Korean Dictionary
How to say "Neighborhood" in Korean
“Neighborhood” in Korean is 동네 (pronounced "dongne").
동네
dongne
Usage & Context
Dongne refers to a local neighborhood community in Korea. Korean neighborhoods often revolve around local markets, schools, and community centers. The unique character of each Seoul neighborhood like Hongdae or Itaewon shapes urban identity.
Example Sentence
이 동네가 정말 살기 좋아요.
This neighborhood is really great to live in.
How to use 동네 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Neighborhood” is 동네, romanized as dongne.
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 동네.
Pronunciation Guide
The word '동네' is pronounced as 'dong-nay'. '동' sounds like 'dong' in 'dongle', with the 'o' like in 'go'. '네' sounds like 'nay' in 'neigh'.
More Example Sentences
Describing the culinary attractions of one's local area.
우리 동네에 맛집이 많아요.
There are many good restaurants in our neighborhood.
Asking someone about their preferred living environment.
어떤 동네에서 살고 싶으세요?
What kind of neighborhood do you want to live in?
Assuring someone about the safety of a particular area.
이 동네는 밤에도 안전해요.
This neighborhood is safe even at night.
Cultural Context
'동네' carries a strong sense of community and familiarity in Korea. It's more than just a geographical area; it often implies a place where people know their local shopkeepers, frequent the same cafes, and share a common daily life. K-dramas often highlight the close-knit relationships and local dynamics within a '동네,' from interactions at the neighborhood convenience store (편의점) to the local restaurant (식당), showcasing the unique character of each community.
Editorial note
We review entries like 동네 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
우리 동네
our neighborhood
동네 친구
neighborhood friend
동네 한 바퀴 돌다
to take a stroll around the neighborhood
Related Expressions
지역
jiyeok
area/region (broader)
마을
maeul
village/town (often smaller, more traditional)
주변
jubyeon
surroundings/vicinity
이웃
iut
neighbor
More Architecture Words
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