeared.\n\nThe letter shape of banchieum is ㅿ. It is sometimes represented by the triangle symbol △ in explanations. When transcribing old texts accurately, it is better to use the actual letter.\n\n## Evidence That Sejong Created Hangul Himself\n\nThe 『Annals of King Sejong』 records that Sejong personally created Hunminjeongeum. An entry from the 12th lunar month of Sejong’s 25th year reports the creation of 28 vernacular letters. The Chinese-character expression meaning “personally created” is ‘chinje’. The [1443 entry on its creation](https://sillok.history.go.kr/id/wda_12512030_002) provides direct evidence.\n\nIn 1444, Choe Malli and others submitted a petition opposing the new script. Sejong responded by discussing rhyme books and the letter system. Rhyme books systematically organized the pronunciations of Chinese characters. This exchange shows that Sejong led the undertaking with a knowledge of speech sounds.\n\nScholars including Jeong Inji, Sin Sukju, and Seong Sammun, however, took part in compiling the explanatory edition. Creating a script and compiling a book explaining it are separate tasks. Nor can opposition from some members of the Hall of Worthies be taken as the position of the entire institution.\n\nThe claim that Sinmi created the script requires separate verification against historical sources. The record of its creation examined here does not support that claim. Explaining Sejong’s role also does not require a definitive count of how often a particular expression appears throughout the annals.\n\n## The Relationship Between Samgang haengsildo and the Creation of Hangul\n\n『Samgang haengsildo』 reflects a concern with conveying knowledge to ordinary people. In 1428, a man named Kim Hwa killed his father in Jinju. The incident prompted the compilation of a book teaching Confucian ethics.\n\n『Samgang haengsildo』, issued in 1434, included illustrations and explanations. Pictures alone, however, could not convey everything. The circumstances of its compilation are outlined in the [Our History Net explanation of Samgang haengsildo](https://contents.history.go.kr/mobile/kc/view.do?levelId=kc_r300620).\n\n| Date | Recorded event | Distinction to keep in mind |\n|---|---|---|\n| 1428 | Kim Hwa incident in Jinju | Prompted the compilation of Samgang haengsildo |\n| 1434 | Publication of Samgang haengsildo | Use of pictures to teach ordinary people |\n| 1443 | Record of Hunminjeongeum’s creation | Record concerning the completion of the new script |\n| 1444 | Petition by Choe Malli and others, and Sejong’s response | A plan to translate Samgang haengsildo into the vernacular script also appears |\n| 1446 | Publication and promulgation of the explanatory edition of Hunminjeongeum | Public explanation of the script’s purpose and principles |\n\nSejong stated his intention to translate Samgang haengsildo into the vernacular script. This appears in the [1444 annals entry concerning the petition](https://sillok.history.go.kr/id/kda_12602020_001). That incident alone, however, cannot explain every reason for creating the script. Determining exactly when the research began also requires separate evidence.\n\n## How Did Hangul Spread into Everyday Life?\n\nHangul spread through uses including translated books, letters, and literature. Even immediately after its creation, Classical Chinese remained central to state administration. The new script’s appearance and changes to the official writing system did not happen at the same time.\n\n- Royal court and publishing: Used to render Buddhist texts and Confucian classics, among other works, in Korean\n- Home and daily life: Used by women and men to exchange news in letters\n- Learning: Used to learn the sounds of Chinese characters and the meanings of Classical Chinese sentences\n- Literature of the late Joseon period: The copying and circulation of Hangul novels expanded readership\n\nWomen played a major role in forming and passing on Hangul culture. That does not mean Hangul was used only by women. Hangul letters written by men also survive. The [National Assembly Library’s introduction to Joseon-era vernacular letters](https://dl.nanet.go.kr/detail/MONO12022000011378) describes the breadth of their users.\n\nExplaining women’s early use solely through queens serving as regents is also too narrow. Everyday needs included family communication and reading. Who adopted Hangul first must be judged from the surviving individual records.\n\n## When Was the Use of Korean Script in Official Documents Established?\n\nThe principle of using Korean script in laws and imperial edicts is documented in **1894**. The basis is Article 14 of the official document rules dated the 21st day of the 11th lunar month in Gojong’s 31st year. Korean script was made the default, but Classical Chinese translations and mixed Korean and Chinese script were also permitted. The relevant text appears in the [official document rules recorded in the Annals of Gojong](https://sillok.history.go.kr/id/wza_13111021_002).\n\nIt is therefore inaccurate to say that all official documents switched to Hangul alone in 1895. The institutional principle differed from how documents were actually written. Classical Chinese and mixed Korean and Chinese script continued to be used afterward.\n\nHangul’s long history of use provided a foundation for modern writing practices. But a proclamation alone did not complete the modernization of writing. School education, publishing, and the standardization of spelling were also part of the process.\n\nA simple comparison with the speed of Türkiye’s script reform is difficult. Introducing a new script and changing the status of one already in use involve different conditions. Comparing the duration of disruption or the speed of transition requires data measured by the same standards.\n\n## Where Did the Name Hangul Come From?\n\nThe name ‘Hangul’ spread through modern Korean-language research and efforts to promote its use. The script was named Hunminjeongeum when it was created. Names such as eonmun and gukmun were also used later.\n\n| Name | Main meaning and use |\n|---|---|\n| Hunminjeongeum | The script’s original name and the title of the book explaining its principles |\n| Eonmun | A name widely used during the Joseon period |\n| Gukmun | A modern name emphasizing its status as the nation’s script |\n| Hangul | A name spread through the work of Ju Si-gyeong and associated scholars |\n\nThe National Hangeul Museum links the activities of Hangeulmo in 1913 to the spread of the name. Ju Si-gyeong was a leading figure in the study and teaching of the Korean language and script during this period. The [museum’s explanation of the name Hangul](https://www.hangeul.go.kr/webzine/202108/sub1_1.html) discusses this history.\n\n‘Hangul’ is interpreted as meaning “great script” or “the script of our people.” The names did not, however, all change at once in a particular year. It is also more accurate to avoid saying that ‘gukmun’ could no longer be used at all.\n\n## Hangul’s Systematic Design and International Recognition\n\nHangul’s systematic design can be seen in the relationship between sounds and letter shapes. The survival of an explanatory edition describing its design principles is another distinctive feature. Recognizing these strengths does not require judging other scripts as irrational.\n\nThe UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize was established in 1989 with support from the Korean government. It gives special consideration to literacy education based on learners’ mother tongues. It supports efforts to improve the ability to read and use written language. Its purpose is stated in the [UNESCO literacy prize information](https://www.unesco.org/en/prizes/literacy?hub=66922).\n\nThe explanatory edition of 『Hunminjeongeum』 was inscribed on the Memory of the World Register in 1997. The inscription covers a document explaining the script’s design principles. It does not rank entire writing systems against one another. The [UNESCO inscription record](https://www.unesco.org/en/memory-world/hunminjeongum-manuscript?hub=1081) identifies what was inscribed.\n\n## How to Assess Claims About Hangul Related to China\n\nThe creation of a script must be distinguished from where it is used today. The fact that ethnic Koreans in China use Hangul does not change who created it. Evidence of its creation comes from historical records concerning Sejong of Joseon.