이발소
ibalso[ˈi(ː)ba̠ɭs͈o̞]
The Korean term for hair salon is 이발소 (ibalso). Wiktionary also lists 이발관 (ibalgwan) and 리발소 (ribalso).
Meaning: workplace of a beautician or barber (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 이발소 | ibalso | [ˈi(ː)ba̠ɭs͈o̞] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) | |
| 이발관 | ibalgwan | ||
| 리발소 | ribalso | North Korea |
The term 이발소 specifically refers to a traditional barbershop, often associated with men's hair cutting and shaving. For a modern hair salon or beauty parlor used by both men and women, the more common term is 미용실.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 이발소 is composed of 이발 (hair cutting) and 소 (place/office).
Which one should you use?
While 이발소 refers to a barbershop, 이발관 is a more formal or slightly older term for a hair cutting establishment, often implying a larger facility.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In North Korea, the form 리발소 is used.
How do you pronounce it?
ibalso
Did you know?
- In some older 이발소 shops, you might find a small designated area for 'ear cleaning', a specific grooming service that is culturally distinct to certain East Asian barbershops.
- The character 理 in the etymology of 이발소 also means 'reason' or 'logic', suggesting that 'hairdressing' is the act of 'ordering' or 'arranging' the hair.
- In traditional 이발소 culture, the barber may perform a scalp massage and face massage as a standard part of the service, which is not typically included in a 미용실 haircut.
Examples in context
- 아버지는 이발소에 가셨어요.a-beo-ji-neun ibal-so-e ga-syeoss-eo-yo.My father went to the barbershop.
- 이 이발소는 아주 오래되었어요.i ibal-so-neun a-ju o-rae-doe-eoss-eo-yo.This barbershop is very old.
Example conversation
Ji-eun and Ji-hun are talking about grooming.
- 지은 Ji-eun지훈 씨, 머리가 너무 길어요.Ji-hun ssi, meo-ri-ga neo-mu gil-eo-yo.Ji-hun, your hair is too long.
- 지훈 Ji-hun맞아요. 내일 이발소에 가려고요.ma-ja-yo. nae-il i-bal-so-e ga-ryeo-go-yo.You're right. I'm planning to go to the barber shop tomorrow.
- 지은 Ji-eun좋은 이발소를 알고 있나요?jo-eun i-bal-so-reul al-go it-na-yo?Do you know a good barber shop?
- 지훈 Ji-hun네, 단골 이발소가 하나 있어요.ne, dan-gol i-bal-so-ga ha-na is-seo-yo.Yes, I have a regular barber shop.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hair salon” translations and entries 이발소, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 이발소, CC BY-SA 4.0.
