Korean Dictionary
How to say "History" in Korean
“History” in Korean is 역사 (pronounced "Yeoksa").
역사
Yeoksa
Usage & Context
History (역사) is a compulsory and culturally significant subject in Korean education. Students learn Korean history, Asian history, and world history. Given Korea's rich and sometimes turbulent past — including the Japanese colonial period and the Korean War — history education carries deep national and cultural importance.
Example Sentence
한국 역사가 정말 흥미로워요.
Korean history is really interesting.
How to use 역사 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “History” is 역사, romanized as Yeoksa.
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 역사.
Pronunciation Guide
The first syllable, '역' (yeok), sounds like 'yuck' but with a slightly softer 'y' and a clear 'eo' vowel, similar to 'uh' in 'butter.' The second syllable, '사' (sa), is pronounced like 'sa' in 'sad.'
More Example Sentences
A student reflecting on the emotional impact of their history class.
한국 역사를 배우면서 많은 것을 느꼈어요.
I felt a lot while learning Korean history.
Someone talking about their favorite TV genre, especially popular 'sageuk' in Korea.
역사 드라마 보는 걸 정말 좋아해요.
I really enjoy watching historical dramas.
A local resident describing their area, perhaps to a visitor.
우리 동네는 역사가 깊은 곳이에요.
Our neighborhood is a place with deep history.
Cultural Context
'역사' (history) holds profound significance in Korea, deeply intertwined with national identity and patriotism. Historical K-dramas (사극, sageuk) are immensely popular, often depicting pivotal moments or figures from Korean history. Learning about Korea's past, especially periods of struggle and resilience like the Japanese colonial period and the Korean War, is considered essential for understanding contemporary Korean society and culture.
Editorial note
We review entries like 역사 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
역사 공부
studying history
역사 드라마
historical drama
역사적인 사건
historical event
Related Expressions
역사가
Yeoksaga
historian
한국사
Hanguksa
Korean history
세계사
Segyesa
world history
역사적
Yeoksajeok
historical (adjective)
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