If you’re starting your Korean learning journey, mastering Korean vowels (모음) is the key first step.
The Korean language (Hangeul, 한글) has 21 vowels in total, which are divided into vertical vowels and horizontal vowels. In this lesson, you’ll learn how to pronounce each vowel, recognize the differences, and practice them correctly with your mouth shape.
🟢 What Are Korean Vowels (모음)?
The Korean alphabet, Hangeul, consists of
vowels (모음) and consonants (자음).
Among them, vowels play an essential role in determining how each syllable
sounds.
Korean vowels are grouped by their mouth shape direction:
| Type | Korean Letter | Romanization | Example Sound |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vertical Vowels | ㅣ, ㅏ, ㅑ, ㅓ, ㅕ | [i], [a], [ja], [ʌ], [jʌ] | i, a, ya, eo, yeo |
| Horizontal Vowels | ㅡ, ㅗ, ㅛ, ㅜ, ㅠ | [ɨ], [o], [jo], [u], [ju] | eu, o, yo, u, yu |
👉 The vowel [ɨ] (ㅡ) doesn’t exist in English. It’s similar to the “u” in put, but without rounding your lips.
🗣️ How to Pronounce Korean Vowels Correctly
Let’s look at how to shape your mouth and move your tongue properly for each
vowel.
Find a mirror and follow along — this will help you see how
Hangul vowels change your mouth shape.
1️⃣ Vertical Vowels (ㅏ, ㅓ, ㅣ)
-
ㅏ [a] → open your mouth wide, like in father
-
ㅓ [ʌ] → close your mouth a bit, as in call
-
ㅣ [i] → smile slightly, keep your tongue forward as in see
Try alternating between ㅏ and ㅓ:
“ㅏ–ㅓ, ㅏ–ㅓ”
You’ll feel your mouth open wider for ㅏ and narrower for ㅓ.
2️⃣ Horizontal Vowels (ㅗ, ㅜ, ㅡ)
-
ㅗ [o] → lips rounded, mouth slightly open (as in horse)
-
ㅜ [u] → lips tightly rounded, tongue pushed forward (as in pool)
-
ㅡ [ɨ] → relaxed lips, mouth slightly open, tongue stays back
Repeat slowly:
“ㅗ–ㅜ, ㅗ–ㅜ”
Notice how the lips and tongue move differently for each sound.
💡 Diphthongs in Korean (이중모음)
Korean has diphthongs, which are combinations of a
glide (like ㅣ) and a single vowel.
These diphthongs sound smooth and connected — never as two separate vowels.
| Diphthong | Composition | Pronunciation | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| ㅑ | ㅣ + ㅏ | [ja] | ya as in yacht |
| ㅕ | ㅣ + ㅓ | [jʌ] | yeo as in young |
| ㅛ | ㅣ + ㅗ | [jo] | yo as in yoga |
| ㅠ | ㅣ + ㅜ | [ju] | yu as in you |
🧠 Tip:
When saying diphthongs like ㅑ or ㅠ, make the ㅣ (i) sound
short and slide quickly into the main vowel sound.
✨ Practice Time: Korean Vowel Sounds
Try these practice steps to master Korean vowel pronunciation:
1️⃣ Say ㅏ → then ㅓ → repeat several
times.
2️⃣ Say ㅜ → then ㅗ → notice lip rounding
changes.
3️⃣ Say ㅡ → then ㅣ → focus on tongue
movement.
4️⃣ Practice diphthongs (ㅑ, ㅕ, ㅛ, ㅠ) — say them smoothly
and naturally.
🎯 Summary: Key Points to Remember
-
The Korean alphabet (Hangul) has 21 vowels.
-
Vowels are divided into vertical and horizontal types.
-
Some vowels (like ㅡ [ɨ]) have no direct English equivalent.
-
Diphthongs (이중모음) are blended sounds, not two separate ones.
-
Practice with a mirror to improve your Korean pronunciation faster.
🏁 Final Thoughts
Learning Korean vowels (Hangul vowels) is your first step to
reading and speaking Korean naturally.
Once you master how your mouth and tongue move for each
vowel, everything from pronunciation to spelling becomes much easier.
✨ Keep practicing every day — soon you’ll read and pronounce Korean vowels like a native!
