Translation guide
The Korean alphabet, called 한글 (hangeul) in Korean. In Japanese, it is referred to as ハングル (hanguru), a loanword from Korean. This guide covers how to talk about the writing system itself, not how to write Korean in Japanese.
hangul
Referring to the writing system of Korean, consisting of letters called jamo.
The standard Japanese word for the Korean alphabet, borrowed from Korean 'hangeul'. Used in all contexts.
ハングルを勉強しています。
I'm studying hangul.
This sign is written in hangul.
Literally 'Korean characters'. Used when explaining what hangul is to someone unfamiliar with the term.
Korean characters are called hangul.
Literally 'Joseon characters'. An older term, sometimes used in historical or academic contexts. Can be sensitive due to colonial connotations; ハングル is preferred.
Use with care. In most situations, ハングル is the neutral, modern term.
Joseon characters were created in the 15th century.