Slang Time: 7 Korean Words to Help You Sound Like a Local

Annyeong! And welcome to Korean Slang with Beelinguapp, the first of our many Korean slang sessions. Today, we are going to share with you 7 Korean slang words to help you sound more like a native speaker.

Learning Korean through physical textbooks or apps is helpful when learning grammar, structure, and the fundamentals of the language. But if you want to live the language, a simple hack like learning Korean slang will help you keep up with modern Korean culture and help you appreciate its diversity.

Slang is commonly used in daily interactions in South Korea, so learning it can be extremely beneficial in building connections with locals and understanding casual conversations. Not only that, but you’ll also understand more of the informal language used in movies, shows, and even in music.

These playful phrases are very common and very trendy to use, and let's face it they are cooler to say and easier to remember. So feel free to use these expressions when watching your favorite K-drama or when listening to Blackpink’s new song or when you’re ready to sound like a native speaker!

Before you scroll down the list, get on Beelinguapp now and practice your Korean skills by reading stories about South Korea like "Singles' Day in South Korea," "An Introduction to Korean Barbecue," "Keeping up with Korea,” and many more.

1. 헐 (heol)

헐 (heol) means “OMG” or “OH MY GOSH”

This expression is used as a reaction to something shocking. This slang is usually used in texting.

Giphy / The Swoon

2. 대박 (daebak)

대박 (daebak) - one of the most commonly used Korean slang words

It means “cool” or “awesome,” “wow,” or “amazing.” You can really use this expression to describe almost anything super great, from food to music to mood.

Giphy

3. 애교 (aegyo)

애교 (aegyo) means “cute” or the way of acting adorable

This can be used to describe the way a person speaks, how someone dresses, or even how one decorates their room. I애교 (aegyo) is also used to show affection to family and friends.

Giphy

4. 화이팅! (hwaiting)

Guess what “화이팅! (hwaiting!)” means? Hint: the English translation of the word rhymes with it

Did you guess... fighting? If so, then you are correct! This expression is used more as an encouragement or to show support to anyone. 화이팅! (hwaiting) is usually associated with the iconic hand gesture that once you know, you’ll never fail to use.

Giphy / The Swoon

5. 베프 (beh-peuh)

Bestie! I mean 베프 (beh peuh)

베프 (beh peuh) is the shorter version of 베스트 프렌드 (be-su-tu peu-ren-deu) meaning best friend. Now, you know another, cuter name to call your bestie.

Giphy / The Swoon

6. 행쇼 (haeng-syo)

행쇼 (haeng-syo) is short for “행복하십쇼 (haeng-bok ha-sip-syo)” meaning “be happy”

This phrase also means “peace out,” so feel free to use this expression when leaving a casual gathering with friends.

Giphy / The Swoon

7. 치맥 (chi-maek)

치맥 (chi-maek) is short for super yum, or “chicken and beer”

Fried Chicken and beer is one of the most popular food combinations in South Korea. After 치맥 (chi-maek) was featured in a K-drama people started forming long lines just to order the famed spicy fried chicken.

Giphy / The Swoon