Korean word

이국적

Pronunciation

Romanizationigukjjeok

Meaning

  • adjectiveexotic

Example

그 카페는 이국적인 인테리어로 유명하다.keu ka pe neun i guk jjeo gin in te ri eo ro yu myeong ha da

The cafe is famous for its exotic decor.

Illustration for 이국적 (exotic)

More examples

해외 여행지에서 이국적인 풍경을 많이 봤다.hae oe yeo haeng ji e seo i guk jjeo gin pung gyeong eul ma ni pwat tta

I saw a lot of exotic scenery while traveling abroad.

Core concept

A familiar place or thing takes on the atmosphere and colors of another country.

Common phrases

  • 이국적인 분위기i guk jjeo gin pu nwi gi

    exotic atmosphere

  • 이국적인 음식i guk jjeo gin eum sik

    exotic food

  • 이국적인 풍경i guk jjeo gin pung gyeong

    exotic scenery

Similar words

이국스러운iguksseureoun: Clearly carrying the look and feel associated with a foreign place.
이색적isaekjjeok: Displaying an unusual feature or mood that attracts attention.
독특하다tokteukada: Possessing a particular quality that gives a person or thing its own identity.

Definition in Korean

다른 나라의 분위기나 색채가 느껴지는 성질이나 느낌을 가리키는 말.ta reun na ra ui pu nwi gi na saek chae ga neu kkyeo ji neun seong ji ri na neu kki meul ka ri ki neun mal

Word origin

The word comes from Sino-Korean elements meaning different, country, and having the nature of, which together describe a foreign character.

Usage tips

  • Because it describes a mood or style, it works naturally with design and sensory experiences and may sound less neutral than foreign when applied to a person.

Opposites

  • 익숙한ikssukanfamiliaradjective
  • 토속적인tosokjjeoginindigenousadjective

Related words

  • 이국igukforeign landnoun
  • 이국미igungmiexotic beautynoun
  • 이국풍igukpungexotic stylenoun

Word lists with this word