Korean Dictionary
How to say "Tip of the Iceberg" in Korean
“Tip of the Iceberg” in Korean is 빙산의 일각 (pronounced "Bingsanui Ilgak").
빙산의 일각
Bingsanui Ilgak
Usage & Context
Bingsanui ilgak is a widely used Korean idiom meaning just the visible portion of a much larger underlying problem or issue.
Example Sentence
이것은 빙산의 일각에 불과해요.
This is just the tip of the iceberg.
How to use 빙산의 일각 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Tip of the Iceberg” is 빙산의 일각, romanized as Bingsanui Ilgak.
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 빙산의 일각.
Pronunciation Guide
The phrase is 'Bing-san-ui Il-gak'. 'Bing' sounds like 'sing' but with a 'b', and 'san' like 'sahn'. 'Ui' can be pronounced like 'wee' or sometimes 'ee'. 'Il' is like 'ill', and 'gak' sounds like 'gock'. The stress is fairly even across the syllables.
More Example Sentences
Discussing a scandal or a complex issue.
이번 사건은 빙산의 일각에 불과해요. 더 큰 문제가 숨어있을 거예요.
This incident is just the tip of the iceberg. A bigger problem is likely hidden.
Praising a talented person's potential.
그가 보여준 재능은 빙산의 일각일 뿐이야. 아직 보여줄 게 훨씬 많아.
The talent he showed is just the tip of the iceberg. He has much more to show.
Discussing environmental concerns.
환경 오염 문제는 빙산의 일각이고, 우리가 모르는 심각한 상황이 많아요.
The environmental pollution issue is just the tip of the iceberg, and there are many serious situations we don't know about.
Cultural Context
'빙산의 일각' is a very common and universally understood idiom in Korea, much like in English. It's frequently used in news reports, documentaries, and serious discussions about societal issues, scandals, or complex problems. In K-dramas, a character might use this phrase to hint at a deeper conspiracy or a hidden truth, adding to the suspense. It emphasizes that what is visible is only a small part of a much larger, often more troubling, reality.
Editorial note
We review entries like 빙산의 일각 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
이건 빙산의 일각일 뿐이야.
This is just the tip of the iceberg.
빙산의 일각에 불과하다.
It's merely the tip of the iceberg.
빙산의 일각을 보다.
To see the tip of the iceberg.
Related Expressions
겉으로 드러난 부분
Geoteuro deureonan bubun
The outwardly revealed part
숨겨진 진실
Sumgyeojin jinsil
Hidden truth
본질
Bonjil
Essence, true nature (antonym concept)
전체적인 그림
Jeonchejeogin geurim
The whole picture (antonym concept)
More Idioms & Proverbs Words
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