Korean Dictionary
How to say "Escape Korea" in Korean
“Escape Korea” in Korean is 탈조선 (pronounced "taljoson").
탈조선
taljoson
Usage & Context
Slang meaning to escape Korea, often used by people frustrated with Korean society. Reflects dissatisfaction with economic and social conditions.
Example Sentence
나 탈조선 꿈꿔.
I dream of escaping Korea.
How to use 탈조선 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Escape Korea” is 탈조선, romanized as taljoson.
Usage tip
Use slang only with friends or people who already speak casually with you. It can sound rude in formal 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 탈조선.
Pronunciation Guide
'Tal' sounds like 'tall' but with a soft 'l' at the end, almost like 'tahl'. 'Jo' is pronounced like 'joe'. 'Son' is like 'sawn' or 'sun'. The stress is fairly even across the syllables.
More Example Sentences
Someone expressing a strong desire for a new life outside Korea.
탈조선해서 해외에서 살고 싶어.
I want to escape Korea and live abroad.
Observing a trend or common sentiment among the youth.
요즘 젊은이들 사이에서 탈조선 이야기가 많이 나와.
These days, there's a lot of talk about 'escaping Korea' among young people.
A more nuanced perspective, acknowledging the sentiment without fully endorsing the action.
탈조선이 답은 아니지만, 답답한 마음은 이해해.
Escaping Korea isn't the answer, but I understand the frustration.
Cultural Context
탈조선 (taljoson) is a highly charged term reflecting deep frustration with perceived societal problems in South Korea, such as intense competition, high cost of living, and lack of social mobility. It's often discussed online in forums and social media, particularly among younger generations who feel disillusioned. While it literally means 'escape Joseon (Korea),' it doesn't imply a literal return to the Joseon dynasty but rather a desire to leave the current 'hellish' conditions of modern Korea. It's closely linked to 헬조선 (Hell Korea).
Editorial note
We flag slang like 탈조선 for register and audience, since Korean slang can shift quickly and may sound rude outside close friendships.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
탈조선 꿈꾸다
to dream of escaping Korea
탈조선 마렵다
I really want to escape Korea (slangy, implies a strong urge)
탈조선 각이다
It's time to escape Korea (slangy, implies 'it's the perfect moment/situation')
Related Expressions
헬조선
heljoson
Hell Korea (related concept)
이민
imin
immigration (a way to '탈조선')
해외 취업
haeoe chwieop
overseas employment (a common goal for '탈조선')
국뽕
gukppong
excessive nationalism (opposite sentiment)
More Slang Words
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