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B1 noun 9 min read

농업

nong-eop
Examples Notes & Tips 농업 in 30 Seconds
Explanation 농업 in your Level:
At the A1 level, you don't need to use '농업' (agriculture) in your daily conversation. Instead, you might learn words like '사과' (apple), '밭' (field), or '농부' (farmer). However, you might see this word on signs in Korea, especially at the '농협' (Nonghyup) bank or supermarket. Think of '농업' as the big word for 'farming.' It comes from two parts: '농' meaning farming and '업' meaning job or business. If you see '농업,' just remember it relates to the countryside and growing food. You won't be expected to use it in basic greetings or shopping, but knowing it helps you recognize important places like the farmers' market or the bank. It's like the difference between saying 'I like plants' and 'I study botany.' '농업' is more like the 'botany' or 'industry' side of things. Just try to recognize the characters for now.
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As an A2 learner, you are starting to talk about jobs and the environment. '농업' is a useful word to describe what people do in rural areas. You might say, '우리 할아버지는 농업에 종사하십니다' (My grandfather is in the agricultural business). This sounds more formal and polite than just saying 'he farms.' You will also see this word in simple news headlines or on food packaging. For example, '친환경 농업' (eco-friendly agriculture) is a common phrase on organic food. At this level, you should understand that '농업' is a noun that describes the whole business of farming. You might use it when talking about the history of a country or why the countryside is important. It's a 'category' word. When you group jobs together, you have '공업' (factory work), '상업' (selling things), and '농업' (farming). Learning these three together is a great way to build your vocabulary.
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At the B1 level, '농업' becomes a key vocabulary word for discussing social issues, the economy, and the environment. You should be able to use it in sentences to discuss how technology is changing the way we grow food. For instance, you might talk about '스마트 농업' (smart agriculture) and how it uses computers. You will also encounter '농업' in more complex grammar structures, like '농업의 중요성이 강조되고 있다' (The importance of agriculture is being emphasized). At this stage, you must distinguish between '농업' (the industry) and '농사' (the physical act of farming). If you use '농업' to talk about your small vegetable garden, it will sound too professional. Use '농업' when talking about the country's economy, global food security, or professional careers. You should also be familiar with compound words like '농업 정책' (agricultural policy) which appear frequently in intermediate reading passages and listening tests.
For B2 learners, '농업' is a standard term used in academic and professional settings. You are expected to understand the nuances of how agriculture impacts the national economy (GDP) and international trade (like the FTA). You will hear this word in documentaries and read it in editorials. You should be able to discuss topics like '농업 보조금' (agricultural subsidies) or '농업의 기계화' (the mechanization of agriculture). At this level, you should also be comfortable with the Hanja roots: 農 (farming) and 業 (industry). Understanding these roots allows you to decipher related words like '농경' (cultivation) or '축산업' (livestock industry). You will also use '농업' to discuss environmental sustainability, such as '지속 가능한 농업' (sustainable agriculture). Your ability to use this word in a debate about rural-urban migration or food self-sufficiency shows a high level of linguistic competence and cultural awareness.
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At the C1 level, '농업' is used in highly specialized contexts. You might analyze '농업 경제학' (agricultural economics) or the '농업 혁명' (agricultural revolution) from a historical perspective. You are expected to understand the subtle differences between '농업' and more specific terms like '농학' (agricultural science) or '농정' (agricultural administration). You will encounter this word in legal documents, high-level government reports, and philosophical discussions about the relationship between humans and the land. You should be able to use '농업' to construct complex arguments about food sovereignty (식량 주권) and the ethical implications of '유전자 변형 농업' (GMO agriculture). At this level, you are not just learning the word; you are using it as a tool to explore complex global issues in Korean. You should also be aware of the historical context of '농자천하지대본' and how it still influences Korean social policy today.
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At the C2 level, your mastery of '농업' is near-native. You can discuss the most minute details of '정밀 농업' (precision agriculture) or '도시 농업' (urban agriculture) with ease. You understand the literary and historical connotations of the word, and you can use it in creative writing or high-level academic research. You can navigate the jargon of '농업 관련법' (agriculture-related laws) and understand the political nuances behind '농업 협상' (agricultural negotiations) in international diplomacy. For a C2 learner, '농업' is not just a word for farming; it is a complex concept that intersects with technology, ethics, history, and global politics. You can switch between formal '농업' and informal '농사' perfectly depending on the social context, and you might even use archaic or poetic terms related to agriculture to add flavor to your speech or writing. Your understanding of the word is holistic, encompassing its economic, social, and cultural dimensions in the Korean-speaking world.
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Examples Notes & Tips

농업 in 30 Seconds

  • 농업 means 'agriculture'—the industry and science of farming.
  • It is a formal noun used in business, news, and academic contexts.
  • It covers everything from crop cultivation to raising livestock.
  • It is often paired with words like 'technology', 'policy', and 'innovation'.

