Learn Korean Through Nursery Rhymes & Children’s Songs

I’ll always say that the best way of learning a new language is to have fun with it, and Korean is no exception. An effective way of doing this is through Korean nursery rhymes and children’s songs, especially for beginners and children. These simple, repetitive tunes provide an accessible and entertaining way to familiarize yourself with the language’s vocabulary, sentence structure, and pronunciation.

If you’re struggling to understand your favourite K-Pop artist’s lyrics, this is a great first step.

In this article, we will explore how Korean nursery rhymes and children’s songs can serve as a practical tool for language acquisition and introduce popular Korean songs like “곰 세 마리” (Three Bears) and “아기 상어” (Baby Shark).

1. 곰 세 마리 (Three Bears)

곰 세 마리 is one of the most well-known Korean nursery rhymes and is often taught to young children in Korea. The song tells the story of three bears (a father, a mother, and a baby bear) using simple descriptive vocabulary.

It comes complete with actions you should do while singing. I particularly like this clip from the K-Drama Full House. Be warned, it is very cringey (the woman singing the song is meeting her partner’s family for the first time and decided to sing them a nursery rhyme complete with the actions), but that makes it more memorable!

Here are the lyrics to 곰 세 마리:

Korean:

곰 세 마리가 한 집에 있어
아빠 곰, 엄마 곰, 애기 곰
아빠 곰은 뚱뚱해
엄마 곰은 날씬해
애기 곰은 너무 귀여워
으쓱으쓱 잘한다

Romanization:

I’ve included the romanization for each song, but would highly recommend that you learn Hangeul, the Korean alphabet, if you’re serious about the language. It really doesn’t take too long and will help with pronounciation. Plus, it’s made to be easy to learn so it isn’t as hard as you might think!

gom sae mariga han jibae isseo
appa gom, eomma gom, aegi gom
appa gomeun ddungddunghae
eomma gomeun nalssinhae
aegi gomeun neomu giyeowo
eusseuk! eusseuk! jalhanda!

English translation:

Three bears live in one house
Papa bear, mama bear, baby bear
Papa bear is chubby
Mama bear is slim
Baby bear is so cute
(shrug shrug) Well done!

This song helps learners familiarize themselves with family terms (아빠 = dad, 엄마 = mom, 애기 = baby) and adjectives like 뚱뚱해 (chubby), 날씬해 (slim), and 귀여워 (cute). The tune is catchy, making it easy to memorize and practice.

2. 아기 상어 (Baby Shark)

You might have already heard the Korean version of “Baby Shark,” known as 아기 상어 in Korean. This song is perfect for learners because it uses repetitive language structures and introduces simple vocabulary about family members, much like 곰 세 마리.

Here are the lyrics to 아기 상어:

Korean:

아기 상어 뚜 루루 뚜루
귀여운 뚜 루루 뚜루
바닷속 뚜 루루 뚜루
아기 상어!

엄마 상어 뚜 루루 뚜루
어여쁜 뚜 루루 뚜루
바닷속 뚜 루루 뚜루
엄마 상어!

아빠 상어 뚜 루루 뚜루
힘이 센 뚜 루루 뚜루
바닷속 뚜 루루 뚜루
아빠 상어!

할머니 상어 뚜 루루 뚜루
자상한 뚜 루루 뚜루
바닷속 뚜 루루 뚜루
할머니 상어!

할아버지 상어 뚜 루루 뚜루
멋있는 뚜 루루 뚜루
바닷속 뚜 루루 뚜루
할아버지 상어!

우리는 뚜 루루 뚜루
바다의 뚜 루루 뚜루
사냥꾼 뚜 루루 뚜루
상어 가족!

상어다 뚜 루루 뚜루
도망쳐 뚜 루루 뚜루
도망쳐 뚜 루루 뚜루
숨자! 으악!

살았다 뚜 루루 뚜루
살았다 뚜 루루 뚜루
오늘도 뚜 루루 뚜루
살았다
휴!

신난다 뚜 루루 뚜루
신난다 뚜 루루 뚜루
춤을 춰 뚜 루루 뚜루
노래 끝
오예!

