“Anger” is 화 (hwa) in Korean and originates from the Chinese character for “fire,” which is 火. So when someone says 나 너무 화가나! (Na neomu hwagana!), can you imagine how angry that person may be?

In this article, we’ll introduce you to the top 20 Korean angry phrases to help you express yourself in Korean.

You get angry. Everyone gets angry. People want to express themselves. Let’s learn some angry Korean phrases!

Table of Contents

1. Angry Korean Imperatives
2. Korean Angry Warnings
3. Korean Angry Blames
4. Describing How You Feel in Korean
5. Bonus: How to Calm Yourself Down When You’re Angry
6. How KoreanClass101 Can Help You with Korean

1. Angry Korean Imperatives

We’ll start with angry Korean phrases that are perfect for telling others what you want them to do (or not do!).

1- 닥쳐 (dakchyeo) “Shut up”

Example:

• 야 닥쳐! 말도 안 되는 소리 하지 마.
  Ya dakchyeo! Maldo an doeneun sori haji ma.
  “Shut up! Stop talking that nonsense!”

2- 저리 가! (jeori ga!) “Go away”

Example:

• 네가 보기 싫다. 저리 가.
  Nega bogi silta. Jeori ga.
  “I don’t want to see you. Just go away.”

3- 그만해! (geumanhae!) “Stop it!”

Example:

• 그만해! 이제 그만 좀 싸워!
  Geumanhae! Ije geuman jom ssawo!
  “Stop it, guys! No more fighting!”

4- 적당히 해 (jeokdanghi hae) “That’s enough”

Example:

• 야! 적당히 해!
  Ya! Jeokdanghi hae!
  “Hey! That’s too much!”

5- 집어치워 (jibeochiwo) “Cut it out”

This phrase has two words combined together, which are 집다 (jipda), meaning “to pick up,” and 치우다 (chiuda), meaning “tidying up.” The literal translation is “pick up and tidy up.”

You can also use this phrase in a joking way with your friends.

Example:

• 하하하. 야 농담 집어치워라.
  Hahaha. Ya nongdam jibeochiwora.
  “Hahaha. Hey, cut it (your joke) out.”

6- 꺼져 (kkeojyeo) “Get lost”

Example:

• 야, 꺼져.
  Ya, kkeojyeo.
  “Hey, get lost.”

2. Korean Angry Warnings

Below is a list of angry phrases in Korean you can use to let someone know it’s time to back off.

7- 너랑 말 하고 싶지 않아 (neorang mal hago sipji ana) “I don’t want to talk with you.”

Example:

• A: 아직도 화났어?
  A: Ajikdo hwanasseo?
  A: “Are you still angry with me?”
• B: 됐어. 너랑 말 하고 싶지 않아.
  B: Dwaesseo. Neorang mal hago sipji ana.
  B: “I don’t want to talk with you.”

8- 너랑 만나고 싶지 않아 (neorang mannago sipji ana) “I don’t want to see you again.”

Add 다신 (dashin), the shortened version of 다시 (dasi), meaning “again,” right after 너랑 (neorang) to express your anger more strongly. The meaning becomes “I don’t want to see you ever again.”

Example:

• A: 말 시키지마. 너랑 다신 만나고 싶지 않아.
  A: Mal sikijima. Neorang dasin mannago sipji ana.
  A: “Don’t talk to me. I don’t want to see you ever again.”
• B: 진심이야?
  B: Jinsimiya?
  B: “Do you really mean it?”

9- 입 조심해 (ip josimhae) “Watch your mouth.”

Example:

• A: 현아야 사람들이 너 입 조심하래.
  A: Hyeonaya saramdeuri neo ip josimharae.
  A: “Hyuna, people said that you should watch your mouth.”
• B: 나? 내가 왜?
  B: Na? Naega wae?
  B: “Me? Why?”

10- 장난하냐? (jangnyanhanya?) “Are you kidding me?”

Example:

• A: 야, 진짜 장난하냐?
  A: Ya, jinjja jangnanhanya?
  A: “Dude, seriously, are you kidding me?”
• B: 야, 진정해. 장난이야.
  B: Ya, jinjeonghae. Jangnaniya.
  B: “Chill. I was just kidding.”

11- 마지막 경고다 (majimak gyeonggoda) “This is my last warning.”

Example:

• A: 그 사람한테 마지막 경고는 줘야할 것 같습니다.
  A: Geu saramhante majimak gyeonggoneun jwoyahal geot gatseumnida.
  A: “We have to give him a final warning.”
• B: 정말입니까?
  B: Jeongmarimnikka?
  B: “Are you sure?”
• A: 마지막 경고야.
  A: Majimak gyeonggoya.
  A: “This is my last warning.”
• B: 네 경고 따윈 무섭지도 않아!
  B: Ne gyeonggo ttawin museopjido ana!
  B: “I’m not even scared of your warnings!”

3. Korean Angry Blames

Are you looking for an angry expression in Korean to blame the other person for something? Or to let them know you don’t approve of what they did? Here you go:

12- 너 미쳤어? (neo michyeosseo?) “Are you out of your mind?”

Example:

• A: 야, 너 미쳤어?
  A: Ya, neo michyeosseo?
  A: “Are you out of your mind?”
• B: 어, 나 미쳤어. 어쩔껀데?
  B: Eo, na michyeosseo. Eojjeolkkeonde?
  B: “Yeah, I am crazy. So what?”

13- 상관하지 마 (sanggwanhaji ma) “It’s none of your business.”

