Korean Slang Guide: 100 Essential Terms to Understand K-Culture

The global wave of K-Culture—encompassing everything from K-pop and K-dramas to Korean street fashion—has made people around the world want to learn the language that brings it all to life. But beyond textbooks, real Korean conversations often feature playful and fast-evolving slang. If you truly want to understand what your favorite idols or drama characters are saying, you’ll need to pick up these everyday expressions.

In this guide, we’ll introduce 100 essential Korean slang terms that will help you dive deeper into K-culture and communicate more naturally. From texting abbreviations to comedic insults, these words will open up a new dimension of understanding. Let’s get started!

Why Learn Korean Slang?

Stay Ahead of Pop Culture
Korean entertainment—K-pop, K-dramas, variety shows—frequently uses slang. Knowing these terms will let you catch inside jokes and references, making your viewing experience richer.

Connect with Locals
Koreans often switch to casual banter with friends and family. Slang words signal that you’re in tune with how people really speak, helping you build closer relationships.

Make Studying Fun
Slang expressions are typically short, catchy, and memorable. They reflect real-life usage, making learning Korean more engaging than memorizing grammar from a textbook.

Fun Fact: According to a recent Korean Ministry of Culture survey, over 70% of young Koreans use slang in daily life—especially online and in texting.

Quick Tips for Using Korean Slang

1. Know the Situation: Many slang terms are informal, so be cautious using them with elders or in formal settings.
2. Watch and Listen: Variety shows, YouTube vloggers, and K-dramas can give you real examples of how slang is used.
3. Use Sparingly: Slang can lose its effect if you overuse it. Sprinkle it in naturally.
4. Stay Updated: Slang evolves quickly. Keep an eye on social media and K-pop fandoms for new expressions.

Basic Greetings & Everyday Expressions (1–10)

1. 안녕 (Annyeong)
   • Meaning: “Hi” or “Bye,” super casual version of 안녕하세요
   • Usage: With close friends: “안녕, 잘 지냈어?” (“Hey, how’ve you been?”)
2. 헐 (Heol)
   • Meaning: “OMG,” “No way,” an exclamation of surprise or shock
   • Usage: “헐, 진짜 대박이다!” (“OMG, that’s seriously awesome!”)
3. 대박 (Daebak)
   • Meaning: “Jackpot,” “Awesome,” “Amazing”
   • Usage: “이 노래 진짜 대박!” (“This song is so awesome!”)
4. 짱 (Jjang)
   • Meaning: “The best,” “cool,” or “awesome”
   • Usage: “너 진짜 짱이다!” (“You’re truly the best!”)
5. 오 (O) / 오오 (O-o)
   • Meaning: Surprised exclamation, like “Oh!” or “Wow!”
   • Usage: “오, 이거 맛있어!” (“Oh, this is delicious!”)
6. ㅋㅋ (kk) / ㅎㅎ (hh)
   • Meaning: Laughter, like “haha” or “lol” in texting
   • Usage: “오늘 너무 추워 ㅋㅋ” (“It’s so cold today lol.”)
7. 쩔어 (Jjeoreo)
   • Meaning: “That’s insane,” “That’s epic,” also “That’s dope”
   • Usage: “퍼포먼스가 완전 쩔어!” (“That performance was dope!”)
8. ㅋㅋ루ㅋㅋ (kkurukku)
   • Meaning: Meme-ish extended laughter, extra playful version of “ㅋㅋ”
   • Usage: “네 말 듣고 ㅋㅋ루ㅋㅋ 중이야.” (“I’m literally laughing so hard at what you said.”)
9. 오졌다 (Ojeotda)
   • Meaning: “That’s lit,” “That’s freaking amazing”
   • Usage: “콘서트 분위기 오졌다!” (“The concert vibe was insane!”)
10. 쩔탱 (Jjeolteng)
    • Meaning: Stronger form of “쩔어,” “extremely awesome” or “next-level crazy”
    • Usage: “그 뮤직비디오 쩔탱이네.” (“That music video is next-level awesome.”)

