At the A1 level, you don't need to use '설명회' (seol-myeong-hoe) in complex sentences, but you should recognize it as a word for a special 'school meeting' or 'information meeting.' Think of it like a time when teachers talk to parents. You might see it on a school calendar. It is made of '설명' (explanation) and '회' (meeting). At this level, just remember that if you go to a '설명회', you are going to listen to someone explain something important. You can use simple verbs like '가요' (go) or '있어요' (there is). For example, '내일 학교 설명회가 있어요' (There is a school briefing tomorrow). It is a noun. You don't need to worry about the Hanja yet, just know that it's a formal word for a meeting where you learn new facts.
At the A2 level, you should be able to use '설명회' in basic sentences about your daily life, especially school or work. You should know that it is a formal event. You can use it with verbs like '참석하다' (to attend) or '열다' (to hold). This word is very common when talking about '입시' (entrance exams) or '취업' (getting a job). For example, '취업 설명회에 갔어요' (I went to a job fair/briefing). You should also be able to distinguish it from a regular '회의' (meeting). A '설명회' is usually one person talking to many people. You might hear this word at a community center or in a company announcement. It is important for understanding schedules and invitations in a Korean-speaking environment.
At the B1 level, you should understand the different types of '설명회' and use them in professional or academic contexts. You can use compound nouns like '사업 설명회' (business briefing) or '투자 설명회' (investment briefing). You should be comfortable using formal verbs like '개최하다' (to host) and '진행하다' (to conduct/proceed). At this level, you can explain *why* a 설명회 is being held using grammar like '~기 위해서' (in order to). For example, '신제품을 홍보하기 위해서 설명회를 개최했습니다' (We held a briefing to promote the new product). You should also be able to ask questions about the briefing, such as '설명회 자료가 있나요?' (Are there briefing materials?). You are starting to see this word in news articles and official notices.
At the B2 level, you should understand the social and cultural implications of a '설명회.' For example, you should know how '주민 설명회' (resident briefings) are used by the government to manage public opinion. You can use the word in complex sentences with various connectors. You should also be familiar with related terms like '공청회' (public hearing) and '간담회' (informal talk) and know when to use '설명회' instead of them. Your vocabulary should include '질의응답' (Q&A) which usually follows a 설명회. You can describe the atmosphere of the meeting, such as '설명회 분위기가 아주 진지했습니다' (The atmosphere of the briefing was very serious). You are expected to use this word fluently in business presentations or academic discussions.
At the C1 level, you can use '설명회' to discuss abstract or high-level topics. You might analyze the effectiveness of a '기자 설명회' (press briefing) in a media studies context or discuss the legal requirements for a '환경 영향 평가 설명회' (environmental impact assessment briefing). You understand the nuance between '설명회' and '시연회' (demonstration) or '발표회' (presentation/recital). You can use sophisticated sentence structures, such as '이번 설명회는 단순한 정보 전달을 넘어 대중과의 소통을 꾀하는 자리였습니다' (This briefing was a place to seek communication with the public beyond simple information delivery). You can also use it in idiomatic or highly formal written reports without any hesitation.
At the C2 level, you have a near-native command of '설명회' and its surrounding discourse. You can use it in satirical, academic, or highly technical contexts. You might critique the '설명회' culture in Korea, such as the intense '입시 설명회' (entrance exam briefing) phenomenon, and its impact on society. You understand the historical evolution of how these meetings are conducted. You can handle unexpected situations during a 설명회, such as managing a hostile audience during a '주민 설명회.' Your use of the word is precise, considering the register, the audience, and the specific intent of the speaker. You can also use the word in creative writing to set a specific formal or institutional tone.

