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종업식

A2 noun 14 min read

종업식

jong-eopsik

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 종업식 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 종업식 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should know that '종업식' is a special day at school. It is the 'last day' of the school term. On this day, students go to school for a short time. They say goodbye to their teacher and friends before the holiday. You can think of it as 'The End of Term Ceremony.' You might hear students say '종업식 좋아!' (I like the ceremony day!) because it means no more homework for a while. It is a happy word for most kids. You use it with '해요' (to do) or '있어요' (there is). For example: '내일 종업식 있어요' (Tomorrow there is a ceremony). It is important not to confuse it with '졸업식' (Graduation), which is the very last day of being in that school. '종업식' is just the end of the grade, like moving from 1st grade to 2nd grade.

For A2 learners, '종업식' is an important vocabulary word related to school life and schedules. It refers to the ceremony held at the end of a school year or semester. In Korea, the biggest 종업식 is in February. This is when students finish their current grade. On this day, they usually get their report cards (성적표) and clean their classrooms. You will often see this word in sentences using the time particle '-에' or '- 때'. For example, '종업식 때 친구들과 사진을 찍었어요' (I took photos with friends at the ceremony). You should also know the verb '끝나다' (to end) often follows it: '종업식이 끝나고 방학이 시작돼요' (After the ceremony ends, vacation starts). It's a key word for describing your past school experiences or understanding a Korean friend's schedule.

At the B1 level, you can understand the cultural nuances of '종업식'. It is a formal event (식) that marks the 'finishing of work/study' (종업). This ceremony is a bridge between the old class and the new class. In the Korean school system, students stay in one classroom with the same teacher all day. Therefore, '종업식' is a significant emotional event because it marks the last time that specific group of students will be together as a 'class' (반). You might use more complex grammar with this word, such as '-기 전에' (before) or '-자마자' (as soon as). For example, '종업식을 하기 전에 교실을 대청소했다' (We did a big clean of the classroom before holding the ceremony). You should also be able to distinguish it from '수료식' (completion ceremony for a course) and '종무식' (end-of-year ceremony for a company).

At the B2 level, you should be able to discuss the social and administrative aspects of '종업식'. It is the day when the academic year officially concludes and the results of a year's effort are finalized through the distribution of report cards. You can use the word in formal contexts, such as discussing educational policy or school traditions. For instance, '학교마다 종업식의 형태가 다양해지고 있다' (The forms of end-of-term ceremonies are becoming diverse across schools). You should also be comfortable with the Hanja roots: 終 (end) and 業 (task). This helps you link it to other words like '종료' (termination) or '학업' (studies). At this level, you can describe the mixed emotions of students—relief at the upcoming break versus the sadness of parting with a beloved teacher—using nuanced vocabulary and the word '종업식' as a focal point.

For C1 learners, '종업식' is viewed as a cultural ritual that reinforces the collective identity of the school community. You can analyze how these ceremonies reflect Korean societal values, such as the importance of formal transitions and the respect for academic milestones. You might encounter the word in literature or analytical essays discussing the 'school-centric' nature of Korean youth culture. You should be able to use the word in complex sentences involving passive constructions or high-level idiomatic expressions. For example, '종업식은 단순한 행사를 넘어, 한 해의 성장을 갈무리하는 상징적인 시간이다' (Beyond being a simple event, the end-of-term ceremony is a symbolic time that wraps up a year of growth). You can also compare the '종업식' culture in Korea with similar transitions in other countries, using precise academic Korean.

