For years, international League of Legends players envied the aesthetic of Korean summoner names, often seen as a tribute to the world’s most dominant esports region.
Thanks to recent updates by Riot Games, that barrier has finally crumbled. It is now possible for players on most global servers to adopt Korean characters (Hangul) for their in-game display name, but the process comes with specific steps and crucial regional caveats.
The primary key to this change lies in the transition from the old Summoner Name system to the unified Riot ID. This updated account format allows for the use of Korean and other non-Latin scripts across almost all major regions, giving players a chance to personalize their identity on the Rift with a touch of the LCK’s flair.
The Step-by-Step Guide to a Korean Riot ID
Adopting a Korean name is a straightforward process completed entirely within the League of Legends client or on the official Riot Games website:
- Access the Riot ID Change Option: Open the League of Legends client and navigate to the store, or find the account settings in the user profile area. Look for the option to change your Riot ID.
- Translate Your Name: If you don’t speak Korean, use a reliable service like Google Translate to generate the correct Hangul (Korean letters) for your desired name. Getting the spelling right is crucial.
- Copy and Paste: Carefully copy the Hangul and paste it directly into the new name field.
- Set Your Tagline: Since all Riot IDs require a tagline (the string of letters/numbers after the #), you will need to choose one before finalizing the change.
- Confirm the Change: Depending on your account status and server, this name change may be free, or it may cost an amount of in-game currency like Blue Essence or Riot Points (RP). Once confirmed, your new Korean name will be visible to all players.
Critical Caveats: Regional Rules and Account Security
While the ability to use Hangul is now widespread, players must be aware of significant limitations, particularly regarding region and account source:
The Korean Server (KR) Restriction
Players looking to join the highly competitive Korean server directly face the most severe hurdle. South Korea operates under a real-name authentication system that mandates proof of identity for game accounts.
To register or play on the Korean server, an individual requires either a Korean social security number (KSSN) or a verified Korean phone number. This restriction makes accessing the native KR server nearly impossible for international players.
Account Transfers and Illegal Sales
Another pitfall is account transfers. If an international account with a Korean name is transferred to a region that historically did not support that script, there is a risk that the non-standard characters may be removed.
Crucially, players must never use third-party services to buy accounts pre-loaded with rare or Korean names. This activity is a direct violation of Riot Games’ Terms of Service and carries a high risk of the account being permanently banned, leading to a loss of all associated progress and purchased content.
| Step | Details |
| Riot ID Change | Use the client’s Riot ID change option |
| Get Korean Letters | Generate the name using Hangul via translation, then paste in |
| Account Region | Most global servers accept Hangul now; Korea server requires KSSN |
| Risks | Do not use bought/third-party accounts—the risk of bans is high |
In essence, Riot Games has democratized the use of Korean names for aesthetic and identity purposes across the global community. For players on Western or international servers, a unique Korean display name is now easily attainable.
However, actually competing on the Korean server remains a challenge strictly reserved for verified residents.
Adherence to these guidelines ensures a smooth, safe, and sanctioned transition to your new Hangul identity on the Rift.
Written by:
Christian