Are you curious about how to tell time accurately in Korean? There’s no need to be intimidated. After all, knowing how to read a clock is an essential skill that comes in handy every day!

In this blog post, we’ll explain how to learn Korean time so that before long, you’ll read off hours and minutes like a pro.

INDEX

The Basics of Korean Numbers

How to Tell Time in Korea

List of Korean Time Vocabulary

Bonus Tips on Learning Korean Time

Wrap Up

The Basics of Korean Numbers

Many assume that learning how to tell the time in Korean should precede learning numbers. But this isn’t necessarily true. In fact, it’s much easier and more efficient to start by learning the numbers first.

Koreans also use two different types of numbers when telling time:

1. Sino-Korean numbers are based on Chinese characters and are typically used when talking about hours (시).
2. Native Korean numbers are based on Hangul characters and generally are used when talking about minutes (분).

Here’s a good reference:

How to Tell Time in Korea

If you are living in or planning to visit South Korea, it’s important to be aware of the two different ways of telling time. The 12hr clock (AM, PM) is used most frequently, but you may come across the 24hr clock when seeing times written down in the bus and tv schedules.

Knowing the difference can help you and also understand what other people are saying!

The 12-Hour Clock

The 12-hour clock system is used in South Korea. This standard way of telling time is divided into two parts—A.M (ante meridiem) and P.M (post meridiem).

In Korean, A.M is 오전 (oh jeon) while P.M is 오후 (oh hu). For example, to say 9 am, one would say 아침 9시 (achim ssibal si), which literally translates to “morning nine o’clock” or “nine o’clock in the morning.” While saying 5 pm would be 밤 5시 (bam ssibal si), which means “evening five o’clock” or “five o’clock in the evening.”

The 24-Hour Clock

Although the 12-hour clock system is more commonly used in everyday life, it is important to be familiar with both systems as you may encounter the 24-hour form of telling time.

In this system, there are no AM/PM distinctions. Instead, each hour is represented by a number from 00 to 23, with 00 for midnight and then 23 representing 11PM.

For example, 8am becomes 08 while 10pm becomes 22; 1630 becomes 1630, and 0300 becomes 03. To distinguish between morning hours and afternoon/evening hours within this system, one adds 시 (si) after the number.

List of Korean Time Vocabulary

Aside from learning the numbers when learning Korean time, you also need to know the Korean vocabulary related to time.

For a better reference in telling the Korean words:

Bonus Tips on Learning Korean Time

Using Technology

Technology is one of the great learning methods you can use. There are tons of apps available that can help you practice speaking, writing, and listening comprehension skills at any level.

Language learning websites are also great resources for mastering new words and phrases quickly. Utilizing these types of technology-based tools is an effective way to maximize your productivity when improving language skills.

Making Use of Resources

In addition to using technology-based resources, there are plenty of other materials that can be helpful when learning Korean alphabet and time, including:

• Korean podcasts provide great audio material for perfecting pronunciation and listening comprehension skills.
• Textbooks offer structured lessons with helpful diagrams.
• Online forums allow learners to connect with native speakers who can provide feedback on their progress.
• Books provide additional reading material.
• Flashcards are great for memorization.

All these resources should be utilized if you want to gain fluency quickly!

Practice Makes Perfect

The best way to get comfortable with telling time in Korean is by practicing regularly. Try setting aside some time each day to practice your skills by writing out times or having conversations with native Korean friends about what time it is.

This will help keep your skills sharp. Plus, ensure that you don’t forget any of the important information you’ve learned about telling time in Korean!

Wrap Up

Learning a foreign language can be an incredibly rewarding experience. It allows you to connect with the culture and people of another country, understanding more about this incredible world you live in. The Korean language is no different!

If you’re finding ways to expand your knowledge of the native language and culture, then look no further! So buckle down and explore how to become literate in the wonderful world of Korean Time!