Korean

Romanization and Word Division

Romanization
1. General Practice
The Library of Congress will continue to follow the McCune-Reischauer system
to romanize Korean with the exceptions noted in this document. See:
Romanization of the Korean Language: Based upon its Phonetic Structure by
G.M. McCune and E.O. Reischauer ([S.l.: s.n., 1939?), reprinted from the
Transactions of the Korea Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society. Full text of the
original document is available online from the National Library of Australia Web
site: http://www.nla.gov.au/librariesaustralia/cjk/download/ras_1939.pdf
Note: A romanization table appears as Appendix 7, at the end of this document.
2. Authorities
The Library of Congress will designate certain standard dictionaries [see
Appendix 1] as final authorities to resolve questions of contemporary
pronunciation. A word will be considered to be pronounced as indicated in
those dictionaries, and romanized in such a way as to represent its
pronunciation most accurately.
3. Conflict between Romanization Rule and Pronunciation
When romanization rules conflict with the pronunciation of a word, prefer to
represent the pronunciation.
1





















ramyn
Hancha
yngchang
Suldae
Wldkp
kiljabi
Malgaljok
kabchi
silchng
Note: Some dictionaries represent a reinforced medial consonant with a double
consonant: [_], [_]. However, the romanization would not
necessarily show a double consonant: ikwa, silsi.
pyngka
munpp
4. Hyphens
(a) When sounds would normally change, according to McCune-Reischauer
rules, sound change is indicated preceding or following a hyphen in forenames
or pseudonyms that are preceded by family names, and in generic terms used
as jurisdictions.
1) For personal names with family name:
An ng-nyl
Pak Mog-wl
Yi Toe-gye
2) For generic terms for jurisdictions:
Kangwn-do
2
























Kyngsang-bukto
Wando-gun
Pyngtaek-kun
Kugi-dong
Pyngtaeg-p
Sanbung-myn
Hwanggong-ni
Nogn-ni
Pokkye-ri
Sahl-li
Exception 1: For generic terms for jurisdictions preceded by a numeral, do not
indicate sound change.
2 Chongno 2-ka
4 Sngsan 4-tong
Exception 2: For those special administrative terms for jurisdictions, do not
hyphenate.
Sul Tkpylsi
Pusan Kwangyksi
Cheju Tkpyl Chachido
(b) When sounds would normally change, according to McCune-Reischauer
rules, sound change is not indicated preceding or following a hyphen in the
following instances:
1) In a spelled-out cardinal number:
chn-kubaek-yuksip-pal
2) Between a numeral and volume designation and things being counted:
3




























3 che 3-chip
4 4-kwn
2 2-pu
33 33-in
6 6-kae
5 5-pyng
3) Between a year, written in numerals, and suffix or modifier:
10 10-chunyn
2000 2000-yndae
4) Between abbreviated forms of proper nouns combined coordinately:
Sin-Kuyak Sngs
Nam-Pukhan chngbu
Han-Mi kwangye
Exception: Do not hyphenate between abbreviated forms of non-proper nouns.
Follow the convention for Word Division Rule 10.
knhyndaesa
suchurip kwalli
kungnaeoe sajng
chunggodng hakkyo
5) In contracted numerals representing the date of a historical event:
Sa-ilgu Haksaeng Hyngmyng
Yuk-io Chnjaeng
5. and
4





















(a) Initial and
Follow McCune-Reischauer rules governing initial and , with the following
exceptions. When words are written in Chinese character (Hancha), it may be
necessary to check the official reference tools to verify the sound of a Chinese
character. For personal names, see Romanization Rule 9.
/ nodong
/ yksa
/ ysng
/ yori
Exception 1: To accommodate Word Division Rule 1, particles beginning with
the letter are to be separated from other words, and are to be romanized
beginning with the letter r in all cases.
sae yksa rl wihay
Kim Mari rann puin
Sul ro kann ylcha
Ynhaeju ran mut inga
Exception 2: When single-syllable improper nouns beginning with the letter
are separated from other words, romanize as r.
() ? Myt ri inya?
() Krl ri ka pta
(b) Medial and
Follow McCune-Reischauer rules governing medial and , with the
following exceptions. For words in Chinese character (Hancha), check the
official reference tools listed in Appendix 1 to verify the sound of Chinese
character.
sllyang
chilli
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kmnyu
tori
mullihak
Exception 1: Medial followed by medial is generally romanized ll.
However, in certain instances of compound words, when a single word with a
syllabic final combines with suffixes beginning with a syllabic initial ,
romanize as nn to represent standard pronunciation. For example:
(+) igynnan
(+) Imjinnan
(+) saengsannyang
(+) kyltannyk
(+) pipannyk
(+) sanggynnye
(+) munnon
(+) yechannon
(+) ibwnnyo
(+) siinnon
(+) kaepynnon
Exception 2: When a vowel or medial is followed by a syllable beginning with
(
, , , ) or (, , , ), the sound of is generally not
pronounced. In such cases, is not romanized.
nayl
punyl
chiyl
paekpunyul
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6. Medial
(a) Medial as a syllabic initial
When medial appears as a syllabic initial, always romanize as s including
medial after , with exception of syllabic initial before wi (). For a syllabic
initial before , romanize as sh.
nongsanmul
sonshwipta not sonswipta
silsi not silssi
(b) before and
Romanize as n when a syllabic final before and .
konnal
pnnim
paenmri
(c) before , , , , and
Romanize as t when a syllabic final before , , , , and .
kotkan
maettol
haetpyt
chtsarang
patchul
(d) before and yotized vowels
Romanize as nn when a syllabic final before i () and yotized vowels in
compound words.
yenniyagi
namunnip
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sunnyang
twinnyut
Romanize as s when a syllabic final before i () and yotized vowels in non-
compound words.
orosi
kkaekksi
(e) before all other vowels
Romanize as s when a syllabic final before all other vowels.
usm
sosara
psnan
Exception: Romanize as d when a syllabic final in a native Korean prefix (, ,
, , etc.) is followed by vowels other than i () and yotized vowels.
udrn
widot
chdadl
hdusm
7. , ,
(a) When syllabic final , and are combined with a syllabic initial ,
always romanize as kh, ph and th.
Pukhan
kukhak
hakhoe
hyphoe
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ykhal
pukhaek
sokhi
ttakhage
chaphimyn
mothada
(b) When syllabic final and are combined with a syllabic initial ,
romanize as ch.
tachin
kkochida
ichyjin
(c) When syllabic final double consonants , and are followed by a
syllabic initial , romanize as nch, lk, and lp.
nchida
palkinn
nlpida
(d) When syllabic final , and are followed by syllabic initial , and ,
romanize as k (nk, lk) , t (nt, lt) and ch (nch, lch)
ttke
chota
amurchi
mantn
talchi
(e) When syllabic final and are followed by , romanize as nn.
ssannn
annn
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(f) When a syllabic final is followed by , romanize as ll.
ttulln
(g) When syllabic final , and are followed by a vowel, romanize as
follows:
do not romanize
n
r
nan
mani
sirdo
8. Double Consonants
(a) Romanize final double consonants , , , , and as follows:
, k
m
, l
p
mok
hk
sam
ydl
oegol
kap
(b) When syllabic final double consonants are followed by other consonants,
romanize as follows:
10





























