What language did Korea use before Hangul?

Before Hangul, the Korean language mainly used Classical Chinese scripts known as Hanja, as well as some indigenous phonetic systems like Idu, Gugyeol, and Hyangchal. Hangul was created in the 15th century by King Sejong, providing Koreans with an accessible and unique writing system.

Classical Chinese (Hanja) - The Dominant Script

Classical Chinese, or Hanja, was the primary writing system in Korea for centuries, especially in official and academic settings. As a result of close historical interactions with China, Korean society adopted and adapted this logographic writing system. However, due to its complexity and the high level of literacy required, Hanja was mainly used by the educated elite, leaving the common people without a writing system they could easily learn and use.

Idu, Gugyeol, and Hyangchal - Indigenous Phonetic Systems

In addition to Hanja, the Korean language had some indigenous phonetic systems, which were developed as a way to render Korean grammar and vocabulary using Chinese characters. These systems include Idu, Gugyeol, and Hyangchal.

Idu is one of the earliest known phonetic writing systems in Korea, created during the Three Kingdoms period (57 BCE - 668 CE). It used a combination of Chinese characters to transcribe Korean words phonetically and semantically. However, Idu remained complex and limited to government officials and scholars.

Gugyeol was developed during the Unified Silla period (668 - 935 CE) and continued to be used throughout the Goryeo Dynasty (918 - 1392 CE). It used modified Chinese characters combined with unique markers to indicate Korean vocabulary and grammar. Although Gugyeol simplified certain aspects of writing, it still relied on understanding Chinese characters, making it difficult for the general population.

Hyangchal served as another indigenous phonetic system, primarily used during the Goryeo Dynasty. It was employed mostly in writing poems and other forms of literature but also suffered from the same limitations as Idu and Gugyeol.

Hangul - The Invention of a Unique Writing System

In response to the need for a more accessible writing system, King Sejong the Great commissioned the creation of Hangul in 1443, which was officially introduced in 1446. Hangul provided a simple and logical writing system, designed specifically for the Korean language. Its creation enabled the general population to achieve literacy and express themselves in writing, significantly increasing social and cultural development in Korea.

The adoption of Hangul was gradual, coexisting with Hanja for several centuries. Today, modern Korean is written primarily in Hangul, while Hanja is used in limited contexts, such as academic writing and traditional arts.