Character input method and mobile communication terminal using the same

A character input method and a mobile communication terminal using the method. The character input method includes: finding, in response to input of a key in a character input mode, at least one mapping of the key; creating, if the key has at least two mappings, a string selection list containing characters mapped by the mappings; displaying the string selection list; and displaying, if one of the strings in the string selection list is selected, the selected string in an input window. As a result, the user can conveniently input various pieces of information mapped to keys, including letters and numbers, to a mobile communication terminal without switching of input modes.