Korean Romanization: Why You Should Avoid It

What Is Romanization?

Romanization means writing Korean in Latin letters: annyeonghaseyo for 안녕하세요, saranghae for 사랑해.

It seems practical, but it's a trap that slows progress.

4 Problems with Romanization

1. It's Imprecise

Korean has sounds that don't exist in English. Romanization forces them into an inadequate mold.

2. It Creates a Crutch

As long as you read romanization, your brain makes no effort to read Hangeul.

3. It's Inconsistent

Multiple romanization systems contradict each other: Busan vs Pusan, Gimchi vs Kimchi.

4. It's Useless Long-term

No Korean content is written in romanization. If you can't read Hangeul, you're blind in Korea.

How to Move Past It

1. Learn Hangeul first (2-5 days is enough)
2. Remove romanization from your resources ASAP
3. Read Hangeul daily (even without understanding)
4. Use Hangeul flashcards (never romanization)