Korean Dictionary
How to say "Public Service" in Korean
“Public Service” in Korean is 공무 (pronounced "Gongmu").
공무
Gongmu
Usage & Context
Work done for the government or public benefit. Public service in South Korea is an important career path.
Example Sentence
공무는 국가를 위한 일입니다.
Public service is work for the state.
How to use 공무 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Public Service” is 공무, romanized as Gongmu.
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 공무.
Pronunciation Guide
공 (Gong) sounds like 'gong' in 'gong show,' with a soft 'g' and a short 'o' sound. 무 (mu) sounds like 'moo' as in a cow's sound. The stress is fairly even, with a slight emphasis on the first syllable.
More Example Sentences
A civil servant explaining their work.
공무 수행 중입니다.
I am performing public duties.
Describing a dedicated public servant's career.
그는 공무에 헌신했습니다.
He dedicated himself to public service.
Explaining the reason for a work-related trip.
공무상 출장입니다.
It's a business trip for public service.
Cultural Context
In South Korea, '공무' often implies official government work. The concept of public service is highly valued, and careers in '공무원' (civil service) are extremely popular and competitive, seen as stable and respectable. It's less about general volunteering and more about official government duties.
Editorial note
We review entries like 공무 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
공무 수행
Performance of public duties
공무상 비밀
Official secret
공무 집행 방해
Obstruction of public duties
Related Expressions
공직
Gongjik
Public office/position
국가 업무
Gukga eopmu
State affairs/national work
사무
Samu
Office work/clerical work
민간 업무
Minggan eopmu
Private sector work
More Law & Government Words
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