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.
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