Hanja (Han's literal signature (s)) is the Korean name for the Chinese characters (Hanzi). More precisely, the name refers to the characters taken by the Koreans and used in the Korean language (with their own pronunciation). Unlike the Japanese Kanji, in which many Hanzi characters have been changed and simplified, Hanja is almost completely identical to the traditional Chinese characters. With Hanmun (漢文, 한문) is meant the classic Chinese writing language.
Although Hanja was ever important for understanding Korean enough, not only words of Korean origin but also many Chinese lending words (Hanja-eo 한자어, 漢字 語) are shown by Hangul. In South Korea, the use of Hanja is thus minimized. In North Korea, the use of Hanja since 1949 is no longer allowed and only hangul is used. Koreaanse hanja
A few characters were added by the Koreans themselves. Most relate to place and person names, but there are also some Hanja that relate to specific Korean objects or concepts. Examples are 畓 (논 답, non dap, "rice field") and 怾 (Gi, an old name for Geumgangsan).
wiki