At the C2 level, you possess a comprehensive mastery of '종업식' and its place within the broader linguistic and sociological framework of Korea. You can engage in deep discussions about the evolution of such ceremonies in the digital age, such as 'untact' (non-face-to-face) ceremonies during the pandemic. You understand the subtle differences in tone when the word is used in official government education documents versus nostalgic memoirs. Your usage should be flawless, incorporating the word into sophisticated rhetorical structures. For instance, you might critique the pressure students feel on '종업식' day regarding their final grades, or discuss the pedagogical significance of the principal's address. You treat '종업식' not just as a vocabulary item, but as a conceptual anchor for exploring the intricacies of the Korean education system and its impact on the national psyche.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

종업식 in 30 Seconds

Jongeopsik is the formal ceremony held at the end of a school term or year in Korean elementary, middle, and high schools.
It is primarily used to mark the transition to the next grade and the start of summer or winter vacation periods.
During the ceremony, students usually receive report cards, clean their classrooms, and listen to a final speech from the principal.
It is distinct from graduation (jol-eopsik), as it happens every year for every student who is not yet leaving the school.

The Korean word 종업식 (終業式) is a specialized noun that refers to the official ceremony held at the conclusion of a school term or a full academic year. In the South Korean educational landscape, this event serves as a formal bridge between the active learning period and the start of a break, such as the winter vacation (겨울방학) or summer vacation (여름방학). Unlike a graduation ceremony, which marks the completion of an entire school level (like finishing elementary or high school), a jong-eopsik marks the completion of a specific grade level, after which students expect to return to the same school but move up to the next grade. It is a moment of transition, reflection, and anticipation that every student in Korea experiences multiple times throughout their youth.

Etymological Breakdown: The word is composed of three Hanja characters: 終 (종 - jong) meaning 'end' or 'finish', 業 (업 - eop) meaning 'work', 'study', or 'business', and 式 (식 - sik) meaning 'ceremony' or 'ritual'. Together, they literally mean 'the ceremony for finishing the work/study'.

During a 종업식, students typically gather in their respective classrooms or the school auditorium. The principal usually gives a speech reflecting on the achievements of the past year, encouraging students to spend their vacation wisely, and offering words of wisdom for the upcoming grade. It is also the time when students receive their final report cards (통지표) for the term. This moment can be filled with a mix of anxiety and relief as students see their hard work quantified in grades and comments from their teachers. Furthermore, it is a day of 'clean-up'. Students often spend the morning cleaning their desks, lockers, and classrooms to leave the space ready for the next cohort of students who will occupy the room in the new semester.

내일이 종업식이라서 오늘 교실 청소를 깨끗이 했어요. (Since tomorrow is the end-of-term ceremony, we cleaned the classroom thoroughly today.)

The atmosphere of a 종업식 is generally lighter than that of a graduation. While graduation is a final goodbye to the school building and many peers, the end-of-term ceremony is more of a 'see you soon.' However, it can still be emotional because, in the Korean school system, class assignments (반 배정) change every year. This means that even if students stay in the same school, they will likely be in a different room with a different teacher and a different mix of classmates in the next term. Thus, the 종업식 is also a day for taking photos with current classmates and exchanging small gifts or notes of appreciation with teachers who have guided them through the year.

Usage Context: This word is predominantly used within the context of the K-12 education system (elementary, middle, and high school). It is rarely used in universities, where terms like '기말고사 종료' (end of finals) or '종강' (end of lectures) are more common.

종업식 때 선생님께서 우리에게 따뜻한 격려의 말씀을 해주셨다. (At the end-of-term ceremony, the teacher gave us warm words of encouragement.)

For parents, 종업식 signals the beginning of a period where they must manage their children's schedules during the break. It is often a topic of conversation among mothers and fathers in Korea, discussing how their children's grades were and what academies (학원) they will attend during the hiatus. For students, it is the ultimate symbol of freedom, even if that freedom is temporary. The word carries the weight of a finished chapter and the excitement of a blank page yet to be written in the next grade level.

종업식이 끝나자마자 친구들과 떡볶이를 먹으러 갔다. (As soon as the ceremony ended, I went to eat tteokbokki with my friends.)

Common Verbs: The word is frequently paired with verbs like '하다' (to do/hold), '참석하다' (to attend), and '끝나다' (to end). For example, '종업식을 하다' means to hold the ceremony.

이번 종업식은 온라인으로 진행될 예정입니다. (This end-of-term ceremony is scheduled to be held online.)