Romanization:

Agi sang-eo ddu ru ru ddu ru
Gwiyeoun ddu ru ru ddu ru  
Badassok ddu ru ru ddu ru  
Agi sang-eo!

Eomma sang-eo ddu ru ru ddu ru
Eoyeoppeun ddu ru ru ddu ru  
Badassok ddu ru ru ddu ru  
Eomma sang-eo!

Appa sang-eo ddu ru ru ddu ru
Himi sen ddu ru ru ddu ru  
Badassok ddu ru ru ddu ru  
Appa sang-eo!

Halmeoni sang-eo ddu ru ru ddu ru
Jasanghan ddu ru ru ddu ru  
Badassok ddu ru ru ddu ru  
Halmeoni sang-eo!

Harabeoji sang-eo ddu ru ru ddu ru
Meosinneun ddu ru ru ddu ru  
Badassok ddu ru ru ddu ru  
Harabeoji sang-eo!

Urineun ddu ru ru ddu ru
Bada-ui ddu ru ru ddu ru  
Sanyangkkun ddu ru ru ddu ru  
Sang-eo gajok!

Sang-eoda ddu ru ru ddu ru
Domangchyeo ddu ru ru ddu ru  
Domangchyeo ddu ru ru ddu ru  
Sumja! Euak!

Saratda ddu ru ru ddu ru
Saratda ddu ru ru ddu ru  
Oneuldo ddu ru ru ddu ru  
Saratda  
Hyu!

Sinnanda ddu ru ru ddu ru
Sinnanda ddu ru ru ddu ru  
Chumeul chwo ddu ru ru ddu ru  
Norae kkeut  
Oh yeh!

English translation:

Baby Shark doo doo doo doo doo doo
Cute doo doo doo doo doo doo
In the sea doo doo doo doo doo doo
Baby Shark!

Mommy Shark doo doo doo doo doo doo
Pretty doo doo doo doo doo doo
In the sea doo doo doo doo doo doo
Mommy Shark!

Daddy Shark doo doo doo doo doo doo
Strong doo doo doo doo doo doo
In the sea doo doo doo doo doo doo
Daddy Shark!

Grandma Shark doo doo doo doo doo doo
Kind doo doo doo doo doo doo
In the sea doo doo doo doo doo doo
Grandma Shark!

Grandpa Shark doo doo doo doo doo doo
Cool doo doo doo doo doo doo
In the sea doo doo doo doo doo doo
Grandpa Shark!

We are doo doo doo doo doo doo
The sea's doo doo doo doo doo doo
Hunters doo doo doo doo doo doo
Shark Family!

It's a shark doo doo doo doo doo doo
Run away doo doo doo doo doo doo
Run away doo doo doo doo doo doo
Hide! Ahhh!

We survived doo doo doo doo doo doo
We survived doo doo doo doo doo doo
Today, too, doo doo doo doo doo doo
We survived
Phew!

Exciting doo doo doo doo doo doo
Exciting doo doo doo doo doo doo
Let's dance doo doo doo doo doo doo
The song's over
Oh yeah!

By singing along with 아기 상어, learners can practice basic family member terms (아기 = baby, 엄마 = mom, 아빠 = dad, 할머니 = grandmother, 할아버지 = grandfather) and enjoy the fun, repetitive melody. The simplicity of the song makes it great for learners of all ages, and the playful nature of the tune ensures that it remains a memorable learning experience.

3. 반짝반짝 작은 별 (Twinkle Twinkle Little Star)

The Korean version of “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” is another popular nursery rhyme. This song helps learners practice pronunciation and word recognition with familiar and simple phrases.

Korean:

반짝반짝 작은 별
아름답게 비치네
서쪽 하늘에서도
동쪽 하늘에서도
반짝반짝 작은 별
아름답게 비치네

Romanization:

Banjjak banjjak jageun byeol
Areumdapge bichine
Seojjok haneureso
Dongjjok haneureso
Banjjak banjjak jageun byeol
Areumdapge bichine

English translation:

Twinkle twinkle little star
How beautifully you shine
In the western sky
In the eastern sky
Twinkle twinkle little star
How beautifully you shine

This song is ideal for beginners because it’s easy to follow and introduces directional vocabulary (서쪽 = west, 동쪽 = east). Additionally, learning a familiar song in a new language can help reinforce both languages simultaneously.

