Learn Korean with Mia Level1 Lesson9: Free Korean Lesson for Beginner

# Lesson 1‑9 – Learn Four Korean Vowels: ㅗ, ㅛ, ㅜ, ㅠ

So far, we’ve learned:

The concept of Korean vowels (Lesson 1‑7)
Four “a/ya/eo/yeo” vowels (Lesson 1‑8)


Now, let’s move on to the next four important vowels:

ㅗ (o)
ㅛ (yo)
ㅜ (u)
ㅠ (yu)


These vowels are horizontal vowels, meaning they go under a consonant in a syllable block. By mastering them, you can read and write many more Korean words.

Why These Four Vowels Matter

They are used very frequently in everyday Korean.

They require lip rounding, which is different from previous vowels.
They help you see how writing works: consonant above + vowel below.

Once you know all eight basic vowels, reading and writing become much easier.

Pronunciation Guide

# ㅗ(o)

㉠ Romanized

    o

㉡ Mouth shape

    Round your lips gently, like blowing out a small candle.

㉢ Sound

    Like “o” in “go” or “so.”

㉣ Tip

    Keep your tongue steady and slightly raised in the middle of your mouth.


# ㅛ(yo)

㉠ Romanized

    yo

㉡ Mouth shape

    Round lips, then say “yo,” like “yoga.”

㉢ Sound

    Starts with “y” + ㅗ sound.

㉣ Tip

    Make sure to add that small “y” sound at the start.


# ㅜ(u)

㉠ Romanized

    u

㉡ Mouth shape

    Round lips more tightly than for ㅗ, almost like saying “oo.”

㉢ Sound

    Like “oo” in “food” or “pool.”

㉣ Tip

    Lips should be tight and rounded; tongue low.


# ㅠ(yu)

㉠ Romanized

    yu

㉡ Mouth shape

    Tight, rounded lips with small “y” glide.

㉢ Sound

    “y” + ㅜ sound.

㉣ Tip

    Think “you” in English to start.


All of these are horizontal vowels. That means when you write them, they go under the consonant (never beside it).

Common Pronunciation Mistakes

Lip rounding too light or too strong

For ㅗ and ㅛ, lips should round softly.

For ㅜ and ㅠ, lips should round more tightly.

Forgetting to add “y” sound

ㅛ = “y” + ㅗ

ㅠ = “y” + ㅜ

Make sure the “y” glide is present.

Writing direction errors

Horizontal vowel must go under the consonant.

If you place it wrongly — beside — the block looks wrong.

Practice Exercises

Mirror Drill

Look in a mirror, say each vowel: ㅗ, ㅛ, ㅜ, ㅠ.

Check lip shape: round softly for ㅗ/ㅛ, tighter for ㅜ/ㅠ.

Audio Comparison

Record your voice saying “고, 구, 교, 규” and compare with a native speaker example.

Writing Drill

Write pairs:

ㄱ + vowel

ㅁ + vowel

ㅂ + vowel

ㅅ + vowel

Write each vowel under the consonant clearly.

Short Phrases for Practice

Let’s try short phrases:

고마워요 = go-ma-wo-yo (“thank you” — informal polite)

구경해요 = gu-gyeong-hae-yo (“let’s see / walk around”)

모든 사람 = mo-deun sa-ram (“every person”)

부엌에서 요리 = bu-eok-e-seo yo-ri (“cook in the kitchen”)

Focus: Each vowel block is pronounced clearly. Don’t rush — go block by block.

Pro Tips to Improve

* Repeat slowly — don’t speed through syllables.
* Use Facebook or YouTube — find Korean pronunciation videos for these vowels.
* Pair up — practice with someone, or talk to yourself in mirror!
* Highlight lip shape — touch your lips for consistency while practicing.