설명회 en 30 secondes

  • A formal session for explaining plans, policies, or products to an audience.
  • Commonly used for school admissions (입시), job recruiting (채용), and business (사업).
  • Usually involves a one-way presentation followed by a Q&A session.
  • Implies a larger gathering compared to a simple 1-on-1 explanation.
The Korean word 설명회 (seol-myeong-hoe) is a compound noun that translates most accurately to an 'information session,' 'briefing,' or 'orientation.' To understand its deep meaning, we look at its Hanja roots: Seol (說 - to speak/explain), Myeong (明 - clear/bright), and Hoe (會 - gathering/meeting). Combined, it literally means a 'gathering to make things clear through explanation.' Unlike a typical 'meeting' (회의), which implies a back-and-forth discussion or decision-making process, a 설명회 is primarily unidirectional. One entity—be it a school, a company, or a government body—presents information to an audience that needs to understand a new plan, policy, or product.
Educational Context
In South Korea, the most famous type is the 입시 설명회 (ipsi seol-myeong-hoe), or college entrance briefing. These are massive events where thousands of parents and students gather to hear experts analyze the latest exam trends and university requirements. It is a high-stakes environment where every detail shared can impact a student's future.

이번 주말에 대학교 입학 설명회가 열립니다.

Business Context
Corporations use 설명회 for product launches (제품 설명회) or for potential investors (투자 설명회). When a company wants to explain why its stock is a good buy or how its new technology works, they host these sessions. It is formal, structured, and usually involves a professional presentation with slides.

신제품 설명회에 기자들이 많이 참석했습니다.

Public Policy Context
Local governments hold 주민 설명회 (resident briefings) when they plan to build something new in a neighborhood, like a park or a subway station. It is a way to inform the public and sometimes to manage potential opposition by providing transparent facts.

정부는 새로운 신도시 계획에 대한 설명회를 개최했다.

학부모님들을 위한 교육 과정 설명회가 강당에서 진행 중입니다.

투자자 설명회 자료를 준비하느라 어제 밤을 새웠어요.

This word is essential for anyone navigating professional or academic life in Korea, as it represents the bridge between institutional planning and public understanding.
Using 설명회 correctly requires understanding its common verb pairings and grammatical structures. As a noun, it often acts as the object of verbs like 'to hold' or 'to attend.' The most common verbs are 열다 (to open/hold), 개최하다 (to host/hold - more formal), 참석하다 (to attend), and 가다 (to go).
Hosting a Session
When an organization is the one organizing the event, they use '설명회를 열다' or '설명회를 개최하다.' For example, '회사가 채용 설명회를 열었어요' (The company held a recruitment briefing). In news reports, you will almost exclusively see '개최하다' because of its formal tone.

우리 학교는 다음 주에 유학 설명회를 개최할 예정입니다.

Attending a Session
If you are the listener, you 'attend' (참석하다) or simply 'go to' (가다) the session. '설명회에 참석하다' is the standard way to express your presence. You can also use '듣다' (to listen/hear) if you want to emphasize the act of receiving the information: '설명회를 들으러 왔어요' (I came to listen to the briefing).

많은 부모님들이 초등학교 입학 설명회에 참석했습니다.

Describing the Purpose
You can combine other nouns directly with 설명회 to specify the topic. Common combinations include: 사업 (business) + 설명회 = 사업 설명회 (business briefing), 투자 (investment) + 설명회 = 투자 설명회 (investment briefing), and 분양 (apartment sales) + 설명회 = 분양 설명회 (real estate sales briefing).

이번 사업 설명회는 온라인으로 진행됩니다.

재개발 사업에 대한 주민 설명회가 어제 열렸습니다.

프랜차이즈 창업 설명회에 가면 무료 상담도 받을 수 있어요.

When using it in the passive sense, like 'the briefing is being held,' use '설명회가 열리다' or '설명회가 진행되다' (to be in progress). These patterns cover almost all professional and formal situations where you would encounter this word.
In daily life in Korea, you are most likely to encounter 설명회 in institutional environments. If you are a student or a parent, you will see it in school newsletters (가정통신문) announcing sessions about upcoming exams, school trips, or new curriculum changes. For instance, before a major change in the CSAT (Suneung) format, the Ministry of Education will host a nationwide '입시 설명회' that is broadcast or held in large stadiums.
In the Workplace
If you work in a Korean office, you might hear this word when the HR department introduces a new benefits package or when a project manager introduces a new internal system. It is less about a 'discussion' and more about 'transmitting information.' You might hear: '내일 신규 시스템 사용 설명회가 있습니다' (There is an information session on using the new system tomorrow).

회사에서 새로운 복지 제도에 대한 설명회를 연대요.

