Korean Dictionary
How to say "Handicraft" in Korean
“Handicraft” in Korean is 공예 (pronounced "Gonghye").
공예
Gonghye
Usage & Context
Handicrafts encompass a wide range of hand-made items using various materials. Traditional Korean crafts include pojagi (patchwork), pottery, and papermaking.
Example Sentence
공예 수업에서 다양한 만들기를 배워요.
I learn various crafts in handicraft class.
How to use 공예 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Handicraft” is 공예, romanized as Gonghye.
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 공예.
Pronunciation Guide
The word '공예' (Gonghye) is pronounced 'gong-hyeh'. The '공' part sounds like 'gong' in 'gong show'. The '예' part is pronounced like 'yeh' in 'yes'. The 'h' sound is soft and blends into the 'yeh' sound.
More Example Sentences
Sharing a unique weekend activity.
주말에 전통 공예 체험을 해봤어요.
I tried a traditional handicraft experience on the weekend.
Complimenting a unique, handcrafted item.
이 가방은 수공예로 만들어져서 더 특별해요.
This bag is more special because it's handmade (handicraft).
Describing a purchase from a craft shop.
공예품 가게에서 예쁜 도자기 컵을 샀어요.
I bought a pretty ceramic cup at a handicraft store.
Cultural Context
Gonghye (handicraft) holds deep cultural significance in Korea, with traditional crafts like Hanji (Korean paper art), Pojagi (patchwork wrapping cloths), and ceramics being highly valued. Beyond tradition, modern craft culture is also thriving, with numerous workshops and studios offering classes in various crafts, from leatherwork to jewelry making. Many young Koreans enjoy learning new crafts as a hobby or even starting small businesses selling their handmade goods.
Editorial note
We review entries like 공예 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
공예 수업
craft class
전통 공예
traditional craft
공예품 전시회
craft exhibition
Related Expressions
수공예
Sugonghye
handmade craft / handicraft
공예품
Gonghyepum
craft item / handicraft product
공예가
Gonghyega
craftsman / craft artist
만들기
Mandeulgi
making / crafting (general term)
More Hobbies & Leisure Words
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