Korean Dictionary
How to say "Corruption" in Korean
“Corruption” in Korean is 부패 (pronounced "Bupae").
부패
Bupae
Usage & Context
Dishonest or illegal behavior by government officials. South Korea has anti-corruption laws and agencies to combat corruption.
Example Sentence
부패는 사회에 해롭습니다.
Corruption is harmful to society.
How to use 부패 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Corruption” is 부패, romanized as Bupae.
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 부패.
Pronunciation Guide
The first syllable, 'Bu', sounds like 'boo' in 'boo-hoo'. The second syllable, 'pae', sounds like 'pie' but with a softer 'p' and an 'ae' vowel sound, similar to the 'a' in 'cat' but slightly more open, or like 'air' without the 'r'.
More Example Sentences
A news report discussing government issues.
정치 부패는 국가 발전을 저해합니다.
Political corruption hinders national development.
A biography of a public servant.
그는 부패 척결을 위해 노력했습니다.
He strived to eradicate corruption.
A journalist commenting on a recent event.
이번 스캔들은 심각한 부패 문제를 드러냈습니다.
This scandal revealed serious corruption issues.
Cultural Context
'부패' (bupae) is a sensitive topic in South Korea, often associated with historical periods of authoritarian rule and the close ties between government and big businesses (chaebols). Significant efforts have been made to combat it, notably with the implementation of the Kim Young-ran Act (청탁금지법), which strictly regulates gifts and favors. K-dramas frequently feature storylines exposing corporate or political corruption, resonating deeply with the public's desire for a cleaner society.
Editorial note
We review entries like 부패 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
부패 척결
Eradication of corruption
정치 부패
Political corruption
부패 스캔들
Corruption scandal
Related Expressions
비리
Biri
Impropriety, misconduct, scandal
뇌물
Noemul
Bribery
권력 남용
Gwollyeok namyong
Abuse of power
청렴
Cheongnyeom
Integrity, incorruptibility
More Law & Government Words
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