Korean Dictionary
How to say "Citizenship" in Korean
“Citizenship” in Korean is 국적 (pronounced "Gukjeok").
국적
Gukjeok
Usage & Context
Legal status of being a member of a country. Citizenship in South Korea grants rights and responsibilities.
Example Sentence
국적은 법적 지위입니다.
Citizenship is a legal status.
How to use 국적 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Citizenship” is 국적, romanized as Gukjeok.
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 국적.
Pronunciation Guide
The first syllable, 국 (Guk), sounds like 'gook' in 'cookbook' but with a very short 'oo' and a soft, unreleased 'k' at the end. The second syllable, 적 (jeok), sounds like 'jock' in 'jockey' but with a softer 'j' and a short 'eo' sound like 'uh' in 'but', also ending with a soft, unreleased 'k'. Put it together as 'Gook-jock'.
More Example Sentences
Someone expressing their desire to become a Korean citizen.
한국 국적을 취득하고 싶어요.
I want to acquire Korean citizenship.
Describing someone who holds citizenship in two countries.
그는 이중 국적자입니다.
He is a dual citizen.
An official advising someone on a legal requirement.
국적 상실 신고를 해야 해요.
You need to report loss of citizenship.
Cultural Context
South Korea generally has strict rules against dual citizenship for adults, with some exceptions for those who acquire it at birth or through special circumstances. The concept of '국적 포기' (renouncing citizenship) is a significant legal process, especially for men who might face military service obligations. This topic often comes up in discussions about K-pop idols or celebrities born abroad.
Editorial note
We review entries like 국적 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
국적 취득
acquisition of citizenship
국적 포기
renunciation of citizenship
이중 국적
dual citizenship
Related Expressions
국민
Gungmin
citizen (person)
시민권
Simingwon
civil rights / citizenship (rights)
영주권
Yeongjugwon
permanent residency
국가
Gukga
nation, country
More Law & Government Words
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