Phonetics: Hangul

From A History of Graphic Design, 3rd Edition. Phillip B. Meggs. Wiley and Sons, Inc. 1998 p.37

The Korean Monarch, Sejong (AD 1397-1450) introduced Hangul. the Korean Alphabet, by Royal decree in 1446. It is one of the most scientific writing systems ever invented. Sejong developed a simple vernacular alphabet of 14 consonant and ten vowel signs to put literacy within the grasp of ordinary Korean citizens. He assembled a team of gifted young scholars to undertake a systematic study of the existing writing system (they used Chinese calligraphy though the two languages were nothing alike.)

Fourteen consonants are placed in 5 groups based on the position of the mouth when they are spoken. Their signs are abstract depictions of the mouth and tongue when speaking the basic sound. Example

Ten vowels are signified by dots positioned next to horizontal or vertical lines. Example

The alphabet is not written in a linear sequence in the manner of Greek and Roman alphabets; rather, letters are combiined within an imaginary rectangle to form syllabic blocks. These syllables are made by combining at least a consonant and a vowel.

These 24 letters are used to make over 2000 common syllables in every day use. Example