Korean Batchim (받침): A Simple Beginner Guide

받침 (batchim) is the consonant at the bottom of a Hangul syllable. It changes pronunciation and explains many linking sounds.

Mental picture

가 = ga (no batchim). 강 = gang (batchim ㅇ). The bottom letter “closes” the syllable.

Core sounds first

Many batchim surface as ㄱ/ㄴ/ㄷ/ㄹ/ㅁ/ㅂ/ㅇ at the end of an isolated syllable. The rest comes later.

Why listening cares

Koreans chain syllables. Batchim + next vowel creates linking (e.g. 한국어). Ignore it and you “hear nothing.”

Useful vocabulary

Tip

Read pairs aloud: 밥 / 밥이, 옷 / 옷이. Your ears learn faster than any abstract chart.

Go further

Put these methods into practice with Seonsaengnim: structured lessons, audio dictionary, flashcards.