4. 머리, 어깨, 무릎, 발 (Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes)

If you’re familiar with “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes”, it should be quite easy to learn this one off by heart – and pick up some useful Korean vocabulary for body parts in the process. Sing along and point to each part of your body and you’ll quickly be able to memorize these key vocabulary words.

Korean:

머리 어깨 무릎 발 무릎 발
머리 어깨 무릎 발 무릎 발 무릎
머리 어깨 발 무릎 발
머리 어깨 무릎 귀 코 귀

머리 어깨 무릎 발 무릎 발
머리 어깨 무릎 발 무릎 발 무릎
머리 어깨 발 무릎 발
머리 어깨 무릎 귀 코 귀

Romanization:

Meori eokkae mureup bal mureup bal
Meori eokkae mureup bal mureup bal mureup
Meori eokkae bal mureup bal
Meori eokkae mureup gwi ko gwi

Meori eokkae mureup bal mureup bal
Meori eokkae mureup bal mureup bal mureup
Meori eokkae bal mureup bal
Meori eokkae mureup gwi ko gwi

English translation:

Head, shoulders, knees, feet, knees, feet
Head, shoulders, knees, feet, knees, feet, knees
Head, shoulders, feet, knees, feet
Head, shoulders, knees, ears, nose, ears

Head, shoulders, knees, feet, knees, feet
Head, shoulders, knees, feet, knees, feet, knees
Head, shoulders, feet, knees, feet
Head, shoulders, knees, ears, nose, ears

This song is fantastic for building vocabulary related to body parts (머리 = head, 어깨 = shoulders, 무릎 = knees, 발 = feet, 눈 = eyes, 코 = nose, 입 = mouth, 귀 = ears). The actions that accompany the song reinforce the learning, making it an interactive and physical way to learn Korean.

5. 솜사탕 (Cotton Candy)

솜사탕 is a cute, cheerful song about cotton candy. It’s a popular children’s song that teaches basic vocabulary related to food, colors and description words.

Korean:

나뭇가지에 실처럼
날아든 솜사탕
하얀 눈처럼 희고도
깨끗한 솜사탕

엄마 손 잡고 나들이 갈 때
먹어 본 솜사탕
훅훅 불면은 구멍이 뚫리는
커다란 솜사탕

나뭇가지에 실처럼
날아든 솜사탕
하얀 눈처럼 희고도
깨끗한 솜사탕

엄마 손 잡고 나들이 갈 때
먹어 본 솜사탕
훅훅 불면은 구멍이 뚫리는
커다란 솜사탕

Romanization:

Namutgajie silcheoreom
Naradeun somsatang
Hayan nuncheoreom huigodo
Kkaekkeutan somsatang

Eomma son japgo nadeuri gal ttae
Meogeo bon somsatang
Huk huk bulmyeoneun gumeongi ttullineun
Keodaran somsatang

Namutgajie silcheoreom
Naradeun somsatang
Hayan nuncheoreom huigodo
Kkaekkeutan somsatang

Eomma son japgo nadeuri gal ttae
Meogeo bon somsatang
Huk huk bulmyeoneun gumeongi ttullineun
Keodaran somsatang

English translation:

Like thread on a tree branch
The cotton candy flies in
White as snow
Clean cotton candy

When I hold my mom's hand and go on an outing
I tasted cotton candy
If you blow on it, holes appear
The big cotton candy

Like thread on a tree branch
The cotton candy flies in
White as snow
Clean cotton candy

When I hold my mom's hand and go on an outing
I tasted cotton candy
If you blow on it, holes appear
The big cotton candy

This song is perfect for beginners who want to learn vocabulary related to food (솜사탕 = cotton candy) and colors (하얀 = white). The gentle melody makes it easy to sing along, and its repetitive structure ensures that new words stick.