k
l before , ng before and k before other
consonants
m
n
, , l
, p
n before , and t before other consonants
skta
malke
kungne
mukta
kumta
nta
nlta
oegolsu
halta
kapchin
pta
innn
itko
Exception 1: In the case of -, romanize as m when followed by and,
romanize as p when followed by other consonants.
pamnn
papta
papko
papchi
Exception 2: In the case of -, romanize as p in the following instances:
11
























npchukhada
nptungglda
npchk
(c) When syllabic final double consonants are followed by vowels, romanize as
follows:
nj
lg
lm
lb
lt
lp
ps
ss
anja
mulg
salmni
nlbi
halta
lp
ps
issni
9. Personal Names
(a) Separate syllables of a forename or pseudonym (, , ) with a
hyphen only when they are preceded by a family name. Indicate sound change
preceding and/or following a hyphen. See also Word Division 13. Personal
Names for further clarification.
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Kim Chr-wn
Yi Sng-min
(or ) Yu Sng-min
(or ) Na Min-ju
An Chung-gn
O Yng-hye
Yi -ryng
Kim Chang-nyong
Kim Chr-un
Yi Yul-gok
Kim Chi-ha
Kim So-wl
(b) Connect the syllables of a forename or pseudonym (, , ) when
they are not preceded by a family name.
Yulgok Yi I
Sowl chnjip
Chlsu wa Ynghi
Exception 1: The surnames and , written in Hangul as or , are always
romanized as Yi no matter how they are written.
(or ) Yi Sng-man
Yi Sun-sin
Yi Wn-su
Exception 2: When a personal name is written in Hangul, and the first part of
persons given name begins with , consider this to be evidence that the initial
is intended to be pronounced, and romanize the initial as r.
Kim Ri-na
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Choe Ran
Ha Ri-su
Yi Ryu-hwan
For given names of Western origin, romanize the as r or l corresponding to
its counterpart in the Western word being romanized, following rule 10 below.
Pak Lillian
Pang Reichel
Exception 3: When the pronunciation of a historically well-known persons given
name, beginning with or , is in conflict with the romanization rule, romanize
to represent the pronunciation. If pronunciation is in doubt, refer to this
reference work: . :
, 1991.
Sin Rip
(romanization rule calls for Sin Ip, but he is historically known as not
)
Ha Ryun
(romanization rule calls for Ha Yun, but he is historically known as not
)
10. Words of Western Origin
Do not give special treatment to words of Western origin. Apply the McCune-
Reischauer romanization rules to words of Western origin, with exception of
words beginning with the letter . For the words beginning with the letter ,
romanize the as r or l corresponding to its counterpart in the Western word
being romanized ;however, when the first letter of the Western equivalent is
silent, apply this rule to the next non-silent consonant.
(design) tijain
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(Vietnam) Petnam
(zero) chero
(linen) linnen not ninnen
(radio) radio not nadio
(wrestling) reslling not neslling
11. Romanization of Archaic Korean ()
Insofar as possible, strictly apply McCune-Reischauer rules and tables for the
romanization of vowels and consonants to the written forms of the words when
romanizing archaic Korean. Do not attempt to romanize archaic Korean
following what may be the current pronunciation.
Tynjyu not Chnju
Chosyn not Chosn
symni not smni
yaktyo not yakcho
12. Symbol and Character Modifier in Romanization ( )
The apostrophe is used to differentiate aspirated consonants like (k), (t),
(p) and (ch) from unaspirated ones (, , , and ).
/ chnsa / chnsa
/ tokki / tokki
The apostrophe is also used to mark transcriptions of as opposed to .
/ changm / changm
/ sngun / sngun
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The character modifier breve over o () is used to represent , , and over
u () is used to represent , .
sng
sangsangnyk
wllyu
kndae
uri i samyng
Character modifiers Name USMARC hexadecimal code
Unicode
breve E6 0306
Word Division
Basic Principles
1. Each part of speech is to be separated from other parts of speech. The
guidelines recognize 9 categories of parts of speech:
Noun
Pronoun
Adjective
Adnominal adjective
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Verb
Adverb
Particle
Numeral
Exclamation
Note: Affixes () are not considered to be a separate part of speech.
2. Group syllables into words that make sense in context. Separate compound
words by parts of speech without doing harm to the original meaning.
3. Proceed in this manner:
A) Apply these rules to decide upon word division.
B) When in doubt, refer to standard dictionaries designated by the Library of
Congress final authorities to resolve questions of word division. [See Appendix
1 for the list of designated dictionaries.] A word found in these sources will be
considered to be a lexical unit. When a dictionary gives variant forms, choose
the appropriate one.
C) Then, if still in doubt, or if sources differ from each other, prefer to separate.
Specific Rules
1. Nouns (), Pronouns (), Imperfect Nouns ( )
Guidelines
(a) Separate a noun, pronoun, or imperfect noun from other parts of speech.
Kug munjang i hyngsng
(noun) (noun) (particle) (noun) (noun) (noun) wlli yngu
17



