In Public Spaces
Walking through subway stations or busy districts like Gangnam or COEX, you will see banners (현수막) advertising various briefings. These range from 'Real Estate Investment Briefings' (부동산 투자 설명회) to 'Study Abroad Briefings' (유학 설명회). These banners often include phrases like '선착순 모집' (first-come, first-served) or '사전 예약 필수' (advance reservation required).

지하철역에 붙은 창업 설명회 포스터를 봤어요.

어머니께서 아파트 단지 설명회에 다녀오셨습니다.

On the News
News anchors often report on '사업 설명회' held by the government or large conglomerates like Samsung or LG. If a new policy is controversial, the news will report on whether the '주민 설명회' (resident briefing) was successful or if it was interrupted by protests. This highlights the word's role in public communication and transparency.

정부는 이번 정책에 대해 세 차례 설명회를 가질 예정입니다.

기자 설명회에서 대변인이 질문에 답변하고 있습니다.

Understanding these contexts helps you realize that '설명회' is more than just a meeting—it is a formal announcement event designed to align the audience with the speaker's goals.
The most frequent mistake learners make with 설명회 is confusing it with other words for 'meeting' or 'presentation.' While they are related, their usage is distinct.
Confusion with 회의 (Meeting)
A 회의 (hoe-ui) is a discussion where people exchange ideas and make decisions. A 설명회 is a session where one person/group provides information to others. If you say you had a '설명회' with your boss to discuss your salary, it sounds like your boss gave a formal lecture about your salary rather than a negotiation.

[Wrong]: 친구와 여행 계획 설명회를 했어요. (Too formal for friends)
[Right]: 친구와 여행 계획 회의를 했어요. / 이야기를 했어요.

Confusion with 발표 (Presentation)
발표 (bal-pyo) is the act of presenting or the presentation itself. 설명회 is the 'event' or 'session' where presentations happen. You 'do' a 발표 (발표를 하다) inside a '설명회'. You wouldn't usually say '설명회를 하다' unless you are the organizer of the whole event; instead, you 'hold' (개최하다) it or 'give a presentation' (발표를 하다) during it.
Overusing for Small Groups
Learners sometimes use '설명회' for a 1-on-1 explanation. If a teacher explains a grammar point to one student, that is '설명' (explanation), not a '설명회' (explanation meeting). The '회' (gathering) suffix implies multiple attendees. For a small group, '오리엔테이션' (orientation) or '간담회' (informal talk) might be more appropriate depending on the tone.

[Wrong]: 선생님, 1대1 설명회 부탁드려요. (Awkward)
[Right]: 선생님, 개별 설명 좀 부탁드려요.

그 회사는 투자 설명회를 열었지만 아무도 안 왔어요. (Correct usage of '열다')

어제 설명회에서 나눠준 유인물을 잃어버렸어요. (Correct usage of '에서')

Avoiding these nuances will make your Korean sound much more natural and precise in professional settings.
While 설명회 is a very common term, there are several synonyms and related words that carry slightly different nuances. Choosing the right one depends on the level of formality and the specific purpose of the gathering.
간담회 (Gandamhoe - Informal Talk/Discussion)
Compared to a 설명회, a 간담회 is more relaxed and involves a two-way conversation. It’s like a 'fireside chat' or a 'friendly meeting' where officials and citizens (or bosses and employees) sit down to share opinions. While a 설명회 is for 'telling,' a 간담회 is for 'sharing.'
공청회 (Gongcheonghoe - Public Hearing)
This is specifically used in legal or governmental contexts. A 공청회 is a 'public hearing' held to gather public opinion before passing a law or starting a major project. It is more formal and legally significant than a simple resident 설명회.

주민 설명회보다 더 공식적인 자리는 공청회입니다.

오리엔테이션 (Orientation)
Koreans use the loanword '오리엔테이션' (often shortened to OT) specifically for new students or new employees. While a 설명회 explains a 'topic,' an OT explains 'how to survive/navigate' a new environment. An OT is a type of 설명회, but with a more welcoming, introductory focus.
브리핑 (Briefing)
This loanword is used for short, concise updates, often in military, medical, or high-level corporate contexts. A '기자 브리핑' (press briefing) is similar to a '기자 설명회,' but 'briefing' sounds more immediate and concise.

매일 아침 상황 브리핑을 듣습니다.