Talking About People & Appearances (11–20)

11. 얼짱 (Eoljjang)
    • Meaning: “Best face,” describing someone extremely good-looking
    • Usage: “그 아이돌 얼짱으로 유명해.” (“That idol is famous for their good looks.”)
12. 몸짱 (Momjjang)
    • Meaning: “Best body,” extremely fit or toned
    • Usage: “걔 헬스 열심히 해서 몸짱 됐어.” (“He worked out hard and became super fit.”)
13. 꿀잼 (Kkuljaem)
    • Meaning: “Honey fun,” i.e., “super fun”
    • Usage: “이 게임 꿀잼이야!” (“This game is really fun!”)
14. 노잼 (Nojaem)
    • Meaning: “No fun,” “boring”
    • Usage: “이 드라마 솔직히 노잼이야.” (“This drama is honestly boring.”)
15. 얼죽아 (Eol-jug-a)
    • Meaning: “Freezing to death but still iced Americano,” referencing Korean coffee culture
    • Usage: “얼죽아라서 겨울에도 아이스만 마셔.” (“I’m an ‘Eol-jug-a’ type, so I only drink iced coffee even in winter.”)
16. 인싸 (Inssa)
    • Meaning: “Insider,” popular person with a big social circle
    • Usage: “그는 완전 인싸라서 아는 사람이 많아.” (“He’s such an ‘inssa’—he knows so many people.”)
17. 아싸 (Assa)
    • Meaning: “Outsider,” more introverted or less socially active
    • Usage: “나 아싸라서 집에서 게임만 해.” (“I’m an ‘assa,’ so I just stay home gaming.”)
18. 금사빠 (Geum-sa-ppa)
    • Meaning: “Someone who falls in love quickly,” short for “금방 사랑에 빠지는 사람”
    • Usage: “또 연애 시작했어? 너 금사빠네.” (“You started dating again? You fall in love so fast!”)
19. 엄친아 (Eom-chin-a) / 엄친딸 (Eom-chin-ttal)
    • Meaning: “Mom’s friend’s son/daughter,” the perfect child you’re compared to
    • Usage: “걔는 전교 1등 하는 엄친아야.” (“He’s that top-ranked ‘Mom’s friend’s son.’”)
20. 행쇼 (Haeng-sho)
    • Meaning: “Let’s be happy,” short for “행복합시다 쇼!” or “행복하게 살자”
    • Usage: “올해도 화이팅, 행쇼!” (“Let’s do our best this year—let’s be happy!”)

Internet & Texting Slang (21–30)

21. ㅠㅠ / ㅜㅜ (crying eyes)
    • Meaning: Crying emoji, sad or upset expression
    • Usage: “집에 지갑 두고 나왔어 ㅠㅠ” (“I left my wallet at home… so sad.”)
22. ㅋㅋㅋ (kkk)
    • Meaning: Laughter, like “lol,” repeated “ㅋ”
    • Usage: “너무 웃겨 ㅋㅋㅋ” (“That’s so funny lol.”)
23. ㄱㄱ (gg) / 고고 (gogo)
    • Meaning: “Let’s go,” shortened from “go go.”
    • Usage: “영화 보러 ㄱㄱ?” (“Wanna go watch a movie?”)
24. ㄴㄴ (nn)
    • Meaning: “No no,” quick rejection
    • Usage: “오늘 약속은? ㄴㄴ, 피곤해.” (“Plans today? No no, I’m tired.”)
25. ㅇㅇ (Eung eung) / 응 (Eung)
    • Meaning: “Yes,” “yup,” casual acknowledgment
    • Usage: “시간 돼? ㅇㅇ.” (“Do you have time? Yup.”)
26. ㅂㅂ (bb)
    • Meaning: “Bye-bye”
    • Usage: “이만 자러갈게 ㅂㅂ.” (“I’m going to bed now, bye.”)
27. ㄱㅅ (g-s)
    • Meaning: “Thanks,” short for 감사 (gamsa)
    • Usage: “도와줘서 ㄱㅅ!” (“Thanks for helping me!”)
28. ㅊㅋ (ch-ch)
    • Meaning: “Congrats,” short for 축하 (chukha)
    • Usage: “합격했다며? ㅊㅋ!” (“Heard you passed? Congrats!”)
29. 남친 / 여친 (Nam-chin / Yeo-chin)
    • Meaning: “Boyfriend” / “Girlfriend,” short forms of 남자친구/여자친구
    • Usage: “남친이랑 데이트해?” (“Going on a date with your boyfriend?”)
30. ㅠㅠ각 (Kkak)
    • Meaning: “It’s about to be sad,” “predicting tears,” short for “울 각” (crying situation)
    • Usage: “이 결말 ㅠㅠ각이야.” (“I can sense a tearful ending.”)