(pronoun) (particle) (noun) (particle)
Igt n chaek ida

(noun) (imperfect noun) (particle)
rini narm taero
I choguk di ro kal kt inga
(pronoun) (noun) (pronoun) (particle) (verb) (imperfect noun) (particle)
Kukchang kym silchang
(noun) (imperfect noun) (noun)
(b) Write a gerund as a separate word.
Sewl i ppalli kam l
(noun) (particle) (adverb) (gerund) (particle)
Yng nn paeugi ka rypta
(noun) (particle) (gerund) (particle) (adjective)
(c) Separate a compound noun into binary elements without doing harm to the
original meaning.
Taehan Minguk i munhwa yujk
Chngi konghak kaeron
Chusik hoesa Hanguk
Sokkup changnan
Murim Sagwan Hakkyo
(d) Write a compound noun as a single lexical unit if a sai siot is added.
( + ) Poritkogae
( + ) Yenniyagi
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( + ) Paetsagong
(e) Write a compound noun as a single lexical unit if there is a phonetic change
represented by a change in the Korean spelling.
( + ) Sonamu
( + ) Mrikarak
( + ) tchnyk
(f) Write a compound noun as a single lexical unit when it bears a new meaning.
Onllal
Pamnat
Pittam
(g) Write a compound noun as a single lexical unit when the combination
includes another part of speech.
Puslbi
Magujabi
Pibimpap
Tottanbae
(h) Add the binary () to its modifier as a suffix.
Minjujui
Marksjui wa Kidokkyo
(i) Write a compound word formed by the addition of a single character
modifier, affix or substantive as a single word.
Hanguk kwa Hangugin
Hanbando i pynghwa wa anbo
Hwangmuji ka changmikkot kachi
19
























Yrmchl i pulchnggaek
Hwangsanpl i hamsng
Saebyngnyk e naerinn pi
Sanbonguri e tpin kurm
Pudongsanpp kangi
(j) Write the name of a color formed by the addition of a single character
modifier, affix or substantive as a single word.


Kmnsaek chadongcha
Chuhongpit nol
but:



Kmbulgn saek
Prjukchukhan pit
Chigm i hanl pit n chaetpit ida
(noun) (particle) (noun) (noun) (particle) (noun) (particle)
2. Adjectives ()
Guidelines
(a) Separate an adjective from other parts of speech.
Uri chosangdl n hullyunghaetta
(pronoun) (noun) (particle) (adjective)
Chakhage sann saramdl
(adjective) (verb) (noun)
20





























Kny i unnn mosp i
armdapta
(pronoun) (particle) (verb) (noun) (particle) (adjective)

(noun) (particle) (adjective) (adjective)
iji ka kanghago kutseda

(adjective) (noun) (noun)
Noppurn kal hanl

(adjective) (proper noun)
Mnamn Ssongbagang
(b) Separate a noun from a compound adjective without doing harm to the
original meaning.
Kkum kattn chinan sewl
(noun+adjective=adjective) (verb) (noun)
Kap ssago pumjil chon sangpum
(noun+adjective=adjective) (noun) (adjective) (noun)
Mok marn sasm i
(noun+verb=adjective) (noun) (particle)
Mt innn chingu rl mannaseyo
(noun+verb=adjective) (noun) (particle) (verb)
Prt pko simsul kujn ai ro kiugi
(noun+adjective=adjective) (noun+adjective=adjective) (noun) (particle) (gerund)
Chaemi innn yenniyagi
(noun+verb=adjective) (noun)
21























but:
Write a simple inflection of the adjective form together with single syllable
noun it modifies


Mtchin yja
Kapssan haengbok kwa kapchin
haengbok
3. Adnominal adjectives ()
Guidelines
(a) Separate an adnominal adjective from other parts of speech.
Ch hanl edo slpm i
(adnominal adjective) (noun) (particle) (noun) (particle)

(adnominal adjective) (noun) (particle) (verb)
n saram i kassmnikka

(adnominal adjective) (noun)
Modn kungmin

(adnominal adjective) (noun) (particle) (verb)
Kajn kosaeng l hada
Wen ttk imnikka
22





















(adnominal adjective) (noun) (particle)
(b) Separate a single syllable native Korean or Sino-Korean adnominal
adjective from the word it modifies. However, if a word is firmly established in
common usage, prefer to treat it as a single lexical unit.
: , , but , , etc.
: , , but , etc.
: , , but , etc.
: , but , etc.
: , , , but , , , etc.
: , , , , but , , ,
etc.
(): , , , ,
but , , , , etc.
(): , , but , , , etc.
(): , , but , etc.
(): , , , but , , etc.
(): , but
(): , but
(): , but
(): , but
(): , but
When in doubt, consult the suggested dictionaries
(c) Write a compound adnominal adjective as one word.
, , ,
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(d) When a demonstrative adnominal adjective , , , , , etc., modifies
one of the following nominals, and changes to a definite pronoun or adnominal
adjective, write them together as one word.
: , , , ,
: , ,
: , ,
: , ,
: , ,
: , ,
: , , ,
: , ,
(, , , , , , , etc.)
In all other cases, separate these adnominal adjectives from the words they
modify.
K namja i yukwae han haru
I ttang es hangmun hagi
Ch pada esn musn il i issnna
4. Verbs ()
Guidelines
(a) Separate a verb from other parts of speech.
Na rl chajas ttnan kri
(pronoun) (particle) (verb) (verb) (noun)
Ai i kasm enn pumo ka sanda
(noun) (particle) (noun) (particle) (noun) (particle) (verb)
24


























(noun) (particle) (noun) (particle) (verb)
Snggong i chans rl chabara

(proper noun) (particle) (adverb) (verb)
Todosae nn wae sarajynnayo
(b) Write an auxiliary verb separately from the main verb.
(main verb)+ (auxiliary verb)
Nlg kada
Nlg kas
Nlg kanda
Nlg katta
Nlg kasstta
Nlg kassmro
Nlg kattn
Maju pogo innn tu saram
(adverb) (main verb) (auxiliary verb) (numeral) (noun)
Mnji nn musn him ro
mungchy
china
(noun) (particle) (adnominal adjective) (noun) (particle) (main verb) (auxiliary verb)
See Appendix 2 for the list of auxiliary verbs.
(c) Write each part of speech separately in a compound verb form without doing
harm to the original meaning.
Changnan chinn aidl
25
























