Korean Dictionary
How to say "University" in Korean
“University” in Korean is 대학교 (pronounced "Daehakgyo").
대학교
Daehakgyo
Usage & Context
Getting into a top university (대학교) is the primary educational goal for most Korean students. The 'SKY' universities — 서울대학교 (Seoul National University), 고려대학교 (Korea University), and 연세대학교 (Yonsei University) — are the most prestigious and highly sought after. University admission significantly influences career prospects and social status in Korea.
Example Sentence
한국 대학교에 진학하고 싶어요.
I want to attend a Korean university.
How to use 대학교 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “University” is 대학교, romanized as Daehakgyo.
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 대학교.
Pronunciation Guide
The first syllable, 'Dae', sounds like 'day'. 'Hak' is like 'hack' but with a softer 'h' sound. 'Gyo' sounds like 'gyo' in 'gyoza' (Japanese dumpling) or 'geo' in 'geography' with a 'y' sound. The 'g' in 'hakgyo' often sounds like 'k' when followed by 'g', making it sound like 'hak-kkyo'.
More Example Sentences
Showing pride in one's alma mater.
우리 대학교는 캠퍼스가 정말 예뻐요.
Our university campus is really beautiful.
Asking a high school student about their future plans.
어느 대학교에 가고 싶어요?
Which university do you want to go to?
Discussing career paths.
대학교 졸업하고 바로 취직했어요.
I got a job right after graduating from university.
Cultural Context
In Korea, attending a prestigious 대학교 is often seen as a gateway to a successful career and social status. The 'SKY' universities (Seoul National, Korea, Yonsei) are the most coveted, and the intense competition for university entrance (입시, ipsi) shapes much of a Korean student's life from middle school onwards. This leads to a highly competitive academic environment where university choice significantly impacts one's future.
Editorial note
We review entries like 대학교 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
대학교에 입학하다
to enter university
대학교를 졸업하다
to graduate from university
명문 대학교
prestigious university
Related Expressions
대학
daehak
college (often interchangeable with university)
대학생
daehaksaeng
university student
대학원
daehagwon
graduate school
입시
ipsi
university entrance exam/admissions
More Education Words
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