6. 우유송 (Milk Song) by 7공주

There are a couple of songs about milk for children, but I prefer 7공주’s version as it’s a little more advanced than the original.

The 우유송 is a lively and playful song that emphasizes the importance of drinking milk for family health and wellbeing. With repetitive, easy-to-follow lyrics, it’s ideal for language learners who are building vocabulary related to health, family, and daily routines.

Korean Lyrics:

아싸아싸 아싸아싸 우유 좋아좋아
이른 아침에 눈을 떠 (아싸아싸)
우유 한 잔 생각하세요 (우유 줘)
우리 가족의 건강을 (아싸아싸)
우유 먹고 지켜내세요 (와)
우리 몸에 (우유) 딱 맞는 건 (우유)
항상 곁에 둬요 (아잉 좋아)
하루 세잔 (우유) 시원하게 (우유)
어디서나 함께해요 (매일 꾸준히)

이른 아침에 눈을 떠 (아싸아싸)
우유 한 잔 생각하세요 (우유 줘)
우리 가족의 건강을 (아싸아싸)
우유 먹고 지켜내세요 (와)

콜라 홍차 커피 oh no
바나나 딸기 초코 흰우유가 좋아
회사에서 (우유) 학교에서 (우유)
항상 곁에 둬요 (아잉 좋아)
하루 세잔 (우유) 시원하게 (우유)
어디서나 함께해요 (매일 꾸준히)

이른 아침에 눈을 떠 (아싸아싸)
우유 한 잔 생각하세요 (우유 줘)
우리 가족의 건강을 (아싸아싸)
우유 먹고 지켜내세요 (와)
우유 좋아좋아

Romanization:

Assa assa assa assa uyu joa joa
Ireun achime nuneul tteo (assa assa)
Uyu han jan saenggakaseyo (uyu jwo)
Uri gajokui geongangeul (assa assa)
Uyu meokgo jikyeonaeseyo (wa)
Uri mome (uyu) ttak manneun geon (uyu)
Hangsang gyeote dwo yo (aing joa)
Haru sejan (uyu) siwonhage (uyu)
Eodiseona hamkkehaeyo (maeil kkujuni)

Ireun achime nuneul tteo (assa assa)
Uyu han jan saenggakaseyo (uyu jwo)
Uri gajokui geongangeul (assa assa)
Uyu meokgo jikyeonaeseyo (wa)

Cola hongcha keopi oh no
Banana ttalgi choko huinuyu ga joa
Hoesaeseo (uyu) hakgyoeseo (uyu)
Hangsang gyeote dwo yo (aing joa)
Haru sejan (uyu) siwonhage (uyu)
Eodiseona hamkkehaeyo (maeil kkujuni)

Ireun achime nuneul tteo (assa assa)
Uyu han jan saenggakaseyo (uyu jwo)
Uri gajokui geongangeul (assa assa)
Uyu meokgo jikyeonaeseyo (wa)
Uyu joa joa

English Translation:

Yay yay yay, I love milk
When you wake up early in the morning (Yay yay)
Think about having a glass of milk (Give me milk)
Protect your family’s health (Yay yay)
By drinking milk (Wow)
What fits our body best (Milk)
Always keep it close (Ah, I love it)
Three glasses a day (Milk), cold and refreshing (Milk)
Drink it everywhere (Every day, steadily)

When you wake up early in the morning (Yay yay)
Think about having a glass of milk (Give me milk)
Protect your family’s health (Yay yay)
By drinking milk (Wow)

Cola, black tea, coffee, oh no
Banana, strawberry, chocolate – white milk is the best
At work (Milk), at school (Milk)
Always keep it close (Ah, I love it)
Three glasses a day (Milk), cold and refreshing (Milk)
Drink it everywhere (Every day, steadily)

When you wake up early in the morning (Yay yay)
Think about having a glass of milk (Give me milk)
Protect your family’s health (Yay yay)
By drinking milk (Wow)
I love milk!