There are two other phrases that are commonly used in Korea. The first phrase is 네 알바 아니잖아 (ne alba anijana). This has exactly the same meaning as 상관하지 마 (sanggwanhaji ma). The only difference is that 네 알바 아니잖아 (ne alba anijana) shows more aggressiveness and anger toward the person you’re speaking to.

The second phrase is 너나 잘해 (neona jalhae), which means “Just do well yourself.” This phrase is commonly used among friends to say “Mind your own business.”

Example:

• A: 뭐 보고 있어? 나도 좀 보자!
  A: Mwo bogo isseo? Nado jom boja!
  A: “What are you looking at? Let me have a look, too.”
• B: 그만해, 상관하지 마
  B: Geumanhae, sanggwanhaji ma.
  B: “Stop it, it’s none of your business.”
• A: 너 빨리 말해, 어제 뭐했어?
  A: Neo ppalli malhae, eoje mwohaesseo?
  A: “Hurry up and tell me, what did you do yesterday?”
• B: 네 알바 아니잖아!
  B: Ne alba anijana!
  B: “It’s none of your business!”

14- 네가 뭔데? (Nega mwonde?) “Who do you think you are?”

Example:

• A: 야 저 남자 너무 못생겼다 그치? 하하.
  A: Ya jeo namja neomu motsaenggyeotda geuchi? Haha.
  A: “Hey, that man looks hideous, doesn’t he? Haha.”
• B: 네가 뭔데 그사람에 대해서 그렇게 말할 수 있냐?
  B: Nega mwonde geusarame daehaeseo geureoke malhal su innya?
  B: “Who are you to talk about him like that?”
• 고상한 척 하지마. 네가 뭔데 그래?
  Gosanghan cheok hajima. Nega mwonde geurae?
  “Don’t be such a snob. Who do you think you are?”

15- 내 말 안듣고 있잖아 (nae mal andeutgo itjana) “You were not listening to me.”

Example:

• A: 야, 왜 강아지를 때려?
  A: Ya, wae gangajireul ttaeryeo?
  A: “Hey, why did you slap your dog?”
• B: 내 말 안듣고 있잖아!
  B: Nae mal andeutgo itjana!
  B “(Because) He’s not listening to me!”

4. Describing How You Feel in Korean

Here are some useful phrases to effectively let someone know you’re angry in Korean, or to discuss other negative emotions you’re feeling.

16- 나 열받았어 (na yeolbadasseo) “I’m angry.”

Add 완전 (wanjeon), meaning “absolute,” or 진짜 (jinjja), meaning “really,” after 나 (na) to express your level of anger.

Example:

• 나 지금 완전 열 받았어.
  Na jigeum wanjeon yeol badasseo.
  “I’m so pissed off right now.”

17- 정말 짜증난다 (jeongmal jjajeungnanda) “I’m really annoyed.”

Example:

• 나 정말 짜증나 죽겠어.
  Na jeongmal jjajeungna jukgesseo.
  “I’m really annoyed.” (Literal translation: “I’m about to die over annoyance.” )

18- 완전 실망했어 (wanjeon silmanghaesseo) “I’m really disappointed.”

Example:

• 너의 그런 모습에 완전 실망했어.
  Neoui geureon moseube wanjeon silmanghaesseo.
  “I’m really disappointed because of your behavior.”

19- 아이씨! (aissi!) “To express anger or frustration”

Example:

• 아이씨 깜짝이야!
  Aissi kkamjjagiya!
  “Whoa! What a surprise!”

20- 속상해 (soksanghae) “I’m upset.”

Example:

• 오늘 지갑을 잃어버렸어. 아이씨 속상해!
  Oneul jigabeul ileobeoryeosseo. aissi soksanghae!
  “I lost my wallet today. I’m so upset!”

5. Bonus: How to Calm Yourself Down When You’re Angry

Everyone has the right to express themselves, and there’s no exception when it comes to expressing your anger. However, it’s good to be able to manage your anger (instead of letting it control you). Here are some tips to calm yourself down when you’re angry.

1- Try to breathe ten times

When you’re angry, your heart beat tends to increase, making it more difficult for you to think rationally. Try inhaling and exhaling slowly ten times to calm yourself down, and make sure to do this before trying to express yourself.

2- Go for a walk

Taking a walk helps you calm down and clear your thoughts. When you’re angry, so many negative thoughts go through your mind that it becomes difficult to cool down. Try walking outside for at least thirty minutes to alleviate stress and give your mind a boost.

3- Try to think of happy times to convert your negative feelings

Think of times when you felt happy, whether it was with your family, friends, or other people you care about a lot, because you deserve to be happy!

4- Try to find the cause of your anger

You don’t like being in crowded areas? Then try not to force yourself to go to those areas. Or does discussing politics or environmental issues upset you? Then try your best to avoid doing so. If you know what’s causing you to feel angry, then finding a solution will be easier.

5- Seek help

Even if you’ve already tried many methods to calm yourself down, managing anger is very difficult for some people. If you’ve been having difficulty managing your anger, it’s best to seek help.

Check out this page called 나는 화를 잘 내는 편일까: 분노 심리테스트 (Naneun hwareul jal naeneun pyeonilkka: Bunno simniteseuteu), which translates to “Do I Get Angry Easily?: Anger Test” to test your anger level!

6. How KoreanClass101 Can Help You with Korean

In summary, we’ve explained the definition of “anger” in Korean and introduced you to the top 20 Korean angry phrases. In addition, we also outlined five ways for you to manage your anger.

