Korean Dictionary
How to say "Introspection" in Korean
“Introspection” in Korean is 자기 성찰 (pronounced "jagi seonchchal").
자기 성찰
jagi seonchchal
Usage & Context
Introspection is the examination of one's own thoughts and feelings. Korean wellness culture encourages 자기 성찰 through journaling, meditation, and therapy to promote self-awareness.
Example Sentence
자기 성찰을 통해 자신의 강점과 약점을 파악할 수 있다.
Through introspection, one can understand their strengths and weaknesses.
How to use 자기 성찰 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Introspection” is 자기 성찰, romanized as jagi seonchchal.
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 자기 성찰.
Pronunciation Guide
Pronounced 'jah-gee suhng-chahl' — 'jagi' rhymes with 'soggy' (but softer), and 'seongchal' has the 'ng' of 'song' followed by 'chal' like 'chalk' without the 'k.'
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
자기 성찰
jagi seongchal
Standard Sino-Korean term used in essays, therapy contexts, and self-help books
Casual (반말)
나를 돌아보기
nareul doraboki
Literal, native-Korean phrasing ('looking back at myself') — softer and more conversational
More Example Sentences
a journal entry or New Year reflection
연말에는 한 해를 돌아보며 자기 성찰의 시간을 가져요.
At year-end, I take time for introspection, looking back over the year.
casual confession to a close friend
요즘 바빠서 자기 성찰할 여유가 없었어요.
I've been too busy lately to have time for introspection.
sharing a personal growth story
상담을 통해 깊은 자기 성찰을 하게 됐어요.
Through counseling, I came to do deep introspection.
Cultural Context
자기 성찰 has roots in Confucian scholarship — the phrase 일일삼성 (reflecting on oneself three times a day) comes from Analects and remains a recognizable proverb. In modern Korea, the concept has been rebranded through wellness culture: bullet journaling (불렛 저널), 마음챙김 (mindfulness) apps, and therapy (상담) have all surged in popularity, especially post-pandemic. The idea also shows up in K-drama character arcs, where a protagonist retreating to the countryside for 자기 성찰 is an instantly recognizable trope.
Editorial note
We review entries like 자기 성찰 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
자기 성찰의 시간
Time for introspection
깊이 자기 성찰하다
To deeply introspect
자기 성찰이 필요해요
I need some self-reflection
Related Expressions
반성
banseong
self-reflection / regret
마음챙김
maeumchaenggim
mindfulness
명상
myeongsang
meditation
자아 성장
jaa seongjang
self-growth
More Mental Health & Wellness Words
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