Korean word

관공서

Pronunciation

Romanizationkwangongseo

Meaning

  • noungovernment office

Example

관공서에 가서 서류를 제출해야 해.kwan gong seo e ka seo seo ryu reul che chul hae ya hae

I have to go to a government office and submit the documents.

Illustration for 관공서 (government office)

More examples

관공서에서 서류 확인을 받았어요.kwan gong seo e seo seo ryu hwa gi neul pa da sseo yo

I had my documents checked at a government office.

Core concept

A public administrative place where residents handle official matters and receive government services.

Common phrases

  • 관공서 방문kwan gong seo pang mun

    government office visit

  • 관공서 민원kwan gong seo mi nwon

    public-service request at a government office

Similar words

민원실minwonsil: A designated office for submitting forms, seeking help, and handling public-service requests.
주민센터chuminsenteo: A neighborhood government facility for resident registration, simple paperwork, and welfare support.
시청sicheong: The central office where a city government manages local affairs and serves residents.
구청kucheong: The local government office responsible for administrative matters in a district.

Definition in Korean

행정적 권한으로 공적 서비스를 제공하고 주민의 민원을 처리하는 기관들의 총칭으로, 주민에게 법적·행정적 업무를 수행하는 장소를 의미하는 명사.haeng jeong jeok kwon ha neu ro kong jeok seo bi seu reul che gong ha go chu mi nui mi nwo neul cheo ri ha neun ki gwan deu rui chong ching eu ro chu mi ne ge peop jjeok haeng jeong jeok eom mu reul su haeng ha neun chang so reul ui mi ha neun myeong sa

Word origin

The word combines Sino-Korean elements meaning official, public, and office to name a public administrative institution.

Usage tips

  • English speakers may picture one specific office, but this term can cover different public agencies, so the right agency depends on the task.

Opposites

  • 민간minganprivate sectornoun
  • 사기업sagieopprivate companynoun

Related words

  • 관료kwallyobureaucratnoun
  • 관청kwancheonggovernment agencynoun

Word lists with this word