Korean Dictionary
How to say "Chaebol" in Korean
“Chaebol” in Korean is 재벌 (pronounced "Jaebeol").
재벌
Jaebeol
Usage & Context
Large Korean family-owned business conglomerates with enormous economic and political influence. Samsung (삼성), Hyundai (현대), LG, and SK are the most famous chaebols. 재벌 characters are a staple of K-drama romance plots. The chaebol system is both admired for Korea's economic success and criticized for wealth inequality.
Example Sentence
한국 경제에서 재벌이 차지하는 비중이 매우 높아요.
Chaebols occupy a very high proportion of Korea's economy.
How to use 재벌 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Chaebol” is 재벌, romanized as Jaebeol.
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 재벌.
Pronunciation Guide
"Jaebeol" is pronounced "JAE-beol." "Jae" sounds like "jay" in English. "Beol" is like "buhl" with a short 'u' sound, similar to "bull" without the 'll'. The stress is on the first syllable.
More Example Sentences
Describing a K-drama character's background.
그 드라마 주인공은 재벌 3세예요.
The main character of that drama is a third-generation chaebol heir.
Discussing the structure of the Korean economy.
한국 경제는 몇몇 재벌 기업에 의해 크게 좌우돼요.
The Korean economy is heavily influenced by a few chaebol companies.
Commenting on celebrity or high-society news.
재벌가의 결혼은 항상 화제가 되죠.
Marriages within chaebol families always become a hot topic.
Cultural Context
"재벌" (chaebol) are powerful, family-controlled conglomerates that have been central to South Korea's rapid economic development. Companies like Samsung, Hyundai, and LG are prime examples. In K-dramas, "재벌" characters are often portrayed as wealthy, arrogant, yet ultimately charming heirs or heiresses, frequently involved in dramatic romances with ordinary protagonists. While they symbolize Korea's economic success, the system also faces criticism for issues like intergenerational wealth transfer, lack of transparency, and economic concentration, often leading to public debate and dramatic storylines in media.
Editorial note
We review entries like 재벌 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
재벌 드라마
Chaebol drama (a K-drama featuring chaebol characters)
재벌가
Chaebol family
재벌 회장
Chaebol chairman
Related Expressions
대기업
Daegieop
Large corporation (broader term, not necessarily family-owned)
금수저
Geumsujeo
Gold spoon (born into a wealthy family, similar to "silver spoon")
재벌 2세/3세
Jaebeol ise/samse
Second/third-generation chaebol heir
기업 총수
Gieop chongsu
Head of a conglomerate/company chairman
More Culture Words
Master Korean with AI-Powered Learning
Practice Chaebol and 10,000+ words with native pronunciation and AI conversation.
