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  3. Korean Pronunciation
  • Front Vowel
  • Central Vowel
  • Back Vowel
  • y(ㅣ)-Glide Diphthong
  • w(ㅗ/ㅜ)-Glide Diphthong
  • (ㅢ) Diphthong
  • Bilabial Consonant
  • Alveolar Consonant
  • Palatal Consonant
  • Velar Consonant
  • Glottal Consonant

Pronunciation

ㅗ/o/

Basic sound

IPA: /o/

Closest English sound:

  • “o” in go without the glide
  • Similar to pure /o/ in many European languages

English go usually has a glide (/oʊ/).

Korean ㅗ must be a pure vowel.

How to pronounce it

1. Tongue:

  • Mid-high position
  • Pulled slightly back

2. Lips:

  • Rounded
  • Form a small, tight circle

3. Jaw:

  • Open slightly

4. Voice:

  • Voiced, steady, short

Key point:

Hold the sound steady—do not move toward /u/.


Syllables composed by ㅗ and examples of words
No.
Vowel
Syllable
Word
Meaning
1 ㅗ 오 오늘 today

Pronunciation

ㅜ/u/

Basic sound

IPA: /u/

Closest English sound:

  • “oo” in food (but shorter and purer)

English /uː/ is often longer and may glide slightly.

Korean ㅜ must be a pure, steady vowel.

How to pronounce it

1. Tongue:

  • High and back

2. Lips:

  • Strongly rounded
  • Pushed slightly forward

3. Jaw:

  • Almost closed

4. Voice:

  • Voiced, steady

Key point:

Hold the sound still—do not move toward /w/ or /o/.


Syllables composed by ㅜ and examples of words
No.
Vowel
Syllable
Word
Meaning
1 ㅜ 우 우리 our
Course Image

Greetings

This collection of 100 essential expressions focuses on greetings, daily interactions, politeness, and emotional connection—covering situations such as meeting someone, parting ways, showing gratitude, offering support, and expressing care.

Rather than memorizing isolated words, these phrases help learners understand how Korean is naturally used in real-life conversations. Many expressions include important cultural elements such as respect, hierarchy, and warmth, which are central to Korean communication.

By studying these phrases, learners will:

  • Develop practical speaking skills for daily conversations
  • Understand common sentence patterns and polite forms
  • Gain confidence in social and professional interactions
  • Become familiar with Korean cultural nuances

    Course Image

    Greetings

    This collection of 100 essential expressions focuses on greetings, daily interactions, politeness, and emotional connection—covering situations such as meeting someone, parting ways, showing gratitude, offering support, and expressing care.

    Rather than memorizing isolated words, these phrases help learners understand how Korean is naturally used in real-life conversations. Many expressions include important cultural elements such as respect, hierarchy, and warmth, which are central to Korean communication.

    By studying these phrases, learners will:

    • Develop practical speaking skills for daily conversations
    • Understand common sentence patterns and polite forms
    • Gain confidence in social and professional interactions
    • Become familiar with Korean cultural nuances

      Course Image

      Greetings

      This collection of 100 essential expressions focuses on greetings, daily interactions, politeness, and emotional connection—covering situations such as meeting someone, parting ways, showing gratitude, offering support, and expressing care.

      Rather than memorizing isolated words, these phrases help learners understand how Korean is naturally used in real-life conversations. Many expressions include important cultural elements such as respect, hierarchy, and warmth, which are central to Korean communication.

      By studying these phrases, learners will:

      • Develop practical speaking skills for daily conversations
      • Understand common sentence patterns and polite forms
      • Gain confidence in social and professional interactions
      • Become familiar with Korean cultural nuances