\n\nNor can a particular exhibition or promotional item automatically be treated as a state claim about the script’s origins. The source and original wording must be checked before drawing a conclusion. The label ‘Hangul project’ alone does not establish the content or purpose of a policy.\n\n| What to check | Distinction to make |\n|---|---|\n| Source of the statement | Whether it is a government announcement or a private post |\n| Original wording | Whether it describes the script’s use by ethnic Koreans in China or makes a claim about its origins |\n| Historical evidence | What the annals and explanatory edition record |\n\n## Comparing Hangul, Chinese, and Japanese Input Methods\n\nAn advantage of Hangul input is that syllables are formed by combining consonants and vowels. Ordinary Hangul input does not involve selecting Chinese character candidates. Actual speed, however, varies with the keyboard, predictive input, and the user’s proficiency.\n\n| Language or script | Common input methods | Distinction to keep in mind |\n|---|---|---|\n| Hangul | Entering consonants and vowels to form syllables | A separate key is not needed for each syllable |\n| Chinese | Pinyin, character-shape-based input, handwriting input | Pinyin is not the only method |\n| Japanese | Romaji or kana input, with conversion to kanji where needed | Romaji is not the only input option |\n\nApple provides guidance on Chinese input methods other than Pinyin. It also offers kana and romaji input for Japanese. It is therefore incorrect to say that direct input of a country’s own script is unique to Korea. The [Chinese input guide](https://support.apple.com/en-il/guide/chinese-input-method/cim21aa5fa50/mac) and [Japanese input guide](https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/japanese-input-method/jpim10267/mac) provide evidence.\n\nThe convenience of Hangul keyboards cannot be explained entirely by the principle of adding strokes. A standard two-set keyboard uses keys for individual letters. The principles behind the script’s creation and the design of input devices are related, but they are not the same.\n\n## Digital Hangul: Syllable Combinations and Search Issues\n\nA syllable that looks the same on screen can be stored in different ways. Unicode supports both complete syllables and letters intended for combination. Hangul’s structure of grouping letters into syllables is thus reflected in its digital representation.\n\n### Example Calculation for Modern Syllable Combinations\n\nUnicode separately assigns codes to **11,172** modern Hangul syllables. These combine 19 initial consonants with 21 medial vowels. There are 28 possibilities for the final position: 27 final consonants plus no final consonant.\n\n| Element | Number of possibilities |\n|---|---:|\n| Initial | 19 |\n| Medial | 21 |\n| Final | 27 final consonants and 1 option with no final consonant |\n| Total combinations | 19 × 21 × 28 = 11,172 |\n\nThis is the number of syllable combinations that can be made with modern letters. It does not mean they are all used in Korean. Nor does it include every possible combination of old Hangul letters. The [Unicode Korean FAQ](https://www.unicode.org/faq/korean.html) explains the scope.\n\n### Why Searches Can Differ for What Looks Like the Same Letter\n\n‘가’ can be stored as one complete syllable. It can also be represented by codes for the combining initial ㄱ and medial ㅏ. The sequence of stored codes can therefore differ even when the appearance is the same.\n\nUnicode normalization is a process that brings such representations into a consistent form. NFC and NFD are common normalization forms. As a result, whether text has been normalized can affect searches and duplicate detection. The basis is the [Unicode Normalization Standard](https://www.unicode.org/reports/tr15/).\n\nThis issue shows that Hangul’s combination principle alone does not settle every aspect of digital text processing. Supporting old Hangul also requires support for its letters and fonts. In particular, replacing banchieum ㅿ with the triangle △ changes the original text’s character information.\n\n## The Origins of Korean and the Number of Languages in the World\n\nThe origins of the Korean language and the creation of Hangul are different questions. Korean was spoken before Hangul was created. Hangul is used to write that language.\n\nClaims definitively assigning Korean to a Ural-Altaic language family require caution. Glottolog classifies Korean within Koreanic. It does not treat a relationship with a broader Altaic family as an established classification. The [Glottolog entry on Koreanic](https://glottolog.org/resource/languoid/id/kore1284) presents relevant research.\n\nGenetic research and research into language families must also be distinguished. The history of population movements can help the study of language spread. Genetic closeness alone, however, does not establish that languages are related.\n\nThe number of languages in the world depends on how languages and dialects are classified. It also depends on whether only languages still in use are counted or extinct languages are included. The number of scripts likewise depends on current use and classification methods.\n\n- Number of languages: Check the counting organization, the edition year, and how languages and dialects are distinguished\n- Number of scripts: Check whether scripts in current use and historical scripts are included\n- Number of writing systems in Unicode: Interpret this as the scope supported by a computing standard\n\nIt is therefore difficult to treat approximately 6,000 languages and approximately 50 scripts as fixed figures. Unicode’s list of supported scripts also includes historical writing systems. That list should not be directly compared with the number of scripts in current use. The scope can be checked in the [Unicode list of supported scripts](https://www.unicode.org/standard/supported.html).\n\n## Common Misconceptions in Learning Hangul\n\nLearning the letters and how to group them into syllables is different from learning the entire Korean language. Breaking a syllable into its components helps explain its structure. The meanings of words and grammar must be learned separately.\n\n| Common misconception | What to understand instead |\n|---|---|\n| Hangul requires memorizing thousands of independent characters | It is a system that combines letters to form syllables |\n| Knowing 40 letters is enough to read all Korean accurately | Final consonants and sound changes require further study |\n| Reading the letters means understanding a sentence | Vocabulary, grammar, and context are separate areas of understanding |\n| Because the script is easy, everyone can master it within a set time | Learning time varies with the learner’s first language and learning conditions |\n\nFor example, ‘한’ groups ㅎ, ㅏ, and ㄴ into one syllable. ‘글’ can likewise be explained as a combination of ㄱ, ㅡ, and ㄹ. Understanding this principle is different from knowing what the word ‘한글’ means.","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eThe 28 letters of Hunminjeongeum created by King Sejong consist of \u003cstrong\u003e17 consonants and 11 vowels\u003c/strong\u003e. The writing system was designed to record the speech sounds and Chinese character pronunciations of the time. It uses a different counting standard from today’s 24 basic letters or the 40 letters commonly taught to learners.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe number and composition of the original letters are based on the 1446 explanatory edition of 『Hunminjeongeum』.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#why-hangul-was-created-with-28-letters\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"why-hangul-was-created-with-28-letters\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eWhy Hangul Was Created with 28 Letters\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe number 28 is the sum of the letters designated for initial and medial sounds. The initial is the first sound of a syllable, and the medial is the vowel in its center. Letters for initial sounds were reused for final consonants.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere was therefore no need to create a separate letter for every syllable. Many syllables could be written by combining a small set of letters. 