Expressions of Emotions & Reactions (31–40)

31. 심쿵 (Sim-kung)
    • Meaning: “Heart-thump,” describing a heart-fluttering moment
    • Usage: “멋진 사진 보고 심쿵했어.” (“I saw his cool photo and my heart skipped a beat.”)
32. 웃프다 (Utpeuda)
    • Meaning: “Laugh-cry,” “sad yet funny,” from 웃기다 (funny) + 슬프다 (sad)
    • Usage: “시험 망했는데 친구들도 똑같아 웃프다.” (“We all failed the exam, it’s sad-funny.”)
33. 설레다 (Seolleda)
    • Meaning: “To flutter,” “get butterflies,” typically about excitement or romance
    • Usage: “첫 데이트라서 설레.” (“I’m nervous-excited for my first date.”)
34. 꿀팁 (Kkul-tip)
    • Meaning: “Honey tip,” i.e. super helpful advice
    • Usage: “이 다이어트 꿀팁 공유해줄게.” (“I’ll share this super useful diet tip.”)
35. 극혐 (Geuk-hyeom)
    • Meaning: “Extremely disgusting,” from 극도로 혐오
    • Usage: “그 식당 진짜 극혐이었어.” (“That restaurant was absolutely gross.”)
36. 흑역사 (Heuk-yeoksa)
    • Meaning: “Dark past,” embarrassing memory you want to forget
    • Usage: “내 흑역사 얘기하지 마.” (“Don’t talk about my dark past.”)
37. 꿀잠 (Kkul-jam)
    • Meaning: “Sweet sleep,” great restful sleep
    • Usage: “어젯밤 꿀잠 자서 컨디션 최고.” (“I slept so well last night, feeling great.”)
38. 파이팅 (Fighting)
    • Meaning: “Cheer up,” “You can do it,” from English “fighting” but used for encouragement
    • Usage: “오늘 발표 잘 해, 파이팅!”
39. 불금 (Bul-geum)
    • Meaning: “Fiery Friday,” i.e. super fun Friday night out
    • Usage: “드디어 불금! 다 같이 클럽 가자!”
40. 화이자 (Hwa-ija)
    • Meaning: A pun on “화이팅 + 자(자자) = Let’s do it,” or “Let’s gather strength”
    • Usage: “좀 힘들어도 화이자!”

Food & Dining Slang (41–50)

