Korean Dictionary
How to say "Lantern" in Korean
“Lantern” in Korean is 등불 (pronounced "deungbul").
등불
deungbul
Usage & Context
등불 or lanterns are a central symbol of Korean Buddhist festivals especially 연등회 (Lotus Lantern Festival). Traditional Korean 등불 come in the shape of lotuses, fish, cranes, and other symbolic creatures. Lighting a 등불 in a Korean temple is believed to illuminate one's path and bring good fortune.
Example Sentence
연등회에서 예쁜 등불을 만들었어요.
I made a beautiful lantern at the Lotus Lantern Festival.
How to use 등불 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Lantern” is 등불, romanized as deungbul.
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 등불.
Pronunciation Guide
Deungbul is pronounced "deung-bool." "Deung" sounds like "dung" but with a softer 'd' and a slightly nasal 'ng' sound, similar to the "ung" in "sung." "Bul" is like "bull." The stress is fairly even.
More Example Sentences
Describing the scene at a lantern festival.
연등회에서 수많은 등불이 밤하늘을 밝혔어요.
Countless lanterns lit up the night sky at the Lotus Lantern Festival.
Explaining the historical use of lanterns.
옛날에는 등불이 밤길을 밝히는 중요한 도구였어요.
In ancient times, lanterns were an important tool for lighting up night paths.
Participating in a traditional lantern-floating event.
소원을 빌며 등불을 강물에 띄웠어요.
I made a wish and floated a lantern on the river.
Cultural Context
등불 (Deungbul) holds deep cultural and spiritual significance in Korea, especially within Buddhist traditions. They are the central symbol of the 연등회 (Yeondeunghoe), or Lotus Lantern Festival, which celebrates Buddha's Birthday. During this festival, temples and streets are adorned with beautifully crafted lanterns in various shapes like lotuses, fish, and mythical creatures. Lighting a 등불 is believed to illuminate one's path, bring good fortune, and symbolize wisdom and compassion.
Editorial note
We review entries like 등불 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
등불을 밝히다
To light a lantern
등불 축제
Lantern festival
소원 등불
Wish lantern
Related Expressions
연등
yeondeung
Lotus lantern (specific type of 등불)
초롱불
chorongbul
Traditional Korean lantern (often with a handle)
촛불
chotbul
Candlelight, candle
빛
bit
Light
More Holidays & Festivals Words
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