How to Learn Korean Typing, Practice and Improve your Hangul Typing Speed 

Annyeonghaseyo, Korean language learners!

Having spent years on my own Korean language journey, from my first hesitant “안녕하세요” to using it professionally, I know exactly what it’s like to navigate the learning process. The excitement of mastering new vocabulary and grammar is unmatched, but as you progress, you’ll find that one skill becomes just as crucial as speaking: typing.

In today’s digital world, being able to type in Korean quickly and accurately is essential. Whether you’re messaging friends on KakaoTalk, writing an essay for a TOPIK exam, or drafting a professional email, slow typing can be a major roadblock. It disrupts your flow of thought and can make communicating in Korean a frustrating experience. But for a long time, proper tools for practicing Korean typing were hard to come by. Many of us had to rely on cumbersome methods that simply didn’t provide the structured, focused practice needed to build muscle memory.

That’s why I’m so excited to introduce you to a tool that will change the way you practice: the LKI Korean Typing Speed Booster.

We developed this tool at the LKI School of Korean Language with a single mission: to empower Korean learners to master typing with ease and confidence. This isn’t just another typing test; it’s a comprehensive training program designed to take you from a complete beginner to a confident, fast typist.

Key Features That Make This Tool a Game-Changer

• Learn Hangeul Typing from Scratch: If you’re a beginner, this is the perfect place to start. The “Learn Hangeul Typing” section is structured with guided lessons that introduce you to the Dubeolsik keyboard layout step-by-step. You’ll start with the home row keys, practice individual consonants and vowels, and gradually work your way up to complex syllables, words, and full sentences. The exercises are designed to build your muscle memory so you can type without constantly looking at the keyboard.
• Improve Typing Speed with Timed Sessions: For intermediate and advanced learners, the “Improve Typing Speed” mode is your new best friend. Challenge yourself with timed practice sessions of 1 to 5 minutes, using over 100 Korean practice texts. You’ll get real-time feedback on your words per minute (WPM) and accuracy, allowing you to track your progress and identify areas for improvement.
• Practice Anytime, Anywhere: The LKI Korean Typing Speed Booster is a web-based tool, so you can access it from any device with an internet connection. Whether you have 15 minutes during your commute or an hour after class, consistent daily practice is the key to success.

So, if you’re ready to boost your Korean typing skills and make your digital communication in Korean as smooth as your conversations, give the LKI Korean Typing Speed Booster a try today. It’s a free and invaluable resource that will help you type like a pro.

Setting Up Your Korean Keyboard: A Quick Guide for All Your Devices

Please note that before you dive into boosting your Hangeul typing speed, you’ll need to make sure your devices are set up to type in Korean! Don’t worry, it’s a straightforward process on most operating systems. Here’s how you can do it:

For Windows Users:

1. Open Settings: Click on the Start button (Windows icon) and select Settings (the gear icon).
2. Go to Time & Language: In the Settings window, find and click Time & Language.
3. Select Language & Region: From the left-hand menu, choose Language & region (or just Language in older versions).
4. Add a Language: Click on the Add a language button.
5. Search for Korean: Type “Korean” into the search bar, select 한국어 (Korean), and click Next.
6. Install Language Pack (Optional): You might see options for “Language pack,” “Text-to-speech,” etc. You only need the “Language pack” if you want your Windows interface in Korean, but the typing functionality will work without it. Just make sure “Basic typing” is selected. Click Install.
7. Switch Keyboards: Once installed, you can switch between English and Korean (한국어) by clicking the language icon in your taskbar (usually “ENG” or “KOR”) or by pressing Windows key + Spacebar.

For macOS Users:

1. Open System Settings: Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings (or System Preferences in older macOS versions).
2. Navigate to Keyboard: Scroll down and click Keyboard in the sidebar.
3. Go to Text Input: Click the Text Input tab (or Input Sources).
4. Add a Language: Click the + button in the bottom left.
5. Find Korean: Search for Korean, select 2-set Korean (Dubeolsik is the standard layout), and click Add.
6. Switch Keyboards: You can now switch input sources by clicking the flag icon (or character icon) in your menu bar and selecting 2-set Korean or by pressing Control + Spacebar (or Caps Lock if you’ve configured it for language switching).

For Android Users:

1. Open Settings: Go to your device’s Settings app.
2. Find Language & Input: Search for Language & input (this might be under System or General management depending on your device).
3. Manage Keyboards: Tap on Virtual keyboard (or On-screen keyboard) and then select Manage keyboards.
4. Add Gboard/Samsung Keyboard: If you’re using Gboard (Google Keyboard) or Samsung Keyboard, tap on it.
5. Add Language: Select Languages within your chosen keyboard’s settings.
6. Add Korean: Tap Add keyboard, search for Korean, and select the desired layout (usually “Korean (두벌식)” or “Korean (Dubeolsik)”).
7. Switch Keyboards: When typing, tap the globe icon on your virtual keyboard or long-press the spacebar to switch between languages.

For iOS (iPhone/iPad) Users:

1. Open Settings: Go to the Settings app.
2. Navigate to General: Scroll down and tap General.
3. Go to Keyboard: Tap Keyboard.
4. Add New Keyboard: Tap Keyboards, then Add New Keyboard....
5. Select Korean: Scroll down or search for Korean, and tap it.
6. Choose Layout: Select your preferred layout (usually “Standard” for Dubeolsik).
7. Switch Keyboards: When typing, tap the globe icon on your virtual keyboard to cycle through your enabled languages.

With these steps, you’ll be all set to start practicing with the LKI Korean Typing Speed Booster on any of your devices. Happy typing, and fighting! (화이팅!)