Korean Dictionary
How to say "Gua Sha" in Korean
“Gua Sha” in Korean is 괄사 (pronounced "Gwalsa").
괄사
Gwalsa
Usage & Context
Gua sha is a traditional East Asian beauty technique using a smooth tool to massage the face and improve circulation. It has become popular in Korean skincare.
Example Sentence
괄사를 하면 얼굴 부기가 빠지고 혈색이 좋아져요.
Gua sha reduces facial puffiness and improves complexion.
How to use 괄사 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Gua Sha” is 괄사, romanized as Gwalsa.
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 괄사.
Pronunciation Guide
The first syllable, 'Gwal' (괄), sounds like 'gwa' in 'Guam' followed by a soft 'l' sound, similar to 'l' in 'ball'. The second syllable, 'Sa' (사), is pronounced like 'sa' in 'sad' but shorter and crisper. The stress is relatively even across both syllables.
More Example Sentences
Recommending a beauty treatment to a friend.
괄사 마사지는 혈액순환에 정말 좋아요.
Gua sha massage is really good for blood circulation.
Discussing current beauty trends.
요즘 괄사로 얼굴 라인 관리하는 사람이 많더라고요.
I've noticed many people are managing their face lines with gua sha these days.
Reviewing a specific gua sha product.
이 괄사는 도자기 재질이라 시원하고 피부에 자극이 없어요.
This gua sha tool is made of ceramic, so it's cool and doesn't irritate the skin.
Cultural Context
Gua sha, or '괄사' in Korean, has gained immense popularity in Korean skincare, often seen as a natural way to achieve the coveted V-line face shape and glowing skin. While its roots are in traditional Chinese medicine, it's widely embraced in K-beauty routines, with various tools made from jade, rose quartz, or ceramic. Many K-beauty influencers and celebrities share their gua sha routines, emphasizing its benefits for lymphatic drainage and reducing puffiness.
Editorial note
We review entries like 괄사 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
괄사 마사지하다
To do gua sha massage
괄사로 붓기 빼다
To reduce puffiness with gua sha
괄사 효과
Gua sha effect/benefits
Related Expressions
피부 마사지
Pibu masaji
Skin massage
얼굴 붓기
Eolgul butgi
Facial puffiness
혈액순환
Hyeoraeksunsan
Blood circulation
V라인
V-rain
V-line (face shape)
More Beauty & Skincare Words
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