(noun+verb=verb) (noun)
Mam i chim l naery noko
(noun) (particle) (noun) (particle) (verb+verb=verb)
Kotkam l musw hann horangi
(noun) (particle) (adjective+suffix=verb) (noun)
Mri ka choa chinn tonghwa
(noun) (particle) (adjective+auxiliary verb=verb) (noun)
(d) Separate the auxiliary verbal forms -, -, -, -, -, -
, -, and -, etc., and their inflections from a preceding noun.
Sarang hada
Sarang han
Sarang hae
Sarang hago
Sarang hay
Sarang haedo
Sarang haettn
Sarang haessmro
Sarang hayssmro
(e) Separate the copula - and its inflections from the preceding word.
Sin n changjoja ida
Sarang irann pyng
di kkaji imnikka
Pynghwajk in siwi
Naeil i chidoja il uri aidl
but:
Connect - to the preceding word when it acts as a suffix.
26



















Kkttgida
Mangsrida
Soksagida
Chullngida
(f) When a main verb is abbreviated or is contracted, write the auxiliary verb,
adjective, adverb and its stem together as one word.
: ,
:
:
: ,
:
:
, : , , but
:
: ,
, , : , ,
(g) Write a simple inflection of the verb form together with the verb or adjective
that precedes it.
Kotkam l muswhan horangi
(noun) (particle) (adjective+simple inflection=verb) (noun)
Tuk choajin kyoyuk hwangyng
(adverb) (adjective+simple inflection=verb) (noun) (noun)
Hamkke nlggan iyagi
(adverb) (adjective+simple inflection=verb) (noun)
Tokto es ponaeon yps
(proper noun) (particle) (verbadjective+simple inflection=verb) (noun)
27






















(h) Write a simple inflection of the verb form together with the single syllable
noun it modifies.
Haettl muryp i padatka
(noun+simple inflection=verb) (imperfect noun) (particle) (noun)
Hanguk l pinnaen saramdl
(noun) (particle) (noun+simple inflection=verb) (noun)
5. Adverbs ()
Guidelines
(a) Separate an adverb from other parts of speech.
Hangl n maeu tokchangjk igo
kwahakchk ida
(noun) (particle) (adverb) (noun+suffix=noun) (particle) (noun+suffix=noun) (particle)
Chlmn saramdl i chaju chaja
chunn kot
(adjective) (noun) (particle) (adverb) (main verb) (auxiliary verb) (noun)
(b) Insofar as possible, write compound adverbs as binary elements without
doing harm to the original meaning.
Ygi chgi
Igt chgt
but:
, , Yojm, hanbatang, nsae
28






















(c) Insofar as possible, write repetitive or rhythmic compound adverbs as binary
elements without doing harm to the original meaning.
, , , , ,
, , , ,
, , ,
6. Particles ()
Guidelines
(a) Separate a particle from other parts of speech.

(pronoun) (particle) (pronoun) (noun) (particle)
Na nn nae kil e

(noun) (particle) (noun)
Noin kwa pada
Chown i kkum l kdae ege
(noun) (particle) (noun) (particle) (pronoun) (particle)
Sae ya sae ya parangsae ya
(noun) (particle) (noun) (particle) (noun) (particle)
(b) Attempt to create binaries for coordinated or multi-syllabic particles when
possible.
Na mando anida
Hanguk kojn ei chodae
Iltng egenn so rl sang ro
Hangmun rosi sahak
29























Suryk es put
(c) Connect a particle as a suffix to a verb stem, adverb, or simple inflection of
the verb.
Ppallido tallinda
Sarang n mllis hann kt
Ibn e chalman hamyn
Mgsnn andoenda
Koerophijinn anketta
Ppalli kapsidayo
(d) Connect a contracted particle to the preceding noun or pronoun.
Chigm n nugunga was
Nan molla
Kgn na to molla
7. Numerals ()
Guidelines
(a) Write a number, includes a native Korean and a Sino-Korean number, as
one word. Separate each romanized digit by hyphens without phonetic
changes.
Ilchn-kubaek-kusip-yuk
Sambaek-yuksip-o
Mahn-tast
(b) Separate a native Korean and Sino-Korean number from its quantifier.
30





















Ahn-ahop tong i haengbok
chatki
(numeral) (imperfect noun) (particle) (noun) (gerund)

(numeral) (imperfect noun) (particle) (noun)
Smul-tast sal i panghwang

(numeral) (noun) (numeral) (noun)
Sam hangnyn sam pan

(numeral) (noun) (numeral) (noun)
Yuk chng sam hosil

(numeral) (imperfect noun)
Se pntchae

(noun) (numeral) (imperfect noun)
Chaek ne kwn

(noun) (numeral) (imperfect noun)
So yl mari
(c) Whenever possible, write the preformative element () joined to the
following number to form a binary.
1 Che-1
Cheil
3 Che-3 segye
Chesam segye
31






















However, prefer to join a number to a suffix or generic term that follows it with a
hyphen (for example, (), (), ()). Do not indicate phonetic
changes after the hyphen. In such cases, when precedes the number,
separate it from the number.
1 Che 1-cha
Che ilcha
3 Che 3-chip
Che samjip
In more complex situations, still attempt to create binaries when possible.
Cheil, I Konghwaguk
12 Che-1, 2 Konghwaguk
(d) Write a numeral quantifier for periods of time, such as , , , , ,
, , etc., as one word.
Chn-kubaek-kusip-yungnyn
1996 1996-yn
Sambaek-yuksip-oil i haengbok
365 365-il i haengbok
Tusi samsippun
2 30 2-si 30-pun
Yuksip-inyn sap kyehoek
62 62-yn sap kyehoek
Isip-ilsegi i Hanguk kyngje
21 21-segi i Hanguk kyngje
(e) In case of certain contracted numerals that have been firmly established
through common usage, prefer that form.
Sa-ilgu Haksaeng ig
O-illyuk Kunsa Hyngmyng
32





















