Korean Name to English Converter
Last updated: 2026-06-25
Enter a Korean name and it converts to its English passport spelling (surname and given name separated) using an approximation of the National Institute of Korean Language romanization rules. The given name is shown both joined and hyphenated (-).
Results are a recommended spelling for reference only. Passports require confirmation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Enter a Korean name
Recommended passport English name
—
| Part | English spelling |
|---|---|
| Surname | |
| Given name (joined) | |
| Given name (hyphen) | |
| Full (joined) | |
| Full (hyphen) |
Results are an approximation of the National Institute of Korean Language romanization rules and are for reference only. Confirm the final passport spelling at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs passport guide.
How to use
- Enter the Korean name — type the surname and given name together in Hangul. Example: 김민수
- Run the conversion — press Convert and the surname and given name are split and romanized.
- Pick a spelling — choose between the joined and hyphenated (-) spelling and copy it. Confirm the final spelling with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
How Korean name romanization works
The English name on a Korean passport is recommended to follow the National Institute of Korean Language's Romanization of Korean. This converter decomposes each Hangul syllable into onset, nucleus, and coda, applies the romanization rules approximately, and reflects some pronunciation changes such as consonant assimilation. However, surnames prioritize long-established conventional spellings (e.g. 이 Lee, 박 Park, 최 Choi).
| Hangul | Roman | Hangul | Roman |
|---|---|---|---|
| ㅏ | a | ㅓ | eo |
| ㅗ | o | ㅜ | u |
| ㅡ | eu | ㅣ | i |
| ㅐ | ae | ㅔ | e |
| ㅚ | oe | ㅟ | wi |
| ㅢ | ui | ㅝ | wo |
| Hangul | Roman | Hangul | Roman |
|---|---|---|---|
| ㄱ | g | ㄷ | d |
| ㅂ | b | ㅈ | j |
| ㄴ | n | ㅁ | m |
| ㄹ | r / l | ㅅ | s |
| ㅊ | ch | ㅋ | k |
| ㅌ | t | ㅍ | p |
To learn more about passport name spelling rules and cautions, see the passport name romanization guide. It covers conventional surname spellings and tips like keeping a family's spelling consistent.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use this result directly on my passport?
This converter gives a recommended spelling that approximates the National Institute of Korean Language romanization rules, for reference only. A passport name is hard to change once set and should be consistent across a family's surname spelling, so always confirm the final spelling on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs passport website before applying.
Why is the surname shown with a conventional spelling?
Surnames usually use long-established conventional spellings (e.g. 김 Kim, 이 Lee, 박 Park, 최 Choi) rather than strict romanization, so this converter prioritizes conventional spellings for common surnames. The given name is converted with approximate romanization rules.
Should I join the name or split it with a hyphen?
On a passport a two-syllable given name can be written joined (e.g. Minsu) or with a hyphen between syllables (e.g. Min-su). Both are allowed; choose based on consistency with your family and existing documents.
Why does the same Korean name get spelled differently by different people?
Romanization is a recommended rule, not mandatory, and spellings can vary with pronunciation and personal or family preference. For example "정" is written Jeong, Jung, or Chung. This converter offers the spelling closest to the standard rules.
Does it convert names with final consonants or sound changes?
Yes. It approximates Korean pronunciation changes such as consonant assimilation. However, passport names are often spelled syllable by syllable, so you may prefer a spelling without sound changes. Review the result and choose for yourself.
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Last updated: 2026-06-25