이번 신제품 시연회에서 제품의 성능을 직접 보여주었습니다.

졸업 작품 발표회에 부모님을 초대했습니다.

Using these alternatives correctly shows a high level of Korean proficiency, as you can match your vocabulary to the specific social situation.

Le savais-tu ?

The '회' (meeting) part of the word is the same '회' found in '회사' (company) and '사회' (society), indicating a collective human activity.

Guide de prononciation

UK sʌlmjʌŋʰwe
US sʌlmjʌŋʰwe
In Korean, stress is generally even across syllables, but a slight emphasis may fall on the first syllable '설'.
Rime avec
기회 (gi-hoe - opportunity) 사회 (sa-hoe - society) 대회 (dae-hoe - competition) 교회 (gyo-hoe - church) 국회 (guk-hoe - parliament) 집회 (jip-hoe - assembly) 조회 (jo-hoe - inquiry) 우회 (u-hoe - detour)
Erreurs fréquentes
  • Pronouncing '회' as a simple 'e' instead of the diphthong 'oe'.
  • Failing to nasalize the 'ㅇ' in '명' properly before the following syllable.

Exemples par niveau

1

내일 학교 설명회가 있어요.

There is a school briefing tomorrow.

'설명회' is the subject followed by the existence verb '있어요'.

2

저는 설명회에 가요.

I go to the briefing.

'에 가요' indicates movement toward the event.

3

설명회는 몇 시예요?

What time is the briefing?

Asking for the time of the noun.

4

설명회는 재미있어요.

The briefing is interesting.

Simple adjective description.

5

선생님이 설명회를 해요.

The teacher is doing a briefing.

'해요' is used here as a general 'to do/host'.

6

설명회 장소가 어디예요?

Where is the briefing location?

Noun + noun (location) structure.

7

오늘 설명회가 없어요.

There is no briefing today.

Negative existence '없어요'.

8

친구와 같이 설명회에 가요.

I go to the briefing with a friend.

'와 같이' means 'together with'.

1

회사에서 채용 설명회를 열었어요.

The company held a recruitment briefing.

'열다' (to open/hold) is commonly used for hosting events.

2

저는 유학 설명회에 참석하고 싶어요.

I want to attend the study abroad briefing.

'참석하다' is a formal way to say 'attend'.

3

부모님께서 학교 설명회에 가셨어요.

My parents went to the school briefing.

Honorific form '가셨어요'.

4

설명회 자료를 좀 주시겠어요?

Could you please give me the briefing materials?

'자료' means materials or data.

5

이번 설명회는 온라인으로 해요.

This briefing is held online.

'으로' indicates the method or medium.

6

설명회에 사람이 아주 많았어요.

There were many people at the briefing.

Past tense '많았어요'.

7

설명회 내용을 잘 이해했어요.

I understood the briefing content well.

'내용' means content.

8

설명회가 끝나고 질문을 했어요.

I asked a question after the briefing ended.

'고' connects two sequential actions.

1

사업 설명회를 개최하기 위해 장소를 빌렸어요.

We rented a venue to host a business briefing.

'개최하다' is formal for 'to hold/host'.

2

투자 설명회에서 중요한 정보를 얻었습니다.

I obtained important information at the investment briefing.

'에서' indicates the location where an action happens.

3

신제품 설명회 일정이 변경되었습니다.

The schedule for the new product briefing has been changed.

Passive form '변경되었습니다'.

4

설명회에 가기 전에 미리 예약해야 해요.

You must make a reservation in advance before going to the briefing.

'기 전에' means 'before doing'.

5

많은 학생들이 취업 설명회에 몰렸습니다.

Many students flocked to the job briefing.

'몰리다' means to flock or gather in large numbers.

6

설명회에서 배부한 책자를 읽어보세요.

Please read the booklet distributed at the briefing.

'배부하다' means to distribute.

7

이번 설명회는 전문가들이 진행합니다.

This briefing is conducted by experts.

'진행하다' means to conduct or proceed.

8

설명회 참석자들에게 기념품을 줬어요.

They gave souvenirs to the briefing attendees.

'참석자' means attendee.

1

정부는 신도시 계획에 대한 주민 설명회를 열었다.

The government held a resident briefing regarding the new city plan.

