Korean Dictionary

How to say "Joseon Defensive Walls" in Korean

Joseon Defensive Walls” in Korean is 성벽 (pronounced "seongbyeok").

성벽

seongbyeok

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IntermediateKorean History

Usage & Context

Joseon-era defensive walls (성벽) protected major cities and strategic passes. Seoul still has significant sections of its Joseon-era city wall surrounding Bugaksan and Naksan mountains. These fortifications reflect Korean military architecture.

Example Sentence

서울 성벽은 조선 시대의 유산이에요.

Seoul's city wall is a heritage from the Joseon era.

How to use 성벽 naturally

Quick answer

The Korean word for “Joseon Defensive Walls” is 성벽, romanized as seongbyeok.

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 성벽.

Pronunciation Guide

Say "Seong-byeok." "Seong" sounds like "song" but with a slightly more open 'o' sound, similar to the 'o' in "long." "Byeok" sounds like "byuck," rhyming with "duck" but with a 'b' and 'y' sound at the beginning. The 'ng' sound in "seong" is like the 'ng' in "sing."

More Example Sentences

Recommending a hiking trail to a friend.

서울 성벽을 따라 걷는 트레킹 코스가 정말 좋아요.

The trekking course along the Seoul City Wall is really nice.

Explaining historical facts to a child.

옛날에는 이 성벽이 도성을 지켜주는 역할을 했어요.

In the past, these walls played a role in protecting the capital city.

Discussing another famous historical wall.

수원 화성 성벽은 유네스코 세계유산으로 지정되어 있어요.

Suwon Hwaseong Fortress Wall is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Cultural Context

The Seoul City Wall (서울 한양도성, Seoul Hanyangdoseong) is a significant historical landmark, with well-preserved sections that are popular for hiking. It encircles the old city center, connecting mountains like Bugaksan, Naksan, Namsan, and Inwangsan. Walking along the wall offers panoramic views of modern Seoul juxtaposed with ancient history, making it a unique experience for both locals and tourists seeking a blend of nature and heritage.

Editorial note

We review entries like 성벽 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

서울 성벽길

Seoul City Wall trail

성벽을 걷다

To walk along the city wall

성벽 보존

City wall preservation

Related Expressions

성곽

seonggwak

Fortress wall (often interchangeable with 성벽)

산성

sanseong

Mountain fortress

요새

yosae

Fortress, stronghold

방어 시설

bangeo siseol

Defensive facility

More Korean History Words

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