List of English words of Korean origin

This is a list of words of Korean origin which have entered into English usage.

General

Chaebol

from 재벌 (財閥), a family-controlled industrial conglomerate in South Korea, originally from Japanese term "Zaibatsu"

Hangul

from 한글, the Korean alphabet.

Korea

from Goryeo (alt. Koryo) (고려, 高麗), historic dynasty of Korea that unified the peninsula (see Names of Korea).

Culture and martial arts

Kisaeng

from 기생 (妓生), female Korean entertainers who existed before 20th century.

Manhwa

from 만화책, Comic books, cartoons and animated cartoons. As with the Japanese word "manga", manwha refers to comic books, cartoons or animation generically within Korea, but usually refers specifically to South Korean comic books when used by non-Koreans.

Taekwondo

from 태권도 (跆拳道), a globally popular sport and martial art.

Food

Bibimbap

from 비빔밥, white rice mixed with vegetables, beef, and chili paste.

Bulgogi

from 불고기, Korean style marinated BBQ beef.

Galbi

from 갈비, BBQ marinated beef ribs.

Kimbap

from 김밥, Korean rice roll.

Kimchi

from 김치, a wide variety of pickled, fermented vegetables.

Soju

from 소주 (燒酒), Korean vodka distilled usually from rice or sweet potato

Clothing

Hanbok

from 한복 (韓服), literally "Korean uniform."

Other

Chobo

from 초보 (初步), a novice, especially in Internet gaming.

Gosu

from 고수 (高手), a person with great skill, especially in Internet gaming.

Hantavirus

from 한탄강 (漢灘江), the Hantan River.

Hwabyeong

from 화병 (火病), emotional disorder.

See also

• Lists of English loanwords by country or language of origin