The Korean word 농업 (Nong-eop) is a foundational noun that translates directly to 'agriculture' or 'the farming industry.' While many beginners might first learn the word '농사' (nong-sa), which refers to the actual act of farming or the physical labor involved in planting and harvesting, 농업 operates on a broader, more systemic level. It encompasses the entire economic sector, the science behind food production, and the industrial structures that support the cultivation of soil and the rearing of livestock. In modern South Korea, this word is frequently heard in news reports regarding the economy, climate change, and international trade agreements. It is a formal term that suggests a professional or academic context, though it remains essential for anyone living in or studying Korea due to the country's deep historical and cultural roots in agrarian society.

Economic Classification
In South Korea, 농업 is classified as part of the 'primary industry' (1차 산업), alongside fishing and forestry. It is the backbone of food sovereignty and security.

최근 기후 변화로 인해 농업 생산량이 크게 줄어들고 있습니다. (Recently, agricultural production is significantly decreasing due to climate change.)

Historically, Korea was an agrarian society for thousands of years. The transition from a traditional farming culture to a high-tech industrial nation happened rapidly, but the terminology of 농업 remains central to the national identity. When you see this word in a newspaper, it often appears in compound forms such as '농업 정책' (agricultural policy) or '농업 기술' (agricultural technology). It is not just about growing rice; it includes dairy farming, fruit orchards, and even the growing 'smart farm' industry where technology and biology intersect.

Cultural Significance
The concept of 'Sinnong' (God of Agriculture) and the lunar calendar's agricultural milestones are still respected in modern Korean holidays like Chuseok.

정부는 지속 가능한 농업 발전을 위해 새로운 예산을 편성했습니다. (The government has organized a new budget for the sustainable development of agriculture.)

Furthermore, the term is used to describe the science of farming. Universities in Korea have departments dedicated to '농업 생명 과학' (Agricultural and Life Sciences). This highlights the scientific and academic weight the word carries. It is not merely a manual labor term but a sophisticated field of study involving genetics, soil chemistry, and environmental science. In discussions about the future, you will often hear about '4차 산업 혁명과 농업' (The 4th Industrial Revolution and Agriculture), referring to the use of drones, AI, and automated systems in fields.

Global Context
In international forums, 농업 is the standard term used for the WTO (World Trade Organization) negotiations regarding food tariffs and trade barriers.

한국의 농업 인구는 고령화 문제에 직면해 있습니다. (Korea's agricultural population is facing the problem of aging.)

Using 농업 correctly requires understanding its role as a formal noun. It usually functions as the subject or object of a sentence, or as a modifier for other nouns to create compound terms. Unlike the verb-friendly '농사짓다' (to farm), '농업' is rarely turned into a direct verb like '농업하다' in standard speech; instead, people use expressions like '농업에 종사하다' (to be engaged in the agricultural industry).

Compound Nouns
농업 + 기술 (Technology) = 농업 기술 (Agri-tech). 농업 + 정책 (Policy) = 농업 정책 (Agri-policy).

그는 평생 농업 발전을 위해 연구해 왔습니다. (He has been researching for the development of agriculture his whole life.)

When discussing statistics or social trends, 농업 is indispensable. For example, if you are talking about the percentage of people working in farming, you would say '농업 종사자 비율' (the ratio of agricultural workers). If you are referring to the land used for farming, you use '농업 용지' (agricultural land). This formal nuance distinguishes a professional discussion from a casual chat about a family vegetable garden.

미래의 농업은 인공지능과 로봇 기술이 주도할 것입니다. (Future agriculture will be led by AI and robot technology.)

