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Hangul Word Processor Review: Features, Versions and Alternative

January 16, 2024 3.3K views

User-friendly word processing softwares has become paramount for productivity and communication. The Hangul Word Processor, developed by South Korean tech giant Hansoft INC., has revolutionized document creation, editing, and sharing in the Korean language. This article delves into Hangul and explores the features, benefits, and impact of the Hangul Word Processor, shedding light on its significance in Korean document creation.

What is Hangul Word Processor?

Hangul Word Processor (HWP) is a word processing application developed by Hancom Inc., a South Korean company. It's one of the most widely used pieces of software in South Korea and is used by schools, companies, military agencies, and governmental institutions. Hangul Word Processor has specialized support for the Korean language. It saves documents in HWP format, with the filename extension *.hwp.

Hangul Word Processor has become an essential tool for office documents, academic reports, and government communication in South Korea. It can execute PostScript code, which was originally designed for printing and desktop publishing. This ability is now being used in malicious attachment attacks.

Among the most renowned Hangul Word Processors is Hanword, a product of the South Korean enterprise Hancom Inc. This software stands as a widely embraced word processing application in South Korea, rivaling the functionalities of counterparts like Microsoft Word and WPS Writer.

What are the Features of Hangul Word Processor?

  • Text Formatting: Easily apply diverse font styles, sizes, colors, and effects for enriched text appearance.

  • Paragraph Formatting: Tailor paragraph alignment, indentation, spacing, and bullet/numbered lists for organized content.

  • Page Layout: Set precise page margins, orientation, headers, footers, and page numbers to structure your document.

  • Tables: Efficiently create and format tables to neatly arrange and present data.

  • Graphics and Images: Seamlessly insert and manipulate images, shapes, and graphics for visually engaging documents.

  • Spell Check and Language Support: Ensure error-free content with spell-checking across multiple languages.

  • Collaboration and Review: Collaborate effectively by tracking changes, adding comments, and reviewing documents together.

  • Templates and Styles: Access ready-made templates and customizable styles for consistent and professional document formatting.

  • Document Export and Compatibility: Save documents in versatile formats like HWP, Office Open XML, and OpenDocument, ensuring compatibility with various word processing software.

What are the Previous Versions of Hangul?

The Hangul Word Processor (HWP) boasts a rich history, with a series of significant versions that have shaped its evolution over time.

  • Hangul 3.0, 3.0a, 3.0b (1995)

  • Hangul 96, International, Japanese (1996)

  • Hangul 97, 97 strengthen, 815 special edition (1998)

  • Hangul Wordian, Hangul for Kids (2000)

  • Hangul 2002 (2001, widely used for government e-document system)

  • Hangul 2004 (2003)

  • Hangul 2005 (2004)

  • Hangul 2007 (2006)

  • Hangul 2010 (2010)

How to Download Hangul?

To acquire the Hangul Word Processor for free, users can explore the Hancom Office Suite, which includes the Hanword word processing app. Here's a step-by-step guide to downloading the Hancom Office Suite for Windows:

Step 1: Begin by visiting the Hancom Office Suite website using your preferred web browser.

Step 2: In the top menu, locate the "Download" option.

Step 3: From the dropdown menu, select "Hancom Office for Windows". The download will initiate automatically in the background, and this process may take some time.

Step 4: Once the download is complete, find and open the downloaded file on your computer.

Step 5: Upon opening, files will be extracted from the downloaded package to your system.

Step 6: A message will appear, indicating the prerequisite download of Visual C++ redistributor 2013 or 2015. This software is essential for proper installation.

Step 7: Click "OK (D)" to proceed and initiate the installation process.

Step 8: Review and accept the terms and conditions, then click "Next(N)".

Step 9:  If you wish to customize the installation, click on "Settings".

Step 10: Choose your customization preferences, completing the installation process.

Step 11: Search for the Hancom Office Suite on your computer and launch it to access various applications, including Hanword, Hancell, and more.

Step 12: First-time users will be prompted to sign up and log in to access Hancom.

Step 13: Users can now effortlessly create, edit, and work with their HWP files using Hanword and other tools within the suite.

Hanword, a Hangul word processor, serves as a valuable tool for viewing and editing HWP files. While it offers decent functionality, it falls somewhat short compared to more robust word processors like WPS Office. The user interface, although functional, lacks the visual appeal that could be improved upon. It's worth noting that Hanword comes with a price tag, but for simply viewing HWP files, we can access it for free. The download process itself is straightforward, guided by clear instructions. However, the prerequisite of installing Visual C++ redistributor can potentially slow down the overall process.

