Why does the Korean language have two number systems?

Korean features two distinct numerical systems: a native Korean system and a Sino-Korean system. The native system is typically used for general counting up to 99, ages, and hours, whereas the Sino-Korean system is applied to dates, money, addresses, and numbers above 99. Additionally, the language employs special measure or count words depending on the object being counted.

What we know

• The Korean language utilizes two regularly used sets of numerals: a native Korean system and a Sino-Korean system. [2, 3]
• The native Korean number system is used for general counting up to 99, as well as for counting people, hours, objects, and ages. [2]
• Sino-Korean numbers are used for purposes such as dates, money, minutes, addresses, phone numbers, and numbers above 99. [2]
• Korean uses special measure words or counting words, known as subullyusa, as dependent nouns for specific objects and events. [3]

Where to go next

• how it workedHow do Korean count words function with different objects?
• compared withWhat are numeral systems in other East Asian languages?
• the bigger pictureHow are different numeral scripts encoded in digital text?
• a case in pointCan native Korean numerals be used alongside Sino-Korean numerals?
• an unexpected connectionHow did the Hindu-Arabic decimal system spread globally?

Sources

• [1]Korean numerals (Wikidata Q182017) · CC0 1.0
• [2]Korean numerals · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [3]Korean count word · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [4]Hindu–Arabic numeral system · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [5]Numerals in Unicode · CC BY-SA 4.0