Korean Dictionary
How to say "Mole" in Korean
“Mole” in Korean is 두더지 (pronounced "Dudeoji").
두더지
Dudeoji
Usage & Context
두더지 (mole) lives underground and is known for digging tunnels in Korean gardens and farmland. The mole game called 두더지 잡기 (whack-a-mole) is a beloved arcade and festival game in Korea. The word 두더지 is also used colloquially to describe someone who avoids going outside.
Example Sentence
두더지 잡기 게임은 축제에서 인기 있는 놀이예요.
The whack-a-mole game is a popular activity at festivals.
How to use 두더지 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Mole” is 두더지, romanized as Dudeoji.
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 두더지.
Pronunciation Guide
The word "두더지" is pronounced "Du-deo-ji." "Du" sounds like "doo" in "do." "Deo" is like "duh" in "duh-oh." "Ji" is like "jee" in "jeep."
More Example Sentences
Discussing agricultural problems.
우리 밭에 두더지가 굴을 파서 작물에 피해를 줬어요.
A mole dug tunnels in our field and damaged the crops.
Talking about an arcade game.
두더지 잡기 게임에서 최고 점수를 받았어요!
I got the highest score in the whack-a-mole game!
Describing a reclusive person.
걔는 두더지처럼 집에만 있어서 얼굴 보기가 힘들어.
He's like a mole, always staying home, so it's hard to see his face.
Cultural Context
두더지 (dudeoji) is widely recognized in Korea, not just as an animal but also through the popular arcade game 두더지 잡기 (dudeoji japgi), or "whack-a-mole." This game is a staple at festivals and arcades, bringing joy to all ages. Colloquially, "두더지" can also describe someone who rarely leaves their home, preferring to stay indoors, much like a mole living underground. This usage highlights its association with reclusiveness.
Editorial note
We review entries like 두더지 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
두더지처럼 숨다
To hide like a mole (deeply, out of sight)
두더지 게임
Whack-a-mole game
두더지 눈
Mole's eyes (implying small or poor eyesight, though not a common direct insult)
Related Expressions
두더지 잡기
dudeoji japgi
Whack-a-mole (game)
땅굴
ttanggul
Tunnel, burrow
지하
jiha
Underground
은둔형 외톨이
eundunhyeong oetori
Hermit, recluse (literally "reclusive loner")
More Animals Words
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