Korean Dictionary
How to say "Demolition" in Korean
“Demolition” in Korean is 철거 (pronounced "Cheolgeo").
철거
Cheolgeo
Usage & Context
Removal of buildings or structures. Part of urban redevelopment.
Example Sentence
오래된 건물의 철거가 시작됐어요.
Demolition of the old building has started.
How to use 철거 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Demolition” is 철거, romanized as Cheolgeo.
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 철거.
Pronunciation Guide
철거 is pronounced "Cheol-geo." "Cheol" sounds like "chul" in "Chul-soo" (a common Korean name), rhyming with "sole" but with a 'ch' sound. "Geo" sounds like "guh" in "bug" or "duh." The stress is fairly even across syllables.
More Example Sentences
News report about urban planning.
재개발을 위해 낡은 아파트 단지의 철거가 시작될 예정입니다.
The demolition of the old apartment complex is scheduled to begin for redevelopment.
Discussing a safety issue with a building.
위험한 건물이라서 빠른 철거가 필요하다고 판단했어요.
It was determined that quick demolition was necessary because it's a dangerous building.
Giving a safety warning.
철거 현장 주변은 항상 조심해야 해요.
You should always be careful around demolition sites.
Cultural Context
Demolition (철거) is a common sight in rapidly developing cities like Seoul, where old neighborhoods are often torn down to make way for new high-rise apartments or commercial complexes. This process, known as 재개발 (jaegaebal, redevelopment), is a frequent topic in Korean news and sometimes even K-dramas, highlighting the tension between preserving history and embracing modernization. It can be a sensitive issue, especially for residents who have to relocate.
Editorial note
We review entries like 철거 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
건물 철거
Building demolition
철거 작업
Demolition work
철거 예정
Scheduled for demolition
Related Expressions
해체
haeche
Dismantling, disassembly
파괴
pagoe
Destruction (more general, often negative)
재개발
jaegaebal
Redevelopment
건축
geonchuk
Construction (antonym)
More Architecture Words
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