Korean Numbers 0 to 9: Your Complete Guide to Both Systems

If you've started learning Korean, you've probably discovered something surprising: there are two completely different ways to count. It's not a typo or a dialect thing—Korean actually uses two distinct number systems.

Don't worry, it's not as complicated as it sounds. Once you understand when to use each system, it becomes second nature.

Why Does Korean Have Two Number Systems?

Before King Sejong created Hangul (the Korean alphabet) in the 15th century, Koreans used Chinese characters for writing. Even after creating their own alphabet, Korean kept many Chinese-influenced words, including numbers.

That's where the two systems come from. The Sino-Korean numbers came from Chinese, while the Native Korean numbers are the original Korean way of counting. Today, both systems are essential, and each has specific uses in daily life.

Think of it like this: Sino-Korean numbers are for information and data, while Native Korean numbers are for counting actual things you can touch or experience.

Sino-Korean Numbers (0-9)

The Sino-Korean system is actually easier to learn first. It's more straightforward and used more frequently in everyday situations.

When to Use Sino-Korean Numbers

You'll use Sino-Korean numbers for:

• Dates and months (January 5th = 일월 오일)
• Money and prices (5,000 won = 오천 원)
• Phone numbers (010-1234-5678)
• Addresses and room numbers
• Minutes and seconds when telling time
• Numbers above 99

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Pro tip: When saying phone numbers, Koreans sometimes mix in Native Korean numbers for clarity. If your number has "212," saying it as 둘하나둘 (dul-hana-dul) instead of 이일이 (i-il-i) makes it clearer to understand.

Native Korean Numbers (1-9)

Native Korean numbers sound completely different and are used for different purposes. Notice there's no zero in this system—you'll use 공 (gong) from Sino-Korean when needed.

When to Use Native Korean Numbers

Native Korean numbers are used when you're counting actual things or measuring time in hours:

• Counting objects (three apples = 사과 세 개)
• Counting people (two friends = 친구 두 명)
• Your age (I'm 25 = 스물다섯 살)
• Hours when telling time (3 o'clock = 세 시)

The Counter Rule You Need to Know

Here's where it gets slightly tricky. When you count things using Native Korean numbers, the first four numbers and twenty change their form slightly.

These numbers get shortened when paired with counter words:

• 하나 → 한 (one thing = 한 개)
• 둘 → 두 (two people = 두 명)
• 셋 → 세 (three hours = 세 시)
• 넷 → 네 (four apples = 네 개)
• 스물 → 스무 (twenty years old = 스무 살)

You don't say "하나 개" for one thing—you say "한 개." It's like dropping the last syllable to make it flow better with the counter word that follows.

Real-Life Examples: Putting It All Together

Let's see how both systems work in actual situations you'll encounter in Korea:

At a cafe: "라떼 하나랑 샌드위치 두 개 주세요" (One latte and two sandwiches, please)

• Uses Native Korean because you're counting actual items

"구천육백 원입니다" (That'll be 9,600 won)

• Uses Sino-Korean for money

Telling time: "세 시 십오 분" (3:15)

• Hours use Native Korean (세 시)
• Minutes use Sino-Korean (십오 분)

Giving your phone number: "공일공의 일이삼사" (010-1234)

• Uses Sino-Korean (with 공 for zero)

Quick Takeaways

• Korean has two number systems: Sino-Korean (from Chinese) and Native Korean (original Korean)
• Sino-Korean is used for dates, money, phone numbers, addresses, and numbers above 99
• Native Korean is used for counting things, people, age, and hours
• Numbers 1-4 and 20 change form when paired with counter words in Native Korean
• Both systems have zero: 영 (yeong) for math and 공 (gong) for phone numbers
• When telling time, hours use Native Korean but minutes use Sino-Korean

The key is practice. Start with Sino-Korean since you'll use it more often, then add Native Korean. Before you know it, switching between systems will feel natural—just like it does for every Korean speaker.

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Of course, if you're at a Korean restaurant right now and they're calling numbers, TravelNum lets you type your ticket number and instantly hear how it sounds in Korean—no need to remember which system they're using, both are displayed.