Korean Dictionary
How to say "Military service" in Korean
“Military service” in Korean is 군대 (pronounced "Gundae").
군대
Gundae
Usage & Context
Mandatory military service for South Korean men (approximately 18-21 months). A significant life event that affects career planning, relationships, and K-pop idol schedules. K-pop fans follow their favorite male idols' military enlistment and discharge closely. 제대하다 (to be discharged) is eagerly anticipated by fans.
Example Sentence
그 아이돌이 군대 갔어요. 2년 후에 돌아와요.
That idol went to the military. He'll return in 2 years.
How to use 군대 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Military service” is 군대, romanized as Gundae.
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 군대.
Pronunciation Guide
군대 (Gundae) is pronounced 'goon-day.' 'Goon' sounds like 'goon' in 'goon squad,' and 'day' is like 'day' in 'daylight.' The 'd' in 'Dae' is a soft 'd' sound, similar to the 't' in the American English pronunciation of 'water.'
More Example Sentences
Informing someone about a family member's enlistment.
제 오빠는 다음 달에 군대 가요.
My older brother is going to the military next month.
Explaining the mandatory military service system.
한국 남자들은 모두 군대에 가야 해요.
All Korean men have to go to the military.
Reflecting on personal growth gained during service.
군대에서 많은 것을 배우고 성장했어요.
I learned a lot and grew in the military.
Cultural Context
군대 (Gundae) is a very significant topic in South Korea, as mandatory military service affects almost all able-bodied men. It's a rite of passage, often seen as a period of personal growth and maturity, but also a challenging time away from civilian life. For K-pop idols and actors, enlistment (입대) and discharge (제대) are major events, with fans often holding elaborate farewells and welcome-back celebrations. Discussions about military service, exemptions, and experiences are common in daily life and media.
Editorial note
We review entries like 군대 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
군대 잘 갔다 와!
Come back safely from the military! (Common farewell)
군대 이야기
Military stories (often shared among men who served)
군대 휴가
Military leave/vacation
Related Expressions
입대하다
Ipdaehada
To enlist in the military
제대하다
Jedaehada
To be discharged from the military
군인
Gunin
Soldier
병역 의무
Byeongyeok uimu
Military duty/obligation
More Culture Words
Master Korean with AI-Powered Learning
Practice Military service and 10,000+ words with native pronunciation and AI conversation.