『Hunminjeongeum』 explains how these letters were formed and combined. See the \u003ca href=\"https://contents.history.go.kr/play/view.do?levelId=ts_b33\"\u003eexplanation of the explanatory edition on Our History Net\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"overflow-x-auto\"\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCategory\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eLetters at the time of creation\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eNumber of letters\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Category\"\u003eInitial letters\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Letters at the time of creation\"\u003eㄱ, ㅋ, ㆁ, ㄷ, ㅌ, ㄴ, ㅂ, ㅍ, ㅁ, ㅈ, ㅊ, ㅅ, ㆆ, ㅎ, ㅇ, ㄹ, ㅿ\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Number of letters\"\u003e17\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Category\"\u003eMedial letters\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Letters at the time of creation\"\u003eㆍ, ㅡ, ㅣ, ㅗ, ㅏ, ㅜ, ㅓ, ㅛ, ㅑ, ㅠ, ㅕ\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Number of letters\"\u003e11\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Category\"\u003eTotal\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Letters at the time of creation\"\u003eInitial and medial letters\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Number of letters\"\u003e28\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 28 letters should not be taken as a count of every Korean sound at the time. Some sounds were written by placing the same letter side by side. The aim of systematically recording Chinese character pronunciations also shaped how the letters were used.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#the-principles-behind-the-consonants-and-vowels\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"the-principles-behind-the-consonants-and-vowels\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eThe Principles Behind the Consonants and Vowels\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHangul was designed so that the shapes of its letters show relationships between sounds. The basic consonant letters were modeled on the speech organs or their positions during pronunciation. The basic vowel letters are explained through shapes symbolizing heaven, earth, and humanity.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#pictorial-consonants-and-added-strokes\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"pictorial-consonants-and-added-strokes\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003ePictorial Consonants and Added Strokes\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe five basic consonant letters are ㄱ, ㄴ, ㅁ, ㅅ, and ㅇ. Pictorial design means modeling a letter on a shape. Adding strokes means extending a basic letter with extra strokes.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"overflow-x-auto\"\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBasic letter\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eShape it represents according to the explanatory edition\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRelated letters with added strokes\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Basic letter\"\u003eㄱ\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Shape it represents according to the explanatory edition\"\u003eThe back of the tongue blocking the throat\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Related letters with added strokes\"\u003eㅋ\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Basic letter\"\u003eㄴ\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Shape it represents according to the explanatory edition\"\u003eThe tongue touching the upper gums\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Related letters with added strokes\"\u003eㄷ, ㅌ\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Basic letter\"\u003eㅁ\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Shape it represents according to the explanatory edition\"\u003eThe shape of the mouth\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Related letters with added strokes\"\u003eㅂ, ㅍ\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Basic letter\"\u003eㅅ\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Shape it represents according to the explanatory edition\"\u003eThe shape of the teeth\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Related letters with added strokes\"\u003eㅈ, ㅊ\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Basic letter\"\u003eㅇ\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Shape it represents according to the explanatory edition\"\u003eThe shape of the throat\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Related letters with added strokes\"\u003eㆆ, ㅎ\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 5 basic letters and 9 letters formed by adding strokes make 14. Adding ㆁ, ㄹ, and ㅿ brings the consonant total to 17. These three are treated as variant letters, distinct from those explained by the usual added-stroke principle. The \u003ca href=\"https://encykorea.aks.ac.kr/Article/E0078691\"\u003eentry on variant letters in the Encyclopedia of Korean Culture\u003c/a\u003e explains the difference.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#basic-vowels-and-their-combinations\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"basic-vowels-and-their-combinations\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eBasic Vowels and Their Combinations\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe vowels were based on ㆍ, ㅡ, and ㅣ. The explanatory edition connects them with heaven, earth, and humanity, respectively. It then explains the remaining vowel letters as combinations of these basic forms.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBasic vowel letters: 3, namely ㆍ, ㅡ, and ㅣ\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVowel letters combining the basic forms: 4, namely ㅗ, ㅏ, ㅜ, and ㅓ\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVowel letters extended by adding dots: 4, namely ㅛ, ㅑ, ㅠ, and ㅕ\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis makes 11 letters: 3 plus 4 plus 4. The explanation of the vowels also draws on the yin-yang thought of the time. That philosophical explanation should be distinguished from an explanation based on modern phonetics.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#comparing-28-24-and-40-letters\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"comparing-28-24-and-40-letters\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eComparing 28, 24, and 40 Letters\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe three numbers count different sets of letters. The 28 letters are those from the time of Hangul’s creation. The modern basic set has \u003cstrong\u003e24 letters\u003c/strong\u003e, while teaching materials may also include letters formed by combining them.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"overflow-x-auto\"\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eNumber of letters\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat is counted\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eComposition\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Number of letters\"\u003e28\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"What is counted\"\u003eLetters at the time Hunminjeongeum was created\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Composition\"\u003e17 consonants and 11 vowels\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Number of letters\"\u003e24\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"What is counted\"\u003eBasic letters under modern Hangul orthography\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Composition\"\u003e14 consonants and 10 vowels\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Number of letters\"\u003e40\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"What is counted\"\u003eConsonants and vowels commonly covered in learning\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Composition\"\u003e19 consonants and 21 vowels\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 40 letters taught to learners are the basic 24 plus 16 combined letters. The 5 additional consonants are ㄲ, ㄸ, ㅃ, ㅆ, and ㅉ. The 11 additional vowels are ㅐ, ㅒ, ㅔ, ㅖ, ㅘ, ㅙ, ㅚ, ㅝ, ㅞ, ㅟ, and ㅢ.