Korean Dictionary
How to say "Tow Truck" in Korean
“Tow Truck” in Korean is 견인차 (pronounced "gyeonincha").
견인차
gyeonincha
Usage & Context
견인차 is dispatched when vehicles break down or are illegally parked in Korean cities. Illegally parked cars in no-parking zones are swiftly towed by 견인차 in Seoul, and owners must pay fees to retrieve their vehicles. Calling 한국도로공사 or 119 can connect drivers to 견인차 services on Korean expressways.
Example Sentence
불법주차 때문에 차가 견인됐어요.
My car was towed because of illegal parking.
How to use 견인차 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Tow Truck” is 견인차, romanized as gyeonincha.
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 견인차.
Pronunciation Guide
견 (gyeon) sounds like 'gyun' in 'gyun-do' but with a softer 'y' and the 'eo' like 'o' in 'son'. 인 (in) sounds like 'in' as in 'in-side'. 차 (cha) sounds like 'cha' as in 'chai tea'. Put it together: 'gyun-in-cha'. The stress is relatively even across syllables.
More Example Sentences
Explaining why a car is missing.
주차 금지 구역에 세웠다가 견인차에 끌려갔어요.
I parked in a no-parking zone and my car was taken by a tow truck.
Giving advice for road emergencies.
고속도로에서 사고 나면 견인차를 불러야 해요.
If you get into an accident on the highway, you need to call a tow truck.
Waiting for roadside assistance.
견인차 기사님이 금방 오실 거예요.
The tow truck driver will be here soon.
Cultural Context
In Korea, illegal parking is strictly enforced, especially in major cities like Seoul. 견인차 (tow trucks) are a common sight, quickly removing vehicles from no-parking zones or areas obstructing traffic. Owners usually have to pay a fine and a towing fee to retrieve their cars from designated impound lots, making it a costly mistake. This system is efficient but can be quite frustrating for drivers.
Editorial note
We review entries like 견인차 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
차가 견인됐어요.
My car was towed.
견인차를 불러야겠어요.
I need to call a tow truck.
견인 요금
towing fee
Related Expressions
구난차
gunancha
rescue vehicle (broader term)
렉카차
rekka-cha
wrecker truck (colloquial, from English 'wrecker')
견인하다
gyeonin-hada
to tow (verb)
불법주차
bulbeopjucha
illegal parking
More Transportation Words
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