In formal writing, such as essays or reports, 농업 is used to frame the importance of food security. You might write, '농업은 국가 안보의 핵심이다' (Agriculture is the core of national security). Here, the word carries the weight of a strategic industry. It is also used in the context of environmental protection, specifically '친환경 농업' (eco-friendly agriculture), which is a growing trend in Korea as consumers become more health-conscious.

Common Verbs Used with 농업
발전시키다 (to develop), 보호하다 (to protect), 장려하다 (to encourage/promote).

정부는 젊은이들이 농업에 관심을 갖도록 다양한 혜택을 제공합니다. (The government provides various benefits so that young people take an interest in agriculture.)

Lastly, consider the distinction between '농업' and '농경'. While '농경' (Nong-gyeong) refers specifically to the cultivation of land (tilling and planting), '농업' includes the entire business and economic ecosystem, including distribution and marketing of farm products. Therefore, in a business context, always reach for 농업.

You will encounter 농업 most frequently in formal media, educational settings, and government communications. In South Korea, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs is called '농림축산식품부', where the first character '농' (Nong) stands for 농업. Public service announcements often use this word when discussing rural development or the importance of buying local produce to support the national economy.

News & Media
Economic news segments often feature headlines like '농업 혁신' (Agricultural Innovation) or '농업 위기' (Agricultural Crisis) during droughts or floods.

오늘 뉴스에서는 스마트 농업의 미래에 대해 다뤘습니다. (Today's news covered the future of smart agriculture.)

In a classroom or university setting, 농업 is the standard academic term. Students studying biology or geography will read about '농업 혁명' (The Agricultural Revolution) and its impact on human civilization. It is also a key term in social studies when discussing the 'Urb-Rural Gap' (도농 격차), where '농' represents the rural agricultural side. If you visit a museum in Korea, specifically one dedicated to history or folk culture, you will see '전통 농업' (Traditional Agriculture) exhibits detailing how ancestors farmed the land.

농업 박물관에 가면 한국의 옛 농기구들을 볼 수 있습니다. (If you go to the Agriculture Museum, you can see Korea's old farming tools.)

In the business world, especially within the 'ESG' (Environmental, Social, and Governance) management frameworks, 농업 is discussed in terms of '지속 가능한 농업' (Sustainable Agriculture). Companies that produce fertilizers, seeds, or heavy machinery will use this word in their corporate brochures and mission statements. Even in supermarkets, you might see labels like '농업인 직거래' (Direct trade with farmers), emphasizing the connection between the industry and the consumer.

Documentaries
Documentaries about rural life or the global food crisis will use '농업' to set a serious, informative tone.

이 다큐멘터리는 유기농 농업의 중요성을 강조합니다. (This documentary emphasizes the importance of organic agriculture.)

The most common mistake learners make is confusing 농업 (Nong-eop) with 농사 (Nong-sa). While they both relate to farming, their usage is quite distinct. Using '농업' when you mean the act of planting seeds in your backyard sounds overly clinical and strange. Conversely, using '농사' in a government report about industrial trends sounds too informal and limited in scope.

Mistake 1: Category vs. Action
Incorrect: '주말에 농업을 했어요' (I did agriculture on the weekend). Correct: '주말에 농사를 지었어요' (I did farming on the weekend).

그는 농업 전문가이지만, 실제로 농사를 지어본 적은 없습니다. (He is an agriculture expert, but he has never actually farmed.)

Another mistake is the misapplication of the suffix '-업'. Some learners try to attach it to any noun to mean 'industry', but it only works with specific Hanja-based roots. For example, you cannot say '컴퓨터업' for the computer industry; instead, you would use '컴퓨터 산업' (Computer Industry). 농업 is a set term. Also, be careful with the pronunciation; the 'ㅇ' in '업' can sometimes cause a slight liaison effect with the preceding 'ㅂ', though in '농업', the 'ㅇ' is a null initial, so it's pronounced clearly as [nong-eop].

Wait, there is also the confusion between 농업 and 농경. '농경' (Nong-gyeong) is specifically about the 'cultivation' of land. You use '농경 사회' (agrarian society) to talk about history, but you use '농업 사회' to talk about the economic structure. If you are discussing the history of human civilization, '농경의 시작' (the beginning of cultivation) is more precise than '농업의 시작', though the latter is not strictly 'wrong'.

Grammar Pitfall
Avoid saying '농업을 하다'. Instead, use '농업에 종사하다' (to work in agriculture) or '농업에 종사하고 있다'.

