About Hangeul
Hangeul(한글) is a Korean alphabet. It was invented in 1443 by King Sejong the Great in the Joseon dynasty. Before the invention of Hangeul, people spoke Korean but used Chinese letters to read and write. It wasn't easy to learn those letters, so only noble people could do so. King Sejong felt pity for the people who couldn't understand letters, so he invented letters that were easy to learn with many scholars. When the Hangeul was invented, it was called "Hun-min-jeong-eum, " meaning "the right sounds teaching people." With Hangeul, the public became able to read and write as well.
Usually, letters naturally emerge but Hangeul was invented with lots of research and study. So, it is considered one of the most scientific and creative alphabets in the world. And by its goal to learn easily, with a few hours of study you will be able to read and write as well!
The principles of Hangeul
You can learn Hangeul without knowing the principles, but it is an interesting fact to know. Read about it if you are interested. You can also come back here after studying Hangeul to help you understand it better.
1. Vowels
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The vowels are based on the shape of the sky, earth, and human.
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The vowels are made by combining these three figures. For example, human(ㅣ) and sky(·) become ㅣ· nowadays it looks like ㅏ. sky(·) and human(ㅣ) become ·ㅣ and it became ㅓ.
2. Consonants
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Some consonants are based on the shape of the voice organs(articulators), such as the tongue, lips, and throat.
ㄱ(g) ㄴ(n) ㅁ(m) ㅅ(s) ㅇ(no sound)
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Some consonants are made by adding extra strokes, based on how much strength was added to the consonants above. For example, the letter ㅋ(k) came from the ㄱ(g). The letters ㄷ(d) and ㅌ(t) are based on ㄴ(n).
Basic Tips and Writing Order
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Each Korean syllable is made with at least one consonant and one vowel.
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Consonant always comes first.
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Vowels can be pronounced as it is, but when you write you need a consonant. So, we add a letter that looks like a circle that has no sound(ㅇ), to help write a syllable with only a vowel sound.
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The writing order of Korean is basically just like English. You write left top to right bottom in each letter.
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You write sentences and paragraphs just like you write English as well. From left to right, top to bottom.