Korean Dictionary
How to say "Gukbap" in Korean
“Gukbap” in Korean is 국밥 (pronounced "gukbap").
국밥
gukbap
Usage & Context
Gukbap is a Korean dish where rice is served in a hot soup. It is a hearty one-bowl meal commonly enjoyed for breakfast or as a quick comforting meal in Korea.
Example Sentence
이른 아침에 뜨거운 국밥 한 그릇이 최고다.
A bowl of hot gukbap is the best early in the morning.
How to use 국밥 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Gukbap” is 국밥, romanized as gukbap.
Usage tip
Use this word with ordering phrases, taste descriptions, and polite requests when speaking in a restaurant.
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 국밥.
Pronunciation Guide
Pronounced 'gook-bap' — 국 like 'gook' (rhymes with 'cook'), and 밥 like 'bap' with a closed 'p'. Literally 'soup-rice'.
More Example Sentences
A coworker recommending a hangover spot after a company dinner.
해장으로는 순대국밥만 한 게 없어요.
For a hangover cure, nothing beats sundae gukbap.
Friends on a road trip to Busan.
부산 돼지국밥 한 그릇 먹고 가자.
Let's stop for a bowl of Busan dwaeji gukbap.
Commenting on the weather with a friend at lunch.
겨울엔 뜨끈한 국밥이 딱이야.
In winter, piping hot gukbap hits the spot.
Cultural Context
국밥 is the ultimate Korean comfort food, prized for being fast, cheap, and restorative — a classic 해장 (hangover) meal the morning after drinking. Regional varieties are strong identity markers: 부산의 돼지국밥 (Busan's pork gukbap), 서울식 설렁탕, and 전주의 콩나물국밥. 국밥집 are often open 24 hours and serve as gathering spots after late-night shifts or soju sessions, with 깍두기 (radish kimchi) always on the side.
Editorial note
We test food and dining words like 국밥 inside ordering situations, because the natural Korean phrase often includes a polite request ending.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
국밥 한 그릇 먹자.
Let's get a bowl of gukbap.
국밥이 시원하네요.
The gukbap broth is refreshing.
해장엔 국밥이 최고예요.
For a hangover, gukbap is the best.
Related Expressions
돼지국밥
dwaeji gukbap
Pork gukbap (Busan specialty)
순대국밥
sundae gukbap
Blood sausage gukbap
콩나물국밥
kongnamul gukbap
Bean sprout gukbap (hangover favorite)
해장
haejang
Curing a hangover
More Korean Food & Dining Words
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