Grammar10 min read601 views
How to Count in Korean — The Dual System That Drives Everyone Crazy (And How to Survive)
Two number systems, rules that change depending on what you're counting, and exceptions everywhere. Welcome to Korean numbers.
Published on February 7, 2026
Why Korean Numbers Drive Everyone Crazy
After 12 years in Seoul, I can confirm: numbers are one of Korean's most frustrating aspects. Korean has two completely different number systems.
The Two Systems
Sino-Korean (Chinese origin)
Used for: dates, phone numbers, prices, floors, addresses, minutes.
| Number | Hangeul | Romanization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 일 | il |
| 2 | 이 | i |
| 3 | 삼 | sam |
| 10 | 십 | sip |
| 100 | 백 | baek |
| 1000 | 천 | cheon |
Native Korean
Used for: counting objects, age, hours.
| Number | Hangeul | Romanization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 하나 | hana |
| 2 | 둘 | dul |
| 3 | 셋 | set |
| 10 | 열 | yeol |
| 20 | 스물 | seumul |
When to Use Which
| Situation | System | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Prices | Sino | 삼천 원 (3000 won) |
| Age | Native | 스물다섯 살 (25 years) |
| Hours | Native | 세 시 (3 o'clock) |
| Minutes | Sino | 삼십 분 (30 min) |
Time: Both Systems Together
Hours use native Korean, minutes use Sino-Korean:
- 3:30 = 세 시 삼십 분
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