eeping aside few predefined rules of pronunciation Korean, Korean script is pretty straight forward to pronounce. The words are pronounced the way they are written, and unlike English where there are many exceptions, Korean has very few exceptions. There are few rules where consonant plus consonant make new sound. We will deal with it coming topics.

How words are Read

Pronunciation of consonants is an exercise of air breathing. The secret of correct pronunciation lies in the way one handles the articulation of air. The aspirated consonants are more dragged with puffing of more air, the plain one are with smooth pronunciation and with no noticeable puffing of air. The tensed ones are always difficult for foreigners as they require a more understanding and practice.

Basic Consonants

Let us first begin with 14 Basic Vowels.

1.? This is the first vowel of the Korean Alphabet. It sound as “a”
, same as an “a” in father.

2.? This is the second vowel of the Korean Alphabet. It sounds as “u”, similar to “u” in “cut”. The aspiration of “u” in this syllable is similar to ?, but a little slower and long. A closer word in English which sounds similar to ? is “awe”.

3.? The third vowel of Korean Alphabet is pronounced as “o” in “order”.

4.? The fourth vowel of Korean Alphabet is pronounced as “u”, same as “u” in “ungaro”