'에 대한' means 'about/regarding'.

2

설명회 도중에 갑자기 정전이 되었습니다.

There was a sudden power outage during the briefing.

'도중에' means 'in the middle of'.

3

투자자 설명회를 통해 회사의 비전을 공유했습니다.

We shared the company's vision through the investor briefing.

'을/를 통해' means 'through/via'.

4

설명회 분위기가 생각보다 훨씬 진지했습니다.

The atmosphere of the briefing was much more serious than I thought.

'훨씬' is an intensifier meaning 'much more'.

5

이번 설명회는 대중의 의견을 수렴하는 자리입니다.

This briefing is a place to gather public opinion.

'수렴하다' means to collect or gather (opinions).

6

설명회 자료를 미리 검토해 보시기 바랍니다.

Please review the briefing materials in advance.

'~기 바랍니다' is a formal way to make a request.

7

입시 설명회는 매년 입시 전략을 세우는 데 큰 도움이 됩니다.

Entrance exam briefings are a big help in establishing exam strategies every year.

'~는 데' indicates a situation or context.

8

설명회 장소가 협소하여 인원 제한이 있습니다.

Due to the small venue, there is a limit on the number of people.

'협소하다' means narrow or small.

1

설명회에서 제기된 문제점들을 보완할 필요가 있습니다.

It is necessary to supplement the problems raised at the briefing.

'제기되다' means to be raised (as a question/issue).

2

이번 설명회는 정책의 투명성을 높이기 위한 조치입니다.

This briefing is a measure to increase the transparency of the policy.

'조치' means measure or action.

3

기자 설명회를 통해 오해를 바로잡으려 노력했습니다.

They tried to correct misunderstandings through the press briefing.

'바로잡다' means to correct or straighten out.

4

설명회는 일방적인 정보 전달이 아닌 양방향 소통이 되어야 합니다.

A briefing should be two-way communication, not just one-way information delivery.

'A이/가 아닌 B' means 'Not A, but B'.

5

환경 영향 평가 설명회에서 주민들의 반발이 거셌습니다.

At the environmental impact assessment briefing, the residents' opposition was strong.

'거세다' means fierce or strong.

6

설명회의 효율성을 극대화하기 위해 시각 자료를 활용했습니다.

Visual materials were utilized to maximize the efficiency of the briefing.

'극대화하다' means to maximize.

7

설명회 참석 여부를 오늘까지 확정해 주십시오.

Please confirm whether or not you will attend the briefing by today.

'여부' means 'whether or not'.

8

해외 시장 진출을 위한 사업 설명회가 성황리에 마쳤습니다.

The business briefing for entering overseas markets ended successfully.

'성황리에' means 'in a great success'.

1

설명회의 담론은 주로 경제적 타당성에 초점이 맞춰져 있었다.

The discourse of the briefing was primarily focused on economic feasibility.

'담론' means discourse.

2

그는 설명회 내내 날카로운 질문으로 발표자를 당혹게 했다.

Throughout the briefing, he embarrassed the presenter with sharp questions.

'당혹게 하다' means to embarrass or fluster.

3

주민 설명회는 때로 요식 행위에 그치는 경우가 많아 비판을 받는다.

Resident briefings are often criticized because they are frequently reduced to a mere formality.

'요식 행위' means a mere formality or 'show'.

4

이번 설명회는 기업의 사회적 책임을 강조하는 시발점이 되었습니다.

This briefing became the starting point for emphasizing corporate social responsibility.

'시발점' means starting point or inception.

5

설명회에서 언급된 수치들은 철저한 검증을 거친 것들이다.

The figures mentioned in the briefing are those that have undergone thorough verification.

'검증을 거치다' means to undergo verification.

6

정치적 이해관계가 얽힌 설명회는 늘 갈등을 수반하기 마련이다.

Briefings involving political interests are bound to entail conflict.

'~기 마련이다' means 'it is bound to be'.

7

설명회의 성패는 청중의 공감을 얼마나 이끌어내느냐에 달려 있다.

The success or failure of a briefing depends on how much empathy it draws from the audience.

'~느냐에 달려 있다' means 'depends on...'.

8

그는 설명회 자료의 사소한 오류조차 용납하지 않는 완벽주의자다.

