Have you ever heard English-sounding words in a Korean conversation, only to find out that the meaning of the word is nothing like the original meaning in English? Welcome to Korea’s unique language feature: Korean English, also known as Konglish.
As shared in one of our earlier articles, Korean is more frequently categorised as a language isolate, which refers to a language that has no traceable or proven historical relationship to any other language family. That being said, language is always evolving, and most languages naturally absorb words from other languages based on exposure. Among these influences, Konglish stands out for how widely it appears in everyday life. Konglish refers to English-based vocabulary that has been modified in pronunciation, meaning, or usage. Many of these words sound familiar to English speakers but hold quite a different meaning in the Korean context. In some cases, the meaning has narrowed or broadened, and in others, the word has taken on an entirely new definition.
These Konglish words have been shaped by local usage to the point that their contextual meanings cannot always be understood by relying on the original English word. For anyone living in or visiting Korea, familiarising yourself with these terms can make communication smoother and prevent confusion in everyday conversations. Here are 10 Konglish terms you ought to know!
1. “아파트” (apateu)
A Konglish term that made it on the global stage, the hit song from Blackpink’s Rosé and Bruno Mars sings about this apateu. Also the name of a popular drinking game in Korea which gave inspiration to the song, this term quite literally refers to the apartment buildings people live in. “Apartment” is abbreviated to apateu, and this is used casually in everyday conversations – “The apateu I live in is around the corner”.
2. “컨닝” (keonning)
The pronunciation of this Konglish word sounds awfully similar to the word “cunning”, but it does not actually refer to the particular personality trait. In fact, this term means cheating – specifically in the academic context (in tests or examinations). Despite the continuous tense in the original English term, this word is used directly as an action verb. For example, “You shouldn’t be keonning in the test”. This is also one of the many loanwords in Japanese from English, which were then later adopted in the Korean language.
3. “아르바이트 / 알바” (areubaiteu / alba)
Borrowed originally from the German term “arbeit” (which means work), it was a widely used loanword in Japanese (arubaito), which then integrated into Konglish-like usage. In both East Asian countries, this term refers to part-time jobs. In Korea, people often say they are doing an “alba” when they mean they are working part-time.
4. “맨투맨” (maen-tu-maen)
Man to man? Not a defensive strategy in sports nor an honest, one-on-one conversation between men, this word refers to a crewneck sweatshirt (or pullover). Clothing stores in Korea use this term and Koreans understand it immediately. However, foreigners who have no Korean language proficiency are understandably confused when they hear this term for the first time.
5. “개그맨” (gae-geu maen)
This is a Konglish term one can take at face value. The combination of “gag” and “man” quite literally means a man who makes gags: a comedian. For female comedians, the term is “개그우먼” (gae-gue wo-meon), which you guessed it – gag women!
6. 서비스” (seobiseu)
Another English loanword originally used in the Japanese language: this word “service” refers to a “free item” or something “on the house”. In Korea, this is on top of whatever standard banchan (side dishes) you already get with the meal you ordered. Seobiseu can be given for a variety of reasons, often to encourage an online review for the restaurant, other times because your table made a big order, but most of the time, it is simply a nice gesture for customers. (Psst- As foreigners visiting Korea, you may occasionally receive additional seobiseu simply because the owner was impressed by your fluent Korean when you ordered!) Seobiseu are common, but it is not taken for granted. So remember this the next time you walk into a restaurant, and do not reject the free “service” that is given to you!
7. “스킨십” (Skinship)
Combining the words “skin” and “relationship”, skinship refers to the affection and bonding through physical touch. Skinship can be romantic or platonic, and it is used to describe such interactions between family members, friends, and lovers. Often appearing in media like dramas or popular reality dating shows, do not confuse this for another type of relationship the next time you see it mentioned!
8. “쿠션” (kusyeon)
The English word “cushion,” when used in Korean beauty culture, refers specifically to cushion foundation compacts. Cosmetics stores use this term frequently, and English speakers unfamiliar with Korean beauty products may not understand it intuitively. The next time you enter Olive Young for a shopping spree, try asking for a kusyeon and save some time on the translation app!
9. “헬스” (hel-seu)
Taken from the English word “health”, hel-seu takes on a different meaning (but still in a similar context). In Korean, it refers to the physical location of a gym, or the verb “to work out”. Ways to use this word can include, “I’m on my way to the hel-seu,” or “I’ll be doing hel-seu later”. But keep in mind that when you use this term as a verb, it specifically refers to workouts done in a gym, not all types of sports and exercise.
10. “원샷” (One-shot)
A phrase that is used frequently in Singapore as well, usually to mean doing multiple things in a single go or in a continuous manner without disruptions. In Korea, the meaning of this word is narrowed to the act of chugging drinks (usually alcohol). In Korean clubs or restaurants, the occasional chanting of “One-shot! One-shot! One-shot!,” means that someone is likely downing some drinks, and when you are at the receiving end of this chant, brace yourself!
When learning a new language from scratch, finding common ground with the languages you already speak can make the process seem less daunting. Here at Sejong Korean Language School, our Beginners (Beginners 1 Term 1) classes are designed for students with no prior knowledge. Starting from the Korean alphabet hangeul, our classes take on a systematic approach to learning the language while keeping it fun and engaging for all students. And if you come across any Konglish terms, feel free to ask our friendly teachers what they mean and use them in your next visit to Korea!
Stay tuned for part 2!
Written by: Ms Luisa Lim, February 2026