System requirement

The system requirements for the Hancom Software are as follows:

  • Windows Server 2016, 2019, or 2022

  • Quad core CPU

  • 4 GB RAM minimum

  • 2 GB memory

  • Video display with 1024 x 768 or higher resolution with at least 256 colors

  • 8 GB of hard disc space available for application software and data

  • Language Support: English, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Vietnamese, Lao, Thai, Burmese, Spanish (Latin America), French (Canada)

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How to Open Hangul (.hwp) Files?

To view HWP files, users have two effective methods at their disposal. The first method involves downloading a Microsoft HWP converter:

Method 1 - Microsoft HWP Converter:

Step 1: Click on the following link to visit the Microsoft HWP Converter product page.

Step 2: Click on the "Download" button.

Step 3: Select the version of the HWP converter suitable for you and click on "Download".

Step 4: Once downloaded, open the file to run the installation.

Step 5: Accept the terms and conditions by checking the appropriate box and click on "Continue".

Step 6: The installation will be completed; click "OK".

Method 2 - Google Plugin:

To use the Google plugin for viewing HWP files, follow these steps:

Step 1: Click on the link to visit the plugin page.

Step 2: Click on "Install" to install the HWP plugin.

Step 3: Once installed, the plugin will be connected to Google Drive, allowing users to easily access and view HWP files available in their Google Drive.

Both methods are effective and provided by verified sources. The Microsoft converter requires installation, but once installed, it can be used offline as well. On the other hand, the Google plugin is just a click away to view HWP files, but users need an internet connection to access and view HWP files.

User Experience for Hangul Word Processor

Using a Hangul Word Processor has brought convenience, particularly when dealing with Korean clients, enhancing communication. However, the subscription fee of $70 can be a budget concern. The interface and functions are average, and there are more feature-rich word processors available. With Microsoft's converters and free office suites like WPS Office, the Hangul Word Processor might seem less interactive and costly.

Best Excellent Alternative - WPS Office

In the competitive world of office suites, it's clear that many solutions vie for attention, with Microsoft Office often taking the lead. However, WPS Office shines as a strong contender. It sets itself apart by offering support for a multitude of languages and compatibility across Mac, Windows, and Linux systems. Its user-friendly design makes it accessible to all, and the best part is that it's completely free.

Notably, WPS Office goes beyond by integrating AI capabilities, a feature that's not commonly found in other office suites. This blend of accessibility, cross-platform compatibility, and advanced AI integration truly distinguishes WPS Office in the field of office software.

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Pros

  • Comprehensive suite of productivity tools: WPS Office encompasses Writer, Spreadsheets, and Presentation, boasting advanced editing and cloud syncing.

  • Compatibility with Microsoft Office file formats: Seamlessly open and save files in various formats with full Microsoft Office compatibility.

  • User-friendly interface: Enjoy a well-organized toolbar and intuitive icons, ensuring effortless file creation and editing.

  • Affordable choice: WPS Office offers budget-friendly pricing, making it an excellent value for individuals and businesses.

  • Cross-platform compatibility: Work seamlessly across Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS devices with WPS Office.

  • Rich template store: Access a variety of templates from WPS Office's expansive template store.

  • Integrated AI: Benefit from integrated AI features for enhanced productivity.

FAQs

Q1. Is the Hangul Word Processor available for platforms other than Windows?

Presently, the Hangul Word Processor, Hanword, is primarily tailored for the Windows operating system. However, non-Windows users may need to look into alternative word-processing software offering the same features such as WPS Office.

Q2. Can I use Hangul to create documents in languages other than Korean?

Hangul Word Processor, Hanword, is a software primarily designed for constructing and managing documents in the Korean language. It does offer support for other languages as well. However, its capabilities for handling texts in languages other than Korean are limited.

Delving into Hangul Word Processor and Embracing Alternatives

In this article, we explore Hangul Word Processor, Korea's highly acclaimed word processor suite. While it notably caters to the linguistic preferences of Koreans, its significance transcends borders. However if you're utilizing WPS Office, the platform offers a convenient gateway to 46 languages. This accessibility ensures effective communication for users worldwide, making language barriers a thing of the past. Download WPS Office for an unparalleled experience.


15 years of office industry experience, tech lover and copywriter. Follow me for product reviews, comparisons, and recommendations for new apps and software.