Korean Dictionary

How to say "Fine arts" in Korean

Fine arts” in Korean is 순수 미술 (pronounced "Sunsu misul").

순수 미술

Sunsu misul

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IntermediateArt & Design

Usage & Context

Traditional art forms like painting, sculpture, and drawing. Core curriculum in Korean art education.

Example Sentence

순수 미술은 예술의 기본입니다.

Fine arts are the foundation of art.

How to use 순수 미술 naturally

Quick answer

The Korean word for “Fine arts” is 순수 미술, romanized as Sunsu misul.

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 순수 미술.

Pronunciation Guide

For '순수 미술', pronounce '순' (sun) like 'soon'. '수' (su) is like 'soo'. '미' (mi) is like 'me'. '술' (sul) is like 'sool' in 'pool'. The pronunciation flows smoothly with no strong emphasis on any single syllable.

More Example Sentences

A student discussing their academic or career interests.

저는 순수 미술보다는 디자인에 더 관심이 많아요.

I'm more interested in design than fine arts.

Describing an art exhibition at a gallery.

이 갤러리에는 현대 순수 미술 작품들이 전시되어 있습니다.

This gallery is exhibiting contemporary fine art pieces.

Asking about career prospects for an art major.

순수 미술을 전공하면 어떤 직업을 가질 수 있나요?

What kind of jobs can you get if you major in fine arts?

Cultural Context

In Korean art education and discourse, '순수 미술' (fine arts) is often distinguished from '응용 미술' (applied arts) or '디자인' (design). Fine arts typically encompass traditional forms like painting, sculpture, and printmaking, focusing on aesthetic expression rather than practical application. While fine arts degrees are highly respected, career paths can be challenging, often leading to roles as artists, educators, or curators.

Editorial note

We review entries like 순수 미술 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

순수 미술 전공

fine arts major

순수 미술 작품

fine art piece

순수 미술 전시회

fine arts exhibition

Related Expressions

응용 미술

eungyong misul

applied arts

현대 미술

hyeondae misul

contemporary art

조각

jogak

sculpture

회화

hoehwa

painting

More Art & Design Words

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