This is a list of words of Korean origin which have entered into English usage. One metric for determining this is whether they appear in mainstream English language dictionaries.
General Word Korean word Explanation Merriam-Webster Oxford Remarks Chaebol () a large, usually family-owned, business group in South Korea (cognate with Japanese ) Hangul Korean alphabet Jeonse 전세() a long-held renting arrangement where tenants pay lump-sum deposit for usually two years Korea 고려() a historic dynasty of Korea (see Names of Korea) Won () the basic monetary unit of North and South Korea
Culture and martial arts Word Korean word Explanation Merriam-webster Oxford Remarks Hapkido () a Korean martial art Kisaeng () (archaic) a female entertainer who pours drinks to guests and entertain them with songs and dances Manhwa () a style of Korean comic books, cartoons and animated cartoons (cognate with Japanese manga) Mukbang an online broadcast in which a host eats food while interacting with the audience Ondol () a system of underfloor heating Sijo () an unrhymed three-verse poem (usually in six shorter lines in English translations) Taekwondo () a Korean martial art
Food Word Korean word Explanation Merriam-webster Oxford Remarks Bibimbap a dish of rice topped with sautéed vegetables, meat, egg, and chilli paste Bulgogi a dish of thin beef slices marinated and grilled on a barbecue Galbi a dish of beef or pork ribs marinated and grilled on a barbecue Gochujang Korean red chili paste Kimchi a vegetable pickle that is the national dish of Korea Makkoli an alcoholic drink made from fermented rice Soju () a distilled liquor, usually made from rice or sweet potatoes
Clothing Word Korean word Explanation Merriam-Webster Oxford Remarks Hanbok () traditional Korean clothes
Ideology and religion Word Korean word Explanation Merriam-Webster Oxford Remarks Moonie Mun Seonmyeong() a member of the Unification Church, founded by Sun Myung Moon Juche () a political thesis formed by the former North Korean leader Kim Il Sung which states that the Korean masses are the masters of the country's development Songbun () a system of ascribed status used in North Korea, based on the political, social, and economic background of one's direct ancestors as well as the behavior of their relatives
Other Word Korean word Explanation Merriam-Webster Oxford Remarks Chobo () a novice Gangnam () a regional district of Seoul popularized by 2012 chart topping single Gangnam Style by Psy Gosu () a person with great skill Hantaan virus Hantan-gang() a virus species transmitted by rodents (The rodents carrying the virus were collected near Hantan River.) Hantavirus Hantan-gang() a genus of viruses transmitted by rodents (The rodents carrying the virus were collected near Hantan River.) Hwabyeong () a mental illness occurring when anger builds up in the mind without being vented Minjung () the mass of the people (See also: minjung theology and minjung art)
See also Lists of English loanwords by country or language of origin
References