41. 먹방 (Meok-bang)
    • Meaning: “Eating broadcast,” where people eat large amounts on camera
    • Usage: “유튜브에서 먹방 보는 거 좋아해.”
42. 혼밥 (Hon-bap)
    • Meaning: “Eating alone,” from 혼자 밥
    • Usage: “오늘 혼밥 예정이야, 같이 먹을 사람 없어서.”
43. 맛집 (Mat-jip)
    • Meaning: “Delicious restaurant,” a highly recommended place
    • Usage: “여기는 현지인 맛집이라 대기줄이 길어.”
44. 술고래 (Sul-gorae)
    • Meaning: “Alcohol whale,” describing a heavy drinker
    • Usage: “우리 선배 술고래라서 끝까지 마셔도 안 취해.”
45. 존맛탱 (Jonmattaeng)
    • Meaning: “Freaking delicious,” from 존X 맛있다 + 탱, comedic emphasis
    • Usage: “이 치킨 존맛탱이야, 또 시키자.”
46. 핑계 김에 (Pinggye gime)
    • Meaning: “Taking advantage of an excuse,” like “since we’re at it…”
    • Usage: “밥 먹으러 나온 김에 카페도 갈래?”
47. 불닭 (Buldak)
    • Meaning: “Fire chicken,” referencing super spicy chicken or ramen
    • Usage: “불닭 진짜 매워서 눈물 남.”
48. 부어라 마셔라 (Bueora masyeora)
    • Meaning: “Pour and drink,” referencing heavy drinking sessions
    • Usage: “회식 때 다들 부어라 마셔라 하더라.”
49. 칵테일 마시쥬 (Cocktail masiju)
    • Meaning: Cutely saying “Let’s drink cocktails,” from “마시자” in childlike manner
    • Usage: “불금이니 칵테일 마시쥬~?”
50. 간식 파티 (Gansik party)
    • Meaning: “Snack party,” a get-together focusing on treats
    • Usage: “오늘 집에서 간식 파티 하자!”

Work & School Slang (51–60)

51. 공스타 (Gong-seu-ta)
    • Meaning: “Study star,” someone who excels academically
    • Usage: “그 애 공스타라 항상 시험 1등.”
52. 퇴사 (Toesa)
    • Meaning: “Resigning from a company,” from 퇴직 + 회사
    • Usage: “스트레스 너무 받아서 퇴사 고민 중.”
53. 빌런 (Billon)
    • Meaning: “Villain,” referencing an office backstabber or workplace enemy
    • Usage: “회사에 빌런 하나 있어서 분위기 망침.”
54. 진상 (Jinsang)
    • Meaning: “Annoying troublemaker,” especially describing rude customers
    • Usage: “알바 중에 진상 손님 만나면 진짜 힘들어.”
55. 야근 (Yageun)
    • Meaning: “Overtime/night work,” dreaded by many
    • Usage: “오늘 또 야근이라니… 에휴.”
56. 허슬 (Heoseul)
    • Meaning: “Hustle,” from English, referencing grinding at work
    • Usage: “창업 준비 중이어서 요즘 허슬 모드야.”
57. 뚝심 (Ttuk-sim)
    • Meaning: “Grit,” “perseverance,” especially in tough office situations
    • Usage: “뚝심 있게 버텨야 승진할 수 있어.”
58. 열정페이 (Yeoljeong pei)
    • Meaning: “Passion pay,” where workers get underpaid for the “experience”
    • Usage: “열정페이로 사람 부려먹는 회사는 곤란해.”
59. 휴가각 (Hyuga gak)
    • Meaning: “Vacation angle,” i.e., you sense you might get time off soon
    • Usage: “프로젝트 끝났으니 휴가각 아닌가?”
60. 몰입 (Morip)
    • Meaning: “Immersion,” being super focused
    • Usage: “몰입 상태라서 시간 가는 줄 몰랐어.”

K-Pop & Entertainment (61–70)

61. 덕질 (Deok-jil)
    • Meaning: “Fan activities,” from “덕후 (otaku/fan)” + “질 (action)”
    • Usage: “주말에 덕질하면서 굿즈 산다.”
62. 팬심 (Paen-sim)
    • Meaning: “Fan’s heart,” strong attachment to an idol or band
    • Usage: “팬심으로 콘서트도 VIP로 갔어.”
63. 팬아트 (Paen-ateu)
    • Meaning: “Fan art,” from English
    • Usage: “내가 좋아하는 아이돌 팬아트 그렸다.”
64. 최애 (Choe-ae)
    • Meaning: “Ultimate favorite,” short for “최고로 애정”
    • Usage: “내 최애는 방탄소년단의 정국이야.”
65. 실물 (Sil-mul)
    • Meaning: “Real-life appearance,” how an idol looks in person
    • Usage: “실물 보니까 훨씬 더 예뻐!”
66. 티켓팅 (Tiket-ting)
    • Meaning: “Ticketing,” the battle to get concert tickets online
    • Usage: “티켓팅 실패해서 중고나라 살펴본다.”
67. 스밍 (Seu-ming)
    • Meaning: “Streaming,” from streaming music to support an artist
    • Usage: “스밍 열심히 해서 음원차트 올려야지.”
68. 역조공 (Yeok-jogong)
    • Meaning: “Reverse fan service,” when idols give gifts to fans
    • Usage: “팬미팅에서 역조공으로 음료 줬대.”
69. 굴욕 (Gulyok)
    • Meaning: “Humiliation,” used if an idol looks bad in an unflattering photo
    • Usage: “조명 때문에 굴욕사진 나왔어, 헐.”
70. 본진 (Bon-jin)
    • Meaning: “Your main group/artist,” the one you love the most
    • Usage: “내 본진은 블랙핑크, 서브로 다른 그룹도 좋아해.”

