Korean Dictionary
How to say "License Plate" in Korean
“License Plate” in Korean is 번호판 (pronounced "beonhopan").
번호판
beonhopan
Usage & Context
번호판 is the official identification plate displayed on Korean vehicles. Korean 번호판 format includes Korean characters and numbers and was redesigned in 2019 to accommodate more vehicle registrations. Electric vehicles in Korea receive special green 번호판 to distinguish them from conventional cars.
Example Sentence
전기차는 초록색 번호판을 달아요.
Electric vehicles have green license plates.
How to use 번호판 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “License Plate” is 번호판, romanized as beonhopan.
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 번호판.
Pronunciation Guide
번 (beon) sounds like 'bun' in 'bunch'. 호 (ho) sounds like 'hoe'. 판 (pan) sounds like 'pan'. The stress is fairly even across the syllables.
More Example Sentences
Commenting on the updated license plate appearance.
새 번호판 디자인이 더 세련된 것 같아요.
I think the new license plate design looks more stylish.
Stating a basic legal requirement.
번호판이 없으면 운전할 수 없어요.
You can't drive without a license plate.
Explaining a feature of electric vehicles.
전기차는 초록색 번호판을 달아요.
Electric vehicles have green license plates.
Cultural Context
Korean 번호판 underwent a significant redesign in 2019, adding a third digit to accommodate the growing number of vehicles. Electric vehicles and hydrogen cars have distinct green 번호판, making them easily identifiable. This visual cue is a small but noticeable part of Korea's push towards eco-friendly transportation.
Editorial note
We review entries like 번호판 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
번호판을 달다
to attach a license plate
번호판이 없다
to not have a license plate
초록색 번호판
green license plate
Related Expressions
차량 번호
charyang beonho
vehicle number
자동차
jadongcha
automobile/car
등록
deungnok
registration
번호
beonho
number
More Transportation Words
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