In summary, 종업식 is an essential milestone in the Korean school year. It encapsulates the hard work of a year, the evaluation of progress, and the social transition between classes. Understanding this word provides a deep insight into the structured and ceremonial nature of the South Korean education system, where even the end of a regular term is marked with formal recognition and community gathering.

Using 종업식 correctly requires an understanding of its placement within the school calendar and the specific grammar patterns that accompany it. Since it is a noun referring to an event, it often serves as the subject or object of a sentence, or as a time-marker when combined with particles like '-에' (at/on) or '- 때' (during/at the time of). Because it is a formal event, the sentences describing it often range from neutral to formal politeness levels.

As a Time Marker: When you want to say 'at the end-of-term ceremony', you use '종업식에' or '종업식 때'. Example: '종업식 때 상을 받았어요' (I received an award at the ceremony).

One of the most common ways to use this word is in the context of preparation or following the event. For instance, students might talk about what they will do after the ceremony. In this case, the phrase '종업식이 끝나고' (after the ceremony ends) is highly useful. This structure allows for the description of sequential actions, which is common when discussing school schedules.

종업식이 끝나면 바로 할머니 댁에 갈 거예요. (As soon as the end-of-term ceremony ends, I will go to my grandmother's house.)

When describing the act of the school holding the ceremony, you use the object particle '-을/를' with the verb '하다'. '우리 학교는 내일 종업식을 해요' (Our school is holding the ceremony tomorrow). Note that in casual speech, the particle is often dropped: '내일 종업식 해.' This flexibility is key to sounding natural in different social settings.

Another important aspect of using 종업식 is its relationship with adjectives. You might describe the ceremony as '슬픈' (sad) if you are leaving friends, or '기쁜' (happy) because vacation is starting. '이번 종업식은 정말 아쉬웠어요' (This ceremony was really regretful/bittersweet) expresses the feeling of not wanting to part with a good class.

선생님은 종업식 날 학생들에게 편지를 써 주셨다. (On the day of the ceremony, the teacher wrote letters to the students.)

Common Sentence Structures: 1. [Time] + 에 종업식을 하다.
2. 종업식 때 + [Action].
3. 종업식이 끝나고 + [Future Action].

In academic or formal writing, you might see 종업식 used with passive or more complex verbs. For example, '종업식이 거행되다' (The ceremony is being held/conducted). This is common in school newsletters or local newspapers reporting on school events. Using such vocabulary elevates your proficiency level from A2 to B1/B2.

올해 종업식에서는 우수 학생들에 대한 시상식이 있었다. (At this year's ceremony, there was an award ceremony for outstanding students.)

Furthermore, the word is often used to establish a deadline or a point of reference for administrative tasks. '종업식 전까지 성적표를 확인하세요' (Please check your report card before the ceremony). This usage is vital for students and parents who need to navigate school logistics.

종업식이 다가오니 마음이 설렌다. (As the end-of-term ceremony approaches, my heart is fluttering with excitement.)

In summary, 종업식 is a versatile noun that anchors many discussions about school life in Korea. By mastering its common collocations and time-based particles, you can effectively communicate about the rhythmic cycles of the Korean academic year, expressing both the logistical facts and the emotional nuances of finishing a term.

If you are in South Korea, the word 종업식 becomes highly prevalent during two specific times of the year: late July (before summer break) and mid-to-late February (before the end of the school year). You will hear it in various environments, from the loudspeaker of a public school to the casual chatter in a neighborhood cafe.

In Schools: The most common place to hear this word is over the school's public address system. An announcement might say: '안내 말씀 드립니다. 내일은 종업식입니다.' (Announcement: Tomorrow is the end-of-term ceremony.) Teachers also use it constantly in the weeks leading up to the break to remind students of their responsibilities.

In Korean media, particularly 'School Dramas' (학교 드라마), 종업식 often serves as a plot device for a seasonal finale. It is the setting for confession scenes, emotional partings, or the resolution of a semester-long conflict. Characters might say, '종업식 끝나고 옥상에서 봐' (See me on the rooftop after the ceremony), adding a layer of dramatic tension to this otherwise routine event.