Sam-il Undong
Pal-iro Kwangbok
(f) Write a native Korean indeterminate number as one word.
Handul
Tuset
Tusn
Snt
Yenilgop
Ynamn
8. Exclamations ()
Guidelines
(a) Separate an exclamation from other parts of speech.
! A! sin nann Hancha yhaeng
(Exclamations) (noun+suffix=adjective) (noun) (noun)
, Yaho, chaemi innn mak sigan
(Exclamations) (noun+verb=adjective) (noun) (noun)
ra na to Yng ka toene
(Exclamations) (pronoun) (particle) (noun) (particle) (verb)
33


















9. Affixes ()
Guidelines
(a) Write an affix and the word it modifies together as one word.

(prefix+noun) (noun) (noun+suffix)
Tagukchk kip kyngyngnon

(prefix+noun) (noun) (noun)
Chongjngni pudongsan sepp
Sinysngdl n mut l kkum
kkunnnga
(prefix+noun) (particle) (pronoun) (particle) (noun) (verb)
Chamsarang i imi rl kkaedatta
(prefix+noun) (particle) (noun) (particle) (verb)
Segi i misuljn
(noun) (particle) (noun+suffix)
Kjinmaljaengi i hoegorok
(noun+suffix) (particle) (noun+suffix)
See Appendixes 4 and 5 for the lists of prefixes and suffixes.
(b) Whenever the original meaning is not clear, prefer to separate a proper
noun ( ) from a single character modifier, affix or substantive.
Tae Pukhan chllyak
(prefix) (proper noun) (noun)
34





















Tae Paekche rl wihay
(prefix) (proper noun) (particle) (verb)
Pak Chng-hi sik minjujui
(proper noun) (suffix) (noun)
(c) When two single character prefixes modify the same word consecutively,
generally separate the first one.
( ) Cho chjllyk
( ) Cho kohwajil
( ) Cho kosngnng
(d) Separate a single character prefix of Chinese origin from the word it
modifies, when another word is inserted in between.
, but Tae Ollimpik taehoe rl
, but Sun mni i chngsng ro
, but Chong sup sigan su nn
(e) Separate a single character prefix (), (), etc. from the word it
modifies, when it implies new edition or continuation.
Sin kyngjehak wlln
Sin minpp
Sok Hanguk munjip chonggan
but:
Sinsedae rl wihan kyngjehak
10. Abbreviated Forms (, , )
35























Guidelines
(a) Connect two coordinated characters, affixes, or substantives together into a
single word without hyphens.
Nambuk kyngje hymnyk
Suchurip chlcha
Kungnaeoe sajng
Hanguk shwaga inbo
Chngsonyn ege trinn
Chunggodng hakkyo
Chungdanpyn sosl
Knhyndae
(b) Write an abbreviated or contracted proper name of Korean or foreign origin
as a single word.
Onl i Pukhan
Chngyngnyn
Chunggongkwn i changnae
(c) Hyphenate combined abbreviated forms or coordinated forms of proper
nouns. Do not indicate phonetic changes either before or after the hyphen.
Nam-Pukhan Chngsang Hoedam
Choesin Pul-Han sajn
Sinyk Sin-Kuyak chns
Paekhwabon Tang-Song
sanmunsn
Myng-Chng kosa snyk
36





















(d) Write a contracted word into binary components without doing harm to the
original meaning.
(+) Taebaek Sanmaek
( +) Kug Kungmun Hakkwa
(+) Anju Kunminhoe
(+) Yngam Saji
(+) Wnju kunji
(+) Kongsan tangwn
(+) Yugyk taewn
11. Scientific terms, nomenclature, etc. ( , )
Guidelines
(a) To the extent possible, follow the guidelines when separating parts of
speech or creating binaries for technical terms, specialized terms used in the
professions or arts, slang, jargon, etc., without doing harm to the original
meaning.
Kwasanhwa suso
Ahwangsan kas
Ymhwa natryum
Isanhwa chilso
Kwansang tongmaek
kynghwachng
Kpsng pongmagym
Mlti midi pail
37





















12. Terms of Western Origin ()
Guidelines
(a) Treat words of Western origin in the same manner as words of Korean,
Chinese, or other origin.
Kmmedal
Usngkp
Nobelsang
Ionhwa
Ingkpyng
Peintchil
Laemppul
(b) Connect a suffix of Korean or Chinese origin to a word of Western origin
and also connect a word of Western origin when it is used as a suffix.
Pak Mog-wl taepyo eseijip
Kukche maaketingnon
Munye changjaktim
(c) When a proper noun of Western origin appears with a generic term for a
type of topographic feature, treat the combination as one word.
Adriahae
Taiwansm
Amajongang
Hujisan
(d) When it can be determined that a word or words in Korean consisted of
more than one word in the original language, apply the following guidelines.
38




















If the words appear separately, write them separately.
Syeip p
Teibl maen
If the words appear without spaces, write them as a single word.
Syeipp
Teiblmaen
13. Personal Names ()
Guidelines
(a) Separate a family name from a given name or pseudonym. In such cases,
when a forename or pseudonym (, etc.) is three syllables long, do not
hyphenate it.
Choe Chi-wn
Yi Kwang-su
Sk Myng-jng
() Pyn Se-ra
Sin Saimdang
(b) When a forename or pseudonym (, etc.) is not preceded by a family
name, connect the syllables. In such cases, when the forename or pseudonym
is more than three syllables long, attempt to create binaries without doing harm
to the original meaning.
Toegye wa Yulgok
Manhae sasang yngu
Changhwa Hongnyn chn
Pulgn Suym
39


























(c) Write a pure Korean given name and a given name of Western origin as a
single word.
Chng Koara
Kim Satkat
Kim Maria
(Sarah) Pyn Sara
Yi Yosep
Sim Marsias
(d) Write a Buddhist religious name or a posthumous name as one word.
Iryn
Chungmugong
(e) Write a family name consisting of two syllables as a single word. However
separate when two different family names are combined intentionally, such as
husband-wife, mother-daughter, etc.
Snu Chong-wn
Namgung Wn
but:
Cha Pae Ok-tk
Ko n Kwang-sun
(f) Write an official title or honorific term such as (), (), (), etc.,
separately from a personal name.
Wllam Yi Sang-jae Ong
Kang Chang-ho Snsaeng
Kim Chu-yng Kun
Kim Hyng-don Paksa
40



