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eArticle 4 of the National Institute of Korean Language’s Hangul orthography rules establishes the basic letters.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe number of Hangul letters shall be twenty-four,\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTeaching 40 letters therefore does not conflict with the rule on basic letters. For accuracy, though, the count should specify what it includes. The rule and letter list are available in the \u003ca href=\"https://korean.go.kr/kornorms/m/m_regltn.do\"\u003eKorean Language Standards\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#how-the-four-letters-that-disappeared-differ\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"how-the-four-letters-that-disappeared-differ\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eHow the Four Letters That Disappeared Differ\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe letters excluded from the basic set are ㅿ, ㆁ, ㆆ, and ㆍ. Changes in pronunciation and writing conventions contributed to their disappearance. The four did not all disappear for the same reason.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"overflow-x-auto\"\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eLetter\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eName\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDistinction in how it changed\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Letter\"\u003eㅿ\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Name\"\u003eBanchieum\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Distinction in how it changed\"\u003eDisappeared from writing as the sound it represented changed\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Letter\"\u003eㆁ\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Name\"\u003eOld ieung\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Distinction in how it changed\"\u003eThe final consonant sound remains, but is now written ㅇ\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Letter\"\u003eㆆ\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Name\"\u003eYeorin hieut\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Distinction in how it changed\"\u003eIts use declined after being limited to contexts such as recording Chinese character pronunciations\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Letter\"\u003eㆍ\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Name\"\u003eArae-a\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Distinction in how it changed\"\u003eWent through pronunciation changes, including merger with other vowels, and changes in spelling conventions\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOld ieung shows why letters must be distinguished from sounds. The sound it represented remains in the final consonant of the modern word ‘강’. The loss of four letters therefore does not, by itself, mean that four sounds disappeared.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe letter shape of banchieum is ㅿ. It is sometimes represented by the triangle symbol △ in explanations. When transcribing old texts accurately, it is better to use the actual letter.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#evidence-that-sejong-created-hangul-himself\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"evidence-that-sejong-created-hangul-himself\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eEvidence That Sejong Created Hangul Himself\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 『Annals of King Sejong』 records that Sejong personally created Hunminjeongeum. An entry from the 12th lunar month of Sejong’s 25th year reports the creation of 28 vernacular letters. The Chinese-character expression meaning “personally created” is ‘chinje’. The \u003ca href=\"https://sillok.history.go.kr/id/wda_12512030_002\"\u003e1443 entry on its creation\u003c/a\u003e provides direct evidence.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1444, Choe Malli and others submitted a petition opposing the new script. Sejong responded by discussing rhyme books and the letter system. Rhyme books systematically organized the pronunciations of Chinese characters. This exchange shows that Sejong led the undertaking with a knowledge of speech sounds.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eScholars including Jeong Inji, Sin Sukju, and Seong Sammun, however, took part in compiling the explanatory edition. Creating a script and compiling a book explaining it are separate tasks. Nor can opposition from some members of the Hall of Worthies be taken as the position of the entire institution.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe claim that Sinmi created the script requires separate verification against historical sources. The record of its creation examined here does not support that claim. Explaining Sejong’s role also does not require a definitive count of how often a particular expression appears throughout the annals.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#the-relationship-between-samgang-haengsildo-and-the-creation-of-hangul\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"the-relationship-between-samgang-haengsildo-and-the-creation-of-hangul\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eThe Relationship Between Samgang haengsildo and the Creation of Hangul\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e『Samgang haengsildo』 reflects a concern with conveying knowledge to ordinary people. In 1428, a man named Kim Hwa killed his father in Jinju. The incident prompted the compilation of a book teaching Confucian ethics.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e『Samgang haengsildo』, issued in 1434, included illustrations and explanations. Pictures alone, however, could not convey everything. The circumstances of its compilation are outlined in the \u003ca href=\"https://contents.history.go.kr/mobile/kc/view.do?levelId=kc_r300620\"\u003eOur History Net explanation of Samgang haengsildo\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"overflow-x-auto\"\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDate\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRecorded event\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDistinction to keep in mind\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Date\"\u003e1428\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Recorded event\"\u003eKim Hwa incident in Jinju\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Distinction to keep in mind\"\u003ePrompted the compilation of Samgang haengsildo\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Date\"\u003e1434\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Recorded event\"\u003ePublication of Samgang haengsildo\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Distinction to keep in mind\"\u003eUse of pictures to teach ordinary people\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Date\"\u003e1443\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Recorded event\"\u003eRecord of Hunminjeongeum’s creation\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Distinction to keep in mind\"\u003eRecord concerning the completion of the new script\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Date\"\u003e1444\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Recorded event\"\u003ePetition by Choe Malli and others, and Sejong’s response\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Distinction to keep in mind\"\u003eA plan to translate Samgang haengsildo into the vernacular script also appears\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Date\"\u003e1446\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Recorded event\"\u003ePublication and promulgation of the explanatory edition of Hunminjeongeum\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Distinction to keep in mind\"\u003ePublic explanation of the script’s purpose and principles\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSejong stated his intention to translate Samgang haengsildo into the vernacular script. This appears in the \u003ca href=\"https://sillok.history.go.kr/id/kda_12602020_001\"\u003e1444 annals entry concerning the petition\u003c/a\u003e. That incident alone, however, cannot explain every reason for creating the script. Determining exactly when the research began also requires separate evidence.