Glossary of Korean Words and Phrases Used in Adoration of the Korean

Ajumma – a married woman

Ajumma, maekju duh chuseo – “married woman waitress, another beer please”

Ani - no

Anju – appetizers commonly served with alcohol

Anyounghaseyo – hello

Babo - stupid

Baramdungee - playboy

Bbang - bakery

Bondegee – boiled silkworm chrysalis, eaten as a snack

Boshingtang – dog soup

Camp Hieleah – an American military base in Pusan

Chejudo – a volcanic island, Korea’s biggest island and a popular vacation spot

Chirisan – a mountain and national park in Chunllanamdo province in the southwest of Korea

Chop chae – rice noodles with beef, mushrooms, and vegetables

Choupdong – a neighborhood in Pusan, South Korea; location of U.S. Army Camp Hieleah

Chusok – Korean thanksgiving holiday in the fall

Gatchie – a common bird in Korea; a magpie

Gochu twigim – fried stuffed pepper

Godong – tiny spiral-shaped seashells boiled and eaten as a snack

Guge salmiji – “that’s life” or “c’est la vie”

Hallasan – the volcanic mountain that formed Chejudo

Hangul – the Korean alphabet

Hagwon – an institute or special private test or language prep school; similar to the Japanese “Juku”

Jangjundong – the neighborhood around Pusan National University

Kalbi tang – soup with beef ribs

Kim – dried seaweed, usually eaten with rice

Kimchi – pickled cabbage with red pepper, the Korean national food

Kojengee Yankee –  big-nosed American; an insult

Komapsupnida – thank you

Kwanganli – a popular beach in Pusan, South Korea

Kyoungsangnamdo – a province in southeastern South Korea where Pusan is located

Longdari – slang term for “long legs”

Maekju – beer

Matshiseyo - delicious

Mikugsaram - American

Nakji – small octopus, often eaten alive

Nanun hagwon gangsa imnida – “I am an institute teacher”

Nuna – big sister

Odeasan – a mountain and national park in the north of South Korea

Ojinga - squid

Oorak – a species of edible fish

Pajon – a pancake with scallions

Pancheon – a side dish commonly served with Korean meals

Sarang-he – I love you

Shihum giok – examination hell; the grueling university entrance examination experience

Shortdari – slang term for “short legs”

Sick sa ha shut seub mi kga – “Have you eaten breakfast yet?”

Soju – a popular strong and clear alcoholic beverage brewed from potatoes

Soraksan – a beautiful mountain and national park in northeast South Korea

Weiguksaram - foreigner

Won – Korean money: 1300 won = 1 dollar U.S. in October 2001

Yogwan – a small inn where patrons often sleep on floor mattresses