Korean Dictionary
How to say "Hallyu (Korean Wave)" in Korean
“Hallyu (Korean Wave)” in Korean is 한류 (pronounced "hallyu").
한류
hallyu
Usage & Context
Hallyu or the Korean Wave refers to the global spread of Korean culture starting in the late 1990s. Korean dramas, K-pop, food, and movies have gained massive international followings. Hallyu has become a defining feature of modern Korean cultural history.
Example Sentence
한류는 한국 문화를 전 세계에 알린 현상이에요.
Hallyu is a phenomenon that spread Korean culture throughout the world.
How to use 한류 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Hallyu (Korean Wave)” is 한류, romanized as hallyu.
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 한류.
Pronunciation Guide
한류 (hal-lyu) sounds like 'hahl-lyoo'. 'Hal' like 'hall', and 'lyu' like 'lyoo' (as in 'loo' with a soft 'y' sound before it). The 'l' sound is often doubled or strengthened in Korean when 'ㄹ' is followed by 'ㄹ'.
More Example Sentences
Discussing global cultural trends.
요즘 전 세계적으로 한류의 인기가 정말 대단해요.
These days, the popularity of Hallyu worldwide is truly amazing.
Explaining the components of Hallyu.
K-POP과 K-드라마가 한류를 이끄는 주역이죠.
K-Pop and K-Dramas are the main protagonists leading Hallyu.
Explaining the positive impact of Hallyu.
한류 덕분에 한국 문화에 대한 관심이 많이 늘었어요.
Thanks to Hallyu, interest in Korean culture has increased a lot.
Cultural Context
Hallyu, or the Korean Wave, is a massive cultural phenomenon that has propelled Korean pop culture onto the global stage. It started with dramas and music in the late 90s/early 2000s and has since expanded to include movies, food, fashion, and beauty. K-pop groups like BTS and Blackpink, and dramas like 'Squid Game' or 'Parasite,' are prime examples. Hallyu isn't just entertainment; it's a significant soft power for Korea, influencing global perceptions and boosting tourism and exports.
Editorial note
We review entries like 한류 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
한류 열풍
Hallyu craze/fever
한류 스타
Hallyu star
한류 콘텐츠
Hallyu content
Related Expressions
K-POP
keipap
K-Pop (major component of Hallyu)
K-드라마
keideurama
K-Drama (major component of Hallyu)
한국 문화
hanguk munhwa
Korean culture (broader concept)
문화 콘텐츠
munhwa kontencheu
Cultural content (related industry term)
More Korean History Words
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