An Chung-gn isa
Yu Kwan-sun Yang
Yi Pm-sk Chongni
Im Kap-sun Ysa
Yun Changgwan
O Snbaenim
Chang Toryng
(g) Write the term separately from a personal name.
Hong Kil-tong Ssi
Kimhae Kim Ssi
but:
Uri nara enn Kimssi ka manta
(h) Separate a reign title, temple name, or title of nobility, etc from the
preceding word. When a title or name has more than three syllables, attempt to
create binaries without doing harm to the original meaning.
Taejo
Hyegynggung Hong Ssi
Chang Hibin
Hynu Haengja
Hngsn Kun
Hyoryng Taegun
Myngsng Hwanghu
Chnggyng Puin
14. Corporate names, Geographical names, Publication titles, etc. (, ,
)
41



















Guidelines
(a) Treat a corporate name as a binary compound when possible. Write general
terms such as , , etc., separately as binary elements.
(Society of Korean History) Hanguksa Hakhoe
but:
(World History Society of Korea) Hanguk Sahakhoe
Nasng Hanin Changno Kyohoe
Nodong Kijun Chosaguk
Hanguk Hyumnisthoe
Katollik Minju Chngnyn
Kongdongche
Mansusan Yesultan
Andong Kwn Ssi Chumilgongpa
Sul Sisa Pynchan Wiwnhoe
(b) Insofar as possible, write a historical event as binary elements without doing
harm to the original meaning.
Kabo Kyngjang
Imjin Waeran
Pyngja Horan
Chng Chung-bu Nan
(c) Insofar as possible, write a historical publication title as binary elements
without doing harm to the original meaning.
Samguk sagi
Taedong yjido
Tongguk yji sngnam
Hunmin chngm
Yongbi chnga
42




















(d) Hyphenate an administrative entity term used as part of the name of a
jurisdiction as one word.
Taegu-si
Kahoe-dong
Ullngdo Todong-ni
Wlbong-ni
Wsington-si
but:
Sul Tkpylsi
Kwangju Kwangyksi
Cheju Tkpyl Chachido
(e) Write a generic term for a type of topographic feature, road, architectural
construction, etc., used as a part of a proper name, together with its name.
Attempt to create binaries when possible.
Hallasan
Naktonggang
Tongnimmun
Chejudo
Yurisng
Chongno
but:
Kimhae Pyngya
Kaema Kown
(f) Connect a single syllable modifier that indicates a type of publication, such
as (), (), (), (), (), () etc. to the word that precedes
it, except if the word is a proper noun.
43

























Nanjung ilgicho
Hyndae Hanguk siinsn
Kukse kibonnon
iam Snsaeng hangjaenggi
Tokkijn
but:
Hong Kil-tong chn
Sim Chng chn
Chunhyang chn
Kongjwi Patchwi chn
Pae Pijang chn
Yi Kwang-su non
Kwibong chip
Sowl sn
(g) Always separate the modifier () from the word it modifies.
Hyndae pyn
Yesan pyn
Munhak pyn
Capitalization
Guidelines
1. Each separately written word of a corporate name (except particles), or an
abbreviation thereof, is capitalized.
Hanguk Ilbosa
Taehan Sanggong Hoeiso
44





















Minjuhwa rl Wihan Chnguk
Kyosu Hybihoe
2. Each separate word of a personal name is capitalized.
Yi Kwang-su
Chng Yn-hi
3. Titles and terms of address are capitalized.
Pak Taetongnyng
Cho Yong-gi Moksa
4. Each separately written word of a geographic name is capitalized. An
abbreviated geographical name is capitalized. An abbreviated geographical
name is capitalized in coordinate compounds and at the beginning of other
compound words.
Hahoe Mal
Kyngbuk Supil Tonginhoe
5. The first word of the title of a book, periodical, or series is capitalized.
Hyndae kukchepp
Silchon munhak i sijip
6. Names of dynasties are capitalized.
Chosn yukpaengnyn
Myng-Chng sidae
7. A word derived from a proper name is capitalized only if the name retains its full,
original meaning.
Yangmynghak yngu
45



















Hyndae wa Krischyan i
sinang
8. Abbreviated forms combined coordinately are capitalized if called for by these
guidelines.
Sin-Kuyak Sngs
Siryong Pul-Han sajn
9. In all other cases, follow the directions found in the officially designated style
manual listed in Appendix 1.
Punctuation
Guidelines
1. A centered point indicating coordinate words may be transcribed as a comma
or hyphen, or not transcribed, depending on the applicable word division
guidelines.
chunggodng hakkyo
Nam-Pukhan kyngje hymnyk
In other instances, it may be transcribed or not transcribed, depending on the
context.
Sa-ilgu i minjungsa
Chang Tae-uk ch
Iryp, Iltang sihwajip
2. Brackets used in the manner of quotation marks are transcribed as the latter.
46























[ ] Munhak kwa chisng siinsn
[ ] Si wa haebang tongin sijip
Appendix 1: Suggested Dictionaries
For contemporary publications from South Korea and North Korea:
1. . . (Online Version)
Kungnip Kug Ynguwn. Pyojun Kug taesajn
http://stdweb2.korean.go.kr/main.jsp
2. . . ( : , 2004)
Kwahak Paekkwa Sajn Chulpansa. Chosn mal sajn (Pyngyang :
Kwahak Paekkwa Sajn Chulpansa, 2004)
For reading and pronunciation of Chinese characters:
1. . . ( : , 1964)
Chang Sam-sik. Tae Han-Han sajn (Sul Tkpylsi : Sngmunsa, 1964)
2. . ([Seoul] : , 1915 : Reprint : [Seoul] : , 1973)
Sin chajn. ([Seoul : Sinmungwan, 1915 : Reprint : [Seoul] : Cho Yong-
sng, 1973]
Appendix 2: List of Auxiliary verbs
Please consult suggested dictionaries for additional auxiliary verbs
47







































