Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 한국 | Han'guk | [ˈha̠(ː)nɡuk̚] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 남한 | Namhan | [na̠mɦa̠n] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 남조선 | Namjoseon | [na̠md͡ʑo̞sʰʌ̹n] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 코리아 | Koria | [kʰo̞ɾia̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 우리나라 | Urinara | [uɾina̠ɾa̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
The terms used for South Korea vary depending on whether you want to emphasize the distinction from North Korea, express national identity or use the official name. While 한국 is the standard term, 우리나라 is frequently used to express a sense of national identity.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 남한 is composed of 남, meaning south and 한, referring to the Han people or Korea.
Which one should you use?
한국 is the most common and standard way to refer to the country in everyday conversation. 남한 is used specifically to emphasize the distinction between the South and the North (북한). 코리아 is a transliteration of the English word 'Korea' and is often used in casual contexts or brand names.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For the official name of the country, use 대한민국 (The Republic of Korea). In formal situations, you can use 한국. 코리아 is considered colloquial.
Is it said differently in some regions?
남조선 is the term used by North Koreans to refer to South Korea.
How do you pronounce it?
Han'guk
When do people say it?
Koreans often use 우리나라 (our country) instead of 한국 when speaking to others to express a sense of national identity. Using 남조선 in South Korea can sound outdated or politically charged.
Did you know?
- The English word 'Korea' and the Korean transliteration 코리아 are derived from 고려, the name of the Goryeo dynasty that ruled from 918 to 1392.
- While 우리나라 literally means 'our country', South Koreans use it even when speaking to foreigners to emphasize a collective national bond.
- The formal official name, 대한민국, translates to 'The Great Han People's Nation', emphasizing the people rather than just the land.
Examples in context
- 일본과 남한은 이웃 국가다.Japan and South Korea are neighbors.This sentence shows the relationship between Japan and 남한.Tatoeba #6305055 by Queserasera, translation #281265 by CK
- 저는 한국을 방문하고 싶어요.I would like to visit South Korea.This sentence expresses a desire to visit 한국.Tatoeba #6305084 by Queserasera, translation #1532549 by LittleBoy
- 남한은 북한보다 훨씬 더 아름답다.South Korea is much more beautiful than North Korea.This sentence compares the beauty of 남한 to North Korea.Tatoeba #6305109 by Queserasera, translation #3707688 by ddnktr
- 대한민국은 아름다운 나라입니다.South Korea is a beautiful country.
- 한국 정부는 적극적인 역할을 수행하고 있습니다.The South Korean government is playing an active role.
- 남한 여행을 가보고 싶어요.I want to visit South Korea.
- 16 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Subin and Jihun are talking about their travel plans.
- 수빈 Su-bin한국은 정말 아름다운 나라예요.Hangugeun jeongmal areumdaun narayeyo.Korea is a truly beautiful country.
- 지훈 Ji-hun맞아요. 저는 한국 여행을 좋아해요.Majayo. Jeoneun Hanguk yeohaengeul joahaeyo.That's right. I love traveling in Korea.
- 수빈 Su-bin지훈 씨는 다음에 어디에 가고 싶어요?Jihun ssineun daeume eodie gago sipeoyo?Jihun, where do you want to go next time?
- 지훈 Ji-hun저는 한국의 제주도에 가고 싶어요.Jeoneun Hangugui Jejudoe gago sipeoyo.I want to go to Jeju Island in Korea.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “south korea” translations and entries 한국, 남한, 남조선, 코리아, 우리나라, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 남조선, 남한, 코리아, 한국, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