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#how-did-hangul-spread-into-everyday-life\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"how-did-hangul-spread-into-everyday-life\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eHow Did Hangul Spread into Everyday Life?\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHangul spread through uses including translated books, letters, and literature. Even immediately after its creation, Classical Chinese remained central to state administration. The new script’s appearance and changes to the official writing system did not happen at the same time.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRoyal court and publishing: Used to render Buddhist texts and Confucian classics, among other works, in Korean\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHome and daily life: Used by women and men to exchange news in letters\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLearning: Used to learn the sounds of Chinese characters and the meanings of Classical Chinese sentences\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLiterature of the late Joseon period: The copying and circulation of Hangul novels expanded readership\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWomen played a major role in forming and passing on Hangul culture. That does not mean Hangul was used only by women. Hangul letters written by men also survive. The \u003ca href=\"https://dl.nanet.go.kr/detail/MONO12022000011378\"\u003eNational Assembly Library’s introduction to Joseon-era vernacular letters\u003c/a\u003e describes the breadth of their users.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExplaining women’s early use solely through queens serving as regents is also too narrow. Everyday needs included family communication and reading. Who adopted Hangul first must be judged from the surviving individual records.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#when-was-the-use-of-korean-script-in-official-documents-established\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"when-was-the-use-of-korean-script-in-official-documents-established\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eWhen Was the Use of Korean Script in Official Documents Established?\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe principle of using Korean script in laws and imperial edicts is documented in \u003cstrong\u003e1894\u003c/strong\u003e. The basis is Article 14 of the official document rules dated the 21st day of the 11th lunar month in Gojong’s 31st year. Korean script was made the default, but Classical Chinese translations and mixed Korean and Chinese script were also permitted. The relevant text appears in the \u003ca href=\"https://sillok.history.go.kr/id/wza_13111021_002\"\u003eofficial document rules recorded in the Annals of Gojong\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is therefore inaccurate to say that all official documents switched to Hangul alone in 1895. The institutional principle differed from how documents were actually written. Classical Chinese and mixed Korean and Chinese script continued to be used afterward.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHangul’s long history of use provided a foundation for modern writing practices. But a proclamation alone did not complete the modernization of writing. School education, publishing, and the standardization of spelling were also part of the process.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA simple comparison with the speed of Türkiye’s script reform is difficult. Introducing a new script and changing the status of one already in use involve different conditions. Comparing the duration of disruption or the speed of transition requires data measured by the same standards.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#where-did-the-name-hangul-come-from\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"where-did-the-name-hangul-come-from\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eWhere Did the Name Hangul Come From?\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe name ‘Hangul’ spread through modern Korean-language research and efforts to promote its use. The script was named Hunminjeongeum when it was created. Names such as eonmun and gukmun were also used later.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"overflow-x-auto\"\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eName\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eMain meaning and use\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Name\"\u003eHunminjeongeum\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Main meaning and use\"\u003eThe script’s original name and the title of the book explaining its principles\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Name\"\u003eEonmun\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Main meaning and use\"\u003eA name widely used during the Joseon period\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Name\"\u003eGukmun\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Main meaning and use\"\u003eA modern name emphasizing its status as the nation’s script\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Name\"\u003eHangul\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Main meaning and use\"\u003eA name spread through the work of Ju Si-gyeong and associated scholars\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe National Hangeul Museum links the activities of Hangeulmo in 1913 to the spread of the name. Ju Si-gyeong was a leading figure in the study and teaching of the Korean language and script during this period. The \u003ca href=\"https://www.hangeul.go.kr/webzine/202108/sub1_1.html\"\u003emuseum’s explanation of the name Hangul\u003c/a\u003e discusses this history.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Hangul’ is interpreted as meaning “great script” or “the script of our people.” The names did not, however, all change at once in a particular year. It is also more accurate to avoid saying that ‘gukmun’ could no longer be used at all.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#hanguls-systematic-design-and-international-recognition\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"hanguls-systematic-design-and-international-recognition\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eHangul’s Systematic Design and International Recognition\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHangul’s systematic design can be seen in the relationship between sounds and letter shapes. The survival of an explanatory edition describing its design principles is another distinctive feature. Recognizing these strengths does not require judging other scripts as irrational.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize was established in 1989 with support from the Korean government. It gives special consideration to literacy education based on learners’ mother tongues. It supports efforts to improve the ability to read and use written language. Its purpose is stated in the \u003ca href=\"https://www.unesco.org/en/prizes/literacy?hub=66922\"\u003eUNESCO literacy prize information\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe explanatory edition of 『Hunminjeongeum』 was inscribed on the Memory of the World Register in 1997. The inscription covers a document explaining the script’s design principles. It does not rank entire writing systems against one another. The \u003ca href=\"https://www.unesco.org/en/memory-world/hunminjeongum-manuscript?hub=1081\"\u003eUNESCO inscription record\u003c/a\u003e identifies what was inscribed.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#how-to-assess-claims-about-hangul-related-to-china\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"how-to-assess-claims-about-hangul-related-to-china\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eHow to Assess Claims About Hangul Related to China\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe creation of a script must be distinguished from where it is used today. The fact that ethnic Koreans in China use Hangul does not change who created it. Evidence of its creation comes from historical records concerning Sejong of Joseon.