Korean Dictionary
How to say "Lake" in Korean
“Lake” in Korean is 호수 (pronounced "Hosu").
호수
Hosu
Usage & Context
A body of still water. Korea has both natural lakes and artificial reservoirs. 춘천 소양호 (Soyang Lake in Chuncheon), 충주호 (Chungju Lake), and Jeju's crater lake 백록담 (Baengnoktam) are famous. Lake activities include fishing (낚시), boating, and 호수공원 (lake parks) for walking and cycling.
Example Sentence
춘천에는 아름다운 호수가 많아요.
There are many beautiful lakes in Chuncheon.
How to use 호수 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Lake” is 호수, romanized as Hosu.
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 호수.
Pronunciation Guide
The first syllable, 'Ho,' sounds like 'hoe' (as in a gardening tool). The second syllable, 'su,' sounds like 'soo' (as in 'soup'). The stress is fairly even across both syllables.
More Example Sentences
Describing a leisure activity.
주말에 호수 공원에서 산책했어요.
I took a walk at the lake park on the weekend.
Observing wildlife at a lake.
이 호수는 물이 맑아서 오리들이 많이 살아요.
The water in this lake is clear, so many ducks live here.
Describing winter activities at a lake.
겨울에는 호수가 얼어서 스케이트를 탈 수 있어요.
In winter, the lake freezes over, so you can ice skate.
Cultural Context
Lakes in Korea, whether natural or artificial (like many large reservoirs), are popular recreational spots. 호수공원 (hosu gongwon - lake park) is a common urban feature, providing green spaces for walking, cycling, and relaxation. Famous lakes like Soyang Lake in Chuncheon are often associated with regional specialties and tourism, making them popular destinations. They are also common backdrops for K-dramas, especially for serene or contemplative scenes, or even dramatic encounters.
Editorial note
We review entries like 호수 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
호수 공원
Lake park
호수 주변을 걷다
To walk around the lake
호수에서 낚시하다
To fish in the lake
Related Expressions
강
gang
River
바다
bada
Sea, ocean
연못
yeonmot
Pond
저수지
jeosuji
Reservoir
More Nature Words
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