Korean Dictionary
How to say "Lava Rock" in Korean
“Lava Rock” in Korean is 현무암 (pronounced "Hyeonmuam").
현무암
Hyeonmuam
Usage & Context
현무암 (basalt/lava rock) is the defining geological feature of Jeju Island, formed by ancient volcanic activity. Jeju's iconic black stone walls, dolharubang statues, and coastal formations are all made of basalt. It is used in traditional architecture and stone carving on the island.
Example Sentence
제주도의 돌담은 현무암으로 만들어졌어요.
The stone walls of Jeju Island are made of basalt.
How to use 현무암 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Lava Rock” is 현무암, romanized as Hyeonmuam.
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 현무암.
Pronunciation Guide
'현무암' is pronounced 'Hyeon-moo-ahm'. 'Hyeon' sounds like 'hyun' in 'Hyundai'. 'Moo' is pronounced like 'moo' in 'moon'. 'Ahm' is pronounced like 'ahm' in 'calm'.
More Example Sentences
Visiting Jeju Island.
제주도에는 현무암으로 만든 돌하르방이 많아요.
There are many Dolharubang statues made of basalt on Jeju Island.
Explaining the properties of basalt.
현무암은 구멍이 많아서 물이 잘 빠져요.
Basalt has many holes, so water drains well.
Discussing Jeju's unique characteristics.
검은색 현무암이 제주도의 상징이에요.
Black basalt is a symbol of Jeju Island.
Cultural Context
현무암 (hyeonmuam), or basalt, is the very essence of Jeju Island's identity. Formed by ancient volcanic eruptions, this distinctive black rock is ubiquitous across the island. It's used to construct the iconic stone walls that crisscross the landscape, the traditional '돌하르방' (dolharubang) statues that greet visitors, and even the unique architecture of many homes. The porous nature of basalt also contributes to Jeju's unique ecosystem and water filtration. Seeing the black 현무암 everywhere instantly reminds you that you are on Jeju, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Editorial note
We review entries like 현무암 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
현무암 돌담
Basalt stone wall
제주 현무암
Jeju basalt
검은 현무암
Black basalt
Related Expressions
화산
Hwasan
Volcano
돌하르방
Dolharubang
Stone grandfather (Jeju's iconic basalt statues)
제주도
Jeju-do
Jeju Island
암석
Amseok
Rock, stone
More Nature Words
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