Korean Dictionary
How to say "Alteration" in Korean
“Alteration” in Korean is 수선 (pronounced "suseon").
수선
suseon
Usage & Context
Modifying clothing to fit better in Korea. Common service at tailors.
Example Sentence
바지를 수선했어요.
I had my pants altered.
How to use 수선 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Alteration” is 수선, romanized as suseon.
Usage tip
Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 수선.
Pronunciation Guide
"수선" (suseon) is pronounced like "soo-sun." The "su" sounds like 'soo' as in 'soon', and "seon" rhymes with 'sun' as in the star. The stress is fairly even across both syllables.
More Example Sentences
Discussing new clothing that doesn't fit perfectly.
새로 산 바지가 너무 길어서 수선해야 해요.
The new pants I bought are too long, so I need to get them altered.
Highlighting services available at a department store.
백화점에서는 옷 수선 서비스도 제공해요.
Department stores also offer clothing alteration services.
Asking about the turnaround time at a tailor's.
이 코트 수선 맡기면 얼마나 걸릴까요?
How long will it take if I leave this coat for alteration?
Cultural Context
`수선` (alteration) is a very common and accessible service in Korea. Many clothing stores, especially department stores, offer basic alterations like hemming pants, often for free or a small fee if the item was purchased there. For more complex alterations or repairs, people visit a dedicated `수선집` (alteration shop) or `세탁소` (laundry/dry cleaner), which frequently provide both services. This reflects a culture that values well-fitting clothes and extending the lifespan of garments.
Editorial note
We review entries like 수선 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
수선 맡기다
to leave clothes for alteration
수선비
alteration fee
수선이 필요하다
alteration is needed
Related Expressions
수선집
suseonjip
alteration shop, tailor's
수선하다
suseonhada
to alter, to repair (clothes)
고치다
gochida
to fix, to repair (general)
줄이다
jurida
to shorten, to reduce
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