PlayInfoBox

Home /Language /Korean 'Purified Words': Everyday Terms Replaced with Native Korean

Korean 'Purified Words': Everyday Terms Replaced with Native Korean

Explore a handful of everyday Korean words that were once foreign loanwords or awkward jargon, later replaced with clearer, native alternatives.

'Screen door' β†’ 'Safety door' (μ•ˆμ „λ¬Έ)

The barrier installed along a subway platform edge to prevent falls onto the tracks. Transit operators have gradually adopted 'safety door' as the official term, and it now appears in signage and announcements more often than the original loanword.

'Kiosk' β†’ 'Unmanned terminal' (무인 단말기)

A self-service information or ordering terminal found in stores and public offices, used without staff assistance. The language authority recommends swapping 'kiosk' for context-specific alternatives like 'unmanned terminal' or 'unmanned information stand.'

'Cohort isolation' β†’ 'Group isolation' (동일집단 격리)

A measure that isolates an entire ward or facility as one unit to contain the spread of infection. This term was proposed during a 2020 public naming effort focused on pandemic-era vocabulary.

'Untact' β†’ 'Non-contact' (λΉ„λŒ€λ©΄)

Buying and selling goods or services without face-to-face contact, through online or unmanned systems. 'Non-contact' was proposed as the plain-language alternative and has since become everyday vocabulary on its own.

'Task force' β†’ 'Special task team' (νŠΉλ³„μ „λ‹΄νŒ€)

A temporary team assembled to tackle a specific goal or problem. This is one of the longest-standing examples, and government and corporate documents still often write both together, like 'Special Task Team (TF).'

'No-show' β†’ 'Reservation default' (μ˜ˆμ•½λΆ€λ„)

Failing to show up for a reservation without canceling in advance. Common in restaurants and clinics, 'reservation default' has been widely promoted as the plain-language term and now appears alongside 'no-show' in media and public materials.

What is a 'purified word'?

A purified word is a term Korea's National Institute of Korean Language has replaced with a clearer, native alternative β€” usually to simplify unnecessary loanwords, overly difficult Chinese-character vocabulary, or confusing new coinages. The Institute runs ongoing public campaigns, including a dedicated pandemic-era effort, to propose and publicize these replacements.

Is using the purified word mandatory?

No β€” it's a recommendation, not a legal requirement. That said, public documents, broadcasting, and public services like rail and healthcare tend to adopt the purified term first, which is how words like 'safety door' and 'non-contact' became more common than the original loanwords they replaced.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still use the original foreign word instead?

In everyday conversation or personal writing, there's no issue using the original term. In public documents, subtitles, or notices aimed at a broad audience, though, using the purified word is encouraged so more readers can understand easily.

Where can I find a full list of purified words?

Korea's National Institute of Korean Language maintains a searchable archive of every purified word it has announced, available on its official website.