Korean Dictionary
How to say "Korean Empire" in Korean
“Korean Empire” in Korean is 대한제국 (pronounced "daehanjeguk").
대한제국
daehanjeguk
Usage & Context
The Korean Empire (1897–1910) was proclaimed by King Gojong to assert Korean independence from Chinese suzerainty. It adopted a Westernized governmental structure and pursued modernization. The empire ended with Japanese annexation in 1910.
Example Sentence
대한제국은 1897년부터 1910년까지 존재했어요.
The Korean Empire existed from 1897 to 1910.
How to use 대한제국 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Korean Empire” is 대한제국, romanized as daehanjeguk.
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 대한제국.
Pronunciation Guide
대 (dae) sounds like 'day'. 한 (han) sounds like 'han' in 'hand'. 제 (je) sounds like 'jeh' (like 'jet' without the 't'). 국 (guk) sounds like 'gook' (with a soft 'g'). Combine as DAE-han JE-guk, with emphasis on 'Dae' and 'Je'.
More Example Sentences
Explaining the founding principle of the Korean Empire.
대한제국은 자주 독립을 선언하며 시작되었습니다.
The Korean Empire began by declaring independent sovereignty.
Discussing historical architecture from the era.
덕수궁 석조전은 대한제국 시기의 대표적인 건축물이에요.
Deoksugung Seokjojeon is a representative building from the Korean Empire period.
Reflecting on the historical importance of the empire.
대한제국은 짧은 기간이었지만 한국 역사에 중요한 의미를 가집니다.
Although the Korean Empire was short-lived, it holds significant meaning in Korean history.
Cultural Context
The Korean Empire (대한제국) was a short-lived but significant period (1897-1910) when Korea attempted to assert its full independence and modernize amidst increasing foreign pressure, particularly from Japan. Proclaimed by King Gojong, it symbolized Korea's ambition to transform from a tributary state into a sovereign, modern nation-state with Western-style reforms. Its tragic end with Japanese annexation in 1910 makes it a poignant chapter in Korean history, representing a final, desperate struggle for national autonomy.
Editorial note
We review entries like 대한제국 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
대한제국 시대
Korean Empire era
대한제국 황제
Emperor of the Korean Empire
대한제국 선포
proclamation of the Korean Empire
Related Expressions
고종
Gojong
Emperor Gojong
을사늑약
Eulsaneugyak
Eulsa Treaty (1905, forced protectorate treaty)
독립
dongnip
independence
개화기
gaehwagi
Enlightenment period
More Korean History Words
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