The origin of Hangeul: the Korean alphabet

The Chinese style of writing and calligraphy, Hanja, was known and has been used in Korea for over 2000 years. It was mainly during the years 108BC to 313AD during the Chinese occupation that the form of writing widely spread through the country. However, due to the majority of the population of Korea being illiterate and unable to afford education, a new system of writing was invented in 1446 during the reign of King Sejong (1418-1450). This new form of writing, Hangeul, was a modern, scientific and phonetic alphabet that was easy to learn amongst middle and lower class members of society. Hangeul is comprised of 24 letters- 14 consonants and 10 vowels, and with double consonants and diphthongs (a vowel sound that starts near the articulatory position for one vowel and moves position for another), there are 40 letters overall. the vowels and consonants of the Hangeul are similar to the English alphabet e.g. b.c.d,g and a,e,i,o,u.



     Example of Chinese calligraphy



sourced from http://www.chinavoc.com/arts/calligraphy/fivestyles.asp

Hangeul



References:
http://www.omniglot.com/writing/korean.htm
http://www.speakkorean.net/