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Learn Korean Alphabets - Basic vowels

Hello! Today, we’ll take a look at the basic vowels in Korean. For beginners learning Korean, mastering vowels and consonants is essential. Vowels, in particular, form the foundation of Korean pronunciation. Today, we will focus on 8 basic vowels: ㅣ, ㅏ, ㅓ, ㅡ, ㅗ, ㅜ, ㅐ, ㅔ.


How to pronounce basic vowels?


  • ㅣ (i) This vowel is similar to showing your pretty smile with slightly visible teeth. Pronounce it with your upper and lower teeth almost touching and your lips stretched flat.

  • ㅏ (a) This vowel is pronounced by opening your mouth wide.

  • ㅓ (eo) For this sound, shape your mouth like you're pronouncing , but make the sound of .

  • ㅡ (eu) Pronounce this by stretching your mouth flat, similar to the sound you make when touching something unpleasant.

  • ㅗ (o) Pronounce this vowel by rounding your lips and lowering your jaw.

  • ㅜ (u) Pronounce this vowel by rounding your lips, as if applying lipstick.

  • ㅐ (ae) Pronounce this vowel with your mouth slightly more open than when pronouncing .

  • ㅔ (e) Start with the shape of  and open your mouth a little more.


In modern Korean,  and  are almost indistinguishable in pronunciation. Don’t worry about trying to differentiate between the two—many native speakers don’t either!


Attached is a Free Korean Worksheet file containing examples of words using these basic vowels, along with writing practice.


Feel free to print it out and use it for your studies, but please note that unauthorized copying or posting elsewhere is prohibited.


Happy studying! 😊



Tip: Mastering vowels is key to improving your Korean pronunciation. Practice consistently and say the sounds out loud! If you find it difficult, you can request 1:1 lessons and practice with me.



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