{"id":50468,"date":"2019-09-03T15:46:31","date_gmt":"2019-09-03T14:46:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/?p=50468"},"modified":"2025-06-05T12:11:05","modified_gmt":"2025-06-05T03:11:05","slug":"mastering-korean-slang","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/en\/blog\/mastering-korean-slang\/","title":{"rendered":"Mastering Korean slang: 5 fun categories"},"content":{"rendered":"<h6><em><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Latest update: June 2025.<\/span><\/em><\/h6>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">J<\/span>ust like every culture has its own set of expressions and slang, Korean slang is a fun and essential part of learning the language! Much of Korean slang is created by <strong>combining syllables from longer words or shortening English phrases<\/strong>, making it both creative and surprisingly familiar for learners.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"620\" data-end=\"870\">In this guide, you\u2019ll get to know the trendiest and most useful <strong data-start=\"684\" data-end=\"700\">Korean slang<\/strong> terms, split into five fun categories. Ready to speak like a local? Let\u2019s unravel them!<\/p>\n<h2>1. Everyday Korean exclamations<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Daebak<\/strong> (\ub300\ubc15): <\/span><strong>That\u2019s awesome!<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Characters in <a href=\"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/en\/blog\/some-curiosities-about-k-dramas-korean-tv-series\/\">Korean dramas<\/a> and variety shows use this word frequently. It describes when something is awesome or it&#8217;s a way of showing enthusiasm. Most of the time, it also describes a state of awe or shock.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Jjang<\/strong> (\uc9f1): <\/span><strong>Great or amazing!<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is another way to say something is amazing or awesome in Korean. However, you can add this to describe a certain person\u2019s feature such as \uc5bc\uc9f1 (eoljjang), which means good looking or \ubab8\uc9f1 (momjjang), which means having a good body.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Heol<\/strong> (\ud5d0): <\/span><strong>Oh My God!<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This word expresses shock. Mainly something negative as opposed to daebak but it can be used both ways.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Jaem<\/strong> (\uc7bc): <\/span><strong>Fun!<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is the shortened version of the word \uc7ac\ubbf8 (<em>jae-mi<\/em>, fun). This describes whether something or someone is fun or not. The word is used in two different ways. One way is to express great fun by saying \uafc0\uc7bc (ggool jaem, literally honey fun) or you can express something is no fun at all by saying \ub178\uc7bc (no jaem, no from English plus jaem).<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Kol<\/strong> (\ucf5c): <\/span><strong>I\u2019m in or sounds good<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is used when you&#8217;re either down to go to the movies or about to do something reckless. It\u2019s that nonchalant expression that could be used to express that you\u2019re committing to a fun social activity or you\u2019re willing to go cliff jumping.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Hwaiting<\/strong> (\ud654\uc774\ud305): <\/span><strong>I\u2019m rooting for you<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This has been used countless times in Korean slang history. Used<strong> in sporting events<\/strong> or to encourage someone you care about.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-97194\" src=\"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Mastering-Korean-slang.png\" alt=\"Mastering Korean slang\" width=\"798\" height=\"436\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Mastering-Korean-slang.png 798w, https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Mastering-Korean-slang-300x164.png 300w, https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Mastering-Korean-slang-768x420.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 798px) 100vw, 798px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>2. Relationships &amp; romance<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"2060\" data-end=\"2210\">Korean romance has its own vocabulary, and this Korean slang is key if you want to follow <a href=\"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/en\/blog\/common-korean-phrases-in-k-dramas\/\">K-dramas or understand relationship<\/a> talk between locals.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"2060\" data-end=\"2210\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Namchin \/ Yeochin<\/strong> (\ub0a8\uce5c \/ \uc5ec\uce5c): <strong>B<\/strong><\/span><strong>oyfriend \/ Girlfriend<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is a shortened way of saying \ub0a8\uc790 \uce5c\uad6c (nam-ja chin-goo) and \uc5ec\uc790 \uce5c\uad6c (yeo-ja chin-goo). This is similar to shortening boyfriend and girlfriend in English using gf and bf.