If you want to learn more about different emotion-related phrases, check out the pages below!

• “Feeling Happy? Learn the Top 20 Words for Positive Emotions“
• “Feeling Sad? Learn the Top 21 Words for Negative Emotions“
• “Phrases to Use When You’re Angry“

Before you go, let us know if you find these angry Korean phrases sufficient! Are there any angry situations you still want phrases for? We look forward to hearing from you!

Good luck!

On Children’s Day, South Korea is alight with fun activities, lots of foot traffic, and smiling children. In this article, you’ll learn all about this festive Korean holiday and pick up some new vocabulary along the way.

Let’s get started.

1. What is Children’s Day in Korea?

Let’s begin with a little bit of Children’s Day history.

In the past, people had little concern over children’s rights or their place in society, which led to many Koreans foregoing a happy childhood. The novelist Bang Jeong-hwan saw this, and sought to create positive change in children’s lives. Thus, he worked to put together several organizations to help improve children’s lives and promote their rights. These organizations include The Rainbow Society and Cheondogyo Children’s Association.

Eventually, in 1923, Korea made Children’s Day an official holiday. During the Japanese occupation of Korea, celebrations for this holiday ceased for a while, but since its return, Children’s Day has been one of the most widely and fervently celebrated holidays in the country.

Today in South Korea, Children’s Day acts like a second birthday—one that all Korean children can celebrate at once!

2. When is Children’s Day Every Year?

Each year, Koreans celebrate Children’s Day on May 5.

→ Learn all about the Top 5 Korean Holidays with KoreanClass101.com!

3. Children’s Day Celebrations and Traditions

On Children’s Day, parents seek to give their child or children a full day of fun. Many children enjoy going to the 동물원 (dongmurwon), or “zoo,” and an 놀이공원 (norigongwon), or “amusement park.” Oftentimes, parents will often take their child out for a meal at a nice restaurant, or for a simpler picnic lunch.

In addition, parents usually get their children a 어린이날 선물 (eorininal seonmul), or “gift for the Children’s Day.” Traditionally, gifts usually included simple toys, special treats such as cookies or crackers, and the like. But today, more and more children ask for things like iPads or iPhones.

Of course, there’s bound to be at least a little bit of time spent relaxing at home (or so the parents probably hope!). On television, there are often 어린이날 특선 만화 (eorininal teukseon manhwa), or “special animations for the Children’s Day,” that kids will enjoy watching during their off-time.

What about Koreans who are single or don’t have children? Couples will often go out on a date together or stay home and relax; single people may go out and participate in activities, or also relax at home.

→ Check out our vocabulary lists on the Must-Know Words & Phrases to Use at an Amusement Park and the Top 10 Weekend Activities to pick up some useful vocab!

4. Bang Jeong-hwan

Children’s Day is only one of many contributions to children that Bang Jeong-hwan made.

His entire career was dedicated to children, with many of his writings dealing with topics related to childhood and the triumph of good over evil. He wrote children’s literature, and even started a children’s literary magazine that ran for over a decade. His goals included improving children’s lives and educating the Korean population of how important it is to cherish children, especially in hard times.

5. Must-Know Vocabulary for Children’s Day

Ready to review some of the vocabulary words from this article? Here’s a list of the most important words and phrases for Children’s Day in South Korea!

• 동물원 (dongmurwon) — “zoo” [n.]
• 소풍 (sopung) — “picnic” [n.]
• 초등학교 (chodeunghakkyo) — “elementary school” [n.]
• 어린이날 (Eorininal) — “Children’s Day” [n.]
• 행사 (haengsa) — “event” [n.]
• 어린이날 선물 (eorininal seonmul) — “gift for the Children’s Day” [n.]
• 방정환 (Bang Jeong-hwan) — “Bang Jeong-hwan”
• 놀이공원 (norigongwon) — “amusement park” [n.]
• 장난감 (jangnangam) — “toy” [n.]
• 어린이날 특선 만화 (eorininal teukseon manhwa) — “special animations for the Children’s Day” [n.]
• 행복 (haengbok) — “happiness” [n.]
• 아이 (ai) — “child” [n.]

To hear the pronunciation of each word and phrase, and to read them alongside relevant images, be sure to check out our Korean Children’s Day vocabulary list!

Final Thoughts

We hope you enjoyed learning about Children’s Day in South Korea with us, and that you took away some valuable information.

Is there a Children’s Day in your country? If so, how do people celebrate it? We look forward to hearing from you in the comments!

To learn even more about Korean culture and the language, check out the following pages on KoreanClass101.com:

• 어버이 날: How to Celebrate Parents’ Day in South Korea
• Gwangbokjeol: Celebrating Independence Day in Korea
• 10 Korean Hand Gestures You Need to Know
• Secret to Mastering Korean Slang and Abbreviations
• 10 Most Highly Recommended South Korean Movies

The articles above are a great place to start, but for the full learning experience, create your free lifetime account with us today. By upgrading to our Premium or Premium PLUS plans, you can unlock even more exclusive content to help you learn Korean faster.

Good luck learning, and Happy Children’s Day! 🙂

In South Korea, Buddha’s Birthday is a major celebration dedicated to honoring the birth of Buddha, clearing one’s mind, and performing good deeds. In this article, you’ll learn all about Buddha’s Birthday celebration in South Korea, a little bit of the country’s religious background, and pick up some useful vocabulary.

