Korean Law & Government Words & Phrases
Understanding Korean legal and government vocabulary is important for anyone living in Korea long-term, following Korean news, or studying Korean politics. These terms cover the court system, government structure, civic duties, and legal concepts that shape Korean society.
110 words
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법
Beop
Law
Intermediate헌법
Heonbeop
Constitution
Advanced정부
Jeongbu
Government
Intermediate대통령
Daetongryeong
President
Beginner총리
Chongni
Prime Minister
Intermediate의회
Uihoe
Parliament
Intermediate국회
Gukhoe
National Assembly
Intermediate상원의원
Sangwon uiwon
Senator
Advanced대표
Daepyo
Representative
Intermediate선거
Seonkeo
Election
Beginner투표
Tuhyo
Vote
Beginner민주주의
Minjujuui
Democracy
Intermediate공화국
Gonghwaguk
Republic
Advanced군부제
Gunbuuje
Monarchy
Advanced정당
Jeongdang
Political Party
Intermediate야당
Yadang
Opposition
Intermediate여당
Yeodang
Ruling Party
Intermediate정책
Jeongchaek
Policy
Intermediate입법
Ipbeop
Legislation
Advanced법안
Beop-an
Bill
Intermediate법 개정
Beop gaejeong
Law Amendment
Advanced판사
Pansa
Judge
Intermediate변호사
Byeonhosa
Lawyer
Beginner검사
Geomsa
Prosecutor
Intermediate피고
Pigo
Defendant
Intermediate원고
Wonggo
Plaintiff
Advanced배심단
Baesimdan
Jury
Advanced평결
Pyeonggyeol
Verdict
Advanced판결
Pangyeol
Sentence
Intermediate항소
Hangso
Appeal
Advanced감옥
Gamok
Prison
Intermediate벌금
Beolgeum
Fine
Intermediate재판
Jaepan
Trial
Intermediate소송
Sosong
Lawsuit
Intermediate범죄
Beomjoe
Crime
Beginner범인
Beom-in
Criminal
Beginner용의자
Yong-uija
Suspect
Intermediate체포
Chepo
Arrest
Beginner경찰
Gyeongchal
Police
Beginner수사
Susa
Investigation
Intermediate증거
Jeungkeo
Evidence
Intermediate영장
Yeongjang
Warrant
Advanced권리
Gwonli
Rights
Intermediate시민권
Siminwon
Civil Rights
Advanced인권
Ingwon
Human Rights
Intermediate언론의 자유
Eonron-ui jayou
Freedom of Speech
Advanced언론 자유
Eonron jayou
Freedom of Press
Advanced종교의 자유
Jonggyo-ui jayou
Freedom of Religion
Advanced평등
Pyeongdeung
Equality
Intermediate정의
Jeongui
Justice
Intermediate부패
Bupae
Corruption
Intermediate뇌물
Noemul
Bribery
Intermediate횡령
Hoengnyeong
Embezzlement
Advanced사기
Sagi
Fraud
Intermediate탈세
Talse
Tax Evasion
Advanced자금 세탁
Jajin setag
Money Laundering
Advanced마약 밀수
Mayak milsu
Drug Trafficking
Advanced살인
Sarin
Murder
Intermediate절도
Jeoldo
Theft
Beginner강도
Gangdo
Robbery
Intermediate폭행
Pokhang
Assault
Intermediate가정 폭력
Gajeong pokhyeok
Domestic Violence
Advanced성희롱
Seonghwiryong
Sexual Harassment
Advanced사이버 범죄
Saibeor beomjoe
Cybercrime
Advanced지적 재산권
Jijeok jaesanwon
Intellectual Property
Advanced저작권
Jeojagwon
Copyright
Advanced상표
Sangpyo
Trademark
Advanced특허
Teugheo
Patent
Advanced합의
Hap-ui
Agreement
Intermediate법적 문서
Beop-jeok munso
Legal Document
Advanced공증인
Gongjung-in
Notary
Advanced민법
Minbeop
Civil Law
Advanced형법
Hyeongbeop
Criminal Law
Advanced행정법
Haengjeongbeop
Administrative Law
Advanced국제법
Gukjaebeop
International Law
Advanced조약
Joyak
Treaty
Advanced외교 관계
Oegyo gwangye
Diplomatic Relations
Advanced대사
Daesa
Ambassador
Intermediate대사관
Daesagwan
Embassy
Intermediate영사
Yeongsa
Consul
Advanced외교
Oegyo
Foreign Affairs
Advanced국가 안보
Gukga anbo
National Security
Advanced정보 기관
Jeongbo gigwan
Intelligence Agency
Advanced비밀 경찰
Bimil gyeongchal
Secret Service
Advanced국적
Gukjeok
Citizenship
Intermediate귀화
Gwihwa
Naturalization
Advanced비자
Bija
Visa
Beginner주민등록증
Jumineungnok-jeung
National ID
Beginner주민등록
Jumineungnok
Resident Registration
Advanced공무
Gongmu
Public Service
Advanced공무원
Gongmuwon
Civil Servant
Intermediate관료제
Gwanryoje
Bureaucracy
Advanced규정
Gyujeong
Regulation
Intermediate집행
Jiphang
Enforcement
Advanced과세
Gwase
Taxation
Advanced재정 정책
Jaejeong jeongchaek
Fiscal Policy
Advanced중앙은행
Jungangeunaeng
Central Bank
Advanced대법원
Daebeop-won
Supreme Court
Advanced헌법재판소
Heonbeop jaepanso
Constitutional Court
Advanced행정법원
Haengjeongbeop-won
Administrative Court
Advanced국민투표
Gungmin tuhyo
Referendum
Advanced소환 선거
Sohwan seonkeo
Recall Election
Advanced탄핵
Tanhack
Impeachment
Advanced입법 절차
Ipbeop jeolcha
Legislative Process
Advanced사법 심사
Sabeop simsa
Judicial Review
Advanced판례
Panrye
Legal Precedent
Advanced공소시효
Gongsosihyo
Statute of Limitations
Advanced법적 책임
Beop-jeok chaekimm
Legal Liability
Advanced법적 분쟁
Beop-jeok bunjjaeng
Legal Dispute
Advanced법률 자문
Beobryul jamun
Legal Counsel
