Korean Dictionary

How to say "Korean Reunification" in Korean

Korean Reunification” in Korean is 남북 통일 (pronounced "nambuk tongil").

남북 통일

nambuk tongil

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Usage & Context

Korean reunification (남북 통일) is the aspiration to unite North and South Korea. Many Koreans especially the older generation with family in the North long for reunification. It remains one of the most complex geopolitical challenges of the 21st century.

Example Sentence

남북 통일이 이루어지길 바라요.

I hope Korean reunification will be achieved.

How to use 남북 통일 naturally

Quick answer

The Korean word for “Korean Reunification” is 남북 통일, romanized as nambuk tongil.

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 남북 통일.

Pronunciation Guide

남 (nam) sounds like 'nahm' in 'Vietnam'. 북 (buk) is pronounced like the English word 'book'. 통 (tong) sounds like 'tong' in 'tongs'. 일 (il) is like the English word 'ill'. The stress is fairly even, with a slight emphasis on 'tong'.

More Example Sentences

Discussing current affairs or social issues.

많은 한국인들이 남북 통일을 염원하고 있어요.

Many Koreans long for Korean reunification.

A news report or political discussion.

남북 통일은 여전히 복잡한 과제입니다.

Korean reunification remains a complex challenge.

A personal wish or future plan.

언젠가 남북 통일이 되면 북한에 가보고 싶어요.

If Korean reunification happens someday, I want to visit North Korea.

Cultural Context

남북 통일 (nambuk tongil) is a deeply emotional and politically charged topic in Korea. For older generations, especially those separated from family in the North, it represents a profound hope for reunion. While younger generations may have more pragmatic views, the idea of a unified Korea still holds significant cultural and historical weight. It's a recurring theme in political discourse, documentaries, and even some K-dramas that touch upon the division and its human cost.

Editorial note

We review entries like 남북 통일 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

남북 통일의 날

The day of Korean reunification

남북 통일 정책

Korean reunification policy

남북 통일을 기원하다

To wish for Korean reunification

Related Expressions

분단

bundan

Division (of Korea)

이산가족

isangajok

Separated families

평화 통일

pyeonghwa tongil

Peaceful reunification

통일부

tongilbu

Ministry of Unification

More Korean History Words

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