많은 사람들이 농업을 단순한 노동으로 오해합니다. (Many people misunderstand agriculture as simple labor.)

To truly master 농업, you must see where it sits among its linguistic relatives. In the Korean language, several words describe the act of growing food, but they vary by register, scope, and specific focus. Understanding these nuances will help you choose the right word for the right situation, whether you are writing a thesis or chatting with a local at a market.

농업 (Nong-eop) vs. 농사 (Nong-sa)
농업 is the 'industry/science' (Agriculture). 농사 is the 'activity/work' (Farming). You 'do' (짓다) 농사, but you 'study' or 'develop' 농업.
농업 (Nong-eop) vs. 농경 (Nong-gyeong)
농경 refers specifically to the 'tilling and sowing' of land. It is often used in historical or archaeological contexts like '농경 유적' (agricultural ruins).
농업 (Nong-eop) vs. 축산업 (Chuk-san-eop)
While 농업 can broadly include animals, 축산업 is the specific term for the 'livestock industry' (raising cattle, pigs, etc.).

현대 농업은 축산업과 수산업을 포함하는 넓은 의미로 쓰이기도 합니다. (Modern agriculture is sometimes used in a broad sense to include the livestock and fishing industries.)

If you want to sound more poetic or traditional, you might encounter the word '농본' (Nong-bon), which means 'agriculture as the root.' This appears in the old saying '농자천하지대본' (Agriculture is the great foundation of the world). On the modern end of the spectrum, '애그리테크' (Agri-tech) is a loanword used in startup and technology circles. However, 농업 remains the most versatile and standard term for all professional communication.

유기농 농업은 화학 비료 대신 천연 비료를 사용합니다. (Organic agriculture uses natural fertilizers instead of chemical ones.)

In summary, choose 농업 when you are looking at the 'big picture.' Whether it is '농업 박람회' (Agriculture Fair) or '농업 경제학' (Agricultural Economics), this word signals that you are discussing a vital, structured, and evolving part of human society.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character 農 (농) depicts a forest (林) and a tool (辰), suggesting the clearing of land for farming in ancient times.

Pronunciation Guide

UK nɒŋ.ʌp
US nɔŋ.ʌp
The stress is equal on both syllables, as is common in Korean.
Rhymes With
공업 (Gong-eop) 상업 (Sang-eop) 수업 (Su-eop) 작업 (Jak-eop) 직업 (Jik-eop) 어업 (Eo-eop) 졸업 (Jol-eop) 창업 (Chang-eop)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing 'eop' like the English word 'up' too clearly; keep the vowel neutral.
  • Dropping the final 'p' sound entirely.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The word itself is simple, but it often appears in complex academic or economic texts.

Writing 4/5

Requires understanding of formal sentence structures and compound nouns.

Speaking 2/5

Easy to pronounce and clear in meaning.

Listening 3/5

Common in news broadcasts which can be fast-paced.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

농사 농부 식물 일 산업

Learn Next

축산업 수산업 제조업 식량 안보 유기농

Advanced

농경 사회 다원적 기능 토양 학 농정
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Examples by Level

1

농업은 중요합니다.

Agriculture is important.

Simple subject + adjective pattern.

2

여기는 농업 박물관이에요.

This is an agriculture museum.

N + 이다 (to be) polite ending.

3

농업은 음식을 만들어요.

Agriculture makes food.

Subject + Object + Verb.

4

할아버지는 농업을 좋아해요.

Grandfather likes agriculture.

Using the object particle -을.

5

농업 학교에 가요.

I go to an agricultural school.

Directional particle -에.

6

농업 책이 있어요.

There is an agriculture book.

Existence verb -이/가 있다.

7

우리는 농업을 배워요.

We learn about agriculture.

First person plural subject '우리'.

8

농업은 힘들어요.

Agriculture is hard.

Adjective ending -어요.

1

한국의 농업은 아주 발달했습니다.

Korea's agriculture is very developed.

Past tense polite -았습니다.

2

농업에 종사하는 사람이 줄고 있어요.

The number of people engaged in agriculture is decreasing.

Progressive form -고 있다.

3

이곳은 농업 용지로 사용됩니다.

This place is used as agricultural land.

Passive form -게 되다 / -어지다.

4

정부는 농업을 돕고 싶어해요.

The government wants to help agriculture.

Desire for third person -고 싶어하다.

