Korean did not originally have its own writing system. For centuries, scholars used Classical Chinese (한문) for writing.

Hangul was created in 1443 by King Sejong the Great. It was published in 1446 as 훈민정음 (Hunminjeongeum).

Hangul is considered one of the most scientific writing systems in the world. Its shapes are based on how the mouth moves when producing sounds. Hangul originally had 28 letters; today it has 24. Koreans celebrate Hangul Day each year. South Korea: October 9. North Korea: January 15.

Korean is a language isolate. It has no confirmed linguistic relatives.

Korean follows a S O V word order: Subject Object Verb.

Korean has seven levels of speech politeness. There are also two main speech styles: formal and informal. Honorifics are central to the language. You change entire verbs depending on whom you are speaking to or about.

Korean verbs never conjugate for gender or number.

Korean has no articles such as “a” or “the.”

Korean does not usually use pronouns. Context performs that function.

Korean vocabulary has three major sources: Native Korean, Sino Korean which makes up about sixty percent of the vocabulary from China and loan words from English, Japanese, and other languages.

There is no “F,” “V,” or “Z” sound in native Korean.

Korean uses postpositions instead of prepositions.

Names usually consist of a one syllable surname and a two syllable given name. Korean surnames are limited; only about three hundred common ones exist.

Korean uses “ㅎ” as a silent laughter emoji.