드라마에서 주인공들이 종업식 날 서로의 마음을 확인했다. (In the drama, the main characters confirmed their feelings for each other on the day of the ceremony.)

You will also hear this word frequently in domestic households. Parents will ask their children, '종업식 언제니?' (When is your ceremony?) or '종업식 때 성적표 받았어?' (Did you get your report card at the ceremony?). It is a word that triggers a change in family routine, shifting from the strict school schedule to the more relaxed (or academy-heavy) vacation schedule.

News broadcasts and local newspapers also use the term when discussing academic schedules or reporting on unique ways schools are celebrating the end of the year. For example, a news segment might highlight a school that held a 'No-Uniform 종업식' or a talent show instead of a traditional speech-heavy ceremony. This reflects the evolving culture of Korean education.

뉴스에서 이번 종업식 풍경이 많이 변했다고 보도했다. (The news reported that the scenery of the end-of-term ceremonies has changed a lot.)

In Webtoons and Literature: Webtoons about school life often use the '종업식' chapter to summarize the growth of the characters over the past year. It is a literary marker of time passing and characters aging up.

Lastly, if you are an English teacher working in Korea (EPIK, hagwon, etc.), this word will be central to your life. You will receive schedules titled '종업식 계획' (Ceremony Plan), and you will likely be asked to participate or even give a short farewell to your students. Hearing the word will mean your vacation is finally within reach!

원어민 선생님도 종업식에 참석하여 학생들과 작별 인사를 나누었다. (The native teacher also attended the ceremony and shared farewells with the students.)

In conclusion, 종업식 is not just a dictionary word; it is a lived experience in Korea. It resonates through the halls of schools, the screens of televisions, and the conversations of families, marking the rhythmic heartbeat of the nation's academic life. Being attuned to this word helps you synchronize with the seasonal flow of Korean society.

For learners of Korean, the most frequent and significant mistake regarding 종업식 is confusing it with 졸업식 (Graduation). While they sound similar and both involve ceremonies at the end of a period, their meanings are fundamentally different. Confusing the two can lead to misunderstandings about whether someone is finishing a single year or leaving the school forever.

Mistake 1: Jong-eopsik vs. Jol-eopsik: '졸업식' (Jol-eopsik) uses the character 卒 (졸 - jol) meaning 'to finish/die', implying a final completion. '종업식' (Jong-eopsik) uses 終 (종 - jong) meaning 'end of a task', implying a temporary stop. If you say '오늘 우리 형 졸업식이에요' when you mean '종업식', people will think your brother is graduating and leaving the school.

Another common error is using 종업식 in a university context. University students in Korea do not have a formal 'ceremony' for the end of a regular semester. Instead, they use the term '종강' (終講 - jong-gang), which literally means 'end of lectures'. If you tell a Korean university student, '내일 종업식 잘 해!', they will find it strange because that term is strictly for elementary, middle, and high school.

❌ 대학생: 내일 우리 학교 종업식이야.
✅ 대학생: 내일 우리 학교 종강이야. (Tomorrow is the end of my classes.)

A third mistake involves the nuance of the word 'finish'. In English, we might say 'the end of school', which is vague. In Korean, you must be specific. If you are talking about the ceremony itself, use 종업식. If you are talking about the last day of school as a general day, you might say '마지막 등교일' (last school day). Using the ceremony name to refer to the entire day's activities is common, but don't forget it refers specifically to the ritual part.

Learners also sometimes struggle with the particles used with 종업식. Since it is an event, you 'attend' it (참석하다) or 'do' it (하다). You don't 'see' it (보다) like a movie, although you can 'watch' it (구경하다) if you are a bystander. For students, the most natural verb is '하다'. '오늘 종업식 했어' (We had the ceremony today).

❌ 종업식을 봤어요.
✅ 종업식을 했어요 / 종업식에 참석했어요.

