Korean Dictionary
How to say "IMF" in Korean
“IMF” in Korean is 국제통화기금 (pronounced "Gukje tongwha gigeum").
국제통화기금
Gukje tongwha gigeum
Usage & Context
International Monetary Fund. Korea received IMF assistance during the 1997 financial crisis.
Example Sentence
IMF 위기가 있었어요.
There was an IMF crisis.
How to use 국제통화기금 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “IMF” is 국제통화기금, romanized as Gukje tongwha gigeum.
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 국제통화기금.
Pronunciation Guide
For 국제 (Gukje), "Guk" sounds like "gook" (as in "book" with a 'g'), and "je" sounds like "jeh" in "jet." For 통화 (tongwha), "Tong" sounds like "tong" (as in "tongue"), and "wha" sounds like "wah" (as in "what"). For 기금 (gigeum), "Gi" sounds like "gee," and "geum" like "goom." Each syllable is pronounced clearly.
More Example Sentences
Discussing the historical event of the 1997 financial crisis.
한국은 IMF 구제금융을 받았습니다.
Korea received an IMF bailout.
Reporting on an international diplomatic visit.
IMF 총재가 한국을 방문할 예정입니다.
The IMF Managing Director is scheduled to visit Korea.
Explaining the general role of the IMF.
IMF는 세계 경제 안정에 기여합니다.
The IMF contributes to global economic stability.
Cultural Context
The 'IMF Crisis' (IMF 외환 위기) of 1997-1998 is a deeply significant and often traumatic historical event for many Koreans. It refers to the period when South Korea received a massive bailout from the IMF, leading to widespread economic hardship, corporate bankruptcies, and a national gold-collection campaign. The term 'IMF' (or '국제통화기금') is frequently used in Korea not just to refer to the organization, but to the crisis period itself, symbolizing a time of national challenge and resilience.
Editorial note
We review entries like 국제통화기금 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
IMF 시대
The IMF era (referring to the crisis period)
IMF 극복
Overcoming the IMF crisis
IMF 권고
IMF recommendation
Related Expressions
외환 위기
oehwan wigi
Foreign exchange crisis (The specific type of crisis in 1997)
구제금융
gujegyeolje
Bailout / Rescue fund
경제 위기
gyeongje wigi
Economic crisis
세계 은행
segye eunhaeng
World Bank (Another major international financial institution)
More Finance & Banking Words
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