🏷️ Popular Korean Slang and Abbreviations You Should Know

A guide for K-drama fans, K-pop lovers, and language learners!

---

 

🧑‍🏫 Introduction

If you're watching K-dramas, listening to K-pop, or chatting with Korean friends, you've probably come across mysterious Korean words that aren’t in any textbook. That’s because Koreans love using slang and abbreviations, especially online or when texting.

In this post, we'll explore 10 common Korean slang words and abbreviations that will help you understand Korean culture better—and maybe even surprise your Korean friends!

---

🔟 Top 10 Korean Slang Words and Abbreviations

1. ㅋㅋㅋ (kkk)

Meaning: “LOL” or laughter
Usage: Similar to "haha", it's used in texting or online chatting.
Example:
A: That meme was hilarious!
B: ㅋㅋㅋ yeah, I laughed so hard!

---

2. ㅅㄱ (수고)

Full form: 수고했어요 / 수고하세요
Meaning: "Good job" or "Thanks for your hard work"
Example:
After work:
"오늘도 수고했어요! (Thanks for your hard work today!)"

---

3. 헐 (Heol)

Meaning: OMG / No way / That’s crazy
Example:
A: BTS tickets sold out in 1 minute!
B: 헐… I missed it!

---

4. ㄱㄱ (Go go)

Meaning: Let’s go / Go ahead
Example:
“점심 먹으러 ㄱㄱ~”
(Let’s go eat lunch~)

---

5. 짱 (Jjang)

Meaning: Awesome / The best
Example:
“이 노래 짱이야!”
(This song is amazing!)

---

6. 대박 (Daebak)

Meaning: Jackpot / Amazing / Unbelievable
Example:
“이 드라마 진짜 대박이야!”
(This drama is seriously awesome!)

---

7. 노잼 (No-jaem)

Meaning: Not fun / Boring
(“잼” is short for 재미 = fun)
Example:
“그 영화 완전 노잼이었어.”
(That movie was so boring.)

---

8. 꿀잼 (Ggul-jaem)

Meaning: Super fun / Hilarious
(“꿀” = honey, used to mean sweet or awesome)
Example:
“그 유튜버 꿀잼이야!”
(That YouTuber is hilarious!)

---

9. ㅇㅋ (OK)

Meaning: Okay (Just typed in Korean keyboard layout)
Example:
“ㅇㅋ~ 갈게!”
(OK~ I’ll go!)

---

10. 존맛탱 (Jon-mat-taeng)

Meaning: Extremely delicious (slightly informal/casual)
Example:
“이 치킨 존맛탱이야…”
(This chicken is insanely good…)

---

💡 Final Thoughts

Slang is a fun way to dive into real Korean culture.

While it’s not always appropriate in formal situations, using these expressions can make you sound more like a native speaker—and help you bond with Korean friends or better understand K-dramas and memes.

Do you have a favorite Korean slang word? Let me know in the comments!