The nights are getting darker, pumpkin spice is everywhere, and the spooky season is here! Even in Korea, October brings out 귀신 (gwi-shin, ghost) stories, themed cafes, and variety shows full of jump scares and laughter. Whether you’re watching a creepy K-drama scene or trying to describe something that gives you chills, these Korean expressions will help you sound just like a local this Halloween.
So grab your hot chocolate, dim the lights, and let’s dive into some spooky Korean!
1. 무서워 죽겠다 (mu-seo-weo juk-get-da) – I’m scared to death
무서워 (mu-seo-weo) means ‘scared’, and 죽겠다 (juk-get-da) literally means ‘I’ll die’. When put together, it’s a common way to exaggerate how terrified (or even nervous) you feel, similar to saying “I’m dying of fear!” in English.
Vocabulary
무서워 (mu-seo-weo) – scary / scared
죽겠다 (juk-get-da) – I could die (used to exaggerate emotions)
Example
그 소리 뭐야? 무서워 죽겠다!
(geu so-ri mwo-ya? mu-seo-weo juk-get-da!)
What was that sound? I’m scared to death!
2. 깜짝 놀랐어요 (kkam-jjak nol-las-seo-yo) – I got startled!
Use this when something suddenly surprises or shocks you — like a ghost popping up in a K-drama or your friend jumping out of nowhere. It’s polite and very commonly used in daily life, too.
Vocabulary
깜짝 (kkam-jjak) – suddenly / all of a sudden
놀라다 (nol-la-da) – to be surprised
Example
뒤에서 불러서 깜짝 놀랐어요!
(dwi-e-seo bul-leo-seo kkam-jjak nol-las-seo-yo!)
You called me from behind, I got so startled!
3. 소름 끼치다 (so-reum kki-chi-da) – To get goosebumps
Not just for fear, this can be used when something is creepy or when something’s so good it gives you chills (like an emotional performance).
Vocabulary
소름 (so-reum) – goosebumps
끼치다 (kki-chi-da) – to give / cause (a feeling)
Example
그 장면 진짜 소름 끼쳤어!
(geu jang-myeon jin-jja so-reum kki-chyeos-seo!)
That scene seriously gave me goosebumps!
4. 귀신 나올 것 같아 (gwi-shin na-ol geot gat-a) – It feels like a ghost might appear
A natural-sounding phrase often used jokingly when a place is too quiet, dark, or eerie — like saying, “It’s so creepy, a ghost might pop out.”
Vocabulary
귀신 (gwi-shin) – ghost / spirit
나올 것 같아 (na-ol geot gat-a) – feels like (something) will appear
Example
여긴 너무 조용해… 귀신 나올 것 같아.
(yeo-gin neo-mu jo-yong-hae… gwi-shin na-ol geot gat-a.)
It’s so quiet here… feels like a ghost might appear.
5. 조심해! (jo-sim-hae!) – Be careful! / Watch out!
Simple but perfect for a spooky setting or just everyday life. You’ll often hear this in dramas when something dangerous or unexpected is about to happen.
Vocabulary
조심하다 (jo-shim-ha-da) – to be careful
Example
어두우니까 조심해!
(eo-du-u-ni-kka jo-sim-hae!)
It’s dark, so be careful!
6. 깜깜하다 (kkam-kkam-ha-da) – To be pitch dark
This word captures that eerie silence and total darkness of a spooky night, when it’s so dark you can barely see your hand.
Vocabulary
깜깜하다 (kkam-kkam-ha-da) – completely dark
Example
밖이 너무 깜깜해서 아무것도 안 보여.
(bakk-i neo-mu kkam-kkam-hae-seo a-mu-geot-do an bo-yeo.)
It’s so dark outside, I can’t see anything.
Now that you know these Halloween-perfect expressions, try using them next time you watch a ghost scene in a K-drama or tell a spooky story with friends. Even if you’re not celebrating Halloween in Korea, language is the best way to join the fun — and maybe 소름 끼치다 (so-reum kki-chi-da) your friends with your Korean skills!
다음에 또 만나요! (da-eum-ae tto man-na-yo) See you next time!
Written by- Surabhi
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