Old Korean refers to the earliest form of the Korean language, which was spoken from the 7th to the 10th centuries. It is primarily documented in historical texts and inscriptions, showcasing a different phonetic and grammatical structure compared to modern Korean. The language evolved significantly over the centuries, influenced by Classical Chinese and other regional languages. By the late 10th century, Middle Korean emerged, marking a transition towards the language spoken today. Understanding Old Korean is essential for linguists and historians studying the development of the Korean language and culture.