🗣️ Korean Dialects: Gyeongsang vs. Jeolla vs. Jeju

Korean isn’t just one language spoken the same way across the country. Just like accents and dialects in English, Korean has regional differences called 사투리 (saturi). In this guide, we’ll explore the three most famous dialects: Gyeongsang, Jeolla, and Jeju. Let’s discover what makes each unique and how to recognize them!

1. What Is a Korean Dialect?

A dialect refers to a regional variation in pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar. In Korea, these differences are often strong enough that even native speakers may have trouble understanding dialects from other regions. Dialects are deeply tied to local identity and culture!

2. Gyeongsang Dialect (경상도 사투리)

Region: Southeastern Korea (e.g., Busan, Daegu, Ulsan)
Characteristics: Strong, sharp intonation. Often sounds more direct or “rough” to non-locals.

Standard Korean: 뭐 해요? (What are you doing?)
Gyeongsang: 뭐하노?
Mwohano?

3. Jeolla Dialect (전라도 사투리)

Region: Southwestern Korea (e.g., Gwangju, Jeonju)
Characteristics: Melodic tone, softer ending sounds. Often sounds more laid-back or sing-song.

Standard Korean: 왜 그래요? (Why are you like that?)
Jeolla: 와 그랑가?
Wa geurangga?

4. Jeju Dialect (제주 방언)

Region: Jeju Island
Characteristics: Considered almost a separate language. Very different vocabulary and pronunciation. Even mainland Koreans often can’t understand it!

Standard Korean: 밥 먹었어요? (Did you eat?)
Jeju: 밥 먹언?

5. Comparison Table

Phrase	Standard	Gyeongsang	Jeolla	Jeju
Hello	안녕하세요	안뇽하이소	안녕하쇼잉	반갑수다
What?	뭐?	뭐꼬?	뭐시여?	몽게?

6. Did You Know?

📺 Popular Korean variety shows often feature guests speaking in dialects. For example, Yoo Jae-suk’s character Yoo-ames Bond from Busan uses a strong Gyeongsang accent! Watching these shows is a fun way to get used to regional speech patterns.

7. Learn Korean with Me

💬 Want to speak like a local, including regional dialects? Book a class with me on italki here!