Korean Dictionary
How to say "Stream" in Korean
“Stream” in Korean is 개울 (pronounced "Gaeul").
개울
Gaeul
Usage & Context
A small flowing body of water. 청계천 (Cheonggyecheon) is Seoul's famous urban stream, restored in 2005 from an expressway into a beloved public space. Walking along the stream is a popular city activity year-round. Korean streams are often featured in nature poetry and songs evoking pure, refreshing qualities.
Example Sentence
청계천 산책이 도심 속 힐링이에요.
A walk along Cheonggyecheon is healing in the heart of the city.
How to use 개울 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Stream” is 개울, romanized as Gaeul.
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 개울.
Pronunciation Guide
The first syllable, '개' (gae), sounds like 'geh' in 'get.' The second syllable, '울' (ul), sounds like 'ool' in 'pool,' but with a slight 'w' sound before it, like 'woo-l.' The stress is typically on the first syllable.
More Example Sentences
Describing a peaceful rural scene.
시골집 옆에 작은 개울이 흘러서 운치 있어요.
There's a small stream flowing next to the countryside house, which is charming.
Observing children playing outdoors.
아이들이 개울에서 물고기를 잡으며 놀고 있어요.
The children are playing, catching fish in the stream.
Referring to a well-known urban landmark.
청계천은 서울 도심을 가로지르는 유명한 개울이에요.
Cheonggyecheon is a famous stream that runs through downtown Seoul.
Cultural Context
'개울' often evokes images of serene nature and childhood memories in Korea. Cheonggyecheon in Seoul is a prime example of how a stream can be a vital urban space, transformed from a covered road back into a beautiful public park. It's a popular spot for walks, dates, and cultural events, symbolizing urban revitalization and a connection to nature within the bustling city.
Editorial note
We review entries like 개울 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
개울가
by the stream
개울물
stream water
개울 건너
across the stream
Related Expressions
시냇물
sinaetmul
brook, stream (often smaller, more poetic)
냇가
naetga
stream bank, waterside
강
gang
river (larger)
호수
hosu
lake
More Nature Words
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