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNor can a particular exhibition or promotional item automatically be treated as a state claim about the script’s origins. The source and original wording must be checked before drawing a conclusion. The label ‘Hangul project’ alone does not establish the content or purpose of a policy.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"overflow-x-auto\"\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat to check\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDistinction to make\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"What to check\"\u003eSource of the statement\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Distinction to make\"\u003eWhether it is a government announcement or a private post\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"What to check\"\u003eOriginal wording\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Distinction to make\"\u003eWhether it describes the script’s use by ethnic Koreans in China or makes a claim about its origins\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"What to check\"\u003eHistorical evidence\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Distinction to make\"\u003eWhat the annals and explanatory edition record\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#comparing-hangul-chinese-and-japanese-input-methods\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"comparing-hangul-chinese-and-japanese-input-methods\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eComparing Hangul, Chinese, and Japanese Input Methods\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn advantage of Hangul input is that syllables are formed by combining consonants and vowels. Ordinary Hangul input does not involve selecting Chinese character candidates. Actual speed, however, varies with the keyboard, predictive input, and the user’s proficiency.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"overflow-x-auto\"\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eLanguage or script\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCommon input methods\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDistinction to keep in mind\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Language or script\"\u003eHangul\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Common input methods\"\u003eEntering consonants and vowels to form syllables\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Distinction to keep in mind\"\u003eA separate key is not needed for each syllable\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Language or script\"\u003eChinese\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Common input methods\"\u003ePinyin, character-shape-based input, handwriting input\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Distinction to keep in mind\"\u003ePinyin is not the only method\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Language or script\"\u003eJapanese\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Common input methods\"\u003eRomaji or kana input, with conversion to kanji where needed\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Distinction to keep in mind\"\u003eRomaji is not the only input option\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eApple provides guidance on Chinese input methods other than Pinyin. It also offers kana and romaji input for Japanese. It is therefore incorrect to say that direct input of a country’s own script is unique to Korea. The \u003ca href=\"https://support.apple.com/en-il/guide/chinese-input-method/cim21aa5fa50/mac\"\u003eChinese input guide\u003c/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/japanese-input-method/jpim10267/mac\"\u003eJapanese input guide\u003c/a\u003e provide evidence.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe convenience of Hangul keyboards cannot be explained entirely by the principle of adding strokes. A standard two-set keyboard uses keys for individual letters. The principles behind the script’s creation and the design of input devices are related, but they are not the same.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#digital-hangul-syllable-combinations-and-search-issues\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"digital-hangul-syllable-combinations-and-search-issues\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eDigital Hangul: Syllable Combinations and Search Issues\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA syllable that looks the same on screen can be stored in different ways. Unicode supports both complete syllables and letters intended for combination. Hangul’s structure of grouping letters into syllables is thus reflected in its digital representation.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#example-calculation-for-modern-syllable-combinations\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"example-calculation-for-modern-syllable-combinations\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eExample Calculation for Modern Syllable Combinations\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnicode separately assigns codes to \u003cstrong\u003e11,172\u003c/strong\u003e modern Hangul syllables. These combine 19 initial consonants with 21 medial vowels. There are 28 possibilities for the final position: 27 final consonants plus no final consonant.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"overflow-x-auto\"\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eElement\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eNumber of possibilities\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Element\"\u003eInitial\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Number of possibilities\"\u003e19\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Element\"\u003eMedial\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Number of possibilities\"\u003e21\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Element\"\u003eFinal\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Number of possibilities\"\u003e27 final consonants and 1 option with no final consonant\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Element\"\u003eTotal combinations\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Number of possibilities\"\u003e19 × 21 × 28 = 11,172\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is the number of syllable combinations that can be made with modern letters. It does not mean they are all used in Korean. Nor does it include every possible combination of old Hangul letters. The \u003ca href=\"https://www.unicode.org/faq/korean.html\"\u003eUnicode Korean FAQ\u003c/a\u003e explains the scope.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#why-searches-can-differ-for-what-looks-like-the-same-letter\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"why-searches-can-differ-for-what-looks-like-the-same-letter\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eWhy Searches Can Differ for What Looks Like the Same Letter\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘가’ can be stored as one complete syllable. It can also be represented by codes for the combining initial ㄱ and medial ㅏ. The sequence of stored codes can therefore differ even when the appearance is the same.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnicode normalization is a process that brings such representations into a consistent form. NFC and NFD are common normalization forms. As a result, whether text has been normalized can affect searches and duplicate detection. The basis is the \u003ca href=\"https://www.unicode.org/reports/tr15/\"\u003eUnicode Normalization Standard\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis issue shows that Hangul’s combination principle alone does not settle every aspect of digital text processing. Supporting old Hangul also requires support for its letters and fonts. In particular, replacing banchieum ㅿ with the triangle △ changes the original text’s character information.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#the-origins-of-korean-and-the-number-of-languages-in-the-world\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"the-origins-of-korean-and-the-number-of-languages-in-the-world\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eThe Origins of Korean and the Number of Languages in the World\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe origins of the Korean language and the creation of Hangul are different questions. Korean was spoken before Hangul was created. Hangul is used to write that language.