Korean Dictionary
How to say "Hot Place" in Korean
“Hot Place” in Korean is 핫플 (pronounced "hatpul").
핫플
hatpul
Usage & Context
Abbreviation for hot place, referring to trendy or popular locations. Used to describe restaurants, cafes, or attractions that are currently popular.
Example Sentence
그 카페 요즘 핫플이야.
That cafe is a hot place these days.
How to use 핫플 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Hot Place” is 핫플, romanized as hatpul.
Usage tip
Use slang only with friends or people who already speak casually with you. It can sound rude in formal Korean.
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 핫플.
Pronunciation Guide
핫 (hat) sounds like the English word 'hat' but with a shorter 'a' and an unreleased 't' sound. 플 (peul) sounds like 'pull' but with a 'p' and the 'eu' vowel similar to the 'u' in 'put'. Combine them as 'hat-pull'.
More Example Sentences
Friends deciding where to eat/go, noting its popularity.
여기 완전 핫플이라 웨이팅 길어.
This place is a total hot spot, so the waiting line is long.
Someone talking about their hobby or recent interest.
요즘 인스타에서 핫플 검색하는 재미에 빠졌어.
These days, I'm really into searching for hot places on Instagram.
Planning a weekend outing with friends or family.
우리 다음 주말에 새로 생긴 핫플 가볼까?
Shall we try that new hot place next weekend?
Cultural Context
핫플 (hatpul) is a very common Konglish term, a direct abbreviation of 'hot place.' It's widely used by young Koreans, especially on social media (Instagram, TikTok), to describe trendy cafes, restaurants, pop-up stores, or even neighborhoods. It implies a place that is currently popular, often aesthetically pleasing, and worth visiting for photos or unique experiences, strongly associated with the 'MZ generation' (Millennials and Gen Z).
Editorial note
We flag slang like 핫플 for register and audience, since Korean slang can shift quickly and may sound rude outside close friendships.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
핫플 투어
Hot place tour
핫플 맛집
Hot place restaurant (맛집 = delicious place)
인스타 핫플
Instagram hot place
Related Expressions
인싸
insa
Insider, popular person (often goes to hot places)
힙하다
hiphada
To be hip/trendy
유행
yuhaeng
Trend, fashion
명소
myeongso
Famous spot, landmark (more general)
More Slang Words
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