Korean Dictionary
How to say "Reincarnation" in Korean
“Reincarnation” in Korean is 환생 (pronounced "hwansaeng").
환생
hwansaeng
Usage & Context
A plot device where characters are reborn in different lives. Reincarnation dramas explore eternal love across lifetimes. They add mystical and romantic elements.
Example Sentence
환생해서 다시 만났어!
They met again after reincarnation!
How to use 환생 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Reincarnation” is 환생, romanized as hwansaeng.
Usage tip
Drama lines are memorable, but some expressions are emotional or exaggerated compared with everyday Korean.
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 환생.
Pronunciation Guide
To say '환생' (hwansaeng): '환' (hwan) sounds like 'hwan' in 'swan' but with an initial 'h' sound. '생' (saeng) sounds like 'sang' but with a slightly more open 'ae' sound, similar to 'sang' in 'sang a song' but with a softer 's'.
More Example Sentences
Describing a drama's plot to a friend.
그들은 환생해서 다음 생에 다시 만났어.
They reincarnated and met again in the next life.
Engaging in a philosophical discussion with someone.
환생을 믿으세요? 저는 가끔 그런 생각을 해요.
Do you believe in reincarnation? I sometimes think about it.
Introducing a drama's genre to a new viewer.
이 드라마는 환생을 소재로 한 판타지 로맨스야.
This drama is a fantasy romance with reincarnation as its theme.
Cultural Context
Reincarnation (환생) is a significant concept in many East Asian cultures, influenced by Buddhism. In Korea, it's often used in narratives to explore themes of eternal love, fated connections (인연), and karmic retribution. K-dramas frequently use reincarnation to bring lovers together across different eras or to resolve past life conflicts in the present. It adds a mystical and often poignant layer to romance, suggesting that true love transcends time and death, as seen in dramas like 'Goblin,' 'Hotel Del Luna,' or 'See You in My 19th Life.'
Editorial note
We review drama-style expressions like 환생 for tone, because lines that sound natural in a scene can feel too emotional or direct in everyday Korean.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
환생 로맨스
Reincarnation romance
환생 드라마
Reincarnation drama
환생해서 다시 만나다
To reincarnate and meet again
Related Expressions
전생
jeonsaeng
Past life
다음 생
daeum saeng
Next life
윤회
yunhoe
Samsara/cycle of rebirth (more philosophical)
운명
unmyeong
Fate/destiny (closely linked)
More K-Drama Expressions Words
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