5

농업 기술이 정말 좋아졌어요.

Agricultural technology has become really good.

Change of state -아/어지다.

6

유기농 농업은 몸에 좋아요.

Organic agriculture is good for the body.

Modifier -ㄴ/은.

7

농업은 자연과 가깝습니다.

Agriculture is close to nature.

Formal polite ending -습니다.

8

그는 농업 고등학교를 졸업했어요.

He graduated from an agricultural high school.

Object particle and past tense.

1

기후 변화는 현대 농업에 큰 위협이 됩니다.

Climate change is a big threat to modern agriculture.

Subject marker -는 and noun + 이 되다.

2

농업 생산량을 늘리기 위해 노력해야 합니다.

We must make an effort to increase agricultural production.

-기 위해 (in order to) and -해야 하다 (must).

3

스마트 농업은 효율성을 높여 줍니다.

Smart agriculture increases efficiency.

Auxiliary verb -어 주다.

4

그는 농업 정책에 대해 연구하고 있습니다.

He is researching agricultural policy.

-에 대해 (about) + progressive.

5

농업의 미래는 기술 혁신에 달려 있습니다.

The future of agriculture depends on technological innovation.

-에 달려 있다 (depends on).

6

친환경 농업을 장려하는 정책이 필요합니다.

Policies that encourage eco-friendly agriculture are needed.

Noun modifying clause with -는.

7

농업은 한 나라의 식량 안보를 책임집니다.

Agriculture is responsible for a nation's food security.

Verb 책임지다 (to be responsible for).

8

전통적인 농업 방식이 사라지고 있습니다.

Traditional agricultural methods are disappearing.

Progressive form -고 있다.

1

농업의 기계화는 노동력 부족 문제를 해결했습니다.

The mechanization of agriculture solved the labor shortage problem.

Nominalization with -화 (transformation into).

2

정부는 농업 보조금을 확대하기로 결정했습니다.

The government decided to expand agricultural subsidies.

-기로 결정하다 (decide to).

3

농업 협상은 무역 전쟁의 핵심 쟁점이 되었습니다.

Agricultural negotiations became a key issue in the trade war.

Compound noun '농업 협상'.

4

지속 가능한 농업을 위해 토양 관리가 필수적입니다.

Soil management is essential for sustainable agriculture.

-를 위해 (for the sake of).

5

농업 인구의 고령화는 심각한 사회 문제입니다.

The aging of the agricultural population is a serious social problem.

Genitive particle -의.

6

첨단 기술이 농업 분야에 활발히 도입되고 있습니다.

Advanced technology is being actively introduced to the agricultural field.

Passive progressive -고 있다.

7

농업은 단순히 작물을 재배하는 것 이상의 의미가 있습니다.

Agriculture has a meaning beyond simply cultivating crops.

-는 것 이상 (more than the act of).

8

도시 농업은 도시인들에게 정서적 안정을 제공합니다.

Urban agriculture provides emotional stability to city dwellers.

Dative particle -에게.

1

농업의 다원적 기능에 대한 사회적 합의가 필요합니다.

A social consensus on the multifunctional roles of agriculture is needed.

Complex noun phrases and formal vocabulary.

2

식량 주권을 지키기 위해 농업 보호 정책을 강화해야 합니다.

Agricultural protection policies must be strengthened to protect food sovereignty.

-기 위해 (purpose) + -해야 하다 (obligation).

3

농업 혁명은 인류 문명의 구조적 변화를 가져왔습니다.

The agricultural revolution brought about structural changes in human civilization.

Abstract subject with transitive verb.

4

기후 위기는 농업 생태계에 유례없는 도전을 안겨주고 있습니다.

The climate crisis is presenting unprecedented challenges to the agricultural ecosystem.

Unprecedented (유례없는) as a modifier.

5

농업 경제학은 자원 배분의 효율성을 탐구하는 학문입니다.

Agricultural economics is a discipline that explores the efficiency of resource allocation.

Defining a discipline with -는 학문이다.

6

유전자 변형 농업에 대한 찬반 논란이 여전히 뜨겁습니다.

The controversy for and against GMO agriculture is still heated.

-에 대한 (concerning) + noun.

7

농업은 지역 경제의 자생력을 높이는 데 기여합니다.

Agriculture contributes to increasing the self-sufficiency of the local economy.

