Korean Dictionary
How to say "Journaling" in Korean
“Journaling” in Korean is 일기 쓰기 (pronounced "Ilgi Sseugi").
일기 쓰기
Ilgi Sseugi
Usage & Context
Writing in a diary or journal is a reflective hobby practiced in Korea. Many Koreans keep personal journals for self-expression and stress relief.
Example Sentence
매일 일기를 쓰면 생각이 정리돼요.
Writing a diary every day helps organize your thoughts.
How to use 일기 쓰기 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Journaling” is 일기 쓰기, romanized as Ilgi Sseugi.
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 일기 쓰기.
Pronunciation Guide
For "일기" (ilgi), it sounds like "eel-gee." "Eel" as in the fish, and "gee" like "geese" without the 'se'. For "쓰기" (sseugi), it sounds like "sseu-gee." "Sseu" is a bit tricky; it's like "soo" but with your lips spread wider, almost like a soft "suh" sound. The double 'ss' indicates a tense, sharp sound. "Gee" again like "geese" without the 'se'.
More Example Sentences
Describing a daily evening routine.
자기 전에 일기 쓰기로 하루를 마무리해요.
I end my day by journaling before bed.
Sharing advice on mental health.
일기 쓰기가 감정 조절에 도움이 된다고 들었어요.
I heard that journaling helps with emotional regulation.
Talking about a long-standing personal habit.
어릴 때부터 일기 쓰기를 꾸준히 해왔어요.
I've been journaling consistently since I was young.
Cultural Context
Journaling, or "일기 쓰기," is a common practice in Korea, often encouraged from a young age in schools as a way to reflect on daily life and improve writing skills. While less overtly public than some hobbies, many Koreans find solace and self-expression through keeping a personal diary. It's a private space for thoughts and feelings, a quiet counterpoint to the fast-paced, often communal aspects of Korean society.
Editorial note
We review entries like 일기 쓰기 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
일기 써야지.
I should write in my journal.
매일 일기를 써요.
I write in my journal every day.
일기 쓰기가 취미예요.
Journaling is my hobby.
Related Expressions
일기
ilgi
diary, journal (noun)
쓰다
sseuda
to write
기록하다
girokada
to record, to document
다이어리
daieori
diary (loanword)
More Hobbies & Leisure Words
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