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Sseom<\/strong> (\uc378): <\/span><strong>Developing feelings between two people<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This describes a time between two people right before they officially start dating. Basically saying there is <em>SOME<\/em>thing going on between them. It&#8217;s verb form is \uc378\ud0c0\ub2e4 (sseomtada) or \uc378\uc744 \ud0c0\ub2e4 (sseomeul tada). To describe the other person that is showing interest, you can use \uc378\ub0a8 (sseomnam) for men, and \uc378\ub140 (sseomnyeo) for women.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Mildang<\/strong> (\ubc00\ub2f9): <\/span><strong>Push and pull<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Literally putting the first syllables of push and pull together, \ubc00\ub2e4 (mil-da, to push) and \ub2f9\uae30\ub2e4 (danggi-da, to pull). This describes someone in a romantic situation who is being flaky or \u201cplaying games&#8221;.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Aegyo<\/strong> (\uc560\uad50): <strong>A<\/strong><\/span><strong>cting cute<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This describes when someone is acting cute or baby-like. Used mainly among idols to display fan service but it\u2019s also seen as a way of flirting.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"2881\" data-end=\"2953\">3. Korean slang abbreviations in chats<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"2955\" data-end=\"3128\">If you\u2019re texting in Korean or scrolling through social media, you\u2019ll see these Korean slang abbreviations everywhere. They often use consonants to represent full words.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"3130\" data-end=\"3244\">\u3141\u3139: Short for \ubab0\ub77c (<em>molla<\/em>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Meaning \u201cI don\u2019t know.\u201d It is in casual tone and often used when someone\u2019s confused or doesn\u2019t care much.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"3246\" data-end=\"3369\">\u3139\u3147: Stands for \ub9ac\uc5bc (<em>rieol<\/em>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Meaning &#8220;real?\u201d or \u201cseriously?\u201d and often adds emphasis to how true something is.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"3371\" data-end=\"3478\">\u3147\u3148: Short for \uc778\uc815 (<em>injeong<\/em>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Meaning \u201cI agree\u201d or \u201cSo true.\u201d A quick way to show support or validation in a chat.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"3480\" data-end=\"3618\">\u3145\u3131: Short for \uc218\uace0 (<em>sugo<\/em>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Which roughly means \u201cgood job\u201d or \u201cthanks for your effort.\u201d You can use this to express appreciation.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"3480\" data-end=\"3618\">\u3147\u3137<span style=\"color: initial; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;\">: Short for \uc5b4\ub514 (<em>eodi<\/em>)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"color: initial; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;\">Meaning \u201cwhere?\u201d Very common when texting friends to ask where they are or where something is happening.<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3749\" data-end=\"3847\">Wish to know other Korean slang words? We have it <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@gogohanguk\/photo\/7494421779839012114?is_from_webapp=1&amp;sender_device=pc&amp;web_id=7491252018875598343\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>. Using these abbreviations will definitely make your Korean chats look more natural and up-to-date!<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3749\" data-end=\"3847\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-97202\" src=\"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Mastering-Korean-slang-1.png\" alt=\"K-pop slang\" width=\"798\" height=\"436\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Mastering-Korean-slang-1.png 798w, https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Mastering-Korean-slang-1-300x164.png 300w, https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Mastering-Korean-slang-1-768x420.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 798px) 100vw, 798px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"240\" data-end=\"304\">4. K-pop slang<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"306\" data-end=\"522\"><a href=\"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/en\/blog\/the-most-used-korean-words-in-k-pop-songs\/\">If you love K-pop<\/a>, you&#8217;ll often hear Korean slang that\u2019s unique to the K-pop and K-drama world. These expressions help fans show support, excitement, or just relate to the content they&#8217;re watching.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"524\" data-end=\"697\"><strong>Ipdeok<\/strong> (\uc785\ub355):<strong> To become a fan<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Especially after seeing a certain idol or actor. The word comes from \uc785 (ip, enter) and \ub355 (deok, short for \u2018\ub355\ud6c4\u2019 or otaku\/fan).<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"699\" data-end=\"805\"><strong>Taldeok<\/strong> (\ud0c8\ub355): <strong>The opposite of \uc785\ub355<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This is when you \u201cleave\u201d the fandom or lose interest in a celebrity.