He is a perfectionist who does not tolerate even a minor error in the briefing materials.

'조차' means 'even' (usually in a negative context).

Collocations courantes

설명회를 개최하다
설명회에 참석하다
설명회를 열다
입시 설명회
사업 설명회
투자 설명회
설명회 자료
설명회를 진행하다
설명회 장소
온라인 설명회

Phrases Courantes

설명회를 갖다

— To have/hold a briefing. Used similarly to '열다'.

내일 기자 설명회를 가질 예정입니다.

설명회에 몰리다

— To flock to a briefing. Implies high popularity.

입시 설명회에 인파가 몰렸다.

설명회를 취소하다

— To cancel a briefing.

사정상 설명회를 취소하게 되었습니다.

설명회를 연기하다

— To postpone a briefing.

폭설로 인해 설명회를 연기했습니다.

설명회를 마무리하다

— To wrap up or finish a briefing.

Q&A를 끝으로 설명회를 마무리했습니다.

설명회에 초청하다

— To invite someone to a briefing.

주요 고객들을 설명회에 초청했다.

설명회에서 발표하다

— To present at a briefing.

그는 설명회에서 신기술을 발표했다.

설명회 영상을 보다

— To watch a video of a briefing.

유튜브에서 설명회 영상을 봤어요.

설명회 후기

— A review or recap of a briefing.

블로그에 설명회 후기를 올렸어요.

설명회 신청

— Application/registration for a briefing.

설명회 신청은 홈페이지에서 가능합니다.

Expressions idiomatiques

"설명회가 성황을 이루다"

— To be a great success with many people attending.

이번 투자 설명회는 성황을 이루었습니다.

Formal
"설명회 문턱이 높다"

— Used metaphorically to say a briefing is hard to get into or understand.

이 입시 설명회는 예약 문턱이 너무 높아요.

Neutral
"설명회 바람이 불다"

— A trend where many briefings are being held.

창업 시장에 설명회 바람이 불고 있다.

Journalistic
"설명회로 입을 막다"

— To use a briefing to silence complaints (often negatively).

정부는 설명회로 주민들의 입을 막으려 했다.

Informal/Critical
"설명회 판을 벌이다"

— To set up a large-scale briefing event.

대기업들이 대규모 채용 설명회 판을 벌였다.

Colloquial
"설명회에 목을 매다"

— To be desperately reliant on the information from a briefing.

학부모들이 유명 입시 설명회에 목을 매고 있다.

Informal
"설명회가 물 건너가다"

— For a planned briefing to fall through or become impossible.

예산 부족으로 이번 설명회는 물 건너갔다.

Slang/Informal
"설명회 김이 빠지다"

— For a briefing to lose its excitement or impact.

정보가 미리 유출되어 설명회 김이 빠졌다.

Informal
"설명회에 발을 들이다"

— To start attending or getting involved in briefings.

그는 은퇴 후 창업 설명회에 발을 들였다.

Neutral
"설명회로 눈을 돌리다"

— To turn one's attention to briefings for information.

투자자들이 부동산 대신 주식 설명회로 눈을 돌리고 있다.

Journalistic

Famille de mots

Noms

설명 (explanation)
회의 (meeting)
회원 (member)
회합 (gathering)
해설 (commentary)

Verbes

설명하다 (to explain)
개최하다 (to host)
참석하다 (to attend)
진행하다 (to proceed)

Adjectifs

설명적 (explanatory)
명확하다 (to be clear)
공식적 (to be formal)

Apparenté

발표 (presentation)
안내 (guidance)
홍보 (promotion)
교육 (education)
정보 (information)

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

'Seol' sounds like 'Soul', 'Myeong' sounds like 'Young', and 'Hoe' sounds like a gardening 'Hoe'. Imagine a 'Soulful Young' person using a 'Hoe' to clear a path—this is like a briefing clearing a path of understanding.

Association visuelle

Picture a large banner at a school entrance that says '설명회' with a picture of a megaphone and a lightbulb.

Word Web

Origine du mot

Derived from Hanja: 說明會. 說 (설 - to speak), 明 (명 - clear), 會 (회 - meeting/gathering).

Sens originel : A gathering held to make things clear through speech/explanation.

Sino-Korean (Hanja-based).
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