Explanation 1 · Principles of Creation

other consonants.
    ㆁ[ŋ] is a velar nasal sound where the back of the tongue
    blocks the throat and the sound is released through the nose.
    Its sound is similar to ㅇ, which is why in ancient
    phonology, ㆁ and ㅇ were often interchanged.

    Although ㆁ is shaped after the throat, it is not used as the
    base shape for creating molar(velar) sounds.
    Throat sounds correspond to Water in Daum, while molar
    sounds correspond to Wood. Even though ㆁ is a molar
    sound, its sound is soft and moist, resembling a sprout
    emerging from water.
    ㄱ represents a tree firmly rooted in the ground, ㅋ
    symbolizes a tree growing lushly, and ㄲ represents an old,
    strong tree. Thus, ㄱ ㅋ ㄲ(G K KK)[k k͈ kʰ] all reflect the
    characteristics of Wood.
    This is why ㄱ (G) is the base shape for creating molar
    sounds, even though it is associated with the throat.
    The root shapes for consonants are ㄱ ㄴ ㅁ ㅅ ㅇ(G N M S
    ◌).
    These shapes were chosen because they are neutral and
    stable, serving as the foundation for creating all other
    consonants.



    Principles of creation - Initial consonants                    89