Romantic & Friendship Terms (71–80)

71. 썸 (Sseom)
    • Meaning: “Some(thing) between two people,” like a ‘maybe dating’ stage
    • Usage: “둘이 썸 타는 중이래.”
72. 밀당 (Mildang)
    • Meaning: “Push-and-pull” in relationships, playing hard to get
    • Usage: “밀당 잘하는 사람이 결국 승리하더라.”
73. 재회 (Jaehwe)
    • Meaning: “Reunion,” especially with an ex
    • Usage: “재회해도 잘될까? 고민된다.”
74. ㅅㄹㅎ (s-r-h)
    • Meaning: “사랑해 (I love you),” abbreviation used in texting
    • Usage: “잠들기 전에 ㅅㄹㅎ 한마디 해줘.”
75. 쿨하게 (Khul-hage)
    • Meaning: “In a chill way,” “without fuss,” often in breakups or arguments
    • Usage: “이별하더라도 쿨하게 헤어지자.”
76. 남사친 (Namsa-chin) / 여사친 (Yeosa-chin)
    • Meaning: “Guy friend” / “Girl friend,” not romantic, from “남자 사람 친구,” “여자 사람 친구”
    • Usage: “남사친이랑 밥 먹을 때마다 오해받아.”
77. 존버 (Jon-beo)
    • Meaning: “Hanging in there,” from “존X 버티다” (rudely meaning “f***ing endure”)
    • Usage: “썸 타는 중? 존버해, 곧 고백하겠지.”
78. 단짝 (Danjjak)
    • Meaning: “Bestie,” a close friend
    • Usage: “내 단짝이랑 여행 갈 거야.”
79. 돌직구 (Dol-jikgu)
    • Meaning: “Straight pitch,” describing direct speech or bluntness
    • Usage: “그 사람 말 너무 돌직구라서 당황했어.”
80. 군침 (Gunchim)
    • Meaning: “Drooling,” used figuratively for wanting something or someone
    • Usage: “새로 나온 스마트폰 보니 군침 돈다.”

Negative Moods & Frustrations (81–90)

81. 짜증 (Jjajeung)
    • Meaning: “Irritation,” “annoyance”
    • Usage: “날도 덥고 너무 짜증 나.”
82. 분노의 폭발 (Bunno-ui pokbal)
    • Meaning: “Explosion of anger,” hyperbolic usage
    • Usage: “시간 약속 안 지켜서 분노의 폭발했어.”
83. 멘붕 (Men-bung)
    • Meaning: “Mental breakdown,” from “멘탈 붕괴”
    • Usage: “과제 마감 오늘이라고?! 멘붕이야!”
84. 짜게 식다 (Jjage sikda)
    • Meaning: “Excitement cooled down,” literally “cool down saltily”
    • Usage: “파티가 재미없어서 분위기 짜게 식었어.”
85. 노답 (No-dap)
    • Meaning: “No answer,” “hopeless,” from English “no + answer”
    • Usage: “이번 시험 노답이야, 다 틀렸어.”
86. 현타 (Hyeon-ta)
    • Meaning: “Reality check,” short for “현실 자각 타임”
    • Usage: “쇼핑 후 결제금액 보고 현타 왔다.”
87. 무개념 (Mu-gaenyeom)
    • Meaning: “No sense,” describing a rude or thoughtless person
    • Usage: “줄도 안 서고 새치기? 완전 무개념이네.”
88. 할말하않 (Hal-mal ha-an)
    • Meaning: “I have much to say, but I won’t say it,” short for “할 말은 많지만 하지 않겠다.”
    • Usage: “그 사람이 또 지각했어… 할말하않.”
89. 웃기고 있네 (Utgigo itne)
    • Meaning: “Don’t be ridiculous,” ironically “How funny,” but sarcastic
    • Usage: “웃기고 있네, 그런 변명이 어딨어?”
90. 현질 (Hyeon-jil)
    • Meaning: “Spending real money in games,” from “현금” (cash) + “질” (to do)
    • Usage: “이 게임은 현질 안 하면 못 이겨.”