Let’s get started.

1. What is the Buddha’s Birthday?

South Korea doesn’t have a national religion. South Korea contains a mix of different religions, including Buddhism, Christianity, and Catholicism. Buddhism does remain a very common religion here, and the Buddha’s Birthday is the most important Buddhist holiday.

The Korean Buddha’s Birthday holiday is celebrated in honor of the day when Sakyamuni, or Buddha, came to this world. The beginning of Buddhism, or 불교 (bulgyo), can be traced back to 37 B.C., when the ancient Korean kingdom of Goguryeo made it the national religion. Buddhism was the most prominent religion in Korea up until Christianity’s more recent introduction to the country.

Did you know there’s another name for Buddha’s Birthday in Korean? It’s Seokga Tansinil. Seokga is “Buddha,” and Tansinil is Chinese for “the day of birth.” Just remember that these are the same terms.

→ If you want to learn more vocabulary related to religion, study our Religion vocabulary list!

2. When is Buddha’s Birthday?

This holiday takes place on the eighth day of the fourth month of the lunar calendar, meaning that the date of Buddha’s Birthday celebration varies from year to year on the Gregorian calendar. For your convenience, here’s a list of this holiday’s date for the next ten years.

• 2020: May 7
• 2021: May 26
• 2022: May 15
• 2023: June 2
• 2024: May 22
• 2025: May 12
• 2026: May 31
• 2027: May 20
• 2028: May 9
• 2029: May 27

3. How is Buddha’s Birthday Celebrated in Korea?

The Buddha’s Birthday celebration in South Korea consists of various events and traditions, the most common of which is the 연등행사 (yeondeung haengsa), or Lotus Lantern Festival. The “lotus” lanterns are so-called because they’re shaped like lotus flowers. During this festival, people usually write a wish or two on a piece of paper, put this paper into the lantern, and then light the lantern and hang it up inside the temple.

On Buddha’s Birthday, South Koreans enjoy visiting a Buddhist temple, or 절 (jeol), most of which are located somewhere in the mountains. In addition to the Lotus Lantern Festival, people also enjoy a delicious vegetarian meal called Sachal Bibimbap. This is similar to the normal bibimbap—made with rice, red pepper paste, veggies, and meat—except it lacks the meat. This type of bibimbap is made with fresh-grown vegetables. Abstaining from meat on Buddha’s Birthday represents the clearing of one’s mind.

→ To learn more about what to expect from food in Korea, check out our list called What’s Your Favorite Korean Food?

4. Back to the River

On the Buddha’s Birthday, Koreans often bring turtles or fish to the river. Do you know why this is?

This tradition is called 방생 (bangsaeng), meaning “release of captive animals.” This usually refers to the act of releasing pet fish or turtles back into nature, and two of the most popular places to do this are the Han River and Cheonggyecheon Stream.

→ Study our Marine Animals vocab list for some more useful words.

5. Must-Know Vocabulary for Buddha’s Birthday

Ready to review some of the vocabulary words from this article? Here’s a list of the most important words and phrases for Buddha’s Birthday!

• 불교 (bulgyo) — “Buddhism”
• 인도 (indo) — “India”
• 태어나다 (taeeonada) — “be born”
• 부처님 오신 날 (Bucheonim oshin nal) — “Buddha’s Birthday”
• 석가모니 (seokgamoni) — “Buddha”
• 불상 (bulsang) — “statue of the Buddha”
• 방생 (bangsaeng) — “release of captive animals”
• 연등행사 (yeondeung haengsa) — “Lotus Lantern Festival”
• 해인사 (haeinsa) — “Haeinsa temple”
• 절 (jeol) — “Buddhist temple”
• 스님 (seunim) — “Buddhist Priest”

To hear the pronunciation of each word and phrase, and to read them alongside relevant images, be sure to check out our Korean Buddha’s Birthday vocabulary list!

Final Thoughts

We hope you enjoyed learning about Buddha’s Birthday with us, and that you learned something new about Korean culture and society.

Do you celebrate Buddha’s Birthday in your country? If so, how do your traditions differ from those in Korea? We look forward to hearing from you.

To continue delving into Korean culture and the language, KoreanClass101.com has more articles you may enjoy:

• Gwangbokjeol: Celebrating Independence Day in Korea
• Chuseok: How to Celebrate Korean Thanksgiving Day
• 10 Korean Hand Gestures You Need to Know
• Essential Korean Language for Travel You Must Know
• The Top 100 Korean Adjectives You Must Know

That should be enough to keep you busy for a while, but if you want even more great content on all things Korean, create your free lifetime account today. With tons of fun and effective lessons for learners at every level, there’s something for everyone!

Happy learning. 🙂

How do you wish someone well in Korean? What can you say to express congratulations or condolences in Korean?

Today we’re going to introduce many different ways to send best wishes to someone you care about in Korean. This includes some of the most important events in Korea, such as weddings, graduations, university admissions, and so on. If you master these messages, you’ll be able to be part of—and enjoy—important life events with the locals. It’s also a great chance for you to practice the language!

