Slang

1. 대박

   Dae-bak

   Whoa, amazing

   Usage

   Originally "jackpot". It covers both surprise and admiration, and has been established for over 20 years. Safe with staff or friends

2. 헐

   Heol

   No way

   Usage

   The one-syllable gasp of disbelief. Casual, for friends your own age — not in front of elders or staff

3. 짱

   Jjang

   The best

   Usage

   A compliment that has been around since the 1990s. It also attaches to other words, as in "mat-jjang" (the taste is the best). It flatters, so it works with anyone

4. 완전

   Wan-jeon

   Totally

   Usage

   Placed before an adjective to intensify it: "wan-jeon ma-si-sseo-yo" is "unbelievably tasty". Unlike the coarse intensifiers, this one is fine with anyone

5. 꿀잼

   Kkul-jaem

   Super fun

   Usage

   A blend of "kkul" (honey) and "jae-mi" (fun). Use it about a film or an experience. Casual, aimed at peers, but never rude

6. 노잼

   No-jaem

   Not fun

   Usage

   English "no" plus "jae-mi", the opposite of "kkul-jaem". Say it about a film or a place — applied to a person it is rude

7. 맛집

   Mat-jjip

   A great place to eat

   Usage

   The single most useful word for a traveller. "I geun-cheo mat-jjip i-sseo-yo?" asks a local for a good place nearby. Safe with anyone

8. 먹방

   Meok-ppang

   Eating broadcast

   Usage

   Short for "meok-neun bang-song" (eating broadcast) — a Korean coinage that entered English as "mukbang". A safe conversation topic with anyone

9. 치맥

   Chi-maek

   Fried chicken and beer

   Usage

   A blend of "chi-kin" and "maek-ju". The classic Korean pairing, and a safe way to suggest a night out to anyone

10. 혼밥

    Hon-ppap

    Eating alone

    Usage

    From "hon-ja" (alone) and "bap" (a meal). Handy when asking for a table on a solo trip. Once unusual in Korea, now completely normal

11. 인생샷

    In-saeng-syat

    The photo of a lifetime

    Usage

    "In-saeng" (life) plus "shot" — the killer picture from a photo spot. Show it when you ask someone to take one for you

12. 셀카

    Sel-ka

    Selfie

    Usage

    Short for "self camera" — Korea had this word before "selfie" spread in English. Safe with anyone

13. 최애

    Choe-ae

    My absolute favourite

    Usage

    Short for "the one I love most" — your top idol, work, or dish. Safe with anyone

14. 심쿵

    Sim-kung

    Heart-fluttering

    Usage

    Short for "sim-jang-i kung" (my heart went thud) — the reaction to something adorable or someone lovely. Not only romantic, but say it to a person's face only if you know them well

15. 애교

    Ae-gyo

    Cutesy charm

    Usage

    Acting adorably — essential vocabulary for talking about Korean variety shows and idol culture. Asking someone to perform it is only for close friends

16. 눈치

    Nun-chi

    Reading the room

    Usage

    A key to understanding Korean social life. "Nun-chi-ga ppa-reu-da" praises someone as perceptive; the negative form criticises them, so leave it alone

17. 강추

    Gang-chu

    Strongly recommend

    Usage

    Short for "gang-nyeok chu-cheon" (strong recommendation), everywhere in Korean reviews. Also works when asking for a recommendation. Safe with anyone

18. 소확행

    So-hwa-kaeng

    Small but certain happiness

    Usage

    Short for "small but certain happiness" — the little joys of daily life, and an easy way to describe a moment on your trip. Safe with anyone

19. 워라밸

    Wo-ra-bael

    Work-life balance

    Usage

    A Korean-style clipping of "work-life balance". Common in conversation about jobs and established enough for the newspapers. Safe with anyone

20. 불금

    Bul-kkeum

    Fire Friday

    Usage

    Short for "burning Friday" — making the most of the night before the weekend. Works as an invitation to colleagues or friends alike

21. 알바

    Al-ba

    Part-time job

    Usage

    Short for "a-reu-ba-i-teu", from German "Arbeit" — the same root as Japanese "baito". You will see it on shop hiring notices

22. 하하하

    Ha-ha-ha

    Haha

    Usage

    Laughter out loud. In Korean chat people type consonants only — the more of them, the bigger the laugh — while a softer pair of letters signals a gentle smile

23. 파이팅

    Pa-i-ting

    You've got this

    Usage

    A Korean coinage from English "fighting", also written "hwa-i-ting". Universal encouragement, fine with seniors and juniors alike

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