Spring is finally here! After months of chilly weather, it’s time to step outside, enjoy the warm sunshine, and watch nature come back to life. In Korea, spring is a magical season filled with cherry blossoms, flower festivals, and refreshing breezes, basically, the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors.
If you love spring as much as we do, why not add some seasonal flair to your vocabulary with Korean words that capture the essence of the season? Here are five enchanting Korean words you must know that beautifully express the spirit of spring:
1. 봄 (Bom) – Spring
Let’s start with the basics! ‘봄’ (bom) means ‘spring’ in Korean. It’s a simple yet beautiful word that instantly reminds you of blooming flowers and sunshine after a long winter.
Example:
봄에는 꽃이 많이 피어요!
(Bom-e-neun kkoch-i man-hi pi-eo-yo!) – In spring, many flowers bloom!
Spring in Korea is a big deal. People head out for picnics and festivals, and even indulge in special seasonal foods like cherry blossom-flavored drinks and ‘빙수’ (bing-su) – ‘shaved ice’.
2. 벚꽃 (Beot-kkot) – Cherry Blossoms
If there’s one thing that symbolizes spring in Korea, it’s cherry blossoms! The word 벚꽃 (beot-kkot) refers to those stunning pink-white flowers that cover streets, parks, and even university campuses.
Every year, people wait eagerly for 벚꽃 시즌 (beot-kkot si-jeun) – cherry blossom season, which usually happens between late March and early April. Friends and families go for 벚꽃놀이 (beot-kkot nor-i) – cherry blossom outings, to enjoy the scenery, take photos, and enjoy outdoor meals.
Example:
벚꽃 구경하러 가자!
(Beot-kkot gu-gyeong-ha-reo ga-ja!) – Let’s go see the cherry blossoms!
Trust us, if you ever visit Korea in spring, experiencing 벚꽃놀이 (beot-kkot nor-i) is an absolute must!
3. 따뜻하다 (Tta-tteut-ha-da) – Warm
One of the best things about spring is that it’s not too hot nor too cold – it’s just right! The word 따뜻하다 (tta-tteut-ha-da) means ‘warm’ and is perfect for describing the cozy, pleasant weather of springtime.
Example:
오늘은 날씨가 따뜻해요.
(O-neur-eun nal-ssi-ga tta-tteut-hae-yo.) – The weather is warm today.
After months of bundling up in heavy coats, stepping outside without freezing is a blessing. The warm sun, gentle breezes, and crisp fresh air make spring the ideal season for outdoor adventures!
4. 꽃샘추위 (Kkot-saem-chu-wi) – The Last Cold Snap
Just when you think winter is finally over, Korea surprises you with one last cold spell before fully welcoming spring. This sudden drop in temperature is called 꽃샘추위 (kkot-saem-chu-wi), which literally means ‘the cold that is jealous of the flowers’.
Sounds poetic, right? It’s as if winter doesn’t want to let go just yet.
Example:
꽃샘추위 때문에 아직 코트를 입어요.
(Kkot-saem-chu-wi ttae-mun-e a-jik ko-teu-reul ib-eo-yo.) – Because of the last cold snap, I’m still wearing a coat.
So, if you’re visiting Korea in early spring, don’t be too quick to put away your jackets! You never know when those chilly days might sneak up on you!
5. 새싹 (Sae-ssak) – Sprouts/New Buds
Spring is all about new beginnings when flowers bloom, trees regain their lush green leaves, and tiny 새싹 (sae-ssak) or ‘sprouts’ start appearing everywhere! In Korean, 새싹 (sae-ssak) doesn’t just refer to plants, it’s also used metaphorically for young children or beginners starting something new.
Example:
공원에 새싹이 많이 돋았어요!
(Gong-won-e sae-ssak-i man-i dod-ass-eo-yo!) – Many new sprouts have appeared in the park!
Whether it’s setting new goals, embracing a fresh start, or even beginning your Korean learning journey, spring is the perfect season to bloom and thrive!
봄이 왔어요! ( bom-i wass-eo-yo) – Spring is Here!
Now that you have these five words in your vocabulary, you’re ready to embrace spring like a native! Whether you’re admiring Cherry Blossoms, enjoying the warm weather, or experiencing the last cold snap, these words will help you capture the season perfectly.
Written by – Surbhi
Connect with us on Instagram | X | YouTube for more content, interviews, & news.
