Do you want to type in Korean on Windows 11? Whether you’re learning the Korean language, chatting with friends in Seoul, or working with Korean documents, Windows 11 makes it incredibly easy to install and switch to the Korean keyboard layout (Hangul).
In this complete guide, you’ll learn how to add a Korean keyboard in Windows 11, switch between English and Korean input, and fix common typing issues — step by step.
🧭 Quick Summary
| Action | Steps Summary | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Add Korean Keyboard | Settings → Time & Language → Language & Region → Add Language | ⭐ Easy |
| Switch Between Languages | Press Alt + Shift or Windows + Spacebar | ⭐ Easy |
| Enable Korean IME | Installed automatically with the language pack | ⭐⭐ Moderate |
| Remove Korean Keyboard | Settings → Language & Region → Remove | ⭐ Easy |
💡 Quick Tip: Once added, you can easily toggle between English and Korean with Windows + Spacebar.
Why Add a Korean Keyboard in Windows 11?
Adding a Korean keyboard is useful for:
🗣️ Typing in Hangul (the Korean alphabet).
📧 Sending messages in Korean.
🎓 Learning Korean efficiently.
💼 Working with Korean clients or documents.
💻 Using Korean search terms for better local search results.
Windows 11 supports Hangul (Korean IME) natively — so you don’t need third-party apps.
Before You Begin
Make sure you have:
A stable internet connection (for downloading the Korean language pack).
Administrator rights on your PC (for installing new language packs).
Windows 11 updated to the latest version.
Method 1: Add Korean Keyboard via Settings (Recommended)
This is the easiest and most common way to install the Korean keyboard.
Step-by-Step Guide
Open Settings
Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
Go to Time & Language
From the left sidebar, click Time & Language.
Select Language & Region
Under Time & Language, click Language & Region.
Add a Language
Click Add a language next to Preferred languages.
Search for Korean
In the search bar, type Korean.
Select Korean (한국어)
Click on 한국어 (Korean) → Next.
Install Language Features
Make sure Install language pack is checked.
Optionally, you can check “Set as my display language” if you want Windows menus in Korean.
Click Install.
Wait for Installation
Windows will download and install the Korean language pack and Korean IME (Input Method Editor).
✅ Result: You’ve successfully added the Korean keyboard to Windows 11.
Method 2: Add Korean Keyboard via Control Panel (Alternate Way)
If you prefer the classic interface, you can also use the Control Panel.
Steps:
Press Windows + R → type:
→ press Enter.
Navigate to:
Clock and Region → Region → Administrative tab → Change system locale.Select Korean (Korea) → click OK.
Restart your PC if prompted.
✅ Result: The Korean input method is now available.
How to Switch Between English and Korean Keyboards
Once installed, switching between input languages is easy.
Keyboard Shortcut Methods
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Switch between languages | Windows + Spacebar |
| Toggle input method (Korean ↔ English) | Alt + Right Shift or Right Alt |
Using Taskbar
Click the Language icon (e.g., ENG) on the taskbar.
Select Korean (한국어).
Start typing in Hangul.
💡 Tip: The Korean IME icon “A” means you’re typing in English; “가” means you’re typing in Hangul.
How to Type in Korean on Windows 11
Once the Korean keyboard is active, you can type Hangul using your standard QWERTY keyboard.
| English Key | Korean Character |
|---|---|
| R | ㄱ |
| S | ㄴ |
| E | ㄷ |
| F | ㄹ |
| A | ㅁ |
| Q | ㅂ |
| T | ㅅ |
| D | ㅇ |
| W | ㅈ |
| C | ㅎ |
Example:
Typing “rhkdrhgka” → produces “안녕하세요” (Hello).
🧠 Note: You don’t need a special keyboard — just memorize the layout or use stickers for convenience.
How to Enable or Disable Korean IME (Input Method Editor)
The IME is what allows you to switch between English and Korean characters.
To Enable IME:
Press Windows + Spacebar to select Korean (한국어).
Press Alt + Right Shift to toggle between A (English) and 가 (Korean) modes.
To Disable IME:
Switch back to English (ENG) using Windows + Spacebar.
How to Remove or Uninstall Korean Keyboard
If you no longer need the Korean keyboard, you can easily remove it.
Steps:
Open Settings → Time & Language → Language & Region.
Under Preferred languages, find Korean (한국어).
Click the three dots (⋯) → choose Remove.
✅ The Korean keyboard and IME will be removed from your system.
How to Add Korean Keyboard Layout Without Changing Display Language
If you just want to type in Korean but keep Windows menus in English, follow this method:
Go to Settings → Time & Language → Language & Region.
