The basic rule
| What | Cells | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Arabic numerals, two or more digits | Two per cell | 20 | 26 (then the syllable for “year”) |
| A single digit | One cell | 3 (then the syllable for “month”) |
| Lowercase letters | Two per cell | ap | pl | e |
| Uppercase letters | One per cell | K | T | X |
| 20 | 26 | ○ | 10 | ○ | 3 | ○ | |||
| K | T | X | ○ | ○ | ○ |
○ = one Korean syllable: a year, a date and an all-caps abbreviation in a sentence.
Tricky cases
- Odd-length numbers (100, 365) — Pairing from the left (10 | 0) is common. When asked, the National Institute of Korean Language said wongoji usage is outside the official rules and to follow common practice.
- Decimals and thousands separators (3.14, 1,000) — There is no fixed rule. The app gives the point or comma its own cell. When unsure, follow your textbook or write the number in Korean words.
- Capitalized words (Seoul) — The capital takes one cell, the rest pairs up: S | eo | ul.
- All-caps abbreviations (TOPIK, UN) — One cell per letter.
- Should I write English at all? — In a Korean essay or exam, Korean spelling of loanwords is usually expected. Use English letters only where they belong, such as a brand-free abbreviation or a quoted term.
What the app does
The Android app Manuscript Paper pairs runs of digits and lowercase letters from the left and puts capitals, Hangul and symbols one per cell.
| You type | App cells |
|---|---|
| 2026 + a syllable | 20 | 26 | syllable |
| 100 | 10 | 0 |
| 3.14% | 3 | . | 14 | % |
| ABC abc | A | B | C | (space) | ab | c |
Type numbers and words normally
The preview shows how cells pair up as you type. If your class writes 1 | 00 instead, change that spot when copying by hand.
The app’s English screenshots show a Korean sample text, because the grid is meant for writing in Korean.
FAQ
Is there an official rule for numbers?
No. The language institute said so in an October 2025 answer.
Do digits count as one character or two for length?
On a grid, length is about cells. Two digits in one cell use one cell. See counting length in cells.
Sources: National Institute of Korean Language, online Q&A on writing numbers on wongoji, Oct 2025 (Korean) · EBS reading diagnostic, how to write on manuscript paper (Korean)
Manuscript Paper: Writing Pad
Type the normal way and see it laid out on Korean manuscript paper instantly. No sign-up, works offline, and your writing stays on your phone. Free on Android, in English and Korean.