HANGEUL 02 · START FROM ZERO · 10 MIN
Notice the direction.
Goal: distinguish six written vowels and recognise them in simple syllable blocks. First complete Hangeul 01.
This is visual recognition practice. Matching a letter shape does not demonstrate listening or pronunciation ability. Verified sound recordings are not yet included.
1. Six shapes to begin with
ㅇ + ㅏ → 아
ㅇ + ㅓ → 어
ㅇ + ㅗ → 오
ㅇ + ㅜ → 우
ㅇ + ㅡ → 으
ㅇ + ㅣ → 이
These six are our first learning group, not the complete vowel inventory. Read the written pairs slowly and trace their shapes in the air. Do not invent an English sound for each shape.
See the ten basic vowel letters
ㅏ ㅑ ㅓ ㅕ ㅗ ㅛ ㅜ ㅠ ㅡ ㅣ
The additional short stroke distinguishes four further letters: ㅏ/ㅑ, ㅓ/ㅕ, ㅗ/ㅛ, ㅜ/ㅠ. Other vowel combinations will be introduced later; this is not a complete pronunciation chart.
2. Keep the carrier, change the vowel
아 ↔ 어
오 ↔ 우
으 ↔ 이
The initial ㅇ has no consonant sound in these blocks. It holds the initial position. Changing the vowel changes the syllable. Final ㅇ is a different case and will be taught separately.
3. Look, cover, recall
1. Which vowel has its short stroke pointing down: ㅗ / ㅜ?
Answer and reason
ㅜ. Compare where the short stroke sits, not just the length of the main stroke.
2. Which block contains ㅓ: 아 / 어 / 오?
Answer and reason
어. Its vowel is to the right of the carrier, with a short stroke pointing left.
3. Cover the chart. Write the vowel with one vertical stroke, then the vowel with one horizontal stroke.
Answer and reason
ㅣ → ㅡ
You recalled two shapes without needing an English spelling of their sounds.
Make a small study card
Draw one pair you confuse on paper. On the back, explain the stroke direction in your own language. Tomorrow, recreate the pair before looking at the answer.
Original visual lesson, AI-assisted. Letter inventory reference: National Institute of Korean Language: Korean orthography, alphabet section. For a structured course with audio, see Online King Sejong Institute. External courses are not operated by this site.