Pop Culture & Trending Lingo (91–100)

91. 덕후 (Deok-hu)
    • Meaning: “Otaku,” or “obsessed fan,” can be about any hobby
    • Usage: “나는 아이돌 덕후야, 굿즈 잔뜩 모아.”
92. 싸강 (Ssa-gang)
    • Meaning: “Cheap lecture,” slang for easy online courses in college
    • Usage: “싸강 몇 개 신청해서 학점 채운다.”
93. 깻잎논쟁 (Kkaetnip nonjaeng)
    • Meaning: “Perilla leaf debate,” referencing a viral relationship debate in Korea
    • Usage: “깻잎논쟁 난장판이더라, 어떤 게 예의인지 몰라.”
94. 만렙 (Man-rep)
    • Meaning: “Max level,” from gaming, used to say “top notch”
    • Usage: “그 사람은 요리 만렙이야, 무슨 음식이든 뚝딱.”
95. 사이다 발언 (Saida bareon)
    • Meaning: “Cider comment,” refreshing truth bomb or direct statement
    • Usage: “그 드라마의 여주인공 사이다 발언이 속 시원해.”
96. 환승이별 (Hwansseung ibyeol)
    • Meaning: “Transfer breakup,” leaving one relationship and quickly starting another
    • Usage: “걔 환승이별 했다고? 너무하네.”
97. 밈 (Mim)
    • Meaning: “Meme,” from English, used in K-pop fandoms or general social media
    • Usage: “그 신조어 밈 많이 돌아다니더라.”
98. TMI
    • Meaning: “Too much information,” borrowed from English
    • Usage: “좀 TMI인데, 내가 방금 양치했어.”
99. 스타의 길 (Seuta-ui gil)
    • Meaning: “The road of a star,” referencing an idol’s tough but glamorous journey
    • Usage: “연습생 5년? 진짜 스타의 길이네.”
100. 심멎 (Sim-meot)

• Meaning: “Heart stop,” short for 심장이 멎다
• Usage: “오빠 사진 보고 심멎할 뻔.”

Conclusion: Time to Flex Your New K-Slang

축하해요 (Chukhahaeyo)! You’ve just explored 100 must-know Korean slang terms that immerse you deeper into K-culture. Whether you’re an avid K-pop fan, a K-drama binger, or planning a trip to Seoul, these expressions can spice up your conversations and help you navigate everyday life in Korea with confidence.

Final Reminders

• Context Is King: Some slang is edgy or extremely casual—avoid using it with bosses, elders, or formal settings.
• Keep Learning: Language is always evolving, especially with new idol groups and social media trends.
• Have Fun: Slang is meant to be playful. Don’t stress about perfect usage—just try it out and adjust as you go.

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Which slang term was your favorite? Comment below with the one you’re most excited to use in real life. If you found this article helpful, share it with your fellow K-culture enthusiasts and subscribe for more language tips and cultural deep dives.

Now go forth and impress your Korean friends or internet buddies with your newfound slang-savvy—파이팅 (Fighting)!

See Also: Japanese Slang Guide: 100 Essential Terms to Speak Like a Tokyo Local