Korean Dictionary
How to say "Migratory Bird" in Korean
“Migratory Bird” in Korean is 철새 (pronounced "cheolsae").
철새
cheolsae
Usage & Context
Migratory birds or 철새 travel seasonally between different habitats. Korea is an important stopping point for migratory birds along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway. Wetlands in Korea provide crucial rest areas for these birds.
Example Sentence
가을이 되면 철새들이 한국을 지나가요.
When autumn comes, migratory birds pass through Korea.
How to use 철새 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Migratory Bird” is 철새, romanized as cheolsae.
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 철새.
Pronunciation Guide
'철새' (cheolsae) is pronounced 'cheol-sae'. 'cheol' sounds like 'chul' in 'chug' but with an 'eo' vowel sound (like the 'u' in 'but') and a soft 'l' at the end. 'sae' rhymes with the English word 'say'.
More Example Sentences
Explaining the seasonal movement of birds.
겨울이 오면 많은 철새들이 남쪽으로 이동해요.
When winter comes, many migratory birds move south.
Describing a local natural area.
이 호수는 철새들의 중요한 서식지입니다.
This lake is an important habitat for migratory birds.
Suggesting a bird-watching activity.
철새 도래지에서 다양한 새들을 관찰할 수 있어요.
You can observe various birds at migratory bird sites.
Cultural Context
Korea serves as a vital stopover point along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway, making 철새 (cheolsae) a familiar sight, especially in its extensive wetlands and coastal areas. Places like Suncheon Bay (순천만) and Cheonsu Bay (천수만) are renowned for their large populations of migratory birds, attracting birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. The seasonal arrival and departure of these birds are often seen as natural indicators of the changing seasons.
Editorial note
We review entries like 철새 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
철새 도래지
Migratory bird sanctuary/site
철새 관찰
Migratory bird observation
철새들이 날아오다
Migratory birds fly in/arrive
Related Expressions
텃새
teotsae
Resident bird (non-migratory)
새
sae
Bird
도래지
doraeji
Arrival site (for migratory birds)
철새 이동
cheolsae idong
Migratory bird migration
More Environment Words
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