Beginner • • 15 min read

Korean Writing System: Complete Guide to Handwriting Hangul

Master Korean handwriting with this detailed guide to writing Hangul. Learn proper stroke order, letter combinations, and tips for beautiful Korean handwriting.

Understanding Korean Writing

Hangul is a systematic writing system where:

  • Each character represents one syllable
  • Letters are combined into square blocks
  • Stroke order follows consistent rules
  • Writing direction is left to right

Basic Strokes

Fundamental Rules

  1. Write from top to bottom
  2. Write from left to right
  3. Write from outside to inside
  4. Center stroke last in horizontal letters

Common Elements

ㅡ - Horizontal line
ㅣ - Vertical line
ㅁ - Square
ㅇ - Circle

Consonant Writing

Basic Consonants

ㄱ - First stroke horizontal, then vertical
ㄴ - First stroke vertical, then horizontal
ㄷ - Horizontal, vertical, then horizontal
ㅁ - Start from top left, follow square pattern
ㅂ - Like ㅁ but with extra horizontal line
ㅅ - Top to bottom, left to right
ㅈ - Like ㅅ but with horizontal line
ㅎ - Circle first, then connected lines

Stroke Order Practice

1. What's the first stroke in writing ㄱ?

2. How many strokes in ㅁ?

3. Which is written first in ㅎ?

Vowel Writing

Simple Vowels

ㅏ - Vertical then horizontal
ㅓ - Vertical then horizontal (opposite direction)
ㅗ - Horizontal then vertical
ㅜ - Horizontal then vertical (opposite direction)
ㅡ - Single horizontal
ㅣ - Single vertical

Compound Vowels

ㅐ - Write ㅏ then add point
ㅔ - Write ㅓ then add point
ㅒ - Write ㅐ then add extra point
ㅖ - Write ㅔ then add extra point

Syllable Block Formation

Basic Structure

  1. Initial consonant (초성)
  2. Vowel (중성)
  3. Final consonant (받침) - optional

Common Patterns

가 - ㄱ + ㅏ
한 - ㅎ + ㅏ + ㄴ
밥 - ㅂ + ㅏ + ㅂ

Block Formation Practice

1. What's the correct order to write 한?

2. How many components in 밥?

3. Where does the vowel go in a syllable block?

Writing Guidelines

Paper Setup

  • Use grid paper initially
  • Practice with square guidelines
  • Eventually transition to lined paper

Proportions

  1. Equal space between characters
  2. Consistent size for each block
  3. Balanced spacing within blocks

Common Writing Mistakes

  1. Incorrect Stroke Order

    • Affects character recognition
    • Makes writing slower
    • Results in unnatural appearance

  2. Poor Proportions

    • Uneven character sizes
    • Inconsistent spacing
    • Misaligned components

  3. Rushed Strokes

    • Messy connections
    • Unclear letter shapes
    • Poor readability

Writing Practice

1. What should you use when first practicing writing?

2. Why is stroke order important?

3. What's most important for readable handwriting?

Digital Writing

Keyboard Layouts

  1. 2-Set (두벌식)

    • Most common in Korea
    • Consonants on left
    • Vowels on right

  2. 3-Set (세벌식)

    • Separates initial/final consonants
    • Less common today
    • More traditional system

Mobile Input

  • Swipe keyboards available
  • Voice input options
  • Handwriting recognition

Practice Exercises

  1. Basic Strokes

    • Practice individual strokes
    • Focus on direction and order
    • Maintain consistent size

  2. Simple Syllables

    • Start with CV combinations
    • Add final consonants
    • Practice common words

  3. Full Sentences

    • Write short phrases
    • Focus on spacing
    • Maintain rhythm

Next Steps

To improve your Korean handwriting:

  1. Practice stroke order daily
  2. Use proper writing materials
  3. Write slowly and deliberately
  4. Study native handwriting samples

Remember: Good handwriting comes from consistent practice and attention to basic principles. Focus on accuracy before speed.