10 Popular Korean Slang Words Explained for Foreigners (Fun & Easy Guide)
Here are 10 easy and p
opular Korean slang words, explained in simple English with real-life examples.
1. 찐 (Jjin) – “Real / Authentic”
Meaning: Something genuine or truly good
Example:
This restaurant is 찐 good. (It’s the real deal.)
2. 개꿀 (Gae-kkul) – “So Awesome / Sweet Deal”
Meaning: Extremely good or lucky
Example:
No work tomorrow? That’s 개꿀!
3. 현타 (Hyeon-ta) – “Reality Check”
Meaning: A sudden moment of realizing reality
Example:
I had fun shopping… then 현타 hit when I saw my credit card bill.
4. 노답 (No-dap) – “Hopeless”
Meaning: No solution, impossible situation
Example:
His attitude is totally 노답.
5. 어그로 (Eo-geu-ro) – “Attention-Seeking”
Meaning: Doing something just to get attention
Example:
That title is pure 어그로.
6. 억까 (Eok-kka) – “Unfair Criticism”
Meaning: Criticizing someone for no good reason
Example:
That comment feels like 억까, not fair criticism.
7. 멘붕 (Men-bung) – “Mental Breakdown”
Meaning: Feeling shocked or mentally overwhelmed
Example:
I forgot my passport. Total 멘붕.
8. 킹받다 (King-bat-da) – “Annoyed but Funny”
Meaning: Feeling irritated in a humorous way
Example:
His jokes are so bad they’re 킹받아.
9. 손절 (Son-jeol) – “Cut Off”
Meaning: To end a relationship or stop something completely
Example:
I had to 손절 that toxic friend.
10. 꿀잼 / 노잼 (Kkul-jaem / No-jaem) – “Super Fun / Boring”
Meaning: Very entertaining / Not fun at all
Example:
The concert was 꿀잼, but the movie was 노잼.
Why Learn Korean Slang?
Understanding slang helps you:
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Sound more natural in conversations
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Understand Korean social media & memes
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Enjoy K-dramas and K-pop interviews more deeply
Start using these slang words, and your Korean will instantly feel more native and fun.
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