Table of Contents

1. How to Say “Happy Birthday” in Korean
2. Various Messages about Pregnancy and Birth
3. Congratulations in Korean: Graduations
4. Various Messages for University Admissions
5. Various Messages for New Jobs and Promotions
6. Messages for Retirement
7. Congratulations in Korean: Weddings
8. Messages for Death and Funerals
9. Messages for Delivering Bad News
10. Messages for Injuries and Illnesses
11. Various Messages for “Happy Parents’ Day” in Korean
12. Messages for Various Holidays
13. How to Study the Korean Language with KoreanClass101

1. How to Say “Happy Birthday” in Korean

Everyone enjoys celebrating their birthdays! Koreans eat 미역국 (miyeokguk), which means “seaweed soup” on their birthdays. This soup has many health benefits and is very easy to cook at home. How about making “seaweed soup with beef” on your birthday, like Koreans do?

Below are three commonly used messages to wish someone a happy birthday in Korean.

Life Event Message 1 – “Happy Birthday”

• 생일 축하해. (informal)
  Saengil chukahae.
  *Commonly used phrase among friends
• 생일 축하해요. (informal-formal)
  Saengil chukahaeyo.
• 생일 축하드립니다. (formal)
  Saengil chukadeurimnida.
  *Use this phrase when you want to express respect for someone.
• 생신 축하드립니다. (formal)
  Saengsin chukadeurimnida.
  *Use this phrase when addressing someone who is a lot older than you, such as your grandparents.

If you’re not sure which formal phrase to use, it’s safe to say 생일 축하드려요 (Saengil chukadeuryeoyo) or 생일 축하드립니다 (Saengil chukadeurimnida).

Life Event Message 2 – “I hope you have a happy birthday!”

• 행복 가득한 생일 보내세요. (formal)
  Haengbok gadeukan saengil bonaeseyo.
• 행복 가득한 생일 보내. (informal)
  Haengbok gadeukan saengil bonae.

Life Event Message 3 – “Happy belated birthday!”

• 늦었지만, 생일 축하해! (informal)
  Neujeotjiman, saengil chukahae!
  *You can write and speak this phrase; the phrase is informal.

Do you know how to sing Happy Birthday in Korean? The lyrics are quite easy because it’s directly translated from English.

생일 축하합니다.
Saengil chukahamnida.
“Happy birthday to you”
생일 축하합니다.
Saengil chukahamnida.
“Happy birthday to you”
사랑하는 우리 [이름]
Saranghaneun uri [ireum]
“Happy birthday dear [name]”
생일 축하합니다.
Saengil chukahamnida.
“Happy birthday to you”

We have more birthday-related study materials on KoreanClass101. Check them out and sing a birthday song in Korean!

2. Various Messages about Pregnancy and Birth

In Korea, when a baby becomes 100 days old, they organize a ceremony called 백일잔치 (baegiljanchi), which means “100-day-celebration.” On this day, people who were invited to the ceremony bring lots of gifts for the baby, such as gold necklaces, bracelets, and rings. Below are some congratulations in Korean for pregnancy or a new baby!

Life Event Message 1 – “I will be a dad next year!”

• 내년에 아이 아빠가 된다! (informal)
  Naenyeone ai appaga deonda!
  I’ll be a father next year!
• 내년에 아이 엄마가 됩니다! (formal)
  Naenyeone ai eommaga doemnida!
  I’ll be a mother next year!

Life Event Message 2 – “I’ll pray for the healthiness of the baby!”

• 아이가 건강하도록 기도할게! (informal)
  Aiga geonganghadorok gidohalge!
• 아이가 건강하도록 기도할게요! (formal)
  Aiga geonganghadorok gidohalgeyo!

Life Event Message 3 – “Congratulations! I wish the baby grows healthy.”

• 축하해! 건강하게 자라길 바래! (informal)
  Chukahae! Geonganghage jaragil barae!

3. Congratulations in Korean: Graduations

On graduation day, Korean students throw flour and eggs at each other to celebrate—some even go as far as to tear their school uniforms! This is because they want to express themselves and get rid of all the stress they had to deal with in their school years.

Life Event Message 1 – “Congratulations on your graduation!”

• 졸업을 진심으로 축하드립니다. (formal)
  Joreobeul jinsimeuro chukadeurimnida.
  *Use this phrase if you want to show great respect to someone who is graduating.
• 졸업을 진심으로 축하해! (informal)
  Joreobeul jinsimeuro chukahae!
  *Use this phrase with friends (it also expresses how happy you are that your friend is graduating).
• 축하해! (informal)
  Chukahae!
  *Use this phrase with friends; it’s commonly used.

Life Event Message 2 – “Congrats!”

• 축! 졸업! (informal)
  Chuk! Joreop!

This phrase is only used in writing, such as in cards and messages. 축 (chuk) is a shortened word for 축하 (chuka), meaning “congratulate.” This message is used among friends.

Life Event Message 3 – “You did it! Congrats!”

• 잘해냈어, 축하해!
  Jalhaenaesseo, chukahae!

4. Various Messages for University Admissions

When referring to top Korean universities, instead of mentioning each university, they say “SKY.” SKY is an acronym used to refer to the top three universities in Korea: Seoul National University, Korea University, and Yonsei University. Many prestigious universities in Korea offer a Korean language school for Korean learners, so if you want to land a job in Korea, graduating from one of these universities will surely impress your potential employer.

Life Event Message 1 – “I’m so proud of you!”

• 네가 정말 자랑스러워!
  Nega jeongmal jarangseureowo!

Life Event Message 2 – “Congratulations”

• 입학 축하해요! (formal)
  Ipak chukahaeyo!
• 입학 축하해! (informal)
  Ipak chukahae!

Life Event Message 3 – “Congratulations on passing the exam.”