-는 데 기여하다 (contribute to).

8

정밀 농업은 빅데이터를 활용하여 최적의 수확량을 도출합니다.

Precision agriculture utilizes big data to derive optimal yields.

-를 활용하여 (utilizing).

1

농업은 인류의 생존과 직결된 근본적인 산업임을 잊어서는 안 됩니다.

We must not forget that agriculture is a fundamental industry directly linked to human survival.

-임을 (being) + -어서는 안 된다 (must not).

2

농업 정책의 패러다임이 생산 중심에서 가치 중심으로 전환되고 있습니다.

The paradigm of agricultural policy is shifting from production-centered to value-centered.

A에서 B로 (from A to B).

3

농업의 공익적 가치를 계량화하여 정책에 반영하는 노력이 시급합니다.

Efforts to quantify the public interest value of agriculture and reflect it in policy are urgent.

-여 (and then/by) connecting two verbs.

4

전통 농업의 지혜와 현대 과학의 결합이 새로운 돌파구를 마련할 것입니다.

The combination of traditional agricultural wisdom and modern science will provide a new breakthrough.

Future tense -ㄹ 것이다.

5

농업은 단순한 1차 산업을 넘어 6차 산업으로 진화하고 있습니다.

Agriculture is evolving beyond a simple primary industry into a quaternary (6th) industry.

-를 넘어 (beyond).

6

농업 용수의 효율적 관리는 수자원 보호의 핵심적인 부분입니다.

The efficient management of agricultural water is a key part of water resource protection.

Genitive structure and abstract nouns.

7

농업은 국토의 균형 발전과 환경 보전에 중추적인 역할을 담당합니다.

Agriculture plays a pivotal role in the balanced development of national land and environmental conservation.

Formal verb '담당하다'.

8

농업의 위기는 곧 인류 문명의 위기로 번질 수 있다는 경각심을 가져야 합니다.

We must have the awareness that an agricultural crisis can soon spread into a crisis for human civilization.

-ㄴ다는 경각심 (awareness that...).

Synonyms

농사 경작 재배 축산

Antonyms

공업 산업 (in some contexts)

Common Collocations

농업 기술
농업 정책
농업 생산량
농업 종사자
농업 혁명
친환경 농업
농업 용수
스마트 농업
농업 박람회
농업 경제

Common Phrases

농업에 종사하다

— To work in the agricultural industry.

그의 가족은 대대로 농업에 종사해 왔습니다.

농업을 장려하다

— To encourage or promote agriculture.

지자체는 청년 농업을 장려하고 있습니다.

농업 기반

— The foundation or infrastructure of agriculture.

농업 기반을 튼튼히 다져야 합니다.

농업 발전

— The development of agriculture.

농업 발전을 위한 연구가 한창입니다.

농업 위기

— An agricultural crisis.

기후 변화는 전 세계적인 농업 위기를 초래합니다.

농업 소득

— Agricultural income.

농업 소득을 높이기 위한 대책이 필요합니다.

농업 용지

— Agricultural land.

이 구역은 농업 용지로 지정되었습니다.

농업 교육

— Agricultural education.

그는 농업 교육을 받기 위해 귀농했습니다.

농업 통계

— Agricultural statistics.

농업 통계에 따르면 생산량이 감소했습니다.

농업 혁신

— Agricultural innovation.

농업 혁신은 식량 문제를 해결할 열쇠입니다.

Idioms & Expressions

"농자천하지대본 (農者天下之大本)"

— Agriculture is the great foundation of the world. Used to emphasize the vital importance of farming.

옛말에 농자천하지대본이라 하였습니다.

Formal/Traditional
"풍년이 들다"

— To have a bumper crop year. Though '농업' isn't in the phrase, it's the core context.

올해는 풍년이 들어 농민들이 기뻐합니다.

Neutral
"씨를 뿌리다"

— To sow seeds. Figuratively, to start something that will grow.

그는 미래 농업을 위해 희망의 씨를 뿌렸습니다.

Literary
"손을 빌리다"

— To borrow a hand (get help). Common in busy farming seasons.

농번기에는 이웃의 손을 빌려야 합니다.

Neutral
"땀 흘려 일하다"

— To work while sweating. Often used to describe the hard work in agriculture.

농업은 땀 흘려 일하는 정직한 산업입니다.

