Korean slang refers to informal Korean words and phrases used in casual conversation by native speakers in South Korea. These expressions often don’t appear in standard Korean text or textbooks, but they are essential if you want to sound like a native, understand jokes, and connect with locals in everyday conversations. Many Korean slang terms have unique cultural backgrounds, reflect generational trends, or come from K-pop, dramas, and text slang on social media.
If you’re learning Korean and want to go beyond formal grammar, mastering Korean slang words like 대박 (daebak), 헐 (heol), and 화이팅 (hwaiting) will make your language sound more authentic.
Table of Contents
Open Table of Contents
- Why Learn Korean Slang?
- Types of Korean Slang
- 1. Youth Slang
- 2. Internet & Text Slang
- 3. K-Pop & K-Drama Slang
- 4. Shortened Words
- 5. Loanword Slang
- Everyday Korean Slang You’ll Hear Often
- Korean Slang in Texting & Social Media
- Slang from K-Drama and K-Pop Culture
- How to Use Korean Slang Naturally
- Popular Korean Slang for Everyday Conversations
- Fun Korean Slang Challenges
- Final Thoughts
Why Learn Korean Slang?
Learning Korean slang isn’t just about sounding trendy — it’s about cultural fluency in the language Korean.
Here’s why knowing Korean slang phrases matters:
- Real-life communication – Understand what people actually say in everyday conversations instead of only textbook Korean.
- Entertainment – K-dramas, K-pop lyrics, and variety shows are full of Korean slang terms like 심쿵 (simkung) that you won’t find in formal lessons.
- Connection – Using the right slang can help you build rapport with native speakers quickly.
- Cultural insight – Slang reflects humor, social norms, and trends in South Korea.
💡 Tip: While slang helps you sound like a native, use it carefully in professional settings.
Types of Korean Slang
Korean slang can be grouped into several categories:
- Youth slang – Used by teens and young adults.
- Internet & text slang – Shortened and playful forms for chatting.
- K-pop & drama slang – Words made popular by celebrities.
- Shortened forms – Abbreviated Korean words for quick communication.
- Loanwords – Borrowed from an English word but with new meanings in Korean.
1. Youth Slang
Popular among younger Koreans, these Korean slang words often change fast:
| Korean | Romanization | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| 대박 | daebak | Amazing, awesome | 이 가수 진짜 대박이야! (This singer is amazing!) |
| 쩔어 | jjeoreo | Cool, impressive | 너 춤 진짜 쩐다! (Your dancing is so cool!) |
| 간지 | ganji | Stylish, swag | 오늘 간지 난다. (You look stylish today.) |
| 헐 | heol | OMG / No way | 헐, 진짜야? (OMG, really?) |
2. Internet & Text Slang
These are common in Korean text slang on KakaoTalk, Instagram, and online games:
| Korean | Romanization | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| ㅋㅋㅋ | kkk | LOL | 오늘 웃겨ㅋㅋㅋ (Today is so funny lol) |
| ㅎㅎㅎ | hhh | Soft laugh | 잘했어ㅎㅎ (You did well hehe) |
| ㄱㄱ | g g | Go go / Let’s go | 영화 보러 ㄱㄱ (Let’s go to the movies) |
| ㅂㅂ | bb | Bye-bye | 잘 자~ ㅂㅂ (Good night, bye-bye) |
3. K-Pop & K-Drama Slang
Korean slang phrases from media often become part of everyday conversations:
| Korean | Romanization | Meaning | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 팬심 | paensim | Fan’s devotion | K-pop fandom culture |
| 사심 | sashim | Personal feelings | Common in fan talk |
| 심쿵 | simkung | Heart-throbbing moment | From “심장이 쿵쿵” |
| 오빠 | oppa | Older male / romantic | Popularized in dramas |
| 화이팅 | hwaiting | You can do it! / Fighting! | Common cheer in South Korea |
4. Shortened Words
Koreans like to shorten common Korean expressions:
| Korean | Full Form | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 알바 | 아르바이트 | Part-time job |
| 초딩 | 초등학생 | Elementary school kid |
| 남친 | 남자친구 | Boyfriend |
| 여친 | 여자친구 | Girlfriend |
5. Loanword Slang
Borrowed from English or Japanese but used differently in language Korean:
| Korean | Romanization | Korean Meaning | English Word |
|---|---|---|---|
| 헬스 | helseu | Gym | Health |
| 셀카 | selka | Selfie | Self-camera |
| 콘센트 | konsenteu | Electrical outlet | Concent |
| 아이돌 | aidol | K-pop idol | Idol |
Everyday Korean Slang You’ll Hear Often
Let’s break down popular slang expressions you’re likely to encounter in everyday life.
