성
seong[sʰɘ(ː)ŋ]
The Korean word for castle is 성 (seong). Wiktionary also lists 성곽 (seonggwak).
Meaning: fortified building (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 성 | seong | [sʰɘ(ː)ŋ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 성곽 | seonggwak | [sʰʌ̹ŋɡwa̠k̚] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
성 is the general term for a castle and can be used to describe both traditional Korean fortresses and Western-style castles.
Which one should you use?
While 성 refers to the castle as a whole, 성곽 is a more technical term that specifically refers to the defensive walls or the ramparts of a fortress.
How do you pronounce it?
seong
Did you know?
- Historically, Korean 성 were often built as 'mountain fortresses' called 산성, where entire villages would retreat during invasions.
- The syllable 성 is a homonym that can mean 'castle', 'nature/character', 'surname', or even 'saint' depending on the Hanja used.
- The Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon is a world-famous 성 that uniquely blended traditional Korean designs with Western military architecture introduced in the 18th century.
Examples in context
- 성이 복원되었고, 대중에게 개방되어 있는 상태야.The castle has been restored and is open to the public.This sentence is useful for describing the restoration and public access of a 성.Tatoeba #8355842 by Eunhee, translation #46220 by CK
- 성은 무너져 있었다.The castle had crumbled.This sentence is useful for describing a 성 that has crumbled.Tatoeba #8428797 by Cheonhong, translation #11489744 by camouat
- 우리는 끝까지 저항했다. 하지만 적에 의해서 성이 결국에는 함락됐다.We fought to the end. But eventually, the castle was taken by the enemy.This sentence is useful for describing the fall of a 성 to an enemy.
- 근대 시대에 건축된 성은 역사적으로 중요한 건물입니다.The castle built during the modern era is a historically significant building.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ji-eun and Hyeon-u are visiting a historic site.
- 지은 Ji-eun현우야, 저 성 진짜 멋지다!hyeon-u-ya, jeo seong jinja meotjida!Hyeon-u, that castle is really cool!
- 현우 Hyeon-woo응, 지은아. 정말 웅장한 것 같아.eung, ji-eun-a. jeongmal ungjang-han geot gata.Yeah, Ji-eun. It looks really grand.
- 지은 Ji-eun우리 저 성 안으로 들어가 볼까?uri jeo seong an-euro deureoga bolkka?Shall we go inside that castle?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo좋아, 같이 가자.jo-a, gatchi gaja.Good, let's go together.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “castle” translations and entries 성, 성곽, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
