Korean Dictionary
How to say "Treaty" in Korean
“Treaty” in Korean is 조약 (pronounced "Joyak").
조약
Joyak
Usage & Context
A formal agreement between countries. South Korea is a party to many international treaties.
Example Sentence
조약이 체결되었습니다.
A treaty was signed.
How to use 조약 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Treaty” is 조약, romanized as Joyak.
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 조약.
Pronunciation Guide
조 (Jo) sounds like 'jo' in 'Joe Biden'. 약 (yak) sounds exactly like the English word 'yak'. Combine them: Jo-yak.
More Example Sentences
A historical or political news report.
두 나라는 평화 조약을 체결했습니다.
The two countries signed a peace treaty.
A legal or diplomatic discussion about an agreement.
이 조약은 내년부터 발효됩니다.
This treaty takes effect from next year.
An activist or policy discussion advocating for global action.
환경 보호를 위한 국제 조약이 필요해요.
An international treaty for environmental protection is needed.
Cultural Context
Treaties are fundamental to both historical and modern Korean diplomacy. Historical treaties, particularly those from the late Joseon period, are often subjects of academic and public discourse. In contemporary Korea, '조약' frequently appears in news concerning trade agreements, security pacts, and international cooperation on issues like climate change.
Editorial note
We review entries like 조약 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
조약 체결
Signing a treaty
조약 비준
Ratification of a treaty
국제 조약
International treaty
Related Expressions
협정
Hyeopjeong
Agreement
협약
Hyeopyak
Convention
합의
Hapui
Consensus / Agreement
선언
Seoneon
Declaration
More Law & Government Words
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