Korean Dictionary
How to say "River" in Korean
“River” in Korean is 강 (pronounced "gang").
강
gang
Korean usage reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Last reviewed June 4, 2026.
This page checks meaning, pronunciation, politeness level, and common learner mistakes.
Usage & Context
Rivers are important natural features of the Korean landscape. The Han River flows through Seoul and is central to the city lifestyle. River restoration projects have improved water quality and biodiversity in Korea.
Example Sentence
한강은 서울의 중요한 명소예요.
The Han River is an important attraction in Seoul.
How to use 강 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “River” is 강, romanized as gang.
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 강.
What learners usually mean by “River in Korean”
This query usually needs the everyday word for river, but the useful Korean changes if you mean geography, environment, or a named river.
Real usage
강 is the general word for river. 하천 is more technical and appears in environmental or administrative contexts. For famous rivers, the name usually comes first, as in 한강.
Avoid this mistake
Do not use 하천 in casual travel conversation unless you specifically mean a stream or waterway in a formal/environmental context.
Better pattern
Use 강 for ordinary river, 한강 for the Han River, and 하천 for policy, environment, or local waterway contexts.
Seoul daily life
한강 근처에서 산책했어요.
I walked near the Han River.
environmental context
이 지역은 하천 오염 문제가 있어요.
This area has a river pollution problem.
Pronunciation Guide
Pronounced 'gang'. One syllable — rhymes with English 'gong' but with a more open 'a' vowel and a soft 'ng' ending.
More Example Sentences
weekend plan
한강에 피크닉 가요.
Let's go for a picnic by the Han River.
exercise
강을 따라 자전거를 탔어요.
I biked along the river.
hiking
이 강은 생각보다 깊어요.
This river is deeper than you'd think.
Cultural Context
한강 (the Han River) is central to Seoul life — people picnic there, run, cycle, fish, and drink in the massive river parks. 'Chimaek at the Han River' (한강 치맥 = chicken and beer) is an iconic Korean summer activity. The river has 31 bridges in Seoul, each with its own character. When Koreans say 강, they often mean 한강 by default.
Editorial note
We review entries like 강 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. Last reviewed June 4, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
강이 흐르고 있어요.
The river is flowing.
강 건너편에 살아요.
I live across the river.
한강 가자.
Let's go to the Han River.
Related Expressions
한강
hangang
Han River
강변
gangbyeon
riverside
다리
dari
bridge
호수
hosu
lake
More Environment Words
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