🌈 Learn Hangul Online #3: Vowels & Layout Mastery

The shape of a vowel tells you exactly where it sits. Master the 10 Core Vowels and 7 Common Combos to start reading real words today.

Korean vowels layout and combinations for beginners 2026

1. The Vowel Map: 10 Core Shapes

Korean vowels are systematic. The addition of a small stroke typically adds a "y" sound.

ㅏ (a) - 아
ㅑ (ya) - 야
ㅓ (eo) - 어
ㅕ (yeo) - 여
ㅗ (o) - 오
ㅛ (yo) - 요
ㅜ (u) - 우
ㅠ (yu) - 유
ㅡ (eu) - 으
ㅣ (i) - 이

*Note: The circle ㅇ is a silent placeholder used when a syllable starts with a vowel.

2. The Golden Rule: Right vs. Below

In 20 years of teaching, I've seen that students who master this Layout Logic read 2x faster. The shape of the vowel determines its position in the block.

📍 Tall Vowels (Right)

Vertical shapes sit to the RIGHT of the consonant.

가, 너, 리, 며

📍 Flat Vowels (Below)

Horizontal shapes sit BELOW the consonant.

고, 무, 츠, 퓨

3. Essential Vowel Combinations

When vertical and horizontal elements blend, they form diphthongs. Master these 4 common ones first:

ㅘ (wa): ㅗ + ㅏ (e.g., 과일 - Fruit)
ㅝ (wo): ㅜ + ㅓ (e.g., 워크 - Work)
ㅟ (wi): ㅜ + ㅣ (e.g., 위치 - Location)
ㅚ (oe): ㅗ + ㅣ (Sounds like 'we')

4. Real-World Word Challenge

Try reading these aloud, paying attention to the tongue position.

우유
(u-yu) Milk

요리
(yo-ri) Cooking

의자
(ui-ja) Chair

회사
(hoe-sa) Company

💡 Teacher Hoon's Expert Tips

1. The Finger Trace: Physically trace the shape. If your finger moves up-down, place it on the right. If it moves left-right, place it below.

2. The "Heaven-Earth-Human" Philosophy: Korean vowels are based on (·) Heaven, (—) Earth, and (|) Human. Knowing this makes the shapes feel like a story, not just lines.