Korean Letter

Consonant Design

Hunminjeongeum is basically a form of hieroglyph. Consonants, the initial sound letters, resemble a person's speech organs. The shape of each letter is based on the form of different sound articulation units.

Other consonants, excluding the five basic ones listed above, were created by adding additional strokes to the basic forms, based on the strength of the sounds.

"ㄱ(gieok)" : To pronounce this letter, part of the tongue touches the molar teeth and sticks near the uvula. The shape of the letter is based on the lateral form of this process.

ㄱ (g)- ㅋ (k)

"ㄴ(nieun)" : To pronounce this latter, the front of the tongue curves and the tip of the tongue sticks to the upper gums. The shape of the letter is based on the lateral form of this process.

ㄴ(n) - ㄷ(d) - ㅌ(t) - ㄹ (r, l)

"ㅁ(mieum)" : To pronounce this latter, the upper and lower lips are joined. The shape of the letter is based on the form of the joined lips.

ㅁ(m) - ㅂ(b)- ㅍ(p)

"ㅅ(shiot)" : To pronounce this latter, the tip of the tongue and the upper teeth are brought close together, and sound is created by blowing through the narrowed passage. The shape of the letter is based on the form of the teeth during the process.

ㅅ(s) - ㅈ( j ) - ㅊ(ch)

"ㅇ(ieung)" : To pronounce this latter that is created by stimulating the uvula, the throat assumes a round shape, hence the form of the consonant.

ㅇ(ng) - ㅎ(h)