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClaims definitively assigning Korean to a Ural-Altaic language family require caution. Glottolog classifies Korean within Koreanic. It does not treat a relationship with a broader Altaic family as an established classification. The \u003ca href=\"https://glottolog.org/resource/languoid/id/kore1284\"\u003eGlottolog entry on Koreanic\u003c/a\u003e presents relevant research.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGenetic research and research into language families must also be distinguished. The history of population movements can help the study of language spread. Genetic closeness alone, however, does not establish that languages are related.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe number of languages in the world depends on how languages and dialects are classified. It also depends on whether only languages still in use are counted or extinct languages are included. The number of scripts likewise depends on current use and classification methods.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNumber of languages: Check the counting organization, the edition year, and how languages and dialects are distinguished\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNumber of scripts: Check whether scripts in current use and historical scripts are included\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNumber of writing systems in Unicode: Interpret this as the scope supported by a computing standard\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is therefore difficult to treat approximately 6,000 languages and approximately 50 scripts as fixed figures. Unicode’s list of supported scripts also includes historical writing systems. That list should not be directly compared with the number of scripts in current use. The scope can be checked in the \u003ca href=\"https://www.unicode.org/standard/supported.html\"\u003eUnicode list of supported scripts\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#common-misconceptions-in-learning-hangul\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"common-misconceptions-in-learning-hangul\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eCommon Misconceptions in Learning Hangul\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLearning the letters and how to group them into syllables is different from learning the entire Korean language. Breaking a syllable into its components helps explain its structure. The meanings of words and grammar must be learned separately.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"overflow-x-auto\"\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCommon misconception\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat to understand instead\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Common misconception\"\u003eHangul requires memorizing thousands of independent characters\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"What to understand instead\"\u003eIt is a system that combines letters to form syllables\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Common misconception\"\u003eKnowing 40 letters is enough to read all Korean accurately\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"What to understand instead\"\u003eFinal consonants and sound changes require further study\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Common misconception\"\u003eReading the letters means understanding a sentence\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"What to understand instead\"\u003eVocabulary, grammar, and context are separate areas of understanding\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Common misconception\"\u003eBecause the script is easy, everyone can master it within a set time\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"What to understand instead\"\u003eLearning time varies with the learner’s first language and learning conditions\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor example, ‘한’ groups ㅎ, ㅏ, and ㄴ into one syllable. ‘글’ can likewise be explained as a combination of ㄱ, ㅡ, and ㄹ. Understanding this principle is different from knowing what the word ‘한글’ means.\u003c/p\u003e\n","tags":["Joseon period","Cultural heritage","Hangul"],"faqs":[{"question":"Why did Hangul originally have 28 letters?","answer":"Hunminjeongeum consisted of 17 initial consonant letters and 11 medial vowel letters. The initial consonant letters were reused as final consonants. The 28 letters are the total number of letters established this way."},{"question":"Does 28 letters mean Korean had 28 sounds at the time?","answer":"The 28 is the number of letters in the list. Letters could also be written side by side or combined. So it cannot be taken as the total number of sounds at the time."},{"question":"Does modern Hangul have 24 letters or 40?","answer":"The basic letters set out in Korean spelling rules are 14 consonants and 10 vowels, for a total of 24. The count of 40 used for learning also includes double consonants and combined vowels."},{"question":"What are the four letters that disappeared?","answer":"They are banchieum ㅿ, old ieung ㆁ, yeorin hieut ㆆ, and arae-a ㆍ. They are no longer among the basic letters of modern Hangul, but each changed in a different way."},{"question":"Did the sound of old ieung disappear completely too?","answer":"Its sound as a final consonant remains. Today, that sound is written with ㅇ. Changes in the shape of a letter must be distinguished from the disappearance of a sound."},{"question":"Is there a record that Sejong created Hangul himself?","answer":"An entry in the Annals of King Sejong from the 12th lunar month of 1443 records that the king himself created 28 vernacular letters. This is the basis for saying that Sejong created the script himself."},{"question":"What role did the scholars of Jiphyeonjeon play?","answer":"Jeong Inji, Shin Sukju, Seong Sammun, and others took part in compiling the Haerye under Sejong's direction. The creation of the script should be distinguished from the compilation of a book explaining the principles behind its creation."},{"question":"Was Samgang Haengsildo the sole reason Hangul was created?","answer":"It is difficult to say so definitively. Samgang Haengsildo shows a concern with making its contents easy to convey to the people. The 1444 annals also mention Sejong's plan to translate it into the vernacular script."},{"question":"Did the use of Korean script in official documents begin in 1895?","answer":"The principle of using Korean script as the standard in laws and royal edicts appears in the 1894 Gongmunsik. It also allowed translations into Classical Chinese or a mixture of Korean and Chinese script. It did not require all official documents to be written only in Hangul."},{"question":"Was the name Hangul used in Sejong's time?","answer":"At the time of its creation, it was called Hunminjeongeum. The name Hangul spread in modern times through the activities of Ju Si-gyeong and other scholars. The National Hangeul Museum links its spread to the activities of Hangeulmo in 1913."},{"question":"Did UNESCO designate Hangul as the best writing system?","answer":"The King Sejong Literacy Prize is an award that supports literacy education. The inclusion of the Hunminjeongeum Haeryebon in the Memory of the World Register also recognizes the value of the document. Neither can be interpreted as a ranking of writing systems."},{"question":"How is the number of 11,172 modern Hangul syllables calculated?","answer":"Multiply the 19 initial consonants by the 21 medial vowels. Then multiply by 28, the total of 27 final consonants plus the option of no final consonant. The result is 19 × 21 × 28 = 11,172 syllables."},{"question":"Can Hangul text that looks the same be treated differently in search?","answer":"It can be stored either as precomposed syllables or as sequences of combining jamo. Comparing the stored codes directly may show differences. Unicode normalization is the process of putting these representations into a consistent form."