유학
yuhak[juɦa̠k̚]
The English phrase "study abroad" is 유학 (yuhak) in Korean.
You may also encounter the phrase 유학 생활 to describe the experience or daily life of living in a foreign country for studies.
How does it change in a sentence?
In natural Korean sentences, the noun 유학 is most commonly used with the verb 가다 (to go) to form the phrase 유학을 가다 (to go study abroad). You can also turn the noun into a verb by adding the suffix –하다 to create 유학하다.
How do you pronounce it?
It is pronounced as [yuhak].
Did you know?
- The word 유학 is a homonym that can mean two completely different things. Depending on the Hanja used, it can mean 'studying abroad' or it can mean 'Confucianism'.
- Korean has a specific social tension regarding 유학 where those who studied abroad are sometimes perceived as lacking the 'social grit' developed by those who attended the grueling Korean university system.
- Students who return to Korea after 유학 often use the phrase 유학파 to describe themselves. The suffix 파 implies they belong to a specific 'faction' or 'clique' based on the country where they studied.
Examples in context
- 저는 해외 유학을 계획 중입니다.I am currently planning to study abroad.
- 해외 학업을 통해 국제적인 경험을 쌓고 싶습니다.I want to gain international experience through studying abroad.
- 나는 유학 가기로 결정했어.I've decided to go study abroad.
- 나는 다음 학기에 해외 유학할 거야.I'm going to study abroad next semester.
- 저는 미국으로 유학을 가고 싶어요.jeoneun miguk-euro yuhak-eul gago sipeoyo.I want to study abroad in the United States.
- 그는 독일에서 유학 중이에요.geuneun dogil-eseo yuhak jung-ieyo.He is studying abroad in Germany.
- 유학 준비는 어떻게 하고 있어요?yuhak junbi-neun eotteoke hago isseoyo?How are you preparing to study abroad?
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their future plans.
- 지은 Ji-eun도현 씨는 졸업 후에 계획이 있어요?dohyeon ssineun joreop hue gyehoe-ga isseoyo?Dohyun, do you have plans after graduation?
- 도현 Do-hyeon네, 저는 독일로 유학 가려고요.ne, jeoneun dogil-lo yuhak garyeogoyo.Yes, I'm planning to study abroad in Germany.
- 지은 Ji-eun정말 멋지네요! 전공이 뭐예요?jeongmal meotjineyo! jeongong-i mwo-yeyo?That's really cool! What is your major?
- 도현 Do-hyeon기계공학을 공부하고 싶어요.gigye-gonghag-eul gongbu-hago sip-eoyo.I want to study mechanical engineering.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 유학, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 유학, CC BY-SA 4.0.
