Korean Dictionary
How to say "Highway" in Korean
“Highway” in Korean is 고속도로 (pronounced "gosok-doro").
고속도로
gosok-doro
Usage & Context
Korea has an extensive network of modern highways connecting major cities. The highway system is well-maintained and efficient for long-distance travel.
Example Sentence
고속도로로 부산에 갔어요.
I went to Busan via the highway.
How to use 고속도로 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Highway” is 고속도로, romanized as gosok-doro.
Usage tip
Pair this travel word with polite request endings like -요 so it works in hotels, stations, taxis, and shops.
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 고속도로.
Pronunciation Guide
Pronounce 'Go' like the English word 'go'. 'Sok' sounds like 'sock'. 'Do' is like 'door' without the 'r' sound. 'Ro' is like 'row'. The stress is relatively even, with a slight emphasis on the first syllable.
More Example Sentences
Stating the travel time between two major cities by highway.
서울에서 부산까지 고속도로로 4시간 걸려요.
It takes 4 hours from Seoul to Busan via highway.
Commenting on typical holiday traffic conditions.
명절에는 고속도로가 항상 막혀요.
During holidays, the highway is always jammed.
Discussing the impact of new infrastructure on travel time.
새로운 고속도로가 개통되어서 더 빨라졌어요.
A new highway opened, so it's become faster.
Cultural Context
Korea boasts an excellent and extensive network of highways (고속도로) that connect its major cities and regions, making long-distance travel efficient. However, during major holidays like Seollal (Lunar New Year) and Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving), these highways can experience severe traffic jams, sometimes turning a few-hour drive into an all-day affair. Many Koreans rely on real-time navigation apps like Kakao Navi or Naver Maps to find the fastest routes and avoid congestion.
Editorial note
We review entries like 고속도로 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
고속도로 타다
to get on the highway
고속도로 출구
highway exit
고속도로 진입
highway entrance
Related Expressions
도로
doro
road (general term)
국도
gukdo
national highway (not an expressway)
일반 도로
ilban doro
regular road
고속버스
gosok-beoseu
express bus
More Travel Words
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