},{"question":"If you can read Hangul, can you understand Korean too?","answer":"Decoding written characters and understanding a language are separate skills. Even after learning the jamo, you still need to learn vocabulary and grammar. To pronounce words accurately, you also need to learn about final consonants and sound changes."}],"sources":[{"url":"https://sillok.history.go.kr/id/wda_12512030_002","title":"The Annals of the Joseon Dynasty: 25th year of King Sejong, 12th lunar month, 30th day, the creation of Hunminjeongeum","type":"source"},{"url":"https://sillok.history.go.kr/id/kda_12602020_001","title":"The Annals of the Joseon Dynasty: 26th year of King Sejong, 2nd lunar month, 20th day, a petition by Choe Man-ri and others","type":"source"},{"url":"https://contents.history.go.kr/play/view.do?levelId=ts_b33","title":"National Institute of Korean History's Our History Net: Hunminjeongeum Haerye","type":"source"},{"url":"https://www.hangeul.go.kr/exhi/dailyExhibition.do?curr_menu_cd=0102010000","title":"National Hangeul Museum: Hunminjeongeum, a Thousand-Year Plan for a Writing System","type":"source"},{"url":"https://encykorea.aks.ac.kr/Article/E0061508","title":"Encyclopedia of Korean Culture: Hangeul","type":"source"},{"url":"https://encykorea.aks.ac.kr/Article/E0078691","title":"Encyclopedia of Korean Culture: Variant Characters","type":"source"},{"url":"https://encykorea.aks.ac.kr/Article/E0047911","title":"Encyclopedia of Korean Culture: Jamo","type":"source"},{"url":"https://korean.go.kr/kornorms/m/m_regltn.do","title":"National Institute of Korean Language's Korean Language Norms: Article 4 of the Hangeul Orthography","type":"source"},{"url":"https://www.korean.go.kr/common/download.do%3Bfront%3D6206CE2623651C16453E6C89F3EB67FD?c_file_name=d54808b0-5243-4eef-9792-cf3422f0292e.pdf\u0026file_path=etcData\u0026o_file_name=2020+%ED%95%9C%EA%B8%80%EC%A0%90%EC%9E%90%EA%B7%9C%EC%A0%95%ED%95%B4%EC%84%A4%EC%84%9C%28210823%29_%EC%B5%9C%EC%A2%85.pdf","title":"National Institute of Korean Language: 2020 Guide to the Hangeul Braille Regulations, Explanation of Old Jamo Terms","type":"source"},{"url":"https://contents.history.go.kr/mobile/kc/view.do?levelId=kc_r300620","title":"National Institute of Korean History's Our History Net: Illustrated Accounts of Conduct under the Three Bonds","type":"source"},{"url":"https://sillok.history.go.kr/id/wza_13111021_002","title":"The Annals of the Joseon Dynasty: 31st year of King Gojong, 11th lunar month, 21st day, Article 14 of the Official Document Format","type":"source"},{"url":"https://www.korean.go.kr/nkview/nklife/1994_4/4_2.html","title":"National Institute of Korean Language's New Korean Language Life, Winter 1994: Explanation of the Official Document Format and the Use of Korean Script during the Gabo Reform","type":"source"},{"url":"https://dl.nanet.go.kr/detail/MONO12022000011378","title":"National Assembly Library: The Lives of Royal Men as Seen Through Joseon-era Hangeul Letters","type":"source"},{"url":"https://www.hangeul.go.kr/webzine/202108/sub1_1.html","title":"National Hangeul Museum: Our Hangeul, Following the Footsteps of Liberation","type":"source"},{"url":"https://www.unesco.org/en/prizes/literacy?hub=66922","title":"UNESCO International Literacy Prizes","type":"source"},{"url":"https://www.unesco.org/en/memory-world/hunminjeongum-manuscript?hub=1081","title":"UNESCO Memory of the World: Hunminjeongum Manuscript","type":"source"},{"url":"https://support.apple.com/en-il/guide/chinese-input-method/cim21aa5fa50/mac","title":"Apple Support: Change Chinese and Cantonese input source settings on Mac","type":"source"},{"url":"https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/japanese-input-method/jpim10267/mac","title":"Apple Support: Set up a Japanese input source on Mac","type":"source"},{"url":"https://www.unicode.org/faq/korean.html","title":"Unicode FAQ: Korean","type":"data_point"},{"url":"https://www.unicode.org/reports/tr15/","title":"Unicode Standard Annex #15: Unicode Normalization Forms","type":"source"},{"url":"https://www.unicode.org/standard/supported.html","title":"Unicode: Supported Scripts","type":"data_point"},{"url":"https://glottolog.org/resource/languoid/id/kore1284","title":"Glottolog 5.3: Koreanic","type":"source"}],"images":[{"id":1773,"url":"https://injoys.com/rails/active_storage/blobs/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MjcxNzgsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--8647d92d38f17c04b35f800f31e95b3c9645b56f/ai-98541b1f.webp","is_representative":true,"generation_method":"ai_photo","license":"ai_generated","mime_type":"image/webp","width":1536,"height":1024,"translations":{"ko":{"alt":"박물관에서 파란 카디건을 입은 여성이 입 모양을 따라 하며 발음 기관 모형을 살펴본다.","caption":"훈민정음의 자음은 발음 기관의 모양을 본떠 만들었습니다.","description":null},"en":{"alt":"A woman in a blue cardigan shapes her mouth while studying a large model of the mouth in a museum.","caption":"The original Hangul consonants were shaped after the organs used to pronounce them.","description":null},"ja":{"alt":"博物館で青いカーディガンの女性が口の形をまねながら、発音器官の模型を見つめる。","caption":"訓民正音の子音は、発音器官の形をかたどって作られました。","description":null},"es":{"alt":"Una mujer con cárdigan azul mueve la boca mientras observa un gran modelo de la boca en un museo.","caption":"Las consonantes originales del hangul se crearon a partir de la forma de los órganos de pronunciación.","description":null},"id":{"alt":"Perempuan berkardigan biru membentuk mulutnya sambil mengamati model mulut besar di museum.","caption":"Konsonan awal Hangul dibuat dengan meniru bentuk alat ucap.","description":null},"pt":{"alt":"Uma mulher de casaco azul move a boca ao observar um grande modelo da boca em um museu.","caption":"As consoantes originais do hangul foram criadas com base na forma dos órgãos da fala.","description":null},"zh-hant":{"alt":"博物館裡，一名穿藍色開襟衫的女子模仿嘴形，觀察大型口腔模型。","caption":"訓民正音的子音是模仿發音器官的形狀創製的。","description":null},"de":{"alt":"Eine Frau im blauen Cardigan formt ihren Mund, während sie im Museum ein großes Mundmodell betrachtet.","caption":"Die ursprünglichen Hangul-Konsonanten wurden nach der Form der Sprechorgane gestaltet.","description":null}}},{"id":1774,"url":"https://injoys.com/rails/active_storage/blobs/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MjcxOTIsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--3b0b2ef27117bb87840cf144555e4c81b3ca5846/ai-f1e3c8eb.webp","is_representative":false,"generation_method":"ai_semi","license":"ai_generated","mime_type":"image/webp","width":1536,"height":1024,"translations":{"ko":{"alt":"조선 시대 옷을 입은 노인이 글씨가 보이지 않는 편지를 읽고 있으며, 편지와 집 기호가 화살표로 이어져 있다.","caption":"한글의 보급은 일상에서 글을 읽고 소식을 나누는 일과 연결됩니다.","description":null},"en":{"alt":"An older man in Joseon-era clothing reads a letter with no visible writing; an arrow links envelope and home symbols.","caption":"The spread of Hangul is connected to reading and sharing news in everyday life.","description":null},"ja":{"alt":"朝鮮時代の服を着た年配の男性が文字の見えない手紙を読み、封筒と家の記号が矢印で結ばれている。","caption":"ハングルの普及は、日常で文字を読み、知らせを伝え合うことにつながります。","description":null},"es":{"alt":"Un hombre mayor con ropa de la época Joseon lee una carta sin texto visible; una flecha une símbolos de sobre y hogar.","caption":"La difusión del hangul se relaciona con leer y compartir noticias en la vida cotidiana.","description":null},"id":{"alt":"Pria tua berpakaian era Joseon membaca surat tanpa tulisan yang terlihat; panah menghubungkan simbol amplop dan rumah.","caption":"Penyebaran Hangul berkaitan dengan membaca dan berbagi kabar dalam kehidupan sehari-hari.","description":null},"pt":{"alt":"Um homem idoso com roupa da era Joseon lê uma carta sem texto visível; uma seta liga símbolos de envelope e casa.","caption":"A difusão do hangul está ligada à leitura e à troca de notícias no dia a dia.","description":null},"zh-hant":{"alt":"一名身穿朝鮮時代服飾的長者讀著看不見字跡的信紙，信封與房屋符號以箭頭相連。","caption":"韓文的普及與日常閱讀及互通消息息息相關。","description":null},"de":{"alt":"Ein älterer Mann in Kleidung der Joseon-Zeit liest einen Brief ohne sichtbare Schrift; ein Pfeil verbindet Brief- und Haussymbol.","caption":"Die Verbreitung des Hangul hängt mit dem Lesen und dem Austausch von Nachrichten im Alltag zusammen.","description":null}}}],"published_at":"2026-10-12T01:44:30+09:00","updated_at":"2026-10-12T01:44:30+09:00","license":"cc_by","translation_status":"reviewed","available_locales":["ko","en","ja","es"],"data_locales":["ko","en","ja","es","id","pt","zh-hant","de"],"url":"https://injoys.com/en/articles/hangeul-28-letters-creation-and-modern-alphabet"}