Neutral
"뿌린 대로 거두다"

— To reap what you sow. A fundamental agricultural principle used as a life lesson.

농업처럼 인생도 뿌린 대로 거둡니다.

Neutral
"하늘만 바라보다"

— To only look at the sky. Describes farmers waiting for rain.

가뭄 때문에 농민들이 하늘만 바라보고 있습니다.

Neutral
"흙과 살다"

— To live with the soil. Means to be a farmer.

그는 평생 흙과 살며 농업을 지켜왔습니다.

Literary
"농심 (農心)"

— The heart/mind of a farmer. Refers to sincerity and diligence.

기업은 농심을 잊지 말아야 합니다.

Neutral
"천직 (天職)"

— A calling from heaven. Often used by those dedicated to agriculture.

그에게 농업은 천직입니다.

Neutral

Word Family

Nouns

농부 (Farmer)
농장 (Farm)
농기구 (Farm tools)
농산물 (Agricultural products)

Verbs

농사짓다 (To farm)
경작하다 (To cultivate)
재배하다 (To grow/cultivate)

Adjectives

농업의 (Agricultural)
농촌의 (Rural)

Related

농협 (Agricultural Cooperative)
귀농 (Returning to farming)
농번기 (Busy farming season)
농한기 (Off-season for farming)
식량 (Food/Provisions)
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Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Nong' as 'No-Hunger' (since farming prevents hunger) and 'Eop' as 'Up' (the industry is going up/developing).

Visual Association

Imagine a high-tech tractor (industry/업) driving through a golden rice field (farming/농).

Word Web

식량 (Food) 땅 (Land) 기술 (Tech) 농부 (Farmer) 수확 (Harvest) 씨앗 (Seed) 시장 (Market) 정부 (Gov)

Challenge

Try to find three items in your fridge today and say out loud: '이것은 농업 생산물입니다' (This is an agricultural product).

Word Origin

Derived from the Hanja characters 農 (농) meaning 'farming' and 業 (업) meaning 'industry' or 'business'.

Original meaning: The business or industry of farming.

Sino-Korean (Hanja)

Cultural Context

When discussing agriculture with Koreans, be respectful of the hard work farmers do, as it is viewed as a very honest and noble profession.

In the West, 'Agriculture' often sounds very industrial, while 'Farming' sounds more personal. In Korean, 농업 follows the same formal/industrial pattern.

농협 (Nonghyup) - The ubiquitous bank/market. The Saemaul Undong (New Village Movement) which modernized Korean agriculture. 'Nongshim' - A famous food company whose name means 'Farmer's Heart'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Economic Discussion

  • 농업의 비중 (Share of agriculture)
  • GDP 대비 농업 생산 (Agri-production vs GDP)
  • 농업 보조금 (Agri-subsidies)
  • FTA와 농업 (FTA and agriculture)

Environmental Debate

  • 기후 변화와 농업 (Climate change and agri)
  • 지속 가능한 농업 (Sustainable agri)
  • 친환경 농업 (Eco-friendly agri)
  • 농약 사용 (Pesticide use)

Technology News

  • 스마트 농업 기술 (Smart agri tech)
  • 농업용 드론 (Agri drones)
  • 자동화 시스템 (Automation system)
  • 데이터 농업 (Data-driven agri)

History Class

  • 농업 혁명 (Agri revolution)
  • 농경의 시작 (Start of cultivation)
  • 전통 농업 방식 (Traditional agri methods)
  • 조선 시대의 농업 (Agri in Joseon)

Job Interview

  • 농업 분야 경력 (Career in agri)
  • 농업에 대한 열정 (Passion for agri)
  • 농업 연구 (Agri research)
  • 농업직 공무원 (Agri civil servant)

Conversation Starters

"한국의 농업에 대해 어떻게 생각하세요? (What do you think about Korea's agriculture?)"

"미래에는 농업이 어떻게 변할까요? (How will agriculture change in the future?)"

"스마트 농업에 대해 들어본 적이 있나요? (Have you heard about smart agriculture?)"

"농업이 국가 안보에 왜 중요할까요? (Why is agriculture important for national security?)"

"유기농 농업 제품을 선호하시나요? (Do you prefer organic agricultural products?)"

Journal Prompts

내가 농업에 종사한다면 어떤 작물을 기르고 싶은가? (If I worked in agriculture, what crops would I want to grow?)

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