Korean Dictionary
How to say "Rice paddy" in Korean
“Rice paddy” in Korean is 논 (pronounced "Non").
논
Non
Usage & Context
Flooded fields where rice is grown. Although Korea has urbanized rapidly, rice paddies (논) remain central to Korean agricultural identity and rural landscapes. The pattern of terraced rice paddies (다랑이 논) on hillsides is a uniquely beautiful aspect of rural Korea. Rice agriculture is deeply embedded in Korean culture and food.
Example Sentence
가을에 황금빛 논이 정말 아름다워요.
Golden rice paddies in autumn are truly beautiful.
How to use 논 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Rice paddy” is 논, romanized as Non.
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 논.
Pronunciation Guide
The word '논' (Non) is pronounced like the English word 'non' as in 'non-stop'. The 'n' sound is clear, and the 'o' vowel is short and open, similar to the 'o' in 'hot'.
More Example Sentences
Describing the scenery during a rural walk.
시골길을 걷다 보면 푸른 논이 펼쳐져 있어요.
When you walk on country roads, green rice paddies stretch out before you.
Observing agricultural work in spring/early summer.
농부들이 논에서 모내기를 하고 있어요.
Farmers are transplanting rice seedlings in the rice paddies.
Admiring the beautiful autumn landscape.
가을에는 황금빛 논이 장관을 이룹니다.
In autumn, the golden rice paddies create a magnificent spectacle.
Cultural Context
Despite rapid urbanization, '논' (rice paddies) remain a quintessential image of rural Korea and are deeply intertwined with the nation's agricultural identity. Rice is the staple food, and the cultivation of rice in these flooded fields has shaped Korean society, traditions, and cuisine for centuries. The sight of terraced rice paddies, known as '다랑이 논' (darang-i non), especially in areas like Namhae, is considered a unique and beautiful aspect of the Korean countryside, reflecting the ingenuity of traditional farming methods.
Editorial note
We review entries like 논 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
논밭
fields (rice paddies and dry fields)
논두렁
ridge between rice paddies
논농사
rice farming
Related Expressions
밭
Bat
dry field (for crops other than rice)
농사
Nongsa
farming, agriculture
벼
Byeo
rice plant, unhulled rice
농부
Nongbu
farmer
More Nature Words
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