기역

Etymology
Coined as 基役 in Hunmongjahoe (訓蒙字會, Introductions of the Letters for Youth), written by Choe Sejin in 1527. Each hanja is used only for showing Korean pronunciation (similar to Japanese ateji, as Sino-Korean 基 has the initial ㄱ in its pronunciation, and 役 has the final ㄱ).

Noun

 * 1) giyeok - the name of the first jamo,  in hangul

Usage notes
In contemporary Korean, when is placed on the side, it curves as in the examples of, , , , , , , etc. However, when  is placed on top or bottom, it retains its original look, as in the examples of , , , , , , , , etc. This was done in the modern era to make the character look more balanced. This rule is also applied to.