Animals are fun to talk about in any language, so if you’re learning Korean a great way to start speaking the language is to speak about pets and wildlife creatures.
In this guide, we’ll explore various animals together in Korean, from pets and farm animals to mythical creatures, along with their cultural meanings and example sentences.
Skip to content:
- Introduction to Animal Vocabulary in Korean
- Common Pets
- Farm Animals
- Forest Animals
- Aquatic Animals
- Birds
- Wild & Zoo Animals
- Insects (no images of insects, don’t worry!)
- Other Animals and Mythical Creatures
- Korea’s National Animal
How Do You Say Animal In Korean?
First thing’s first, the Korean word for animal is 동물 (dongmul). The term is used to talk about animals in general. This includes animals in the wild, those kept in zoos, and those that live on a farm.
Example Sentence:
“저는 동물을 정말 좋아해요.” (Jeoneun donmuleul jeonmal johahaeyo)
Translation: “I really like animals”
Which Counter Do You Use For Animals?
When counting animals, use the Korean counter 마리 (mari). As with other counters in Korean, you should specify the type of animal first, then the number, and then the counter. Take a look at the example below.
Example Sentence:
“저는 개 두 마리가 있어요.” (Jeoneun gae du mariga isseoyo.)
Translation: “I have two dogs.”
With these basics covered, let’s dive into specific types of animals.
Common Pets in Korean
Just like in many other parts of the world, pets are beloved companions in Korea, and dogs and cats are the most popular choices. Here are some of the Korean words for some of the most common pets:
| Korean | Romanization | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 개 | gae | Dog |
| 강아지 | gangaji | Puppy |
| 고양이 | goyangi | Cat |
| 토끼 | tokki | Rabbit |
| 햄스터 | haemseuteo | Hamster |
| 기니피그 | ginipigeu | Guinea pig |
| 물고기 | mulgogi | Fish |
| 새 | sae | Bird |
| 뱀 | baem | Snake |
Example Sentences:
“고양이 한 마리를 키우고 있어요.” (Goyangi han marireul kiugo isseoyo.)
Translation: “I’m raising a cat.”
“개가 집 앞에 있어요.” (Gae-ga jip ape isseoyo.)
“The dog is in front of the house.”
“강아지가 너무 귀여워요!” (Gangaji-ga neomu gwiyowoyo!)
“The puppy is so cute!”
“고양이가 창문 옆에 앉아 있어요.” (Goyangi-ga changmun yeope anja isseoyo.)
“The cat is sitting next to the window.”
“토끼가 풀을 먹고 있어요.” (Tokki-ga pureul meokgo isseoyo.)
“The rabbit is eating grass.”
“햄스터가 밤에 활동을 많이 해요.” (Haemseuteo-ga bam-e hwaldong-eul manhi haeyo.)
“The hamster is very active at night.”
“새가 하늘을 날고 있어요.” (Sae-ga haneureul nalgo isseoyo.)
“The bird is flying in the sky.”
“뱀이 나무 아래에 숨어 있어요.” (Baem-i namu arae-e sumeo isseoyo.)
“The snake is hiding under the tree.”
How Do You Say Pet in Korean?
If, you want to talk about pets, you would use the term 애완동물 (aewandongmul; pet) or 반려동물 (banryeodongmul; companion animal).
In recent years, there’s been debate about which term is better to use in Korea. Usage of 반려동물 has increased as its direct translation is “companion animal”, which puts humans and their animal roommates on a more even playing field.
애완동물, on the other hand, translates to “pet animal”. It’s derived from the hanja 愛玩動物, which, whilst it starts with the hanja-based word for love (사랑 애; sarang ae), the next hanja loosely translates to toy (희롱할 완; huironghal wan = 장난감; jangnamgam), with the hanja appearing in the word 완구, which is another word for toy.
This places pets “below” humans. The debate is mainly because of the changing perceptions of pets in Korea; as with many other countries, whereas animals were once used for work, nowadays dogs, cats, and our other feline friends are cherished as part of the family.
Cultural Tip
Korean breeds like the 진돗개 (jindotgae; Jindo dog) are known for their intelligence and loyalty. Jindo dogs are native to Jindo Island in South Korea.
