January 14, 2026Jan 14, 2026
KCNA Pyongyang Times

Korean alphabet Hunminjongum

Date: 14/09/2021 | Source: Pyongyang Times | Read original version at source

Hunminjongum is a unique national alphabet created by Korean ancestors in the 15th century.

The name Hunminjongum literally means “correct sounds to educate the people” and denotes that it is an excellent alphabet consisting of right letters for teaching ordinary people.

It was also called Jongum or Onmun.

Jongum indicates the intrinsic nature of the Korean alphabet, while Onmun means a common script used by the public in general.

The Korean alphabet is a very advanced one that can make notes of any foreign languages. It was invented collectively by Jong Rin Ji, Choe Hang, Pak Phaeng Nyon, Sin Suk Ju, Song Sam Mun, Kang Hui An, Ri Kae and Ri Hyon Ro under the personal direction of King Sejong.

Hunminjongum was made as the successor to the ancient Korean alphabet called Sinji letters. At first it was made of 28 basic letters.

It was supplemented by combining basic letters or adding certain marks to the basic letters.

It is very easy to learn and use as the letters were made on the principle of imitating the shapes of vocal organs.

The scholars who made Hunminjongum published a book under the same title to explain the meanings of letters and present several new linguistic and orthographic theories for the first time in the world.

Hunminjongum has been handed down as an element of the valuable cultural heritage of the nation.

More From Pyongyang Times

Russia warns West against deploying armed forces in Ukraine

Russia warns West against deploying armed forces in Ukraine

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on January 8 warned the West against deploying armed forces in Ukraine.

January 13, 2026

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on January 8 warned the West against deploying armed forces in Ukraine.

Student with remarkable memory

Student with remarkable memory

The Sixth Memory Contest of University Students took place last year bringing together excellent students selected from different

January 13, 2026

The Sixth Memory Contest of University Students took place last year bringing together excellent students selected from different

New villages built in South Hwanghae Province

New villages built in South Hwanghae Province

At a time when new villages are springing up across the DPRK, new houses have been built at the Yaksan Farm in Songhwa County and

January 13, 2026

At a time when new villages are springing up across the DPRK, new houses have been built at the Yaksan Farm in Songhwa County and

Sci-tech research findings give impetus to economic growth

Sci-tech research findings give impetus to economic growth

2025 was a year when the DPRK powerfully promoted its economic development on the strength of science and technology. Scientific

January 13, 2026

2025 was a year when the DPRK powerfully promoted its economic development on the strength of science and technology. Scientific

Groundbreaking means inauguration

Groundbreaking means inauguration

The phrase “Groundbreaking means inauguration” was coined in the DPRK as lots of edifices for the well-being of the people are

January 13, 2026

The phrase “Groundbreaking means inauguration” was coined in the DPRK as lots of edifices for the well-being of the people are

Dear father

Dear father

The Korean people uphold and follow the respected Comrade Kim Jong Un as their dear father. He is the father of the great family

January 12, 2026

The Korean people uphold and follow the respected Comrade Kim Jong Un as their dear father. He is the father of the great family

KCNA commentary on neo-militarism of Japan

KCNA commentary on neo-militarism of Japan

From the outset of the new year, the present ultra-right ruling forces of Japan are adding a serious danger to the security

January 12, 2026

From the outset of the new year, the present ultra-right ruling forces of Japan are adding a serious danger to the security

Danish prime minister decries US’ attempt to annex Greenland

Danish prime minister decries US’ attempt to annex Greenland

The Danish prime minister rejected the US’ attempt to annex Greenland in a radio interview on January 5.As regards the US chief ex

January 12, 2026

The Danish prime minister rejected the US’ attempt to annex Greenland in a radio interview on January 5.As regards the US chief ex

EU makes stand on Greenland

EU makes stand on Greenland

A spokesman for the EU Commission on January 5 took a stand against the US ruler’s remarks revealing the intention to gain

January 12, 2026

A spokesman for the EU Commission on January 5 took a stand against the US ruler’s remarks revealing the intention to gain

Self-sustenance and self-determination

Self-sustenance and self-determination

means devising one’s way to live by one’s own determination and efforts without relying on others. The DPRK’s history of

January 12, 2026

means devising one’s way to live by one’s own determination and efforts without relying on others. The DPRK’s history of

Top 10 players, coaches for 2025 announced in DPRK

Top 10 players, coaches for 2025 announced in DPRK

A meeting with sportspersons who won the international games in 2025 was held on January 9. Present there were Kim Il Guk,

January 12, 2026

A meeting with sportspersons who won the international games in 2025 was held on January 9. Present there were Kim Il Guk,

Officials conduct first Friday labour

Officials conduct first Friday labour

Officials of ministries and national agencies in the DPRK did the first Friday labour of the new year at farms in Pyongyang on

January 12, 2026

Officials of ministries and national agencies in the DPRK did the first Friday labour of the new year at farms in Pyongyang on

Farmers move into new houses in South Phyongan Province

Farmers move into new houses in South Phyongan Province

New houses have been built in Sambong-ri of Phyongwon County and Yonphung-ri of Anju City, South Phyongan Province. Attending the

January 12, 2026

New houses have been built in Sambong-ri of Phyongwon County and Yonphung-ri of Anju City, South Phyongan Province. Attending the

Factory steadily increases production

Factory steadily increases production

The Phyongsong Synthetic Leather Factory overfulfilled its yearly plan and produced hundreds of thousands of square metres of more

January 12, 2026

The Phyongsong Synthetic Leather Factory overfulfilled its yearly plan and produced hundreds of thousands of square metres of more

Mexican president denounces US’ interference

Mexican president denounces US’ interference

The Mexican president rejected the US’ attempt to interfere in the internal affairs of her country at a press conference on Januar

January 11, 2026

The Mexican president rejected the US’ attempt to interfere in the internal affairs of her country at a press conference on Januar

Winners of Communist Mother Honour Prize (2)

Winners of Communist Mother Honour Prize (2)

Han Yong Sun, winner of the Communist Mother Honour Prize living in Musan County of North Hamgyong Province, was a well-known

January 11, 2026

Han Yong Sun, winner of the Communist Mother Honour Prize living in Musan County of North Hamgyong Province, was a well-known

New Year celebrations of Koreans in China

New Year celebrations of Koreans in China

The General Association of Koreans in China held celebrations on the occasion of the New Year 2026. Officials and members of the

January 11, 2026

The General Association of Koreans in China held celebrations on the occasion of the New Year 2026. Officials and members of the

Cement production goes up

Cement production goes up

Cement production units in the DPRK have increased production since the beginning of the year. The Sangwon Cement Complex carried

January 11, 2026

Cement production units in the DPRK have increased production since the beginning of the year. The Sangwon Cement Complex carried

More Articles