How to Read and Edit HWP Files (Hancom Office Installment)

When I first arrived in Korea and joined my first Korean class, there was one huge issue I had to face right away. All of the materials for the class were in HWP and I didn’t know how to open them!

Introduction

Chances are, if you’ve come across this article, you are extremely frustrated. I myself have been in your shoes many times. Being sent important files that you simply have no way to open is infuriating. HWP files are a huge pain in the but for foreigners to open and edit.

HWP files are from the Korean version of Microsoft and sometimes it is inconvenient for foreigners to use. However, Hancom Office is optimized for Hangul characters, whereas Microsoft is significantly lacking. Therefore, it is necessary to be able to read HWP files and get adjusted to Hancom Office if you are a student in a Korean language class or if you are working in a Korean company.

Today, I will share some quick ways to handle the HWP documents. I especially recommend using method number 3 or 4 for long-term use.

Change the HWP File (Free)

The first method I will cover is changing a HWP file to a DOC file which is compatible with Microsoft office. Once the file is in DOC format, you can easily use it on Google Docs as well.

You can do this using a third-party site. I normally use CloudConvert, Click Here to visit the site. Or you can just go on google and type “change HWP to DOC”. There are millions of conversion websites for you to choose from.

Note: This method can change the format of the original file ( like fronts, space…), I don’t recommend using this method.

Get Hancom (Free Trial)

Download the trial version at this link.

If you need to open a few documents over a limited time frame, this is a pretty decent option.

Get Hancom Forever (10,000 – 15,000 Won)

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Step 1: Options for Purchasing Hancom Office

Find and buy the legal Hancom Office copyright on the main Hancom Office homepage (priced at ~ 50k won/year).

Or, if you want something a little cheaper, there are lots of options available. The listings for cheap versions, tend to go online, then be taken down pretty regularly, so there isn’t much of a point in posting a link.

However, you can go to online shopping sites like Naver Shopping or Coupang and search the keyword: “한컴오피스 제품키”. You will find bootleg Hancom at a range of prices. I bought the one I use for around 10,000 Won. The software will be sent online via email. Therefore, when ordering you need to enter the correct email address.

Step 2: Check Your Email

10 minutes to a few hours after purchase, the seller will confirm your order. Then, they will send you a Hancom Office code and instructions on how to install it. If you don’t see it coming, take a photo of the purchase invoice and contact them directly via email to get it resolved.

Step 3: Install

Install, enter the code, and use (about 10 minutes)

Naver Office (Free)

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Naver Office is basically Korea’s Google Docs. You are able to upload HWP files, edit them, then save them in a number of different formats.

Sometimes, the format can be distorted when you upload the document. However, it is much better at retaining the format than if you were to use one of the free online conversion sites.

Step 1: Go to Naver Office

First, you will need to have a Naver account, then go to Naver Office. You can Click Here to access the site.

Step 2: Opening an HWP File on Naver Office

열기 > 내 컴퓨터 > 파일 찾기 > Select HWP file to upload > 열기

Then, on the top left of the home screen, you will see a blue button that reads ‘열기’. Once you click it, a pop-up will appear. You will want to click the ‘내 컴퓨터’ tab. Then, ‘파일 찾기’. This will allow you to select an HWP file on your computer to upload. Once you have selected a file, click ,’열기’.

Step 3: Saving an HWP File on Naver Office

저장 > 내 컴퓨터 > 파일 형식 > Select File Type > 저장

Once you have finished editing the file on Naver office, you can save it as an hwp file, or other file types.

This can be done by selecting the floppy disk icon on the top left corner of the toolbar, under it you will see the text ‘저장’. A pop-up will appear, select the ‘내 컴퓨터’ tab. Under ‘파일 형식’ you will see the file types. You can select the most convenient file type, then click ‘저장’ to save the file to your computer.

If you live in Korea and want to get the most out of your Naver account, Click Here to learn how you can set up Naver Pay.