Introduction to Korean Font Genres
Buri
A font genre with a hooked end at the start of vertical strokes. It includes mingcho and batang styles.
If there is a bent expression when starting a vertical stroke downward (usually) by slightly drawing from the top left to the bottom right and then down vertically, it is classified as having hooks.
If the outline of the stroke appears to have a hook, but the shape is not part of the stroke structure itself and is an expression of the writing tool or decoration, it is classified as an unhookedor display style.
Oldstyle Buri
A classical hooked genre. The brush influence on the stroke texture is prominent.
There are subtle variations in stroke weight and slant.
The brush texture is evident in the hooks and protrusions.
Brush expressions like top knots, feet, and hatchings remain.
Modern Buri
A modern hooked genre. The strokes appear organized vertically and horizontally.
The slant of strokes is adjusted closer to vertical and horizontal.
Brush traces at the start and end of strokes are restrained.
Brush expressions like top knots, feet, and hatchings are omitted or restrained.
Handwritten MinBuri
An unhooked genre refined for body text from various writing tool characteristics.
The stroke shapes clearly reflect the writing order.
Traces of the writing tool are visible.
Each has a unique slant angle based on the writing method.
Slab Buri
A genre with rectangular or similar hook shapes of about the same thickness as the strokes.
Has a wide rectangular hook shape.
MinBuri
A font genre without hooks at the start of vertical strokes. It includes gothic and dotum styles.
If there is a bent expression when starting a vertical stroke downward (usually) by slightly drawing from the top left to the bottom right and then down vertically, it is classified as having hooks.
If the outline of the stroke appears to have a hook, but the shape is not part of the stroke structure itself and is an expression of the writing tool or decoration, it is classified as an unhookedor display style.
Oldstyle MinBuri
A classical unhooked genre. The stroke ends subtly thicken or have protrusions.
The start and end of strokes subtly thicken.
There are protrusions at the start of strokes.
There are feet on "mieum" and "bieup" and the hatching shapes look old-fashioned.
Modern MinBuri
A modern unhooked genre. The strokes appear organized vertically and horizontally.
The strokes have a consistent weight and are vertical and horizontal.
There are no protrusions at the start and end of strokes.
The feet on "mieum" and "bieup" are omitted and the stroke ends are organized.
Handwritten MinBuri
An unhooked genre refined for body text from various writing tool characteristics.
Has a flexible stroke character reminiscent of handwriting.
The strokes have a softly curved shape and a unique slant.
Traces of the writing tool are visible.
Geometric MinBuri
A genre with rectangular or similar hook shapes of about the same thickness as the strokes.
Has a wide rectangular hook shape.
A font genre without hooks at the start of vertical strokes. It includes gothic and dotum styles.
If there is a bent expression when starting a vertical stroke downward (usually) by slightly drawing from the top left to the bottom right and then down vertically, it is classified as having hooks.<br/><br/>If the outline of the stroke appears to have a hook, but the shape is not part of the stroke structure itself and is an expression of the writing tool or decoration, it is classified as an unhookedor display style.
Rounded MinBuri
A classical unhooked genre. The stroke ends subtly thicken or have protrusions.
A classical unhooked genre. The stroke ends subtly thicken or have protrusions.
Display
The start and end of strokes subtly thicken.
There are protrusions at the start of strokes.
There are feet on "mieum" and "bieup" and the hatching shapes look old-fashioned.
Contrast/Reverse contrast
Fonts with thicker vertical strokes compared to horizontals are classified as stroke contrast. Fonts with thinner verticals are classified as reverse stroke contrast.
Stroke contrast means vertical strokes are thicker than horizontals.
Reverse stroke contrast means vertical strokes are thinner than horizontals.
Reverse stroke contrast means vertical strokes are thinner than horizontals.
The stroke ends are rounded or have rounded corners.
Contrast/Reverse contrast
Fonts that depart from the typical rectangular structure seen in combinatory fonts are classified as "non-rectangular". Those staying within the rectangle are "tight rectangular".
"Non-rectangular" often has a vertically elongated structure exceeding the rectangle, with consistent shapes across initial/final components.
"Tight rectangular" fits tightly within the rectangle.
The stroke ends are rounded or have rounded corners.
Decorative stroke
A genre with various decorative elements at the stroke ends.
Has forms similar to Latin serifs or experimental, unique decorations.
Rounded
A display genre with rounded stroke ends, corners or overall rounded strokes.
Has an overall rounded, organic structure and form.
Effect
A genre applying graphic effects to fonts.
Graphic effects or textures added to regular font forms.
Handwritten
Fonts capturing the forms and feel of handwriting, either directly or slightly refined.
Rough textured expressions
Each character has slightly varying hook/protrusion shapes and sizes.
Classical
Fonts directly copying or restoring old calligraphic styles.
Restores the structure and forms of old calligraphy, sometimes including textures from the printing environment of the time.
Calligraphy
Fonts conceptualized with a consistent writing method and tool.
Has a consistent expression based on the writing tool and method used.
Has a unique sense of speed and corresponding slant.
Casual
A genre often with a light handwritten style giving a cute, dainty impression.
Usually has a light handwritten style with a cute, dainty impression, commonly used for mobile fonts.
Symbol
Fonts supporting various symbols for different purposes.
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