Korean Dictionary
How to say "Upcycling" in Korean
“Upcycling” in Korean is 업사이클링 (pronounced "eopssaiklling").
업사이클링
eopssaiklling
Usage & Context
Upcycling transforms discarded materials into new, higher-value products. Korean artists and brands create upcycled fashion and home goods. Upcycling workshops are popular environmental activities in Korea.
Example Sentence
업사이클링으로 낡은 옷을 새롭게 만들었어요.
I made old clothes new through upcycling.
How to use 업사이클링 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Upcycling” is 업사이클링, romanized as eopssaiklling.
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 업사이클링.
Pronunciation Guide
Pronounce "Eop-sa-ee-keul-ling." "Eop" sounds like the English word "up." "Sa-ee" is like "sigh" followed by "ee." "Keul" is similar to "cool" but with a lighter 'l' sound. "Ling" is just like the English "ling." The stress is fairly even, with a slight emphasis on "sa-ee."
More Example Sentences
Showing off a unique, eco-friendly bag to a friend.
이 가방은 버려진 현수막으로 업사이클링해서 만들었어요.
This bag was made by upcycling discarded banners.
Discussing the benefits of eco-friendly shopping choices.
업사이클링 제품은 환경 보호에 도움이 돼요.
Upcycled products help protect the environment.
Suggesting a fun and environmentally conscious activity to a friend.
주말에 업사이클링 클래스에 참여해 볼까요?
Shall we try participating in an upcycling class this weekend?
Cultural Context
Upcycling, or '업사이클링' (eopssaiklling), has gained significant traction in South Korea, especially among younger generations and eco-conscious consumers. Many local brands and artists specialize in creating unique fashion items, accessories, and home decor from discarded materials like coffee bean sacks, old denim, or even industrial waste. You'll often see pop-up stores or workshops in trendy areas like Seongsu-dong, promoting upcycled goods as a stylish and responsible choice, reflecting a growing awareness of sustainability beyond just recycling.
Editorial note
We review entries like 업사이클링 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
업사이클링 제품
Upcycled product
업사이클링 디자인
Upcycling design
업사이클링 워크숍
Upcycling workshop
Related Expressions
재활용
jaehwalyong
Recycling
새활용
saehwalyong
Upcycling (native Korean term, less common)
친환경
chinhwangyeong
Eco-friendly
지속 가능성
jisok ganeungseong
Sustainability
More Environment Words
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