圍

Formed as a phono-semantic compound combining:

囗 (에워쌀 위) — the “enclosure” radical, indicating something surrounded or bordered; and

韋 (가죽 위) — providing both the sound (wéi / 위) and a subtle semantic nuance of flexibility or covering.

Together, they depict “something wrapped or encircled like stretched leather” — hence the sense “to enclose or encircle.”

The ancient script forms vividly suggest walls or fences enclosing an interior space.

포위 (包圍) — siege, encirclement

둘레 위 (周圍) — circumference, surrounding area

방위 (方圍) — direction, defensive position

Used in both geometric contexts (e.g., “circle perimeter”) and strategic or emotional ones (“surrounded by people,” “enclosed by mountains”).

圍 has strong associations in military, architectural, and cosmological imagery across East Asia.

In warfare, it evokes the tactical idea of siege or encirclement (包圍) — an army surrounding a fortress or city.

In architecture and city planning, it represents walls and boundaries, reminiscent of the walled capitals of ancient China and Korea.

In classical literature, 周圍 or 四圍 metaphorically denotes one’s environment or the world around — the “enclosing circle” of one’s existence.

In calligraphy, 圍’s structure — a balanced square enclosing a curved interior — symbolizes containment of strength: movement confined within form.