Korean Dictionary
How to say "Traditional Costume Drama" in Korean
“Traditional Costume Drama” in Korean is 사극 의상 (pronounced "Sageuk Uisang").
사극 의상
Sageuk Uisang
Usage & Context
사극 의상 refers to the elaborate period costumes worn in Korean historical dramas. These costumes are meticulously designed to reflect Joseon or other dynasty-era fashion and social hierarchy. Award shows in Korea frequently recognize the costume design teams behind major 사극 productions.
Example Sentence
사극 의상이 너무 화려하고 아름다워서 눈을 뗄 수가 없어요.
The historical drama costumes are so elaborate and beautiful that I cannot look away.
How to use 사극 의상 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Traditional Costume Drama” is 사극 의상, romanized as Sageuk Uisang.
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 사극 의상.
Pronunciation Guide
For 사극 (sageuk), 'sa' is like 'sa' in 'sad', and 'geuk' sounds like 'gook' in 'cook'. For 의상 (uisang), 'ui' is a bit tricky; it's like 'wee' but with a slightly tighter mouth, almost 'ew-ee', and 'sang' is like 'song' but with an 'a' sound. The overall pronunciation is fluid.
More Example Sentences
Commenting on the authenticity of costumes.
그 사극 의상은 고증이 잘 되어 있어서 실제 같았어요.
The historical drama costumes were well-researched, so they looked real.
Describing a cultural experience at a historical site.
아이들이 사극 의상을 입고 궁궐에서 사진을 찍었어요.
The children wore historical drama costumes and took photos at the palace.
Expressing admiration for costume designers.
사극 의상 디자이너는 정말 대단한 것 같아요.
I think historical drama costume designers are truly amazing.
Cultural Context
사극 의상 (sageuk uisang) refers to the stunning traditional Korean clothing (한복, hanbok) seen in historical dramas. These costumes are a major draw for viewers, showcasing intricate designs, vibrant colors, and meticulous historical accuracy that reflect the social status and era of the characters. Many tourists in Korea enjoy renting hanbok, often inspired by 사극, to wear while visiting palaces like Gyeongbokgung, creating their own 'historical drama' experience.
Editorial note
We review drama-style expressions like 사극 의상 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
사극 의상을 입다
to wear historical drama costumes
화려한 사극 의상
elaborate historical drama costumes
사극 의상 체험
historical drama costume experience
Related Expressions
사극
sageuk
historical drama
한복
hanbok
traditional Korean clothing
의상
uisang
costume/clothing
시대극
sidaeguk
period drama (broader term)
More K-Drama Expressions Words
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