Many people encounter the Korean language through K-pop, Korean dramas, or business ties with South Korea. The first question that often arises is what this language is officially called in its home country. In everyday use, people refer to it as 한국어, which is pronounced as Hangug-eo in South Korea and Chosŏn-ŏ in North Korea.
Understanding the naming conventions, linguistic classification, and regional variations helps clarify how the language is structured and why different terms are used. This article breaks down the core facts about what the Korean language is called and how it functions in modern usage.
| Term | Script | Literal Meaning | Common Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hangul | 한글 | Great Script | Name of the alphabet |
| Hangug-eo | 한국어 | Korean Language | South Korea standard term |
| Joseon-mal | 조선말 | Joseon Speech | North Korea standard term |
| Kugo | 쿠구 | Language (from 漢字) | Used in historical hanja context |
Standard Name in South Korea
In South Korea, the language is officially referred to as 한국어. This term combines 한 (Hangul for "Korea") and 어 (eo, meaning "language"). It is the standard term used in education, media, and daily conversation.
Hangul as the Writing System
While the spoken language is called 한국어, the writing system is known as 한글. 한글 was created in the 15th century and is celebrated for its scientific design. The script is central to national identity and is promoted through Hangul Day celebrations.
Standard Name in North Korea
North Korea uses the term 조선-mal or 조선-어 to refer to the language. 조선 (Joseon) references the historical Joseon dynasty, and the vocabulary is intentionally distinct from South Korean usage in some political and cultural contexts.
Pronunciation and Spelling Differences
Although the underlying language is largely mutually intelligible, North Korean speech tends to preserve older forms and excludes certain foreign loanwords. These naming conventions reflect broader linguistic policies shaped by each region’s government.
Linguistic Classification and Origins
Linguists classify Korean as a language isolate, meaning it does not have a proven genetic relationship to any other language family. Theories linking it to Altaic, Turkic, or Tungusic languages remain debated among scholars.
Historical Influences from Hanja
For centuries, hanja (Chinese characters) were used in scholarly and official texts. Although hanja is no longer widely used in everyday writing, many Korean words are still rooted in Chinese, affecting pronunciation and formal vocabulary.
Global Use and Dialects
Korean is spoken by tens of millions of people worldwide, including large diaspora communities in the United States, China, and Central Asia. Major dialects exist, such as the Seoul dialect, which serves as the prestige variety, and regional accents in Gyeongsang and Jeolla.
Key Takeaways
- The Korean language is called 한국어 in South Korea and 조선-어 in North Korea.
- 한글 is the name of the writing system, created under King Sejong in the 15th century.
- Linguistically, Korean is considered a language isolate with debated origins.
- Historical use of hanja has left a lasting mark on vocabulary and formal registers.
- Dialects and global diaspora contribute to a rich variation within the language.
FAQ
Reader questions
Is 한국어 the official name of the language in both South and North Korea?
No. South Korea uses 한국어, while North Korea typically uses 조선-어 or 조선말 to refer to the same language.
What does 한글 refer to exactly?
한글 is the name of the alphabet used to write Korean, not the language itself. The script is celebrated for its innovative design and is a key part of cultural heritage.
Why is the language sometimes called Joseon language?
The term Joseon language (조선말) references the historical Joseon dynasty and is preferred in North Korean official contexts to emphasize continuity with pre-modern Korean history.
Are there different words for Korean when referring to the ethnic group or the language?
Yes. 한국인 refers to Korean people, while 한국어 is the language. The distinction between the ethnic term and the language term is clearly maintained in native grammar.