How to use the Morse code translator
- Type letters, digits or Hangul in the upper box and the Morse code appears in the lower box. Letters are separated by spaces and words by /.
- To decode, type dots (.) and dashes (-) in the lower box. To read the result as Hangul, change "Decode as" to Hangul.
- Press Play to hear the code at your chosen speed and pitch while a yellow light flashes with each dot and dash. You can also choose sound only or light only.
How Morse code works
Morse code represents letters and digits as combinations of short signals (dots) and long signals (dashes). It began with the telegraph in the 19th century and was used for a long time in radio, shipping and aviation. The best-known sequence is the distress signal SOS: three dots, three dashes, three dots (... --- ...).
The timing rule is simple. If a dot is one unit, a dash is three units. The gap between signals inside a letter is one unit, between letters three units, and between words seven units. The player on this page builds its sound by the same rule. Once the WPM speed is set, one unit equals 1.2 seconds divided by the WPM value.
Korean Morse code and uses today
A Korean syllable is made of consonant and vowel letters, so Hangul Morse code assigns a code to each jamo. The system known as SKATS pairs every jamo with the Latin letter that has the same code, so knowing the international table is enough to send Hangul. Double consonants and compound vowels are sent as sequences of the basic jamo.
Morse code is still used today in amateur radio, flashlight signaling when camping or hiking, puzzle games and teaching material. A special feature is that it can be sent by light as well as sound. The light on this page is only a flashing circle on screen and cannot replace a real rescue signal. In an emergency, contact official services first.
Tips for learning
- Learn the rhythm of the sound rather than the shape. For example, E is "dit" and T is "dah".
- Start at a slow speed around 10 WPM and raise it as you get used to it.
- Begin with short, frequent letters such as E, T, A, N and I.
- Convert your own name or a favorite word and listen to it repeatedly.
FAQ
How is Hangul converted to Morse code?
Hangul Morse code splits each syllable into consonant and vowel letters (jamo) and sends a fixed code for each one. This translator uses the SKATS system, which gives each jamo the international Morse code of its paired Latin letter (for example ㄱ is L and ㅏ is E). So 한 becomes the codes of ㅎ, ㅏ and ㄴ.
Decoding to Hangul sometimes gives the wrong syllable.
Morse code alone does not show where a syllable with a final consonant ends, so "ㅇㅏㅇㅏ" could be read as two syllables in more than one way. The decoder treats a consonant followed by a vowel as the start of a new syllable. If the result looks odd, read it and correct it yourself.
What does the WPM speed mean?
WPM is words per minute. Using the standard word PARIS, the length of one dot is 1.2 seconds divided by the WPM value. At 15 WPM one dot is 0.08 seconds and a dash is three dots long. About 10 WPM is comfortable when you are learning.
Notes & limitations
This translator is a reference tool for learning and fun. Unsupported symbols are skipped, and Hangul decoding can be wrong because some cases cannot be told apart from the code alone. Sound playback may not be heard depending on your device and browser settings.