The Korean Counting System: A Guide to Understanding Korean Numbers

The Korean counting system is an integral part of the Korean language and culture. It offers a unique system for expressing numbers, which is different from English and other Western counting systems. If you are interested in learning Korean or interacting with Korean speakers, understanding the Korean counting system is crucial.

How to Count in Korean

• Basic Numbers:
  | Number | Korean |
  |---|---|
  | 1 | 일 (il) |
  | 2 | 이 (i) |
  | 3 | 삼 (sam) |
  | 4 | 사 (sa) |
  | 5 | 오 (o) |
  | 6 | 육 (yuk) |
  | 7 | 칠 (chil) |
  | 8 | 팔 (pal) |
  | 9 | 구 (gu) |
  | 10 | 십 (ship) |

• Tens:
  | Number | Korean |
  |---|---|
  | 20 | 이십 (ishib) |
  | 30 | 삼십 (samsip) |
  | 40 | 사십 (sasip) |
  | 50 | 오십 (osip) |
  | 60 | 육십 (yukship) |
  | 70 | 칠십 (chilship) |
  | 80 | 팔십 (palship) |
  | 90 | 구십 (guship) |

• Hundreds:
  | Number | Korean |
  |---|---|
  | 100 | 백 (baek) |
  | 200 | 이백 (ibaek) |
  | 300 | 삼백 (sambaek) |
  | 400 | 사백 (sabak) |
  | 500 | 오백 (obak) |
  | 600 | 육백 (yukbaek) |
  | 700 | 칠백 (chilbaek) |
  | 800 | 팔백 (palbaek) |
  | 900 | 구백 (gubaek) |

  

Success Stories

• A Korean-language learning app increased its user base by 30% after implementing the Korean counting system into its curriculum.
• A global manufacturing company improved its communication with Korean suppliers by using the Korean counting system accurately.
• A traveler to South Korea enjoyed a more immersive experience by being able to communicate numbers confidently in Korean.

Tips for Using the Korean Counting System

• Practice regularly: As with any new language skill, practice is key to mastering the Korean counting system.
• Use flashcards or apps: Flashcards and language-learning apps can help you memorize Korean numbers effectively.
• Immerse yourself in Korean culture: Watching Korean movies or dramas can expose you to the natural use of Korean numbers.
• Be patient: Learning a new counting system takes time and effort. Don't get discouraged if you make mistakes.

FAQs About the Korean Counting System

• Why is the Korean counting system different from others?
• The Korean counting system is based on a unique set of number words, which are not related to those of English or other Western languages.
• How do I count in Korean beyond thousands?
• The Korean counting system uses the same basic principles for counting above thousands, using the same number words with larger units.
• Where can I find more information about the Korean counting system?
• There are numerous online resources, textbooks, and language classes available to learn more about the Korean counting system.