Korean Dictionary
How to say "Panic Attack" in Korean
“Panic Attack” in Korean is 공황발작 (pronounced "gonghwang baljak").
공황발작
gonghwang baljak
Usage & Context
A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear with physical symptoms like racing heart and shortness of breath. Public awareness of 공황발작 in Korea has increased following celebrity disclosures.
Example Sentence
공황발작이 오면 심장이 빠르게 뛰고 숨이 막힌다.
During a panic attack, the heart races and it feels hard to breathe.
How to use 공황발작 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Panic Attack” is 공황발작, romanized as gonghwang baljak.
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 공황발작.
Pronunciation Guide
공황 (gonghwang) sounds like 'gong' as in a bell, followed by 'hwang' which rhymes with 'fang' but with a 'h' sound. 발작 (baljak) sounds like 'bal' as in 'ballad', then 'jak' which rhymes with 'rock' but with a 'j' sound. The stress is fairly even, with slight emphasis on the first syllable of each word.
More Example Sentences
Describing an emergency medical situation.
그는 갑자기 공황발작을 일으켜 병원에 실려갔다.
He suddenly had a panic attack and was rushed to the hospital.
Giving a warning or advice about stress management.
스트레스가 심하면 공황발작이 올 수도 있어요.
If stress is severe, a panic attack might come.
Offering urgent medical advice.
공황발작 증상이 나타나면 바로 전문가와 상담하세요.
If panic attack symptoms appear, consult a professional immediately.
Cultural Context
Public awareness of 공황발작 has significantly increased in Korea, largely due to several celebrities openly sharing their experiences with panic disorder. While mental health still carries some stigma, these disclosures have helped normalize discussions around it. In everyday conversation, people might sometimes shorten it to just '공황' (gonghwang) when the context is clear, especially when referring to the broader panic disorder.
Editorial note
We review entries like 공황발작 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
공황발작이 오다
To have a panic attack (literally 'a panic attack comes')
공황발작 증상
Panic attack symptoms
공황발작을 겪다
To experience a panic attack
Related Expressions
불안 장애
buran jangae
Anxiety disorder
공황 장애
gonghwang jangae
Panic disorder (the broader condition)
발작
baljak
Seizure, attack (general term)
과호흡
gwahohyeop
Hyperventilation
More Mental Health & Wellness Words
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