Korean Dictionary
How to say "Zoo" in Korean
“Zoo” in Korean is 동물원 (pronounced "dongmul-won").
동물원
dongmul-won
Usage & Context
Zoos in Korea house diverse animal species and are educational destinations for families. Seoul Zoo and Everland Zoo are among the most popular.
Example Sentence
아이들과 동물원에 갔어요.
I went to the zoo with my children.
How to use 동물원 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Zoo” is 동물원, romanized as dongmul-won.
Usage tip
Pair this travel word with polite request endings like -요 so it works in hotels, stations, taxis, and shops.
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 동물원.
Pronunciation Guide
The first part, '동물' (dongmul), sounds like 'dong' in 'ding-dong' followed by 'mool' like in 'pool'. The last part, '원' (won), is pronounced like 'won' in 'I won the game'. The overall pronunciation is DONG-mool-won, with a slight emphasis on the first syllable 'dong'.
More Example Sentences
Describing the size of a specific zoo.
서울대공원 동물원은 정말 넓어요.
Seoul Grand Park Zoo is really big.
Recalling a childhood memory.
어릴 때 동물원에서 코끼리를 처음 봤어요.
I saw an elephant for the first time at the zoo when I was little.
Discussing the role of zoo staff.
동물원 사육사들은 동물들을 잘 돌봐요.
Zoo keepers take good care of the animals.
Cultural Context
Zoos in Korea, such as Seoul Grand Park Zoo, are popular family destinations, especially on weekends and holidays. They often combine educational exhibits with recreational areas, making them ideal for school field trips and family outings. While not as frequently featured in K-dramas as amusement parks, zoos still represent a classic, wholesome activity for families and children, offering a chance to connect with nature and learn about diverse animal species.
Editorial note
We review entries like 동물원 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
동물원에 가다
To go to the zoo
동물원 구경하다
To visit/see the zoo
동물원 나들이
Zoo outing
Related Expressions
사파리
sapari
Safari
동물
dongmul
Animal
동물원 구경
dongmulwon gugyeong
Zoo visit/sightseeing
서울대공원
seoul-daegongwon
Seoul Grand Park (includes a zoo)
More Travel Words
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