1. () ,
2. () ,
3. () , ,
4. () ,
5. () ,
6. ()
7. () ,
8. () ,
9. () ,
10. () , , ,
11. ()
12. () , ,
13. () , , ,
14. ()
15. () , ,
Appendix 3: List of numeral quantifiers
Please consult suggested dictionaries for additional auxiliary verbs
1. Amount: , , , , ,
2. Animals: , , ,
3. Length: , , , , , , ,
4. Meals:
5. People: , , ,
6. Quantity: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
, , , , , , ,
7. Time: , , , , , , , ,
8. Volume: , , , , , , , , , , ,
9. Weight: , , , ,
48

































10. Width: , , ,
Appendix 4: List of Prefixes
Please consult suggested dictionaries for additional auxiliary verbs
1. () - : ,
2. - :
3. - : , , ,
4. - : , , , , , ,
5. ()- : , , ,
6. ()- : , ,
7. ()- : ,
8. ()- : , ,
9. - : , , ,
10. ()- :
11. - : ,
12. ()- : , ,
13. ()- : , ,
14. - : , , ,
15. ()- : , , ,
16. ()- : ,
17. ()- : , (), , ,
18. - : , , ,
19. - : , ,
20. - : , , , , , ,
21. - : , , ,
22. - : , , ,
23. - : , , ,
24. - : , , , , , ,
49































25. - : , ,
26. - : ,
27. - : , ,
28. - : , ,
29. - : ,
30. ()- : ,
31. ()- : , , ,
32. - : ,
33. ()- : , , ,
34. ()- : , ,
35. ()- : ,
36. ()- : , , , ,
37. - : , ,
38. ()- : , , ,
39. ()- : , , ,
40. ()- : , ,
41. ()- :
42. ()- : , , , , ,
43. ()- : , ,
44. ()- : , , ,
45. - : , ,
46. ()- : , ,
47. ()- : , , , ,
48. - : , , ,
49. - :
50. - : , (only for color)
51. - :
52. ()- : , , , , , ,
53. - : , ,
54. ()- :
50































55. - :
56. ()- : ,
57. ()- : , , , ,
58. - : ,
59. ()- : ,
60. - :
61. - : ,
62. ()- : , ,
63. ()- : , , ,
64. - : , , ,
65. - : ,
66. - : , , , ,
67. ()- : , ,
68. ()- : , ,
69. - : , ,
70. ()- : , , ,
71. ()- : , , ,
72. ()- : ,
73. ()- : ,
74. - : ,
75. ()- : , ,
76. ()- : ,
77. ()- : ,
78. - : , ,
79. ()- : , ,
80. - : , ,
81. ()- : , , ,
82. ()- : , ,
83. ()- : , , ,
84. ()- : , , ,
51































85. ()- : ,
86. ()- : , ,
87. ()- : , , , , ,
88. - : , ,
89. ()- :
90. - : , , ,
91. - : ,
92. - : , , , ,
93. - : , ,
94. - :
95. ()- : , , ,
96. ()- : , , , ,
97. ()- : , ,
98. - : ,
99. ()- : , , , ,
100. ()- : ,
101. - : , ,
102. - : , ,
103. ()- : , ,
104. ()- : , ,
105. - : , , , , , ,
106. - :
107. ()- : ,
108. - :
109. - : , ,
110. - : , , , , ,
111. ()- : , ,
112. ()- : , ,
113. - : , ,
114. - : ,
52































115. - : , ,
Appendix 5: List of Suffixes
Please consult suggested dictionaries for additional auxiliary verbs
1. - () : ,
2. - () : , , , , , ,
3. - () : , , ,
4. - () : , ,
5. - () : , , ,
6. - () : ,
7. - () : , , , ,
8. : , ,
9. () : , ,
10. () : , ,
11. () : , , ,
12. () :
13. () : ,
14. () : , ,
15. () : , , ,
16. () : , , ,
17. () : , ,
18. () : ,
19. () : , , , ,
20. () : ,
21. () : ,
22. () : , , ,
23. () : , ,
24. () : , ,
53































25. () : ,
26. () : , , , ,
27. () : , ,
28. () : , ,
29. () : , , ,
30. () : , ,
31. () : , , ,
32. : ,
33. : , , ,
34. : , ,
35. : , , ,
36. : , , ,
37. : ,
38. () : , ,
39. () : , , ,
40. : , , ,
41. () : , ,
42. () : ,
43. () : , ,
44. () : , , ,
45. () :
46. () : , , 2000
47. () : , ,
48. () : ,
49. () : ,
50. () : ,
51. : , ,
52. : , ,
53. () : , , ,
54. () : , ,
54































55. () : ,
56. : , , ,
57. () : , , , , ,
58. () : ,
59. () :
60. () : , ,
61. () : , ,
62. () : , , ,
63. () : , ,
64. () : , , ,
65. : ,
66. : , ,
67. () : , ,
68. - () : , , ,
69. () : , , ,
70. () : , , ,
71. () :
72. : , ,
73. : , ,
74. - () : , ,
75. () : , ,
76. () : , , ,
77. : , , , ,
78. () :
79. () : , ,
80. () : , ,
81. () : ,
82. () : , , , ,
83. : , , , ,
84. () : , , ,
55
































85. :
86. () : , ,
87. () : , , ,
88. () : ,
89. () : , , ,
90. () : , ,
91. () : , ,
92. () : , ,
93. () : , ,
94. () : , ,
95. () : ,
96. () : , ,
97. : , , , ,
98. () : , 10 , 1 , ,
99. () : , , ,
100. () : , ,
101. () : , ,
102. () : , ,
103. () : , ,
104. () : ,
105. () : , , , ,
106. () : , ,
107. () : , ,
108. () : , ,
109. () : ,
110. () : , ,
111. () : , , ,
112. () : , ,
113. () : , , ,
114. () : , ,
56































