嶺

It refers to a high point in a mountain range, often a pass that people can cross. By extension, it can also mean a chain of mountains (mountain ridge).

Phono-semantic compound:

山 (mountain) – semantic, indicating the terrain.

領 (to lead, to govern) – phonetic, also suggesting prominence or being in front.

Originally referred to a mountain path or slope that people traverse, later extended to mean peaks, ridges, or mountain ranges.

Semantic range:

- mountain pass, ridge, high peak;

- chain of mountains (mountain range);

- figurative: a difficult barrier or challenge to overcome.

嶺南 (영남) – south of the mountain pass (Korean historical region south of the Sobaek mountains)

嶺北 (영북) – north of the mountain pass

嶺頭 (영두) – mountain ridge, summit

分嶺 (분령) – dividing ridge, watershed boundary

In Korean geography, 嶺 is commonly used in regional names, such as 영남(嶺南), 영동(嶺東), 영서(嶺西).

Strongly associated with passes and barriers in both literal geography and metaphorical usage (overcoming hardships).

Similar characters: 峰 (peak), 岳 (high mountain).