🎯 Expressing Experience in Korean: -(으)ㄴ 적 있다

One of the most useful expressions for sharing your past experiences in Korean is -(으)ㄴ 적 있다. It roughly translates to “I have done…” or “I’ve had the experience of…”. This grammar point is especially handy when telling someone about your travel history, food you’ve tried, or activities you’ve done.

1. Grammar Structure

Verb stem + -(으)ㄴ 적 있다

For verbs ending in a consonant: 먹은 적 있다 (have eaten)
For verbs ending in a vowel: 가본 적 있다 (have gone)

To express that you've *never* done something, use -(으)ㄴ 적 없다.

2. Example Sentences

저는 한국에 가본 적 있어요.
Jeoneun hanguge gabon jeok isseoyo.
I’ve been to Korea before.

불고기를 먹은 적 있어요?
Bulgogireul meogeun jeok isseoyo?
Have you ever tried bulgogi?

저는 김치를 만든 적 없어요.
Jeoneun gimchireul mandeun jeok eopseoyo.
I’ve never made kimchi.

그 영화를 본 적 있어요.
Geu yeonghwareul bon jeok isseoyo.
I’ve seen that movie before.

3. Practice Time

Try writing your own sentences using this pattern:

_______ 먹은 적 있어요. (Have eaten _______)
_______ 해본 적 있어요. (Have tried _______)
_______ 배운 적 없어요. (Have never learned _______)

4. Did You Know?

🌏 According to the Korean Foundation, over 170 universities around the world now offer Korean studies programs—and the number is growing! Korean pop culture, food, and global interest in Korea is fueling a boom in learners globally!

5. Learn Korean with Me

🚀 Want to practice expressions like this and build your confidence in speaking? Join my italki class and let’s make Korean part of your life—one sentence at a time!

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