• 시험 합격을 축하합니다. (formal)
  Siheom hapgyeogeul chukahamnida.
• 시험 합격한것 축하해. (informal)
  Siheom hapgyeokangeot chukahae.

5. Various Messages for New Jobs and Promotions

Getting a job in Korea is very tough, even for Koreans. Some fresh graduates spend an extra one to two years preparing to find a job they like; many Koreans stay unemployed for many years. Unemployment rates increased by 4.5% in 2019 compared to 2018, and it seems that the rate isn’t improving at all. Currently, the government is working on increasing job opportunities.

Life Event Message 1 – “Congratulations on your new job.”

• 입사 축하해. (informal)
  Ipsa chukahae.
• 입사를 축하드립니다. (formal)
  Ipsareul chukadeurimnida.

Life Event Message 2 – “Congratulations on your promotion!”

• 승진 축하해! (informal)
  Seungjin chukahae!
• 승진을 축하드립니다. (formal)
  Seungjineul chukadeurimnida.

Life Event Message 3 – “I wish you health and prosperity.”

• 귀하의 건강과 사업 번창을 기원합니다. (formal)
  Gwihaui geonganggwa saeop beonchangeul giwonhamnida.

Useful links:

• 직업 관련 필수 단어 20개 (jigeop gwallyeon pilsu daneo isipgae) “20 Common Words for Occupations”
• 사무실에서 (samusireseo) “At the Office”
• 회의 (hoeui) “Meetings”
• Korean Companies

6. Messages for Retirement

Retirement age is about sixty in Korea, but many elders choose to find a part-time job in order to stay financially independent from their children.

Life Event Message 1 – “Best wishes on your new chapter in life.”

• 인생의 새로운 장을 기원합니다. (formal)
  Insaengui saeroun jangeul giwonhamnida.

Life Event Message 2 – “I wish you all the best.”

• 언제나 좋은 일이 있기를 기원합니다. (formal)
  Eonjena joeun iri itgireul giwonhamnida.

Life Event Message 3 – “Congratulations on your retirement.”

• 은퇴를 축하드립니다. (formal)
  Euntoereul chukadeurimnida.

7. Congratulations in Korean: Weddings

Korean weddings have a very interesting tradition. There’s always a session where friends of the bride or groom put on a performance, including singing and dancing. This is called 결혼식 축가 (gyeolhonsik chukga).

Life Event Message 1 – “We’re getting married!”

• 저희 결혼해요! (formal)
  Jeohui gyeolhonhaeyo!

This phrase is used by someone who is getting married, to let others know about their marriage.

Life Event Message 2 – “Congratulations! Wishing you a long-lasting marriage!”

• 축하해. 오래오래 행복하게 살아! (informal)
  Chukahae. Oraeorae haengbokage sara!

Life Event Message 3 – “You two are truly made for each other.”

• 두 사람은 정말 천생연분이에요. (formal)
  Du sarameun jeongmal cheonsaengyeonbunieyo.

Useful links:

• 한국어로 가장 로맨틱한 데이트 아이디어 열 개 알아보기 (hangugeoro gajang romaentikan deiteu aidieo yeol gae arabogi) “The 10 Most Romantic Ideas for a Date”
• 데이트할 때 자주 쓰이는 한국어 구 (deiteuhal ttae jaju sseuineun hangugeo gu) “Common Phrases You’ll Need for a Date”

8. Messages for Death and Funerals

Before we move on to useful phrases, it’s important to be aware of some Korean condolences etiquette for funerals. When someone passes away, the funeral is usually held on the underground floor of the hospital. Family members are to wear Hanbok in black, and women need to wear a white ribbon on their heads.

Here are the most common Korean condolences messages:

Life Event Message 1 – “I am at a loss for words.”

• 뭐라고 말씀드려야 할지 모르겠네요. (formal)
  Mworago malsseumdeuryeoya halji moreugenneyo.

Life Event Message 2 – “Please accept my condolences.”

• 진심으로 애도를 표합니다. (formal)
  Jinsimeuro aedoreul pyohamnida.

Life Event Message 3 – “I am so sorry to hear about your loss.”

• 삼가 조의를 표합니다. (formal)
  Samga jouireul pyohamnida.
• 삼가 고인의 명복을 빕니다. (formal)
  Samga goinui myeongbogeul bimnida.

Useful links:

• 현충일 (hyeonchungil) “Memorial Day”
• 6.25 사변일 (yugio sabyeonil) “6.25 Day of the Outbreak of the Korean War”

9. Messages for Delivering Bad News

It’s not always easy to give bad news to someone, especially in cultures like that of Korea, where people tend to avoid having uncomfortable conversations. However, these phrases are a smooth way to start a difficult conversation and let the listener know what to expect.

Life Event Message 1 – “I have some good news and bad news.”

• 좋은 소식도 있고 나쁜 소식도 있어. (informal)
  Joeun sosikdo itgo nappeun sosikdo isseo.
• 좋은 소식과 나쁜 소식이 있어요. (formal)
  Joeun sosikgwa nappeun sosigi isseoyo.

Life Event Message 2 – “I am afraid I have some bad news.”

• 유감스럽게도 나쁜 소식을 전해야 하겠습니다. (formal)
  Yugamseureopgedo nappeun sosigeul jeonhaeya hagetseumnida.
• 미안하지만 나쁜 소식부터 말해야할 것 같아. (informal)
  Mianhajiman nappeun sosikbuteo malhaeyahal geot gata.

Life Event Message 3 – “I hate to be the one to tell you this.”

