Korean Dictionary
How to say "Gisaeng" in Korean
“Gisaeng” in Korean is 기생 (pronounced "Gisaeng").
기생
Gisaeng
Usage & Context
Historically trained Korean female entertainers skilled in music, dance, and poetry during the Joseon Dynasty. Similar in concept to Japanese geisha but distinct in training and social role. Their arts are studied and preserved through Korean intangible cultural heritage programs. Often depicted in historical K-dramas.
Example Sentence
기생은 조선시대에 예술과 문학을 배운 여성이에요.
Gisaeng were women who learned arts and literature during the Joseon era.
How to use 기생 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Gisaeng” is 기생, romanized as Gisaeng.
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 기생.
Pronunciation Guide
기 (Gi) sounds like 'gee' in 'geese'. 생 (saeng) rhymes with 'sang' (past tense of sing), but with a slightly more open 'ae' sound, similar to 'sa-eng'. Put them together: 'Gee-saeng'. The stress is on the first syllable.
More Example Sentences
Describing their artistic talents in a historical context.
기생은 시와 그림, 음악 등 다양한 예술에 능했어요.
Gisaeng were skilled in various arts such as poetry, painting, and music.
Discussing K-dramas with a friend.
역사 드라마에서 기생 역할은 항상 매력적이에요.
Gisaeng roles in historical dramas are always captivating.
Correcting a common misconception about gisaeng.
조선시대 기생은 단순한 유흥업자가 아니었어요.
Gisaeng in the Joseon Dynasty were not mere entertainers.
Cultural Context
기생 (Gisaeng) were highly trained female entertainers and artists during the Joseon Dynasty, often compared to Japanese geisha but with distinct social roles and training. They were skilled in various arts, including music (가야금, gayageum), dance, poetry, and calligraphy, and often served as companions and conversationalists for the literati and royalty. While their social status was low, they played a significant role in preserving traditional arts and culture. Many historical K-dramas, such as 'Hwang Jini,' depict the lives and artistry of gisaeng, showcasing their intelligence, beauty, and often tragic circumstances.
Editorial note
We review entries like 기생 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
기생의 삶은 어땠을까?
What would a gisaeng's life have been like?
그녀는 마치 기생처럼 아름다웠다.
She was beautiful like a gisaeng.
기생 문화는 한국 전통 예술의 한 부분이다.
Gisaeng culture is a part of traditional Korean art.
Related Expressions
예인
Yein
Artist/Performer (general term)
명창
Myeongchang
Master singer (especially in traditional music like pansori)
무희
Muhi
Dancer (especially traditional)
유녀
Yunyeo
Courtesan/Prostitute (a more general, often negative term, distinct from gisaeng's artistic role)
More Culture Words
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