AdvancedFor many Korean learners, the desire to move beyond basic greetings and everyday conversations often leads to a deeper engagement with the country's culture, news, and political landscape. Understanding core vocabulary related to law and government is crucial for this journey. When you encounter news articles, watch K-dramas with political themes, or discuss current events with Korean speakers, terms like '법' (Beop) for law, '정부' (Jeongbu) for government, and '대통령' (Daetongryeong) for president become indispensable. These words are not just academic; they are the building blocks for comprehending the societal framework and civic life in Korea. Knowing how to refer to the '국회' (Gukhoe), the National Assembly, or understanding the concept of '선거' (Seonkeo), an election, allows you to follow political developments and participate in more nuanced discussions. This vocabulary unlocks a richer understanding of Korean society, from its democratic processes to its legal foundations. It empowers learners to interpret headlines, grasp the context of public discourse, and appreciate the intricate workings of a modern nation. Furthermore, recognizing terms like '민주주의' (Minjujuui) for democracy provides insight into the foundational values of the country. This specialized vocabulary is essential for anyone aiming for true fluency, enabling them to navigate formal contexts, understand official communications, and engage thoughtfully with the complexities of Korean public life. It ultimately bridges the gap between casual language learning and genuine cultural immersion.
Start with these law & government words
These entries give you the fastest route into this category: the Korean term, how it is pronounced, and the kind of real sentence where it appears.
법
Beop
Law
The fundamental concept of legal rules and regulations in Korea. Used in everyday conversation when discussing legal matters, court cases, or government policies.
헌법
Heonbeop
Constitution
The supreme law of South Korea that establishes the framework of government. Koreans learn about the Constitution in school and it is fundamental to understanding Korean governance.
정부
Jeongbu
Government
Refers to the administrative body that governs South Korea. Used when discussing government policies, government officials, or government institutions.
대통령
Daetongryeong
President
The head of state and government in South Korea. The president serves a single five-year term and is a central figure in Korean politics and media.
총리
Chongni
Prime Minister
The head of government under the president in South Korea. The prime minister oversees the cabinet and government administration.
의회
Uihoe
Parliament
The legislative body in Korea that makes laws. In South Korea, the parliament is called the National Assembly and consists of elected representatives.
국회
Gukhoe
National Assembly
The legislative body of South Korea with 300 members. The National Assembly is responsible for making laws and approving the national budget.
상원의원
Sangwon uiwon
Senator
A member of the upper house of parliament in countries with bicameral legislatures. While South Korea has a unicameral legislature, the term is used when discussing other countries.
Frequently asked questions
How is the South Korean government structured?+
The South Korean government operates under a presidential system with three main branches. The executive branch is led by the '대통령' (Daetongryeong), the President. The legislative branch is the '국회' (Gukhoe), the National Assembly, which passes laws. The judicial branch is independent. Together, these form the '정부' (Jeongbu), the government, ensuring a system of checks and balances.
What is the significance of "법" in Korean society?+
'법' (Beop) means "law" and is vital for order and justice in Korea. It covers all legal statutes, from the Constitution ('헌법', Heonbeop) to local rules. Understanding '법' helps grasp the legal framework, citizens' rights, and how society operates under its rules.
How do Koreans refer to their president and prime minister?+
The President of South Korea is referred to as '대통령' (Daetongryeong). The President holds the highest executive power and is directly elected. The Prime Minister, who assists the President and oversees various ministries, is called '총리' (Chongni). Both terms are essential for discussing Korean politics and leadership roles accurately.
What are the key terms for understanding elections in Korea?+
To understand elections in Korea, two primary terms are vital: '선거' (Seonkeo), which means "election," and '투표' (Tuhyo), meaning "vote." '선거' refers to the entire process of choosing representatives, while '투표' is the act of casting a ballot. These terms are central to '민주주의' (Minjujuui), democracy, signifying citizen participation in governance.
Is there a specific word for "parliament" or "national assembly" in Korean?+
Yes, for "parliament" or "national assembly," the most common term in South Korea is '국회' (Gukhoe). While '의회' (Uihoe) also means "parliament" and is a more general term, '국회' specifically refers to the unicameral legislative body of the Republic of Korea. It is where laws are debated and passed.
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