• 이런 안 좋은 소식 말씀드리고 싶지 않습니다만. (formal)
  Ireon an joeun sosik malsseumdeurigo sipji anseumnidaman.
• 이런 안 좋은 소식 부터 말하기 싶진 않지만. (informal)
  Ireon an joeun sosik buteo malhagi sipjin anchiman.

Useful Links:

• 슬픈가요? 부정적인 감정을 표현하는 단어 21개를 배우세요. (seulpeungayo? bujeongjeogin gamjeongeul pyohyeonhaneun daneo seumulhangaereul baeuseyo.) “Feeling Sad? Learn the Top 21 Words for Negative Emotions”
• 부정적 형용사 (bujeongjeok hyeongyongsa) “Negative Adjectives”

10. Messages for Injuries and Illnesses

There is a number of etiquette rules that you need to follow when visiting someone at a hospital in Korea.

1) It’s considered rude if you visit the hospital without prior arrangement. The person who is at the hospital may not be in the room when you visit them, or perhaps they want to have time to themselves. So be sure to check their schedule first.

2) This rule may vary depending on the person, but try not to stay there for too long. A usual visit is between thirty minutes and an hour. If the person is in a private room, then you may be able to stay for up to two hours. But it’s always good to check with the person.

3) Be careful about what color of flowers you buy. Red connotes “blood” and white flowers are for the deceased. Therefore if you’re planning to buy some flowers, avoid these two colors.

Be sure to keep these etiquette rules in mind when offering Korean sympathy condolences or encouragement!

Life Event Message 1 – “Get well soon.”

• 빨리 나아. (informal)
  Ppalli naa.
• 빨리 나으세요. (formal)
  Ppalli naeuseyo.

Life Event Message 2 – “Take good care of yourself.”

• 몸조리 잘하세요. (formal)
  Momjori jalhaseyo.
• 몸조리 잘해. (informal)
  Momjori jalhae.

Life Event Message 3 – “Take a rest at home today.”

• 오늘은 집에 가서 푹 쉬어. (informal)
  Oneuren jibe gaseo puk swieo.
• 오늘은 집에 가서 푹 쉬세요. (formal)
  Oneureun jibe gaseo puk swiseyo.

Useful Links:

• Must-know Christmas Day Vocabulary
• Holiday Greetings and Wishes for the Holiday Season
• 흔한 건강 질환 (heunhan geongang jilhwan) “Common Health Problems”
• 질병 (jilbyeong) “Being Sick”

11. Various Messages for “Happy Parents’ Day” in Korean

Parents’ Day is called 어버이날 (Eobeoinal) in Korean and is annually held on May 8. On this day, children give carnations to celebrate the day with their family.

Life Event Message 1 – “Happy Parents’ Day!”

• 어버이날 축하드려요. (formal)
  Eobeoinal chukadeuryeoyo.

Life Event Message 2 – “To me, you are the best parents!”

• 저에게 엄마 아빠는 이 세상 최고의 부모님이에요! (formal)
  Jeoege eomma appaneun i sesang choegoui bumonimieyo!

Life Event Message 3 – “Thank you for always being there for me.”

• 항상 곁에 있어주셔서 감사해요. (formal)
  Hangsang gyeote isseojusyeoseo gamsahaeyo.

And most importantly, don’t forget to add 사랑해요. (Saranghaeyo.) or 사랑합니다. (Saranghamnida.) at the end of the message. If you’re the type of person who doesn’t say “I love you” to your family members, Parents’ Day is your chance to do it. It will melt your parents’ (or your homestay parents’) hearts!

12. Messages for Various Holidays

Many western holidays such as Valentine’s Day and Christmas, are celebrated among friends. People usually go to a restaurant together or watch a film.

However, Korean events such as New Year’s or Harvest Day are celebrated among family members.

Below are some ideas for how to give Korean New Year congratulations and other holiday wishes!

Life Event Message 1 – “Wishing you joy and prosperity for the new year.”

• 새해에는 기쁨과 번영이 있기를 기원합니다. (formal)
  Saehaeeneun gippeumgwa beonyeongi itgireul giwonhamnida.

Life Event Message 2- “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!”

• 즐거운 성탄과 행복한 새해 되세요. (formal)
  Jeulgeoun seongtangwa haengbokan saehae doeseyo.
• 즐거운 크리스마스와 행복한 새해 보내길 바래! (informal)
  Jeulgeoun keuriseumaseuwa haengbokan saehae bonaegil barae!

Life Event Message 3 – “Happy ~”

• 해피 + ~데이 (informal)
  haepi + ~dei

*This is an informal message and is the easiest way to create a simple message for your friend. Simply add a special day after 해피 (haepi), to say “Happy ~ day!” For example, if you want to send a simple Valentine’s Day message to your girlfriend or a friend, write 해피 (haepi) followed by 발렌타인 데이 (ballentain dei).

Useful Links:

• How to Say Merry Christmas in Korean
• How to Say Happy New Year in Korean & New Year Wishes
• What is White Day in Korea? Celebrate Korean White Day!
• 발렌타인 데이 (ballentain dei) “Valentine’s Day”
• Happy New Year! Words & Phrases for the New Year!

13. How to Study the Korean Language with KoreanClass101

KoreanClass101 has many free study materials for you to improve your language skills, so why not sign up for your lifetime account today? Learning a new language isn’t easy, and it certainly takes some time to improve. But taking your time to memorize and understand vocabulary and phrases is crucial. So don’t rush. I hope you enjoyed reading this article, and have a great day.

