🌱 Using -게 되다 to Talk About Change in Korean
🌱 Mastering -게 되다: The Power of Change & Persistence
“If it doesn’t work, make it work!” — Discover the spirit behind Korean transformation.
🎖️ The Spirit of "An-doemyeon Doe-ge Ha-ra"
In Korea, there is a famous slogan from the Republic of Korea Marine Corps (ROKMC) that every local knows: “안되면 되게 하라” (An-doemyeon doe-ge ha-ra).
It literally means: “If it doesn’t work, make it work.” This phrase perfectly utilizes the causative form of our grammar -게 되다. While life often brings unexpected changes, this slogan reminds us that through sheer will and effort, we can cause those changes to happen. There is a profound beauty in striving for a goal that seems impossible until it finally becomes a reality (-게 되다).
1. How to Form -게 되다
This structure is attached to the stem of a verb to indicate a change in circumstance or a result that has been reached.
| Base Verb | -게 되다 Form | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 하다 (To do) | 하게 되다 | To end up doing / To make it happen |
| 가다 (To go) | 가게 되다 | To end up going |
| 알다 (To know) | 알게 되다 | To come to know / To find out |
2. Understanding the Nuance
- Unintended Change: "우연히 그 소식을 알게 되었어요." (I happened to find out that news.)
- Environmental Influence: "한국에 와서 김치를 먹게 되었어요." (I've come to eat kimchi since coming to Korea.)
- Outcome of Effort: "열심히 공부해서 장학금을 받게 되었어요." (I ended up getting a scholarship because I studied hard.)
3. Expert Comparison: Passive vs. Gradual
| Grammar | Focus | Common Usage |
|---|---|---|
| -게 되다 | Result/Circumstance | Verbs: 알게 되다 (To find out) |
| -아/어지다 | Change of state | Adjectives: 예뻐지다 (To become pretty) |
💬 Your Turn: What is Your "Make it Work" Goal?
Life is full of challenges that seem impossible at first. But just like the Marine Corps slogan, we can make the impossible become possible through persistence.
"What is one thing you've always wanted to do in your life, even if it feels difficult right now?"
Share your dreams with your fellow Korean learners in the comments below! Let's talk about the goals we want to '하게 될' (end up doing) together. 🤝
👩🏫 Teacher Hoon's expert Tips
When you use -게 되다, it often sounds more humble than using a direct active verb. For example, saying "한국어를 공부하게 되었어요" suggests that you were naturally drawn to the culture or circumstances led you here, which sounds very poetic and soft in Korean conversations.
🚀 Ready to Change Your Korean Future?
Mastering these nuances is the key to sounding like a native. Let’s build your "Make it Work" mindset together! Book a 1:1 "Fluency Breakthrough" session with Hoon on italki today.
Make it Happen with HoonFor more guides on thriving and changing your life in Korea, visit our master hub:
Ultimate Guide to Living in Korea 2026Updated: December 24, 2025 | Part of the "Advanced Grammar & Culture" Series.
