Korean Dictionary
How to say "Overhead Luggage Rack" in Korean
“Overhead Luggage Rack” in Korean is 선반 (pronounced "seonban").
선반
seonban
Usage & Context
선반 refers to the overhead storage rack on Korean trains, buses, and airplanes for storing carry-on luggage. Travelers on Korean KTX trains are advised to store bags in the 선반 to keep the aisle clear. Korean train staff assist elderly passengers in lifting heavy bags to the 선반.
Example Sentence
기차 선반에 가방을 올려놓았어요.
I put my bag on the overhead rack on the train.
How to use 선반 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Overhead Luggage Rack” is 선반, romanized as seonban.
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 선반.
Pronunciation Guide
The first syllable, "Seon," sounds like "sun" in English. The second syllable, "ban," rhymes with "bon" in "bon voyage" but with a shorter 'a' sound, similar to "bahn" in German. The stress is fairly even, with a slight emphasis on the first syllable.
More Example Sentences
A flight attendant instructing passengers before takeoff.
비행기 선반에 짐을 넣으세요.
Please put your luggage in the airplane's overhead bin.
Asking a friend for help reaching a book on a high shelf at home.
저 선반에 있는 책 좀 꺼내줄래?
Could you get that book from the shelf for me?
Complaining about the design of kitchen furniture.
주방 선반이 너무 낮아서 불편해요.
The kitchen shelf is too low, it's inconvenient.
Cultural Context
In Korea, especially on public transport like KTX trains or intercity buses, using the 선반 for luggage is standard practice to keep aisles clear. It's common to see people, especially older individuals, being helped by staff or fellow passengers to lift heavy bags onto the 선반, reflecting a culture of mutual assistance. Unlike some Western countries where overhead bins are often full, Koreans generally utilize them efficiently.
Editorial note
We review entries like 선반 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
선반에 짐을 올리다
to put luggage on the overhead rack
선반이 꽉 찼어요
The overhead rack is full.
선반 정리
shelf organization
Related Expressions
짐칸
jimkan
luggage compartment (more general, like a trunk)
수납공간
sunapgonggan
storage space
선반대
seonbandae
shelf unit/rack (more general term for a shelf structure)
찬장
chanjang
cupboard/cabinet (specifically for kitchen)
More Transportation Words
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