Korean Dictionary
How to say "College" in Korean
“College” in Korean is 대학 (pronounced "Daehak").
대학
Daehak
Usage & Context
The term 대학 (college) in Korean refers broadly to higher education institutions and is often used interchangeably with 대학교. Within a university, individual colleges or faculties are also called 대학 (e.g., 경영대학 for business school, 의과대학 for medical school). College life in Korea brings new social freedoms alongside intense academic work.
Example Sentence
대학 시절이 그리워요.
I miss my college days.
How to use 대학 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “College” is 대학, romanized as Daehak.
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 대학.
Pronunciation Guide
The first syllable, 'Dae', sounds like 'day'. 'Hak' is like 'hack' but with a softer 'h' sound. The 'h' is often barely audible, making it sound like 'dae-ak' to some ears. The stress is on the first syllable.
More Example Sentences
Specifying one's major or faculty within a university.
저는 공과대학에 다니고 있어요.
I'm attending the College of Engineering.
Reminiscing about youthful independence.
대학 생활은 정말 자유로웠어요.
College life was truly free.
Talking about lasting friendships.
대학 동기들과 아직도 자주 만나요.
I still often meet up with my college classmates.
Cultural Context
While often interchangeable with 대학교 (university), 대학 can also refer to a specific college or faculty within a larger university (e.g., 의과대학 for medical school). The term 대학생 (daehaksaeng) specifically means 'college student' or 'university student,' highlighting the general concept of higher education. College life in Korea is a significant transition, offering more freedom but also intense academic pressure and crucial social networking opportunities.
Editorial note
We review entries like 대학 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
대학에 가다
to go to college/university
대학 입시
college entrance exam
대학 친구
college friend
Related Expressions
대학교
daehakgyo
university (often interchangeable)
대학생
daehaksaeng
college/university student
대학원
daehagwon
graduate school
전문대학
jeonmundaehak
junior college / vocational college
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