1.1 대박 (Daebak) – “Awesome!” / “No way!”
Used when something is amazing, shocking, or unbelievable.
Example:
A: “I just won a free trip to Jeju Island!”
B: “대박!“
1.2 헐 (Heol) – “OMG” / “What?!”
A reaction word used when surprised, disappointed, or shocked.
Example: “헐, you forgot your passport?“
1.3 짱 (Jjang) – “The best” / “Awesome”
Describes something or someone as the best.
Example: “This tteokbokki is 짱!“
1.4 꿀잼 / 노잼 (Kkuljaem / Nojaem) – “Fun” / “Not fun”
- 꿀잼: something really fun (literally “honey fun”)
- 노잼: boring (literally “no fun”)
1.5 뇌섹남 / 뇌섹녀 (Noesaeknam / Noesaeknyeo) – “Brainy man/woman”
Combines “brain” + “sexy” to describe someone attractive because of intelligence.
Korean Slang in Texting & Social Media
Online slang evolves fast in South Korea. Here are the must-know ones for texting:
| Slang | Meaning | Usage Example |
|---|---|---|
| ㅋㅋㅋ | LOL (laughing sound) | “That was so funny ㅋㅋㅋ” |
| ㅎㅎㅎ | Soft laughter | “ㅎㅎㅎ don’t worry” |
| ㄱㄱ | Go go! (Let’s go) | “Movie tonight? ㄱㄱ” |
| ㅇㅋ | OK | “ㅇㅋ, see you there” |
| ㅊㅋ | Congrats | “Happy birthday! ㅊㅋ” |
Slang from K-Drama and K-Pop Culture
K-dramas and K-pop are slang goldmines. Many phrases gain popularity after being used by idols or characters.
- 오졌다 (O-jyeot-da) – “That’s amazing” (youth slang)
- 심쿵 (Simkung) – “Heart-throbbing” feeling
- 빵 터졌다 (Bbang teojyeotda) – “Burst out laughing”
How to Use Korean Slang Naturally
To sound like a native, you need to know when and how to use slang:
- Match the setting – Keep it casual with friends or online.
- Mind the tone – Some slang has double meanings.
- Learn from native speakers – Watch for real-life usage.
- Stay updated – Slang changes quickly in South Korea.
Popular Korean Slang for Everyday Conversations
A quick reference list of Korean slang terms:
- 진짜 (jinjja) – Really?
- 대박 (daebak) – Awesome
- 헐 (heol) – OMG
- 빡세다 (ppak-seda) – Intense
- 뻥치지마 (ppeong-chijima) – Don’t lie
- 깜놀 (kkamnol) – Totally surprised
- 눈팅 (nunting) – Lurking online
- 혼코노 (hon-kono) – Karaoke alone
- 귀여워 (gwiyeowo) – Cute in Korean
Fun Korean Slang Challenges
To master slang, try these activities:
- Watch K-dramas without subtitles and note slang words
- Follow Korean Twitter and Instagram accounts
- Join Korean chat groups and observe real conversations
- Play slang quizzes with friends
Final Thoughts
Mastering Korean slang words and Korean slang phrases is essential if you want to sound like a native and understand everyday conversations in South Korea. Whether you’re learning Korean for travel, friendships, or entertainment, knowing expressions like 헐 (heol), 대박 (daebak), and 화이팅 (hwaiting) will bring you closer to the culture.
Keep listening to native speakers, practicing with friends, and following current trends to make your Korean as natural as possible.