Korean Dictionary
How to say "Fortress" in Korean
“Fortress” in Korean is 요새 (pronounced "yosae").
요새
yosae
Usage & Context
Korean fortresses are historical military structures that showcase architectural and strategic importance. Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon is a famous example.
Example Sentence
수원 화성 요새는 정말 인상적이었어요.
Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon was really impressive.
How to use 요새 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Fortress” is 요새, romanized as yosae.
Usage tip
Pair this travel word with polite request endings like -요 so it works in hotels, stations, taxis, and shops.
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 요새.
Pronunciation Guide
The pronunciation for 요새 is 'yo-sae'. 'Yo' sounds like the 'yo' in 'yogurt', and 'sae' rhymes with the English word 'say'. The stress is fairly even across both syllables.
More Example Sentences
Discussing famous historical sites in Korea.
남한산성 요새는 유네스코 세계유산이에요.
Namhansanseong Fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Learning about the historical significance of a structure.
옛날에는 이 요새가 도시를 지키는 중요한 역할을 했어요.
In the past, this fortress played an important role in protecting the city.
Describing a challenging outdoor activity.
산 정상에 있는 요새까지 등산하는 건 쉽지 않았어요.
Hiking up to the fortress on the mountain peak wasn't easy.
Cultural Context
Korean fortresses like Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon or Namhansanseong Fortress are not just ruins; they are often well-preserved historical parks where people go for walks, picnics, and to learn about Joseon Dynasty military architecture. They are popular tourist attractions and often feature cultural events, offering a glimpse into Korea's strategic past.
Editorial note
We review entries like 요새 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
요새를 건설하다
to build a fortress
요새를 방어하다
to defend a fortress
역사적인 요새
historical fortress
Related Expressions
성곽
seonggwak
fortress wall, rampart
성
seong
castle, fortress (more general)
방어 시설
bangeo siseol
defense facility
요충지
yochungji
strategic point
More Travel Words
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