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Difference in Vocabulary Between North and South Korea

The difference in vocabulary between North and South Korea can be attributed to several factors.

Difference in Vocabulary Between North and South Korea


The difference in vocabulary between North and South Korea can be attributed to several factors. Let's see what are the factors caused and learn some vocabulary as an example.



Factors Caused the Difference in Vocabulary

1. Political and Ideological Divergence

After the Korean War and the subsequent division of Korea, North and South Korea followed different political and ideological paths. This divergence has significantly influenced language, with North Korea emphasizing words that reflect its socialist ideology and South Korea adopting terms that align with its democratic and capitalist society.


2. Language Purification Policies

North Korea has implemented policies to purify its language by removing foreign loanwords, especially those from Japanese and English. Instead, they create new words using native Korean elements or adopt Russian loanwords. South Korea, on the other hand, has been more open to incorporating foreign loanwords, particularly from English, into its vocabulary.


3. Isolation and Globalization

North Korea's relative isolation from the international community has limited its exposure to global linguistic influence, leading to the preservation and development of unique terms. In contrast, South Korea's active participation in global affairs and openness to Western culture has resulted in adopting many English loanwords, and international terms.


4. Cultural and Social Evolution

The distinct cultural and social developments in each country have also contributed to the divergence in vocabulary. For example, technological advancements, pop culture, and lifestyle changes in South Korea have introduced new words and phrases that are not used in the North.


5. Government-Directed Language Reforms

Both North and South Korea have undertaken language reforms but with different goals and methods. North Korea's reforms often focus on simplifying and unifying the language under state guidance, while South Korea's reforms have aimed at modernizing and standardizing the language, including adopting technical and scientific terms.

These factors combined have led to noticeable differences in the vocabulary used in everyday language, media, and official communications between North and South Korea.



Different Vocabulary Between North and South

Let's see how much they are different and how many words you already know.

South KoreaNorth KoreaMeaning
가발덧머리Wig / Toupee
화장지위생종이Toilet paper
손가방들가방Handbag
오빠오라버니Older brother
(used by female)
아이스크림얼음 보숭이Ice cream
주차장차마당Parking lot
할아버지큰아배Grandfather
어머니오마니Mother
탈의실옷벗는칸Dressing room
노크손기척Knock
며느리미느리Daughter-in-law
드레스나리옷Dress
아버지아반Father
멜론향참외Melon
홍수큰물Flood