The repetitive nature of the lyrics, especially phrases like 우유 한 잔 생각하세요 (Think about having a glass of milk) and 우리 가족의 건강을 지켜내세요 (Protect your family’s health), make it easier for learners to internalize the words and sentence patterns.

The song introduces common words used in everyday conversation. For example:

• 우유 (uyu) = Milk
• 아침 (achim) = Morning
• 가족 (gajok) = Family
• 건강 (geongang) = Health

It also includes expressions like 아싸아싸 (yay yay) and 아잉 좋아 (Ah, I love it). These informal expressions are commonly heard in everyday conversations, especially among children.

Why Korean Nursery Rhymes are Perfect for Language Learning

1. Simplicity and Repetition

One of the key reasons nursery rhymes are such a powerful language-learning tool is their simplicity. The lyrics are usually short, easy to remember, repetitive, and use basic vocabulary, which makes them ideal for beginners. They can help you learners internalize common expressions and grammar patterns.

2. Cultural Immersion

Korean children’s songs often contain cultural references, giving learners a glimpse into Korean traditions, customs, and values. Listening to and singing along with these songs allows you to immerse yourself in Korean culture in a fun way.

3. Enhanced Listening Skills

Listening to music in a foreign language can help develop your auditory skills. By regularly listening to Korean nursery rhymes, you can improve your ability to distinguish between different sounds, tones, and syllables in the Korean language, which is crucial for pronunciation and understanding.

4. Engagement and Motivation

Nursery rhymes are designed to be fun and catchy, which makes learning more engaging. The joyful melodies and repetitive rhythms make it easier to stay motivated and continue practicing, especially for younger learners or those who find traditional study methods dull.

How to Use Korean Nursery Rhymes & Children Songs to Learn The Language

1. Practice Sentences and Phrases

Practice making similar sentences using the structure from the songs. For example:

• 우유 한 잔 생각하세요 (Think about having a glass of milk) → 커피 한 잔 생각하세요 (Think about having a cup of coffee).
• 우리 가족의 건강을 지켜내세요 (Protect your family’s health) → 우리 친구의 건강을 지켜내세요 (Protect your friend’s health).

You can expand your learning by connecting themes from the song to other areas of daily life. For instance, the song talks about drinking milk at school or work. You can practice creating sentences about other things you do at school or work:

• 학교에서 공부해요 (I study at school).
• 회사에서 일해요 (I work at the company).

2. Learn from the Repetition

The phrase 하루 세 잔 (Three glasses a day) is repeated throughout the song, which is a great way to memorize how to use Korean counters. Use this to practice expressing numbers and quantities in other contexts. For example:

• 하루 (우유) 두 잔 (Two glasses (of milk) a day) = Two glasses a day
• 하루 다섯 번 (Five times a day) = Five times a day

3. Integrate Different Songs Together

Combine the vocabulary from different songs to create more complex sentences:

• 아빠 상어는 우유를 좋아해요 (Daddy Shark likes milk).
• 곰 세 마리가 학교에서 우유를 마셔요 (Three bears drink milk at school).

4. Sing Along

The more you practice singing along with the songs, the more familiar you’ll become with Korean sounds, vocabulary, and sentence structure. Singing helps improve pronunciation and reinforces memory retention.

5. Use Visuals

Many nursery rhymes have accompanying videos that feature animations or images that relate to the song. Watching these videos while singing along can provide visual context for the words, which helps in understanding and remembering the lyrics.

6. Practice with Flashcards

After learning the lyrics, create flashcards of the key vocabulary words and their meanings. Review them regularly to reinforce your learning.

7. Translate the Lyrics

Try translating the lyrics yourself if you’re up for the challenge. Understanding the literal meaning of each line can help you grasp Korean grammar, marking particles and sentence structures more effectively.

8. Incorporate into Daily Routine

Make listening to Korean nursery rhymes a part of your daily routine. Whether you’re commuting, cooking, or relaxing, having these songs play in the background will continuously expose you to the language.

Got Any Other Korean Nursery Rhyme Suggestions?

Got any other recommendations for Korean nursery rhymes and children’s songs? Let other learners know by leaving your suggestions in the comments.