How to Type in Korean

Being able to type in Korean is essential for practice, texting Korean friends, and using Korean apps. The good news: setting up a Korean keyboard is quick on every platform.

Setting Up Korean Input

Mac

1. Open System Settings → Keyboard → Input Sources
2. Click Edit → + button
3. Search for Korean and add 2-Set Korean (the standard layout)
4. Use Ctrl + Space or the globe key to switch between English and Korean

Windows

1. Open Settings → Time & Language → Language & Region
2. Click Add a language → search for Korean
3. Install the language pack
4. Press Alt + Shift to switch input methods, then Right Alt to toggle between Korean and English

iPhone / iPad

1. Go to Settings → General → Keyboard → Keyboards
2. Tap Add New Keyboard → Korean
3. Choose Standard (2-Set) layout
4. Switch with the globe icon while typing

Android

1. Open your keyboard settings (usually hold the comma key or go to Settings → System → Languages & Input)
2. Add Korean as a language
3. Switch with the globe icon or language shortcut key

The Korean Keyboard Layout

The standard 2-Set layout places consonants on the left and vowels on the right:

Shift gives you double consonants (ㅃ, ㅉ, ㄸ, ㄲ, ㅆ) and compound vowels (ㅒ, ㅖ).

How Korean Typing Works

Korean input is syllable-based. As you type individual letters, the system automatically groups them into syllable blocks:

1. Type ㅎ (h) — appears as ㅎ
2. Type ㅏ (a) — combines into 하
3. Type ㄴ (n) — combines into 한
4. Type ㄱ (g) — starts new syllable: 한ㄱ
5. Type ㅜ (u) — combines: 한구
6. Type ㄱ (k) — 한국

The system handles all the grouping automatically — you just type each letter in order.

Tips for Faster Korean Typing

Practice the home row first. Your left fingers rest on ㅁ ㄴ ㅇ ㄹ and right fingers on ㅗ ㅓ ㅏ ㅣ. These cover the most common Korean sounds.

Don't look at the keyboard. It's tempting to peek, but muscle memory develops faster when you resist. Start with common words: 안녕 (hello), 감사 (thanks), 한국 (Korea).

Use Korean daily. Set your phone's language to Korean, text in Korean, or practice typing song lyrics. Consistent exposure beats dedicated drilling.

Double consonants need Shift. To type ㅃ, hold Shift and press ㅂ. This applies to all five doubles: ㅃ ㅉ ㄸ ㄲ ㅆ.

Practice Resources

• Chamelingo — Every exercise requires typing Korean answers, building your skills naturally as you learn grammar and vocabulary
• 10FastFingers — Has a Korean typing speed test
• TypeRacer — Supports Korean text for competitive typing practice

The fastest way to get comfortable is to start using Korean input right now. Set it up, switch over, and type 안녕하세요 — you've already begun.