Before you go, drop a comment to let us know which of these life event messages you found most helpful! Are there any other life event messages you want to learn? We look forward to hearing from you!

On Independence Movement Day, Koreans commemorate those who sacrificed themselves for Korea’s freedom from Japan. They also celebrate that freedom and independence through a range of patriotic traditions.

In this article, you’ll learn about the March 1 Movement, Korean celebrations for it today, and one of the most notable figures associated with Korea’s Independence Movement Day.

Are you ready? Let’s get started.

1. What is Independence Movement Day in South Korea?

If you grew up in the United States, you probably remember hearing about the Battle of Alamo in school. Well, did you know that in South Korea, Independence Movement Day commemorates a similar episode in Korean history?

On March 1, 1919, underground fighters in Korea claimed independence from the Japanese, who, at the time, had Korea under its colonial rule. In opposition to this claim, Japanese police and military forces killed about 7,000 protestors who were unarmed. Following this event, the Japanese would continue its rule over Korea for another twenty-six years (1910-1945).

After 민족 대표 33인 (minjeok daepyo samsipsamin), or “the 33 nationalists,” were arrested, ordinary civilians from around Korea became inspired to support the cause. A month following the initial protest, Shanghai set up a provincial government that would serve as a way for Koreans to have their wishes and desires carried out, and ultimately to aid in the fight for freedom.

삼일절 (Samiljjeol), or Independence Movement Day, is a special holiday in Korea to commemorate this event. Further, Koreans celebrate the spirit of 독립 (dongnip), or “independence,” and courage that the protesters exhibited and infused their fellow citizens with. It was this inspiration that allowed the Japanese colonial rule to come to an end in 1945.

Did you know the formal name of Korea is Daehanminguk in Korean? This phrase means that the independence of the country of Daehanminguk will last forever. Only after gaining independence in 1945 were Koreans finally able to shout their country’s name for what it really means.

→ To read more about Korea’s Independence Day, read our blog post on the topic!

2. When is Independence Movement Day?

As you probably guessed, on March 1, Koreans celebrate Independence Movement Day.

3. Independence Movement Day – South Korean Celebrations

It’s evident that March 1 is still a very important day for Koreans, one on which we can think deeply about the painful history of the country. For Independence Movement Day in South Korea, celebrations are very patriotic and probably similar to your country’s Independence Day or national day.

If you’re in Korea on March 1, not only will you see the 태극기 (taegukgi), or “Flag of South Korea,” flying outside the prison, but a lot of houses will also raise the flag. There are even people who put the flag up on their cars or wear clothes with the flag.

At ten o’clock in the morning on March 1, you’ll hear sirens go off at many places. People stop whatever they’re doing, and pay silent tribute to the nationalists who lost their lives for Korea’s independence.

4. Seodaemun Prison

Many people went to jail for their support of the Independence Movement. One of the biggest jails was the Seodaemun Prison, which was established during Japanese rule. A part of this prison is still preserved today, and Koreans come here to honor those who lost their lives while imprisoned.

Perhaps the most famous of these people was a woman named Yu Gwan-sun, or 유관순 (yu gwansoon) in Korean. She was jailed at seventeen years old for her involvement in the Independence Movement, and today, her cell is called Ryu-Gwan-Sun Cave.

This is a popular Korea Independence Movement Day location for people to visit.

5. Must-Know Vocabulary for Independence Movement Day

Ready to review some of the vocabulary words from this article? Here’s a list of the most important words and phrases for Independence Movement Day!

• 삼일절 (Samiljjeol) — “Independence Movement Day”
• 민족 자결주의 (minjeok jagyeoljuui) — “self-determination”
• 국가 (gukga) — “nation”
• 독립 기념관 (dongnip ginyeomgwan) — “Independence Hall of Korea”
• 독립 (dongnip) — “independence”
• 정부 (jeongbu) — “government”
• 태극기 (taegukgi) — “Flag of South Korea”
• 식민지 (singminji) — “colony”
• 1919년 3월 1일 (cheongubaeksipgunyeon samwol iril) — “March 1, 1919”
• 민족 대표 33인 (minjeok daepyo samsipsamin) — “the 33 nationalists”
• 기미 독립 선언서 (gimi dongnip seoneonseo) — “the Declaration of Independence written in 1919”
• 유관순 (yu gwansoon) — “Yu, Gwan-sun”

To hear the pronunciation of each word and phrase, and to read them alongside relevant images, be sure to check out our Korean Independence Movement Day vocabulary list.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, in Korea, March 1 is a major holiday and a very patriotic, melancholy time for the Korean people.

How do you celebrate Independence Day in your country? Who are some of the most notable figures? We look forward to hearing from you!

If you’re interested in learning more about Korean culture and holidays, please visit the KoreanClass101 pages below:

• All About Korean Culture and Society
• Top 10 Must-Try Korean Street Foods in Seoul
• Hyeon Chung Il: Memorial Day in Korea
• Jeheonjeol: South Korean Constitution Day
• Pepero Day: Fun Facts About Pepero Day in South Korea
• Tourist Attractions in South Korea
• Essential Idioms That Will Make You Sound Like a Native Speaker

Whatever your reasons for developing an interest in Korean culture or the language, know that KoreanClass101.com is the best way to expand your knowledge and improve your skills. With tons of fun and immersive lessons for learners at every level, there’s something for everyone!

Create your free lifetime account today, and start learning with us.