Korean Dictionary
How to say "Recall Election" in Korean
“Recall Election” in Korean is 소환 선거 (pronounced "Sohwan seonkeo").
소환 선거
Sohwan seonkeo
Usage & Context
A vote to remove an elected official from office. Recall elections in South Korea are rare but possible.
Example Sentence
소환 선거가 진행되었습니다.
A recall election took place.
How to use 소환 선거 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Recall Election” is 소환 선거, romanized as Sohwan seonkeo.
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 소환 선거.
Pronunciation Guide
소 (so) sounds like 'so' as in 'so much'. 환 (hwan) sounds like 'hwan' (similar to the 'hwan' in the surname 'Hwang'). 선 (seon) sounds like 'sun' as in the star. 거 (geo) sounds like 'guh' (like the 'ga' in 'gap' but with a softer 'g'). Put it together as 'So-hwan sun-guh' with fairly even stress.
More Example Sentences
Political commentators discussing a controversial mayor's future.
시장에 대한 소환 선거 가능성이 제기되었습니다.
The possibility of a recall election for the mayor has been raised.
Citizen activists organizing against an official due to misconduct.
주민들은 부패한 의원에 대해 소환 선거를 추진 중입니다.
Residents are pushing for a recall election against the corrupt assembly member.
Explaining the democratic process and citizen power.
소환 선거는 유권자의 직접적인 권리 행사입니다.
A recall election is a direct exercise of voters' rights.
Cultural Context
While the concept of a 소환 선거 (sohwan seonkeo) exists in South Korea, it is relatively rare compared to some other democracies. It allows citizens to remove an elected official before their term ends, usually due to misconduct or loss of public trust. The process often involves collecting a significant number of signatures and then holding a special election. Its rarity makes it a powerful, albeit seldom-used, mechanism for public accountability, often making headlines when such a movement gains traction.
Editorial note
We review entries like 소환 선거 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
소환 선거를 추진하다
To push for a recall election
소환 선거 요건
Requirements for a recall election
소환 선거 운동
Recall election campaign
Related Expressions
선거
seon-geo
Election
재선거
jae-seon-geo
Re-election, by-election
탄핵
tan-haek
Impeachment (related concept, but for higher officials)
파면
pa-myeon
Dismissal (from office)
More Law & Government Words
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