Korean Sound Changes: A Practical Guide

Sound changes (linking, assimilation, etc.) make real pronunciation ≠ letter-by-letter reading. Training them unlocks listening.

Linking (연음)

Final consonant + following vowel: the consonant “moves up.” Ex. 한국어 → closer to han-gu-geo.

Nasalization (preview)

Some sequences become more nasal because they’re easier to say. You’ll hear it everywhere in fast speech.

How to practice

Take 10 dictionary words, listen, imitate, compare. One rule read 20 times < 10 words imitated well.

Useful vocabulary

Tip

If you already read our “ghost sounds” article, this one is the daily training ground.

Go further

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