Korean Dictionary
How to say "Wang Geon (Taejo of Goryeo)" in Korean
“Wang Geon (Taejo of Goryeo)” in Korean is 왕건 (pronounced "wang geon").
왕건
wang geon
Usage & Context
Wang Geon founded the Goryeo Dynasty in 918 and unified the Korean peninsula in 936. He took the title Taejo meaning 'great progenitor.' His dynasty gave Korea its modern name.
Example Sentence
왕건은 고려 왕조를 세운 태조예요.
Wang Geon is Taejo who founded the Goryeo Dynasty.
How to use 왕건 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Wang Geon (Taejo of Goryeo)” is 왕건, romanized as wang geon.
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 왕건.
Pronunciation Guide
For "왕" (wang), say "wahng" like 'song' but with a 'w' sound at the beginning. "건" (geon) sounds like "guhn" in 'gunpowder' but with a softer 'g' and a shorter 'u' sound. The stress is fairly even.
More Example Sentences
Explaining a historical figure to someone.
왕건은 고려를 세운 태조예요.
Wang Geon is Taejo, who founded Goryeo.
Discussing his historical achievements.
왕건은 후삼국을 통일하고 새로운 시대를 열었어요.
Wang Geon unified the Later Three Kingdoms and ushered in a new era.
Talking about popular historical K-dramas.
드라마 '태조 왕건'은 시청률이 정말 높았어요.
The drama 'Taejo Wang Geon' had very high viewership ratings.
Cultural Context
Wang Geon is one of the most pivotal figures in Korean history, revered as the founder of the Goryeo Dynasty, which gave Korea its modern name. His story of unifying the Later Three Kingdoms is a classic tale of leadership and strategic prowess, often depicted in grand historical dramas like 'Taejo Wang Geon'. He is remembered for his inclusive policies and for laying the foundation for a millennium of Korean history, making him a household name and a symbol of national unity.
Editorial note
We review entries like 왕건 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
왕건이 세운 고려
Goryeo founded by Wang Geon
왕건의 정책
Wang Geon's policies
왕건 드라마
Wang Geon drama (referring to historical dramas about him)
Related Expressions
고려 태조
Goryeo Taejo
Taejo of Goryeo (Wang Geon's title)
고려
Goryeo
Goryeo Dynasty
후삼국 통일
husamguk tongil
Unification of the Later Three Kingdoms
건국 시조
geonguk sijo
founding ancestor/progenitor
More Korean History Words
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