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"807\" data-end=\"929\"><strong>Choae<\/strong> (\ucd5c\uc560): <strong>Favorite<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Short for choegoro aejeonghaneun (\ucd5c\uace0\ub85c \uc560\uc815\ud558\ub294), this is used to refer to your bias or top pick in a group or drama cast.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"931\" data-end=\"1077\"><strong>Deokjil<\/strong> (\ub355\uc9c8): <strong>The act of fangirling\/fanboying.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This includes collecting merch, going to fan meetings, and streaming performances obsessively.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"1079\" data-end=\"1277\"><strong>Simkung<\/strong> (\uc2ec\ucff5): <strong>Heart-thumping<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>A combination of \uc2ec\uc7a5 (<em>simjang<\/em>, heart) and \ucff5 (<em>kung<\/em>, thump). It\u2019s used when something or someone makes your heart race, usually from cuteness, hotness, or emotional scenes.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1279\" data-end=\"1538\">These pop culture slang terms are deeply woven into the fandom experience and help fans express their enthusiasm in a uniquely Korean way. Whether you&#8217;re commenting on a viral music video or sharing drama memes, you&#8217;ll fit right in with this Korean slang.<\/p>\n<h2>5. Bonus Korean slang<\/h2>\n<p>These are extra Korean slang terms that are too useful (or funny) to ignore and they\u2019ll make you sound like a local in no time.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ppeong<\/strong> (\ubee5): <\/span><strong>Joke\/lie<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This word is commonly describes a joke or false information. It&#8217;s normally used like this: \ubee5\uce58\uc9c0\ub9c8 (Ppung-chi-ji-ma, &#8220;Don\u2019t lie to me&#8221; or &#8220;Stop joking with me&#8221;).<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Selka<\/strong> (\uc140\uce74): <strong>S<\/strong><\/span><strong>elfie<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is the shortened version of the two words \uc140\ud504 (selpeu, self) and \uce74\uba54\ub77c (kamera, camera). You can call selfie sticks \uc140\uce74\ubd09 (selkabong) in Korean.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Bepeu<\/strong> (\ubca0\ud504): <strong>Best friend<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This is the shortened version of the <strong>Konglish<\/strong> (Korean English) phrase \ubca0\uc2a4\ud2b8 \ud504\ub80c\ub4dc (beseuteu peurendeu, best friend).<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Naega ssolge<\/strong> (\ub0b4\uac00 \uc3e0\uac8c):<strong> I\u2019ll pay\/treat<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Literally meaning &#8220;I&#8217;ll shoot&#8221;, these are words everyone wants to hear after a large meal. This is used to say that you will be the one paying as it is a common tradition in Korea that each person in the group takes turns paying for meals. The verb \uc3d8\ub2e4 (<em>sso-da<\/em>) actually means to shoot rather than using the verb \uc0ac\ub2e4 (<em>sa-da<\/em>, to buy).<\/p>\n<p>You\u2019ll hear these terms on the streets, in group chats, and in almost every K-drama or variety show. So <a href=\"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/en\/blog\/10-articles-for-preparing-to-study-in-korea\/\">whether you&#8217;re planning a trip to Korea<\/a>, studying the language, or just love the culture, using Korean slang is a fun way to feel more connected.<\/p>\n<p>We hope you enjoyed this article! For more information on Korean language and culture, keep following the<a href=\"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/en\/blog\/\">\u00a0Go! Go! Hanguk blog<\/a>\u00a0and do not hesitate to<a href=\"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/en\/#form\">\u00a0contact us<\/a> about living and studying in Korea.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Latest update: June 2025. Just like every culture has its own set of expressions and slang, Korean slang is a fun and essential part of learning the language! Much of Korean slang is created by combining syllables from longer words or shortening English phrases, making it both creative and surprisingly familiar for learners. In this [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":156,"featured_media":49457,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1222],"tags":[1289,1311],"class_list":["post-50468","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-korean-language","tag-culture","tag-slang"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/50468","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/156"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=50468"}],"version-history":[{"count":47,"href":"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/50468\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":97364,"href":"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/50468\/revisions\/97364"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/49457"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=50468"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=50468"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=50468"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}