Korean Dictionary
How to say "Censorship" in Korean
“Censorship” in Korean is 검열 (pronounced "geomyeol").
검열
geomyeol
Usage & Context
Censorship is the suppression of speech or information deemed inappropriate. South Korea's press freedom history includes periods of strict government censorship.
Example Sentence
언론 검열은 민주주의에 해롭다.
Media censorship is harmful to democracy.
How to use 검열 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Censorship” is 검열, romanized as geomyeol.
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 검열.
Pronunciation Guide
Say 'geom' like 'gum' but with a slightly softer 'g' and a clear 'eo' vowel, similar to 'uhm' in 'album'. 'Yeol' sounds like 'yul' in 'yule' or 'yell' but with a clear 'eo' vowel. The stress is fairly even.
More Example Sentences
Discussing the impact of government control on art.
정부의 검열은 예술가들의 자유로운 표현을 억압했다.
Government censorship suppressed artists' free expression.
Referring to issues in the film industry.
그 영화는 과도한 검열로 인해 개봉이 지연되었다.
The film's release was delayed due to excessive censorship.
Describing public activism against censorship.
시민들은 검열에 반대하며 표현의 자유를 요구했다.
Citizens protested against censorship, demanding freedom of expression.
Cultural Context
South Korea has a complex history with '검열', particularly during its authoritarian regimes in the 20th century. Media, arts, and publications were often subject to strict government censorship, leading to a strong public desire for freedom of expression. While direct government censorship has largely diminished in democratic Korea, debates still arise regarding internet content regulation, broadcast standards, and self-censorship in certain industries, reflecting a lingering sensitivity to the issue.
Editorial note
We review entries like 검열 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
검열을 강화하다.
To strengthen censorship.
검열을 피하다.
To avoid censorship.
검열 논란.
Censorship controversy.
Related Expressions
통제
tongje
control
규제
gyuje
regulation
언론 자유
eollon jayu
freedom of the press
표현의 자유
pyohyeonui jayu
freedom of expression
More Media & Journalism Words
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