If you ever visit the island, you might see the memorial park and statue of one very well known Jindo dog. Although the dog’s original owner lived on the island, the dog was sold to someone on the mainland in the city of Daejeon, about 180 miles (300km) from its original home.
Yet Baekgu the dog managed to escape her new home and traveled all the way back home to her original owner, where she stayed until her death. After this, a memorial was set up in her honor.
Farm Animals in Korean
With a long history of agriculture, you can talk to Koreans about many different farm animals.
First of all, how do you say farm in Korean? The word is 농장 (nongjang).
| Korean | Romanization | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 말 | mal | Horse |
| 조랑말 | jorangmal | Pony |
| 소 | so | Cow |
| 송아지 | songaji | Calf |
| 닭 | dak | Chicken |
| 병아리 | byeongari | Chick |
| 돼지 | dwaeji | Pig |
| 양 | yang | Sheep |
| 염소 | yeomso | Goat |
| 칠면조 | chilmyeonjo | Turkey |
| 오리 | ori | Duck |
| 거위 | geowi | Goose |
| 당나귀 | dangnagwi | Donkey |
Example Sentences:
“농장에 닭이 많이 있어요.” (Nongjange daki mani isseoyo.)
Translation: “There are many chickens on the farm.”
“말이 너무 빠르게 달리고 있어요.” (Mal-i neomu ppaleuge dalligo isseoyo.)
“The horse is running very fast.”
“조랑말은 어린 아이들이 타기에 좋아요.” (Jorangmal-eun eorin aideul-i tagi-e joayo.)
“Pony is good for young children to ride.”
“소는 농장에서 중요한 동물이에요.” (So-neun nongjang-eseo jungyohan dongmul-ieyo.)
“Cows are important animals on the farm.”
“송아지가 처음으로 걸어 다니고 있어요.” (Songaji-ga cheoeum-euro georeo danigo isseoyo.)
“The calf is walking for the first time.”
“닭이 아침에 꼬끼오 하고 울어요.” (Dak-i achim-e kkokkio hago ul-eoyo.)
“The chicken crows ‘cock-a-doodle-doo’ in the morning.”
“돼지는 진흙에서 놀고 있어요.” (Dwaeji-neun jinheug-eseo nolgo isseoyo.)
“The pig is playing in the mud.”
“양들은 초원에서 풀을 먹고 있어요.” (Yang-deul-eun chowon-eseo pureul meokgo isseoyo.)
“The sheep are grazing in the meadow.”
“염소가 산을 잘 올라가요.” (Yeomso-ga san-eul jal ollagayo.)
“The goat climbs the mountain well.”
Cultural Tip
In Korean folklore, the pig, 돼지 (dwaeji), symbolizes wealth and good fortune. If you ever have a dream that includes a pig, Koreans believe this means you’ll have good luck. Many Koreans will buy a lottery ticket after they ever have a pig dream.
Forest Animals in Korean
Korea’s forests are rich in wildlife, and many of these animals also have symbolic meanings in Korean mythology.
If you want to say forest in Korean, use the word 숲 (sup). To reference inside the forest specifically, you can say 숲속 (supsok).
Next, talk about your favorite forest animals by learning the words for these animals:
| Korean | Romanization | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 사슴 | saseum | Deer |
| 여우 | yeou | Fox |
| 다람쥐 | daramjwi | Squirrel |
| 곰 | gom | Bear |
| 늑대 | neukdae | Wolf |
| 멧돼지 | metdwaeji | Boar |
| 너구리 | neoguri | Raccoon |
| 산토끼 | santokki | Hare |
| 오소리 | osori | Badger |
| 박쥐 | bakjwi | Bat |
| 주머니쥐 | jumeonijwi | Opossum |
| 쥐 | jwi | Mouse |
Example Sentences:
“숲에서 사슴을 봤어요.” (Sup-eseo saseumeul bwasseoyo.)
Translation: “I saw a deer in the forest.”
“여우가 사슴을 쫓고 있어요.” (Yeou-ga saseum-eul jjotgo isseoyo.)
“The fox is chasing the deer.”
“다람쥐가 나무에서 놀고 있어요.” (Daramjwi-ga namu-eseo nolgo isseoyo.)
“The squirrel is playing in the tree.”
“곰이 겨울잠에서 깨어났어요.” (Gom-i gyeouljam-eseo kkaeeonasseoyo.)
