Common Vocabulary Words for a Korean Wedding
Basic Wedding-Related Words
- 결혼 (gyeolhon) – Marriage, wedding
- 결혼식 (gyeolhonsik) – Wedding ceremony
- 신랑 (sinlang) – Groom
- 신부 (sinbu) – Bride
- 예식장 (yesikjang) – Wedding hall, venue
- 초대장 (chodaejang) – Invitation card
- 하객 (hagaek) – Wedding guest
Traditional Ceremony Vocabulary
- 전통 혼례 (jeontong honrye) – Traditional wedding ceremony
- 폐백 (pyebaek) – Wedding bow ceremony (a ritual where the bride offers respect to the groom’s family)
- 백년가약 (baengnyeon gayak) – A vow for a hundred years, symbolizing a lifelong marriage
- 예단 (yedan) – Traditional wedding gifts given by the bride’s family
- 예물 (yemul) – Wedding gifts exchanged by the couple
- 한복 (hanbok) – Traditional Korean dress
People Involved in the Wedding
- 주례 (jurye) – Officiant
- 친구 (chingu) – Friend (often part of the bridal party)
- 부모님 (bumonim) – Parents
- 신부 들러리 (sinbu deulleri) – Bridesmaid
- 신랑 들러리 (sinlang deulleri) – Groomsman
Wedding Events and Activities
- 상견례 (sanggyeonrye) – Formal meeting between the two families
- 축가 (chukga) – Congratulatory song
- 축사 (chuksa) – Congratulatory speech
- 케이크 커팅 (keikeu keoting) – Cake cutting
- 부케 던지기 (buke deonjigi) – Bouquet toss
- 사진 촬영 (sajin chwalyeong) – Photo shoot
Gift and Money Vocabulary
- 축의금 (chugui-geum) – Monetary gift for the couple
- 답례품 (dablyepum) – Return gift or wedding favor
- 금반지 (geumbanji) – Gold ring (often exchanged as a wedding gift)
Useful Korean Phrases for Weddings
- 결혼을 축하합니다! (Gyeolhoneul chukahamnida!) – Congratulations on your wedding!
- 행복하게 사세요. (Haengbokhage saseyo.) – Wishing you happiness.
- 오래오래 행복하세요. (Oraeorae haengbokhaseyo.) – Wishing you everlasting happiness.
Tips for Learning Korean Wedding Vocabulary
- Watch Korean dramas or variety shows featuring wedding scenes to hear these words in context.
- Practice pronunciation and usage with language exchange partners or using AI language learning platforms like Talkpal.
- Write your own wedding invitations or congratulatory messages in Korean to reinforce your learning.
Conclusion
Learning Korean wedding vocabulary not only enhances your language skills but also opens a window into the rich cultural traditions of Korea. Whether you are preparing to attend a wedding, watching Korean dramas, or studying with Talkpal, these words and phrases will help you connect more deeply with Korean culture. Practice regularly and you’ll be ready to celebrate love and commitment in true Korean style!
