What type of study is this?

This is a Quantitative Study study.

December 4, 2025

Analysis on the configurational features of Korean Gukja (國字) used for Sino-Korean personal names in pre-modern Korea

Key Points

Distinctive features of Gukja characters were identified in personal names from historical records.
The analysis focused on the configurations of semantic and phonetic components of Gukja characters.
Examining combination patterns, the study revealed unique aspects of Sino-Korean naming conventions.
The cultural implications suggest a deeper understanding of identity in pre-modern Korea through names.

Abstract

This article examines the features found in the configurations of Gukja characters used for personal names recorded in Hanguk-hanja-jajeon ( 韓國漢字字典 ). For the examination, a quantitative analysis was conducted from the aspect of combination patterns and direct components or pianpang ( 偏旁 ). All characters used for Gukja personal names for this study are constructed using phono-semantic compounds among the principles of Chinese character formation. On this basis, the analysis was conducted with focus on two aspects: one is the position of semantic components ( 義符 ) and phonetic components ( 音符 ) within the six combination patterns; and the other is the count, types, and functional features of the semantic and phonetic components used in Gukja characters for personal names. These analyses revealed distinctive characteristics demonstrated in the configurations of Gukja characters for personal names, along with the uniqueness and cultural implications observed in Sino-Korean personal names in pre-modern Korea.

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