Korean Dictionary
How to say "Referendum" in Korean
“Referendum” in Korean is 국민투표 (pronounced "Gungmin tuhyo").
국민투표
Gungmin tuhyo
Usage & Context
A vote by all citizens on a specific issue. Referendums in South Korea are used for major constitutional changes.
Example Sentence
국민투표가 실시되었습니다.
A referendum was held.
How to use 국민투표 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Referendum” is 국민투표, romanized as Gungmin tuhyo.
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 국민투표.
Pronunciation Guide
국 (gung) sounds like 'goong' as in a palace. 민 (min) sounds like 'min' as in 'minute'. 투 (tu) sounds like 'too' as in 'too much'. 표 (pyo) sounds like 'pyo' (similar to 'P.O.' but with a 'y' sound). Put it together as 'Goong-min too-pyo' with fairly even stress.
More Example Sentences
A politician discussing a major policy change requiring public consent.
헌법 개정을 위해 국민투표가 필요합니다.
A national referendum is necessary for constitutional amendment.
A news anchor reporting on the potential impact of an upcoming vote.
이번 국민투표 결과에 따라 정책 방향이 바뀔 거예요.
The direction of policy will change according to the results of this referendum.
Activists advocating for direct democracy on a specific issue.
시민들은 국민투표 실시를 요구하고 있습니다.
Citizens are demanding that a referendum be held.
Cultural Context
In South Korea, 국민투표 (gungmin tuhyo) is a powerful tool for direct democracy, primarily reserved for major constitutional amendments or issues of national importance. While not frequently used, when it is, it signifies a critical moment for the nation, often involving intense public debate and political maneuvering. The concept of '국민' (gungmin), meaning 'the people' or 'citizens,' emphasizes the collective will of the populace in shaping the country's future.
Editorial note
We review entries like 국민투표 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
국민투표를 실시하다
To hold a referendum
국민투표에 부치다
To put something to a referendum
국민투표 결과
Referendum result
Related Expressions
투표
tuhyo
Vote
선거
seon-geo
Election
찬반 투표
chan-ban tuhyo
Yes/No vote, plebiscite
직접 민주주의
jik-jeop min-ju-ju-ui
Direct democracy
More Law & Government Words
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