Korean Dictionary
How to say "Forest" in Korean
“Forest” in Korean is 숲 (pronounced "Sup").
숲
Sup
Usage & Context
Korea has extensive forests, particularly on mountainsides. 삼림욕 (forest bathing, sarimuryok) — inspired by Japan's 森林浴 (shinrinyoku) — is a popular wellness activity. Healing forests (치유의 숲) and arboretums are maintained by the government. Pine forests (소나무 숲) are particularly beloved in Korean culture.
Example Sentence
숲 속을 걸으면 마음이 편안해져요.
Walking through a forest calms the mind.
How to use 숲 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Forest” is 숲, romanized as Sup.
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 숲.
Pronunciation Guide
Pronounce 'Sup' like 'soop' in English, as in 'soup'. The 's' is soft, and the 'p' is unreleased at the end, almost like you stop the sound with your lips closed.
More Example Sentences
Suggesting a weekend activity.
주말에 숲으로 삼림욕을 하러 갈까요?
Shall we go to the forest for forest bathing this weekend?
Learning about nature.
숲 속에는 다양한 동식물이 살고 있어요.
Various animals and plants live in the forest.
Describing a seasonal attraction.
이 숲은 가을에 단풍이 정말 예뻐요.
The autumn foliage in this forest is truly beautiful.
Cultural Context
'숲' (sup) holds a special place in Korean culture, particularly with the growing popularity of '삼림욕' (samnimyok), or 'forest bathing,' a practice inspired by Japan's shinrinyoku. Many '치유의 숲' (chiyu-ui sup, healing forests) and arboretums are government-maintained, offering spaces for relaxation and well-being. Pine forests (소나무 숲) are especially revered, as the pine tree (소나무) is a national symbol representing resilience and longevity.
Editorial note
We review entries like 숲 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
숲 속
Inside the forest.
숲을 거닐다
To stroll through the forest.
치유의 숲
Healing forest.
Related Expressions
나무
namu
Tree
산림
sanrim
Forest (more formal/administrative term)
공원
gongwon
Park
자연
jayeon
Nature
More Nature Words
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