“The bear has woken up from hibernation.”
“멧돼지는 숲속에서 자주 보입니다.” (Metdwaeji-neun sup-sok-eseo jaju boimnida.)
“Wild boars are often seen in the forest.”
“너구리는 밤에 활동하는 동물이에요.” (Neoguri-neun bam-e hwaldonghaneun dongmul-ieyo.)
“Raccoons are nocturnal animals.”
“박쥐는 어두운 곳에서 날아요.” (Bakjwi-neun eoduun got-eseo nalayo.)
“Bats fly in dark places.”
Cultural Tip
The 곰 (gom), or bear, holds a unique place in Korean mythology. In the ancient story of 웅녀 (ungnyeo), a bear transforms into a human after enduring hardship, becoming the ancestor of the Korean people. This is the foundation myth in Korean culture.
Aquatic Animals in Korean
Korea is surrounded by seas, making aquatic life important to Korean culture and cuisine.
| Korean | Romanization | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 물고기 | mulgogi | Fish (general term) |
| 돌고래 | dolgorae | Dolphin |
| 상어 | sangeo | Shark |
| 고래 | gorae | Whale |
| 바다사자 | badasaja | Sea lion |
| 오징어 | ojingeo | Squid |
| 문어 | muneo | Octopus |
| 게 | ge | Crab |
| 악어 | ageo | Crocodile/Alligator |
| 개구리 | gaeguri | Frog |
| 거북 | geobuk | Turtle |
| 수달 | sudal | Otter |
| 고등어 | godeungeo | Mackerel |
| 참치 | chamchi | Tuna |
| 장어 | jangeo | Eel |
| 가오리 | gaori | Stingray |
| 해파리 | haepali | Jellyfish |
| 잉어 | ingeo | Carp |
| 청어 | cheongeo | Herring |
| 바닷가재 | badatgajae | Lobster |
| 굴 | gul | Oyster |
| 홍합 | honghap | Mussel |
| 새우 | saeu | Prawn |
| 성게 | seongge | Sea urchin |
Note that many of these words end in 어 (eo). This is from the hanja word 魚 (물고기 어; mulgogi eo).
Example Sentences:
“바다에서 고래를 볼 수 있어요.” (Bada-eseo goraereul bol su isseoyo.)
Translation: “You can see whales in the sea.”
“돌고래는 매우 지능이 높은 동물이에요.” (Dolgorae-neun maeu jineung-i nop-eun dongmul-ieyo.)
“Dolphins are very intelligent animals.”
“고래는 지구에서 가장 큰 동물이에요.” (Gorae-neun jigu-eseo gajang keun dongmul-ieyo.)
“Whales are the largest animals on Earth.”
“문어는 바닥에 숨는 것을 좋아해요.” (Muneo-neun badak-e sumneun geoseul joahaeyo.)
“Octopuses like to hide on the seabed.”
“게는 바닷가에서 쉽게 찾을 수 있어요.” (Ge-neun badatga-eseo swipge chajeul su isseoyo.)
“Crabs can be easily found at the beach.”
“악어는 강에서 사는 위험한 동물이에요.” (Ageo-neun gang-eseo saneun wiheomhan dongmul-ieyo.)
“Crocodiles are dangerous animals that live in rivers.”
“개구리는 물가에서 살고 있어요.” (Gaeguri-neun mulga-eseo salgo isseoyo.)
“Frogs live near the water.”
Birds in Korean
Birds are beautiful creatures, so what better what to show your appreciation for them than talking about them in Korean?
We mentioned above that the general Korean word for bird is 새 (sae). Let’s get into the specifics:
| Korean | Romanization | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 독수리 | doksuri | Eagle |
| 참새 | chamsae | Sparrow |
| 비둘기 | bidulgi | Pigeon/Dove |
| 두루미 | durumi | Crane |
| 부엉이 | bueongi | Owl |
| 푸른박새 | pureunbaksae | Bluetit |
| 말똥가리 | malttonggari | Buzzard |
| 까마귀 | kkamagwi | Crow |
| 홍학 | honghak | Flamingo |
| 매 | mae | Hawk |
| 왜가리 | waegari | Heron |
| 까치 | kkachi | Magpie |
| 갈매기 | galmaegi | Seagull |
| 제비 | jebi | Swallow |
| 공작 | gongjak | Peacock |
| 앵무새 | aengmusae | Parrot |
| 딱따구리 | ttakttakguri | Woodpecker |
Example Sentences:
“하늘에 독수리가 날고 있어요.” (Haneure doksuriga nalgo isseoyo.)