115. :
116. () : ,
117. () : , ,
118. () : , ,
119. () : , , ,
120. () : ,
121. () : , , ,
122. () : , ,
123. () :
124. () : ,
125. () : ,
126. () : , , ,
127. () : , ,
128. () : , ,
129. () : ,
130. () : ,
131. () : , ,
132. : , , ,
133. () : , ,
134. () : , , , , ,
135. : , , ,
136. () : , ,
137. () : , , ,
138. () : , ,
139. () : ,
140. () : , ,
141. : ,
142. () : , ,
143. : , , ,
144. () : , , ,
57
































145. () : , , ,
146. () : , ,
147. () : , , , ,
148. () : , ,
149. () : , ,
150. () : , ,
151. () : ,
152. () :
153. () : ,
154. () : , , ,
155. () : , , ,
156. () : ,
157. () : , ,
158. () : , , ,
159. () : , ,
160. () : , ,
161. () : ,
162. () : , , ,
163. () : , , ,
164. () : , , ,
165. () : , ,
166. () : , , ,
167. () : , , ,
168. : , , ,
169. () : , , ,
170. : ,
171. : , ,
172. : , ,
173. : , , ,
174. : ,
58































175. : ,
176. () : , ,
177. : , ,
178. () : ,
179. () : , , ,
180. () : , ,
181. () : ,
182. () : , ,
183. () : ,
184. () : , ,
185. () : , , , , ,
186. () : , , , ,
187. () : ,
188. () : ,
189. () : ,
190. : () : , ,
191. () : , ,
192. () : , ,
193. () : ,
194. () : , ,
195. () : ,
196. () : ,
197. () : , ,
198. () : , ,
199. () : ,
200. () : , ,
201. () : , ,
202. : , , ,
59






























Appendix 6: List of Imperfect Nouns
Please consult suggested dictionaries for additional imperfect nouns
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
60




























28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
51.
52.
53.
54.
61




























Appendix 7: Korean Romanization Table
This table illustrates the general application of the Korean Romanization rules;
exceptions are noted in Korean romanization guideline above.
Letter Position Rules for Romanization Examples
Initial
Medial
Final
Always K
1. G between vowels, or af ter , , and
2. NG before , and
3. K before and after all other consonants
Always K
Kug
mulg n ch ngi
ku ngmin
hap kye
ch oguk
Initial
Medial
Final
1. Not romanized before and yotize d vowels
2. N before other vowels
1. L when preceded or followed by
2. N in all other cases
Always N
yj a ilgop
non gmin
tallim Hall yu
mina ri
ka ngsan
Initial
Medial
Final
Always T
1. D between vowels, or after , ,
2. T after , , and
3. N as syllabic final before
4. T as syllabic final before other consonants
Always T
tas t
muda ng mandu
hapto ng yultong
chida nnn
sutka rak mutt a
kot
Initial
Medial
Final
1. Not romanized befo re , or y otized vowels
2. N before other vowels
1. R between vowels, or be fore
2. L before all other consonants, or after and
3. N after other consonants
Always L
y ksa iron
non sul
maru Parha e
mullihak
Ch ongno
o solkil
Initial
Medial
Final
Always M
Always M
Always M
moksu
namu mom sal
po skham
Initial Always P palp yo
62
































Letter Position Rules for Romanization Examples
Medial
Final
1. B between vowels , or after , , and
2. M before , and
3. P before and after all other consonants
Always P
kal bi naembi
s mni ch ammu
chpsi munp p
hn pp
Initial
Medial
Final
1. SH before
2. S before other vowels
1. SH before
2. S before other vowels
3. NN as syllabic final b efore an d yotized vowels in
compound words
4. S as syllabic final before and yoti zed vowels in
single words
5. T as syllabi c final before , , , , and
6. D as syllabic final in prefixes after all other vowels
Always T
shwipke
sa ngp
a shwiun
no ngsanmul
usm
ye nnil su nnyang
kka kksi
mothada tkallin
udot c hdadl
sat kat
Initial
Medial
Final
Not romanized
1. Not romanized as syllabic initial
2. NG as syllabic final
Always NG
lgul
Togil km yung
non gmin
sa rang
Initial
Medial
Final
Always CH
1. J between vowels , or after , and
2. CH after all other consonants
3. N as syllabic final before ,
4. T as syllabic final before other consonants
Always T
chilli
tojang minjo k
mo kchang
ch nni chnmgi
chitta
pit
Initial
Medial
Final
Always CH
1. Always CH as syllabic initial
2. N as syllabic final before ,
3. T as syllabic final before all other consonants
4. J as syllabic final before vowels
Always T
ch abyl
kim chi
pinn aen
ch a tta chotki da
ch aja
chan gmikkot
Initial
Medial
Final
Always K
Always K
Always K
k okkiri
tan kanpang
tongn yk
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Letter Position Rules for Romanization Examples
Initial
Medial
Final
Always T
1. T before vowels, or afte r , , , , , and
2. T before , , and
3. N before in compo und word, or before ,
Always T
taepu ng
ku kto kat n
kattn natsem
pan nil nanm al
haetp yt
Initial
Medial
Final
Always P
1. Always P as syllabic initial
2. P as syllabic final
Always P
pynji
pyng pung
chipsin
pullip
Initial
Medial *
Final
Always H
1. H as syllabic initial after , and
2 CH as syllabic initial after and
3. Not romanized as syllabic final before vowels
4. NN as syllabic final b efore
Always T
hwanggm
Pukhan
ichyjin
na n
nannn
hit
Initial
Medial
Final
Always KK
1. KK, except after , as syllabic initial
2. KK as syllabic final before vowels
3. K as syllabic final before others
Not applicable
kka magwi
kkal kkm
hobakkot
na kki da mu kkm
na ksi
Initial
Medial
Final
Always TT
Always TT
Not applicable
ttang
ch alttk
Initial
Medial
Final
Always PP
Always PP
Not applicable
ppall ae
opp a
Initial
Medial
Final
Always SS
1. Always SS as syllabic initial or, between vowels
2. N as syllabic final before
3. T as syllabic final before other consonants
Not applicable
ssirm
pul ssan g iss my
inn n inn ya
haetta og atko
Initial
Medial
Always TCH
Always TCH
tc hajng
kat cha
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Letter Position Rules for Romanization Examples
Final Not applicable
* For further detail regarding syllabic final medial , see Romanization rule 7
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