육포
yukpo
The English phrase 'jerky' can be translated into Korean as 육포 (yukpo). Wiktionary also lists 저키 (jeoki).
Meaning: Lean meat cured and preserved by cutting into thin strips and air-drying in the sun (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 육포 | yukpo |
| 저키 | jeoki |
육포 refers to lean meat that has been cured and preserved by cutting it into thin strips and air-drying it in the sun. It is the most natural and common term to use when referring to traditional or general dried meat products in Korea.
Which one should you use?
While 육포 is the standard Korean word for dried meat, 저키 is a transliteration of the English word 'jerky'. 저키 is used primarily in modern commercial contexts or for specific Western-style snacks.
How do you pronounce it?
yukpo
Did you know?
- To enhance the flavor of 육포, Koreans often dip the dried meat in a mixture of mayonnaise and sliced chili peppers.
- Historically, 육포 was considered a luxury item and was often used as a precious gift for royalty or high-ranking officials during the Joseon Dynasty.
- In traditional Korean cuisine, some types of 포 are dried until they are hard and must be hammered or pounded with a mallet to soften them before eating.
Examples in context
- 오늘 피크닉에 육포를 가져가자!Let's bring some jerky for today's picnic!
- 편의점에서 육포를 샀어요.pyeon-ui-jeom-eseo yuk-po-reul sass-eo-yo.I bought some jerky at the convenience store.
- 이 육포는 아주 쫄깃해요.i yuk-po-neun a-ju jjol-git-hae-yo.This jerky is very chewy.
- 맥주 안주로 육포가 좋아요.maek-ju an-ju-ro yuk-po-ga jo-a-yo.Jerky is good as a snack with beer.
Example conversation
Minji and Dohyeon are camping and looking for snacks.
- 민지 Min-ji도현 씨, 간식으로 육포는 어때요?do-hyeon ssi, gan-sik-eu-ro yuk-po-neun eo-ttae-yo?Dohyeon, how about some jerky for a snack?
- 도현 Do-hyeon좋아요, 제가 육포를 가져왔어요.jo-a-yo, je-ga yuk-po-reul ga-jeo-wass-eo-yo.That sounds good, I brought some jerky.
- 민지 Min-ji정말 다행이네요!jeong-mal da-haeng-i-ne-yo!That is a relief!
- 도현 Do-hyeon지금 바로 꺼낼게요.ji-geum ba-ro kkeo-nael-ge-yo.I will take it out right now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “jerky” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
