Learning how to write Korean vowels (모음) correctly is an essential part of mastering the Hangeul alphabet (한글).
In this lesson, you’ll learn the basic writing rules, stroke order, and how to combine vowels with consonants to create syllables.
🟢 How to Write Korean Vowels
Korean vowels are written using vertical ( | ) and
horizontal ( — ) strokes.
To write them neatly and correctly, follow these simple rules:
-
For vertical strokes (ㅣ, ㅏ, ㅑ, ㅓ, ㅕ):
👉 Start from top to bottom -
For horizontal strokes (ㅡ, ㅗ, ㅛ, ㅜ, ㅠ):
👉 Start from left to right
✅ Correct way:
-
ㅣ — draw downward from the top
-
ㅡ — draw across from left to right
❌ Incorrect way:
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Never start from the bottom or the right side.
By remembering this simple rule, you’ll form clean, well-balanced Hangul vowels every time.
🌸 Vertical vs. Horizontal Vowels
Korean vowels are often described using two metaphors:
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Vertical vowels: look like a standing person (long vertical line, short horizontal line(s))
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Horizontal vowels: resemble the flat earth (long horizontal line, short vertical line(s))
These visual cues make it easier to remember how to write and recognize each vowel.
✏️ Korean Vowel Writing Order and Practice
Here’s the correct stroke order and pronunciation for each vowel in Hangul (Hangeul alphabet):
| Korean Letter | Sound Value | Stroke Order | Writing Practice Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| ㅣ | [i] | ① top → bottom | Keep line straight and even |
| ㅏ | [a] | ① vertical → ② short right line | Make the side line short |
| ㅑ | [ja] | ① vertical → ② two short right lines | Two short strokes on the right |
| ㅓ | [ʌ] | ① vertical → ② short left line | Left side short line |
| ㅕ | [jʌ] | ① vertical → ② two short left lines | Two short left strokes |
| ㅡ | [ɨ] | ① left → right | Keep it flat and even |
| ㅗ | [o] | ① horizontal → ② short up line | Short line on top |
| ㅛ | [jo] | ① horizontal → ② two short up lines | Two top strokes |
| ㅜ | [u] | ① horizontal → ② short down line | Short line below |
| ㅠ | [ju] | ① horizontal → ② two short down lines | Two short strokes under |
🧠 Pro Tip:
When practicing, say each vowel out loud while writing — this helps you
remember both the shape and the sound at
once.
🔤 Combining Vowels with Consonants
Every Korean syllable must include
both a consonant and a vowel.
If a syllable begins with a vowel sound, we use
“ㅇ” (ieung) — a silent consonant — as a
placeholder.
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For vertical vowels (ㅏ, ㅑ, ㅓ, ㅕ, ㅣ) → write ㅇ on the left side
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Example: 아 (a), 여 (yeo)
-
-
For horizontal vowels (ㅡ, ㅗ, ㅛ, ㅜ, ㅠ) → write ㅇ on the top
-
Example: 오 (o), 유 (yu)
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🗣️ When the vowel sound starts a word, the ㅇ has no sound — it’s simply a visual support.
🎯 Quick Summary: Korean Vowel Writing Rules
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Write vertical strokes from top to bottom
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Write horizontal strokes from left to right
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Use ㅇ as a silent consonant before vowels
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Keep strokes balanced and even
-
Practice each vowel while pronouncing it
🌟 Final Tip for Korean Learners
Mastering Korean vowel writing is one of the easiest and most
rewarding parts of learning
Hangul (the Korean alphabet).
With consistent practice, you’ll soon be able to read, write, and pronounce
all 21 Korean vowels confidently.
Keep practicing every day — and you’ll soon write Korean like a native!
