Korean Dictionary
How to say "Backpack" in Korean
“Backpack” in Korean is 배낭 (pronounced "baenang").
배낭
baenang
Usage & Context
A bag worn on the back for carrying school supplies. Korean students carry heavy backpacks with textbooks and notebooks. Backpack design and brand are important to Korean students.
Example Sentence
배낭이 너무 무겁다.
The backpack is too heavy.
How to use 배낭 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Backpack” is 배낭, romanized as baenang.
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 배낭.
Pronunciation Guide
Pronounced 'bae-nang' — 'bae' rhymes with 'bed' without the 'd', and 'nang' ends with 'ng' like 'sung'. The 'b' is soft, closer to an English 'p'.
More Example Sentences
Preparing for a weekend trip
등산 갈 때 배낭을 챙겨요.
I pack a backpack when I go hiking.
Describing school supplies
학교 가방이 배낭형이에요.
My school bag is backpack-style.
Talking about travel dreams
배낭여행 가고 싶어요.
I want to go backpacking.
Cultural Context
In everyday Korean, 배낭 refers more to hiking or travel backpacks, while students' school bags are usually called 책가방 (literally 'book bag') or just 가방. 배낭여행 (backpack travel) is a beloved rite of passage for Korean university students, especially trips to Europe or Southeast Asia. For premium hiking backpacks, brands like 노스페이스 and 블랙야크 are extremely popular.
Editorial note
We review entries like 배낭 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
배낭이 무거워요.
The backpack is heavy.
책가방 메고 학교 가요.
I carry my school bag to school.
배낭여행 계획하고 있어요.
I'm planning a backpacking trip.
Related Expressions
책가방
chaekgabang
school bag (literally 'book bag')
가방
gabang
bag (general term)
배낭여행
baenangyeohaeng
backpacking trip
등산 배낭
deungsan baenang
hiking backpack
More School Life Words
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