섬
seom[sʰɘ(ː)m]
The Korean word for island is 섬 (seom).
섬 is the noun used to describe an area of land completely surrounded by water. In specific contexts, other terms are preferred: 무인도 is used specifically for a deserted or uninhabited island, while 도서 is a term used for islands located offshore.
Meaning: area of land completely surrounded by water (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 섬 is the general term, 도서 is used in formal contexts to refer to islands or an island group located offshore. Additionally, the suffix 도 is used as part of the proper names of specific islands.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the word plural, you can add the suffix -들 to the end of the word to form 섬들.
How do you pronounce it?
seom
Did you know?
- In South Korea, the concept of 섬 is often linked to the phrase 섬 같다, which describes a person who is lonely or socially isolated.
- In Korean culture, 섬 is often associated with the theme of 'exile' in historical literature, as islands were frequently used as places of banishment for political officials.
- The Korean word 섬 may share a common ancient root with the Japanese word for island, shima.
Examples in context
- 이 작은 섬이 시야에 들어왔다.The small island came into sight.This sentence shows how to use 섬 when describing an island coming into view.Tatoeba #2345014 by nysjisi, translation #46544 by CK
- 푸른 바다에 작은 섬이 하나 있어요.There is a small island in the blue sea.
- 서해에는 많은 섬이 있어요.There are many islands in the West Sea.
- 그 섬은 정말 아름다워요.geu seom-eun jeongmal areumdawoyo.That island is truly beautiful.
- 우리는 작은 섬으로 여행을 갔어요.urineun jageun seom-euro yeohaeng-eul gasseoyo.We went on a trip to a small island.
Example conversation
Subin and Jihun are looking at a travel brochure together.
- 수빈 Su-bin지훈 씨, 이 섬 정말 예쁘지 않아요?Jihun ssi, i seom jeongmal yeppeuji anayo?Jihun, isn't this island really beautiful?
- 지훈 Ji-hun네, 바다 색깔이 정말 멋져요.Ne, bada saekkkari jeongmal meotjyeoyo.Yes, the color of the sea is wonderful.
- 수빈 Su-bin우리 이번 휴가에 이 섬에 가요.Uri ibeon hyugae i seome gayo.Let's go to this island for this vacation.
- 지훈 Ji-hun좋아요, 바로 예약할게요.Joayo, baro yeyakhalgeyo.Sounds good, I'll book it right away.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “island” translations and entries 섬, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 섬, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
