- Korean is a fully supported language in Google Ads for both targeting and ad copy.
- Each Korean character counts as 2 toward character limits. A headline fits roughly 15 Korean characters.
- Responsive search ads are the current standard. Expanded text ads were deprecated in June 2022.
- Set language targeting to Korean so Google shows ads to Korean-speaking users across Search and Display.
- Coinis Revise AI Translate converts ad copy to Korean in one click and flags if you run long.
TL;DR
Korean is fully supported in Google Ads. Set language targeting to Korean, translate your copy, and account for double-width character counting. Each Korean character counts as 2, so a 30-character headline holds roughly 15 Korean characters. Use responsive search ads for all new campaigns.
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Why Translate Your Google Ads to Korean?
South Korea has one of the world's highest internet penetration rates. Running Korean-language ads lets you reach native speakers with copy that feels natural and credible. Google Ads fully supports Korean for both the interface and ad language targeting. Ads created in unsupported languages get disapproved by Google. Korean is on the approved list, so you're clear to run.
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Set Up Language Targeting for Korean in Google Ads
Open your campaign settings. Find the Languages section. Add Korean. That's the starting point.
How Google detects language preferences
Per Google's Ads Help Center on language targeting, Google detects language through the user's query language, browser settings, and AI-derived language signals. You don't configure anything beyond setting the target language at the campaign level. Google handles the matching.
Targeting Korean speakers on Search and Display Networks
On the Search Network, Google matches Korean-language queries to campaigns targeting Korean. On the Display Network, Google targets users whose browsing history and device settings indicate Korean language preference. Set Korean at the campaign level. Combine it with geographic targeting for South Korea or other Korean-speaking regions if your product is location-specific.
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Translate Your Ad Copy to Korean
Accurate translation matters more than speed. Direct machine translation can produce awkward or misleading phrases in Korean. Have a native speaker review the final copy before launch.
Headline translation guidelines
Keep Korean headlines short and direct. RSA headlines have a 30-character limit, per Google's About responsive search ads documentation. Korean characters are double-width, so each counts as 2. That gives you roughly 15 Korean characters per headline. Write punchy, benefit-led phrases. Supply multiple headline variations so Google's system can test combinations.
Description translation tips
Descriptions support up to 90 characters, per Google Ads documentation. With double-width counting, Korean descriptions fit roughly 45 characters. Focus on one clear message per description. Avoid long compound sentences. Korean readers respond to direct, benefit-focused language.
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Understanding Character Limits for Korean Double-Width Characters
This is the most common sticking point for advertisers new to Korean campaigns.
Headline character limits for Korean
Google Ads sets a 30-character limit for RSA headlines, per the About responsive search ads documentation. Each Korean character counts as 2. Effective limit: roughly 15 Korean characters per headline. Google's interface enforces this automatically. If your Korean headline runs over, the field turns red before you save.
Description and path field limits
Descriptions allow up to 90 characters. With double-width counting, Korean descriptions fit roughly 45 characters. Path fields allow up to 15 characters each. With double-width counting, Korean path text fits roughly 7 to 8 characters. Keep path text very short or use Latin characters.
Why double-width characters count as 2
Korean, Japanese, and Chinese characters occupy more visual width than Latin characters in rendered ad text. Google's character counting reflects the display space they use. Per Google's Ads Help Center, this rule applies consistently across all text ad formats for CJK languages.
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Responsive Search Ads vs. Expanded Text Ads for Korean
Using responsive search ads (current standard)
Responsive search ads are the current format for Google Search campaigns. You supply up to 15 headlines and up to 4 descriptions. Google's system tests combinations and surfaces the ones that perform. Write at least 5 to 6 distinct Korean headlines to give the system meaningful variation to work with.
Expanded text ads (legacy format)
Expanded text ads were deprecated as of June 30, 2022. New creation and editing are no longer possible. Existing expanded text ads continue to serve if you have them live. All new Korean campaigns must use responsive search ads.
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Tools to Help Translate and Optimize Your Korean Ads
Professional translation services deliver the most accurate results. A native-speaker review catches cultural nuance that automated tools miss.
Coinis Revise includes AI Translate. Paste your English ad copy and translate it to Korean in one click. You can see immediately if the translation runs long against Google's character limits. For display ad creatives with Korean text, Coinis Image Ads generates Korean-language ad images from a product URL. Note: Coinis publishes directly to Meta today. Google Ads publishing is on the roadmap.
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Common Mistakes When Translating Google Ads to Korean
- Ignoring double-width counting and submitting copy that exceeds character limits.
- Using English path text when Korean-speaking audiences expect localized content.
- Translating literally without reviewing for natural Korean phrasing and tone.
- Setting Korean language targeting without checking geographic settings.
- Attempting to create new expanded text ads, which is no longer possible.
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Next Steps: Publish and Monitor Your Korean Campaign
Set language targeting to Korean. Add your translated RSA headlines and descriptions. Check character counts before saving. Verify geographic targeting matches your audience. Launch. Monitor performance in Google Ads reporting and refine copy based on what resonates with Korean-speaking users.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run Google Ads in Korean?
Yes. Korean is a fully supported language for both the Google Ads interface and ad language targeting. Set your campaign language to Korean and create your ad copy in Korean.
How many Korean characters fit in a Google Ads headline?
About 15 Korean characters. Each Korean character counts as 2 toward the 30-character headline limit, per Google's RSA documentation. The Google Ads interface enforces this automatically.
Are expanded text ads still available for Korean campaigns?
No. Expanded text ads were deprecated in June 2022. You cannot create or edit them. Use responsive search ads for all new Korean campaigns.
Does Coinis help with Korean ad translation?
Yes. Coinis Revise includes AI Translate, which translates ad copy to Korean in one click. For display creatives, Image Ads can generate Korean-language ad images from a product URL. Note that Coinis publishes directly to Meta today. Google Ads publishing is on the roadmap.