The Many Names of the Korean Alphabet: A Linguistic History
The Korean alphabet is a unique and sophisticated writing system, but depending on where you are in the world—or even which part of the Korean Peninsula you are visiting—you might hear it called by several different names. From its formal origins in the 15th century to its modern political designations, the terminology used to describe this script reflects centuries of history, cultural identity, and geopolitical shifts.
Key Facts
- Original Name: Hunminjeongeum ("Correct Sounds for the Instruction of People").
- South Korean Name: Hangul (or Hangeul).
- North Korean Name: Chosŏn'gŭl.
- International Standard: "Hangul" is the primary spelling used by ISO 15924.
- Historical Context: The script was officially promulgated in 1446.
The Modern Era: Hangul and Chosŏn'gŭl
In the contemporary world, the most common name for the script is Hangul. This term is widely adopted in the English language and is the official spelling used by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Depending on the romanization system used, it is also written as Hangeul (Revised Romanization) or Han'gŭl (McCune–Reischauer).
The name Hangul translates to "script of Han," where "Han" is one of the names for Korea. This specific name for the country was popular during the Korean Empire (1897–1910) and the colonial period (1910–1945). While the exact origin of the word is debated, many historians attribute its creation to the linguist Chu Sigyŏng. In 1913, a predecessor of the Korean Language Society changed its name to Han'gŭlmo, a term possibly derived from Chu's earlier use of Hannaragŭl ("script of the land of Han").
Regional Differences
The division of the Korean Peninsula has led to distinct linguistic preferences. In North Korea, the script was briefly referred to as Hangul before being replaced by Chosŏn'gŭl in 1949. This change stems from the different ways the two nations refer to Korea: North Korea uses Chosŏn, while South Korea uses Hanguk. North Korea also occasionally uses the term uri kŭl, meaning "our script."
Even the Korean diaspora has its own terminology. The Koryo-saram (Koreans from the former Soviet Union) have historically used the term Koryŏgŭl, as the term "Hangul" was notably absent from Soviet-era Korean materials.
Historical Names and Evolution
Long before the modern era, the script had a very different identity. Its original, formal name was Hunminjeongeum, which means "Correct Sounds for the Instruction of People." This name appeared in the 1443 announcement of the script and was the title of the 1446 text that officially promulgated it.
The Era of Ŏnmun
In the historical Veritable Records, the script was often called ŏnmun, meaning "vernacular script." At the time, this was a generic term for any non-Chinese (non-Hanja) writing system. While it may have started as a neutral descriptor, some historians believe it eventually took on a negative connotation, implying "vulgar writing." Some scholars argue that the term was retroactively inserted into historical records by literati who opposed the new script.
Because the script was seen as a tool for commoners rather than the elite, some accounts suggest it was derisively called amgŭl ("women's script"), ahaekkŭl ("children's script"), or chunggŭl ("monk script"), though direct historical evidence for these specific labels is debated by historians.
Nationalism and Colonialism
As the script gained government support in the late 19th century, it began to be called kungmun, or "national script." This name was favored by South Korea's first president, Syngman Rhee, during the 1950s.
However, during the Japanese colonial period (1910–1945), the script was referred to as Chosŏnmun ("Joseon script"). Linguists suggest this shift was a colonialist tactic intended to elevate the Japanese script while devaluing the Korean one.
Summary of Script Names
| Name | Meaning/Context | Primary Usage/Era |
|---|---|---|
| Hunminjeongeum | Correct Sounds for the Instruction of People | Original 15th-century name |
| Hangul / Hangeul | Script of Han | Modern South Korea / International standard |
| Chosŏn'gŭl | Joseon Script | Modern North Korea |
| Ŏnmun | Vernacular script | Historical (often used by literati) |
| Kungmun | National script | Late 19th century / Early 20th century |
| Chosŏnmun | Joseon script | Japanese colonial period (1910–1945) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Hangul and Hangeul?
The difference is primarily due to romanization systems. Hangul is the spelling used by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), while Hangeul follows the Revised Romanization of Korean, which is commonly used in South Korea.
Why does North Korea call it Chosŏn'gŭl?
The name reflects the North Korean preference for the name Chosŏn to refer to Korea, whereas South Korea uses Hanguk. This linguistic distinction is a result of the differing political identities of the two nations.
What was the original name of the alphabet?
The original name was Hunminjeongeum, which translates to "Correct Sounds for the Instruction of People." This name was used in the official documents that introduced the script in the 15th century.
Was the script always respected?
Not always. Historically, it was sometimes referred to as ŏnmun (vernacular script) and was occasionally viewed by the elite as a "vulgar" or "common" way of writing compared to Chinese characters (Hanja).
Is "Hangul" an English word?
Yes, "Hangul" has been adopted into the English language to describe the Korean writing system.