Korean Dictionary
How to say "Gardening" in Korean
“Gardening” in Korean is 원예 (pronounced "Wonye").
원예
Wonye
Usage & Context
Gardening is a relaxing hobby in Korea. Many Koreans grow plants on their balconies or in community gardens.
Example Sentence
원예 취미를 갖게 된 후로 베란다가 작은 정원이 됐어요.
Since I took up gardening, my balcony became a small garden.
How to use 원예 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Gardening” is 원예, romanized as Wonye.
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 원예.
Pronunciation Guide
Pronounced 'won-ye'. The 'won' rhymes with 'want' without the 't', and 'ye' is like 'yeah' shortened. Two syllables, smooth and quick.
More Example Sentences
future plans
은퇴하면 원예를 배우고 싶어요.
I want to learn gardening when I retire.
university application
원예 학과에 지원했어요.
I applied to the horticulture department.
wellness conversation
원예 치료는 정신 건강에 좋대요.
They say horticultural therapy is good for mental health.
Cultural Context
원예 is a fairly formal/academic word — it shows up in majors, books, and therapy contexts (원예 치료). For everyday home gardening most Koreans say 식물 키우기 (growing plants) or 텃밭 가꾸기 (tending a vegetable patch). Apartment life limits traditional gardening, so indoor plants (반려 식물 = 'companion plants') are hugely popular.
Editorial note
We review entries like 원예 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
원예가 제 취미예요.
Gardening is my hobby.
원예 용품을 사러 가요.
I'm going to buy gardening supplies.
식물 키우는 재미가 쏠쏠해요.
Growing plants is surprisingly fun.
Related Expressions
식물
sikmul
plant
텃밭
teotbat
small vegetable garden
화분
hwabun
flower pot / potted plant
반려 식물
ballyeo sikmul
companion plant
More Hobbies & Leisure Words
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