Translation: “An eagle is flying in the sky.”
“참새가 나무 위에 앉아 있어요.” (Chamsae-ga namu wie anja isseoyo.)
“The sparrow is sitting on the tree.”
“비둘기가 공원에서 찾아왔어요.” (Bidulgi-ga gongwon-eseo chajawasseoyo.)
“A pigeon came to the park.”
“두루미는 물가에서 걷고 있어요.” (Durumi-neun mulga-eseo geodgo isseoyo.)
“The crane is walking by the water.”
“부엉이는 밤에 활동해요.” (Bueongi-neun bam-e hwaldonghaeyo.)
“The owl is active at night.”
“푸른박새가 예쁜 소리를 내요.” (Pureunbaksae-ga yeppeun soril-laeyo.)
“The bluetit makes a beautiful sound.”
“홍학은 아름다운 분홍색을 가지고 있어요.” (Honghak-eun areumdawoon bunhongsaek-eul gajigo isseoyo.)
“The flamingo has a beautiful pink color.”
“매는 사냥을 잘하는 새예요.” (Mae-neun sanyangeul jalhaneun sae-yeyo.)
“Hawks are birds that are good at hunting.”
Wild and Zoo Animals in Korean
Learn how to talk about wild animals in Korean. You might also find these creatures at the zoo.
| Korean | Romanization | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 호랑이 | horangi | Tiger |
| 표범 | pyobeom | Leopard |
| 사자 | saja | Lion |
| 원숭이 | wonsungi | Monkey |
| 코끼리 | kokkiri | Elephant |
| 기린 | girin | Giraffe |
| 판다 | panda | Panda |
| 얼룩말 | eollukmal | Zebra |
| 코알라 | koalla | Koala |
| 북극곰 | bukgeukgom | Polar bear |
| 낙타 | nakta | Camel |
| 캥거루 | kaengeoru | Kangaroo |
| 고릴라 | gorilla | Gorilla |
| 치타 | chita | Cheetah |
| 하마 | hama | Hippo |
| 하이에나 | haiena | Hyena |
| 영양 | yeongyang | Antelope |
Example Sentences:
“호랑이가 정글에서 살고 있어요.” (Horangi-ga jeonggeul-eseo salgo isseoyo.)
Translation: “The tiger lives in the jungle.”
“표범은 나무에 잘 올라가요.” (Pyobeom-eun namu-e jal ollagayo.)
“Leopards climb trees well.”
“사자는 아프리카에서 많이 보입니다.” (Saja-neun apeurika-eseo manhi boimnida.)
“Lions are often seen in Africa.”
“원숭이는 매우 장난꾸러기예요.” (Wonsungi-neun maeu jangnankkureogi-yeyo.)
“Monkeys are very playful.”
“코끼리는 큰 귀를 가지고 있어요.” (Kokkiri-neun keun gwireul gajigo isseoyo.)
“Elephants have big ears.”
“기린은 긴 목을 가지고 있어요.” (Girin-eun gin mok-eul gajigo isseoyo.)
“Giraffes have long necks.”
“판다는 대나무를 좋아해요.” (Panda-neun daenamu-reul joahaeyo.)
“Pandas like bamboo.”
“얼룩말은 흰색과 검은색 줄무늬가 있어요.” (Eollukmal-eun huin-saekgwa geom-eun-saek julmuni-ga isseoyo.)
“Zebras have black and white stripes.”
“코알라는 나무 위에서 잠을 자요.” (Koalla-neun namu wie-seo jam-eul jayo.)
“Koalas sleep in trees.”
“북극곰은 얼음 위에서 살아야 해요.” (Bukgeukgom-eun eoreum wie-seo saraya haeyo.)
“Polar bears have to live on ice.”
Korea’s National Animal: The Tiger
The 호랑이 (horangi), or tiger, has special cultural importance in Korea. These animals once roamed the Korean peninsula in large numbers, though nowadays they are extinct in the region.