Click Add a language → search for Korean → click Next.
Uncheck “Set as my Windows display language.”
Click Install.
✅ This installs the Korean input method without changing your Windows display language.
How to Change Keyboard Layout or Input Preferences
Open Settings → Time & Language → Typing.
Select Advanced keyboard settings.
Under Override for default input method, choose Korean (Microsoft IME).
✅ You can also customize shortcuts and input preferences here.
Troubleshooting Korean Keyboard Issues
Sometimes, the Korean IME might not work as expected. Here’s how to fix common problems:
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| IME icon not showing | Keyboard not activated | Press Windows + Spacebar to toggle |
| Can’t type Korean | IME in English mode | Press Right Alt or Alt + Shift |
| Korean not appearing | Missing language pack | Reinstall Korean under Language & Region |
| Wrong characters showing | Layout mismatch | Change to Microsoft IME |
| IME crashes or freezes | Corrupted language files | Remove and re-add the Korean language |
How to Reinstall Korean IME (If It’s Missing)
Go to Settings → Time & Language → Language & Region.
Click Korean (한국어) → Language options.
Under Keyboards, click Add a keyboard → select Microsoft IME.
✅ The IME should now appear in your taskbar.
Typing Tips for Beginners
🧠 Learn basic Hangul characters first (14 consonants + 10 vowels).
🎯 Practice frequently using websites like TypingClub or 10FastFingers (Korean mode).
💡 Use keyboard stickers or on-screen layout to get familiar.
🌐 Try Windows On-Screen Keyboard:
Press Windows + Ctrl + O → On-screen keyboard appears with Hangul layout.
Advanced Settings: Korean IME Options
Open Settings → Time & Language → Typing → Advanced keyboard settings.
Click Language bar options.
Under the Advanced Key Settings tab, customize shortcuts for switching between Hangul and English.
You can also change input mode preferences, auto correction, and spacing rules in the Microsoft IME settings.
Best Practices for Using the Korean Keyboard
| Scenario | Best Practice |
|---|---|
| Writing in both English and Korean | Use Windows + Spacebar for quick switching |
| Typing professionally | Enable Auto-spacing in IME options |
| Learning Hangul | Use On-screen keyboard for visual guidance |
| Avoiding mistakes | Check IME mode (A vs. 가) before typing |
How to Type Korean Characters with English Keyboard
Here’s a small Hangul typing cheat sheet:
| Word | Romanized | Keys to Type |
|---|---|---|
| 안녕하세요 | annyeonghaseyo | rhkdrhgka |
| 사랑 | sarang | tkfkd |
| 감사합니다 | gamsahamnida | rkaseqka |
| 학교 | hakgyo | gkrdy |
| 친구 | chingu | clsrn |
Common Issues After Adding Korean Keyboard
| Issue | Fix |
|---|---|
| IME not appearing on taskbar | Restart Windows or re-add language pack |
| Incorrect Hangul combination | Reboot system to refresh IME cache |
| Input lag | Disable third-party keyboard apps |
| No Korean characters in some apps | Set Korean IME as default input method |
Conclusion: Type in Korean Effortlessly on Windows 11
Adding and using a Korean keyboard in Windows 11 is simple, fast, and efficient. Whether you’re a student, professional, or just learning the language, the built-in Microsoft IME lets you type Hangul easily without any extra software.
With the steps outlined above, you can:
✅ Add the Korean keyboard
✅ Switch between English and Korean seamlessly
✅ Troubleshoot common IME issues
✅ Customize input options for smoother typing
✅ Key Takeaways
You can install the Korean keyboard via Settings → Language & Region → Add Language.
Use Windows + Spacebar or Alt + Shift to toggle input.
“A” = English mode; “가” = Korean mode.
Use Microsoft IME for Hangul typing support.
You can remove or reinstall the Korean keyboard anytime.
FAQs About Adding Korean Keyboard in Windows 11
1. How do I switch between English and Korean typing?
Press Alt + Shift or Windows + Spacebar to switch between languages. Press Right Alt to toggle between English and Hangul modes.
2. Why can’t I type Korean after adding the language?
Make sure Microsoft IME is selected under keyboard options for Korean. If not, add it manually.
3. Can I keep my Windows display language in English but type in Korean?
Yes — just uncheck “Set as my display language” when installing Korean.
4. What’s the shortcut to type Hangul on Windows 11?
Use Right Alt (or Alt + Right Shift) to switch between English (A) and Hangul (가).
5. Is the Korean keyboard layout the same as on phones?
Not exactly — the PC layout follows the 2-set Korean layout, while phones often use a different virtual layout. However, character positions are similar.