불황
bulhwang[puɾβwa̠ŋ]
The English phrase recession is translated into Korean as 불황 (bulhwang).
불황 refers to a period of reduced economic activity.
Meaning: period of reduced economic activity (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 불황 refers to a state of depression or a prolonged slump, 경기 침체 is a more common technical term used to describe a general economic recession or slowdown.
How do you pronounce it?
bulhwang
Did you know?
- During an economic 불황, you may see a rise in the use of the term 짠테크, a portmanteau of the word for 'salty' and 'tech', referring to extreme frugality.
- When discussing a very severe recession, Koreans might use the term 공황, which is the same word used for a 'panic' or 'hysteria'.
- While 불황 refers to the economic state, Koreans often use the phrase 불경기 to describe the 'bad climate' of the market, treating the economy as if it were weather.
Examples in context
- 작년에는 불경기로 경제 상황이 힘들었습니다.The economy was tough due to the recession last year.
- 요즘 경제가 너무 나빠서 불황이라고 해도 손색이 없어요.The economy is so poor these days that it's almost appropriate to call it a recession.
- 요즘 경제 불황이 심각해요.yojeum gyeongje bulhwangi simgakhaeyo.The current economic recession is serious.
- 불황 때문에 물건이 안 팔려요.bulhwang ttaemune mulgeoni an pallyeoyo.Because of the recession, goods are not selling.
- 우리는 긴 불황을 겪고 있어요.urineun gin bulhwangeul gyeotgo isseoyo.We are going through a long recession.
Example conversation
Jihoon and Jieun are discussing the current job market.
- 지훈 Ji-hun요즘 취직하기가 정말 힘들어요.yojeum chwijikhagiga jeongmal himdeureoyo.It is really hard to find a job these days.
- 지은 Ji-eun맞아요, 지금 경제 불황이라서 그래요.majayo, jigeum gyeongje bulhwangiraseo geuraeyo.That's true, it's because of the current economic recession.
- 지훈 Ji-hun언제쯤 상황이 좋아질까요?eonjejjeum sanghwangi joajilkkayo?When will the situation get better?
- 지은 Ji-eun시간이 좀 걸릴 것 같아요.sigani jom geollil geot gatayo.I think it will take some time.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “recession” translations and entries 불황, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