The animal represents power, courage, and protection, and is often depicted as a guardian in traditional Korean artwork. If you ever visit a Korean palace, you’ll likely see these animals depicted as statues and art to defend the building from evil spirits and wrongdoers.
In art, the tiger is often paired with a 까치 (kkachi), or magpie, symbolizing good news.
Example Sentence:
“산에서 호랑이를 봤어요.” (San-eseo horangireul bwasseoyo.)
Translation: “I saw a tiger in the mountains.”
How Do You Say Zoo In Korean?
The term for “zoo” is 동물원 (dongmulwon). Broken down, this is 동물 (dongmul; animal) plus 원 (derived from the hanja 園; 동산 원 – dongsan won, meaning garden or orchard).
Example Sentences:
“동물원이 어디에 있어요?” (Dongmul-woni eodie isseoyo?)
Translation: “Where is the zoo?”
“아이들이 동물원에서 기린을 보고 싶어 해요.” (Aideuli dongmulwon-eseo girin-eul bogo sipeo haeyo.)
Translation: “The kids want to see the giraffe at the zoo.”
Insects in Korean
Insects are an integral part of life in all countries, and the same goes for Korea. Here are some insect words you should know:
| Korean | Romanization | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 벌레 | beolle | Bug (general term) |
| 벌 | beol | Bee |
| 나비 | nabi | Butterfly |
| 개미 | gaemi | Ant |
| 잠자리 | jamjari | Dragonfly |
| 반딧불이 | banditburi | Firefly |
| 무당벌레 | mudangbeolle | Ladybug |
| 바퀴벌레 | bakkwibeolle | Cockroach |
| 파리 | pari | Fly |
| 모기 | mogi | Mosquito |
| 거미 | geomi | Spider |
| 귀뚜라미 | gwitturami | Cricket |
| 메뚜기 | mettugi | Grasshopper |
| 진딧물 | jinditmul | Aphid |
| 사마귀 | samagwi | Praying mantis |
| 나방 | nabang | Moth |
| 쇠똥구리 | soettongguri | Dung beetle |
| 흰개미 | huingaemi | Termite |
Example Sentence:
“정원에 나비가 날고 있어요.” (Jeong-won-e nabi-ga nalgo isseoyo.)
Translation: “A butterfly is flying in the garden.”
“벌은 꽃에서 꿀을 모아요.” (Beol-eun kkot-eseo kkul-eul moayo.)
“Bees collect honey from flowers.”
“개미는 작은 곤충이에요.” (Gaemi-neun jageun gonchung-ieyo.)
“Ants are small insects.”
“잠자리는 물가에서 많이 보입니다.” (Jamjari-neun mulga-eseo manhi boimnida.)
“Dragonflies are often seen near the water.”
“반딧불이는 밤에 빛나요.” (Banditburi-neun bam-e bitnayo.)
“Fireflies glow at night.”
“모기는 여름에 많이 나타나요.” (Mogin-eun yeoreum-e manhi natanayo.)
“Mosquitoes appear a lot in the summer.”
“파리는 음식에 앉아 있어요.” (Pari-neun eumsik-e anja isseoyo.)
“Flies are sitting on the food.”
“나방은 주로 밤에 날아요.” (Nabang-eun juro bam-e nalayo.)
“Moths usually fly at night.”
“바퀴벌레는 어두운 곳을 좋아해요.” (Bakwi-beolle-neun eoduun got-eul joahaeyo.)
“Cockroaches like dark places.”
“벌레는 땅에서 살고 있어요.” (Beolle-neun ttang-eseo salgo isseoyo.)
“Insects live in the ground.”
Other Animals and Mythical Creatures
Korea also has mythical creatures that play essential roles in folklore.
- Dragon – 용 (yong)
- Phoenix – 불사조 (bulsajo)
These mythical animals are considered powerful protectors in Korean culture. The 용 (yong), or dragon, symbolizes strength and good fortune, while the 불사조 (bulsajo), or phoenix, represents rebirth and harmony.
And if you ever talk to children in Korea or you watch variety shows that include kids, many love dinosaurs, so that’s a useful word to learn! The word is 공룡 (gongryong).
Now Practice Talking About Animals In Korean!
The best way to memorize words in a different language is to practice using those words yourself. Feel free to leave a comment with your sentences, I’d love to read them!