Korean Dictionary
How to say "Pilgrimage" in Korean
“Pilgrimage” in Korean is 순례 (pronounced "Sunrye").
순례
Sunrye
Usage & Context
A pilgrimage is a journey to a sacred place for spiritual purposes. Korean pilgrims visit temples and holy sites to deepen their faith.
Example Sentence
성지 순례를 떠났습니다.
I went on a pilgrimage to a holy site.
How to use 순례 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Pilgrimage” is 순례, romanized as Sunrye.
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 순례.
Pronunciation Guide
The first syllable, 순 (sun), sounds like 'soon'. The second syllable, 례 (rye), sounds like 'rye' as in 'rye bread'. Combine as 'soon-rye'.
More Example Sentences
Talking about international pilgrimages.
많은 사람들이 성지 순례를 위해 예루살렘으로 향합니다.
Many people head to Jerusalem for a pilgrimage to a holy site.
Describing a popular walking trail in Korea.
제주 올레길은 걷기 순례 코스로도 인기가 많아요.
Jeju Olle Trail is also very popular as a walking pilgrimage course.
Explaining someone's spiritual journey.
그는 자신의 신앙을 다지기 위해 순례길에 올랐습니다.
He embarked on a pilgrimage to strengthen his faith.
Cultural Context
순례 (sunrye) refers to a spiritual journey to a sacred place. In Korea, this often involves visiting ancient Buddhist temples nestled in the mountains, such as those in Gyeongju or on Mount Gayasan. Beyond strictly religious sites, the concept can extend to 'cultural pilgrimages,' like visiting places significant to a famous poet or artist. The popular Jeju Olle Trail, while not explicitly religious, is often undertaken with a meditative, reflective spirit, akin to a personal pilgrimage.
Editorial note
We review entries like 순례 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
순례를 떠나다
To go on a pilgrimage
순례길
Pilgrimage route/path
성지 순례
Holy site pilgrimage
Related Expressions
성지 순례
seongji sunrye
Pilgrimage to a holy site
순례자
sunryeja
Pilgrim
여행
yeohaeng
Travel, trip (general term)
탐방
tambang
Exploration, visit (often for research or learning)
More Religion Words
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