Korean Dictionary
How to say "Rooftop" in Korean
“Rooftop” in Korean is 옥상 (pronounced "Oksang").
옥상
Oksang
Usage & Context
Rooftops in Korean buildings are sometimes used for relaxation, laundry drying, or small gardens. Rooftop rooms called okT are a unique type of Korean housing.
Example Sentence
옥상에서 도시 전경을 볼 수 있어요.
You can see the city view from the rooftop.
How to use 옥상 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Rooftop” is 옥상, romanized as Oksang.
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 옥상.
Pronunciation Guide
The first syllable, '옥' (ok), sounds like 'oak' in English. The second syllable, '상' (sang), sounds like 'sahng' in 'sahng-e', with 's' as in 'sit' and 'ah' as in 'father'. The two syllables are pronounced smoothly, with a slight emphasis on the first.
More Example Sentences
Enjoying a summer evening with friends.
여름밤에는 옥상에서 시원한 맥주 한 잔 하는 게 최고예요.
On summer nights, having a cool beer on the rooftop is the best.
Discussing common K-drama tropes.
드라마에서 주인공들이 옥상에서 자주 만나서 이야기하죠.
In dramas, the main characters often meet and talk on the rooftop, right?
Talking about a community project or personal hobby.
우리 건물 옥상에 작은 텃밭을 만들었어요.
We made a small vegetable garden on our building's rooftop.
Cultural Context
Rooftops ('옥상') in Korea, especially on multi-story residential or commercial buildings, are often communal spaces. They are frequently depicted in K-dramas as a place for characters to escape, reflect, or have private, heartfelt conversations, symbolizing a personal sanctuary or a place of freedom. '옥탑방' (oktapbang), a small room built on a rooftop, is a unique and often affordable housing option, frequently romanticized or portrayed as a humble beginning for aspiring characters.
Editorial note
We review entries like 옥상 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
옥상에 올라가다
to go up to the rooftop
옥상에서 놀다
to play on the rooftop
옥상 문
rooftop door
Related Expressions
옥탑방
oktapbang
rooftop room
지붕
jibung
roof (the actual structure)
베란다
beranda
veranda/balcony
옥상 정원
oksang jeongwon
rooftop garden
More Home & Furniture Words
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