Mistake in Timing: Some students assume '종업식' happens right before summer break and winter break equally. While true, the 'main' 종업식 (the one where you change grades) is the one in February. Using the term without context usually implies the February one in Korea.

Lastly, avoid using 종업식 for work-related contexts. If a company has an end-of-year party, they call it '종무식' (終務式 - jong-mu-sik). Using '종업식' for a business meeting would sound like the employees are children in a classroom. Always match the 'ceremony' word to the specific institution (School = 종업식, Office = 종무식).

❌ 회사의 종업식.
✅ 회사의 종무식. (The company's end-of-work ceremony.)

By being mindful of these distinctions—especially the difference between graduation and term-end, and the appropriate setting for the word—you will communicate much more precisely and avoid the common pitfalls that many beginner and intermediate Korean learners encounter.

In the realm of Korean educational and ceremonial vocabulary, several words share a semantic space with 종업식. Understanding the nuances between these terms is crucial for achieving high-level fluency and cultural competence.

1. 졸업식 (Jol-eopsik) - Graduation Ceremony: This is the most common word confused with 종업식. While 종업식 is held every year for every grade, 졸업식 is only held for the final year of a school level (6th grade for elementary, 3rd for middle/high). It involves diplomas and a final departure from the institution.

Another related term is 수료식 (Suryosik). This refers to a completion ceremony for a specific course or program, rather than a whole school year. For example, if you finish a 10-week Korean language course at a private academy, you would have a '수료식'. It is often used for shorter, more specialized training programs or military training completion.

한국어 학원 과정을 다 마치고 수료식을 했다. (I finished the Korean academy course and had a completion ceremony.)

2. 종강 (Jong-gang) - End of Lectures: As mentioned before, this is the university equivalent. There is no 'ceremony' (식) usually, just the 'end of lectures' (강). University students look forward to '종강' just as much as younger students look forward to '종업식'.

For the opposite event—the beginning of the school term—you would use 시업식 (Sieopsik). This is the ceremony held on the first day of school. However, it is much more common to hear 입학식 (Iphaksik), which is the entrance ceremony for new students starting at a new school. '시업식' is the direct antonym of '종업식' in the sense of starting versus ending a grade's work.

3월 초에는 시업식이 열린다. (At the beginning of March, the term-opening ceremony is held.)

In a broader, non-ceremonial sense, you might use 방학식 (Banghaksik). While '종업식' is the formal name of the ceremony, many students and parents colloquially call it '방학식' because it is the day that vacation (방학) officially starts. If you say '오늘 방학식 했어', everyone will understand you had your end-of-term ceremony and are now on break.

아이들은 방학식 날만 손꼽아 기다린다. (Children wait eagerly only for the day vacation starts/ceremony day.)

Summary Table of Ceremonies: - **종업식**: End of grade level (K-12)
- **졸업식**: Completion of school level (K-12/Univ)
- **수료식**: Completion of a specific course
- **종무식**: End of work year (Office)
- **입학식**: Entrance to a new school

By knowing these alternatives, you can choose the word that fits the specific context—whether you are talking about a child finishing 4th grade, a cousin graduating from college, or yourself finishing a language course. This precision is a hallmark of an advanced learner.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

While 'eop' (業) usually means business in modern Korean (like 'gieop' for company), in this context, it retains its ancient meaning of 'learning' or 'karma-related tasks'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /t͡ɕo̞ŋʌ̹pɕ͈ik̚/

US /t͡ɕo̞ŋʌ̹pɕ͈ik̚/

The stress is relatively even, but there is a slight emphasis on 'sik' due to the tense consonant sound.

Rhymes With

졸업식 (jol-eopsik) 입학식 (iphaksik) 수업식 (sueopsik) 개업식 (gae-eopsik) 취임식 (chwi-imsik) 시상식 (sisangsik) 결혼식 (gyeolhonsik) 장례식 (jangnyesik)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'eop' as 'up' like in English.
Failing to double the 's' sound in 'sik' (it should be 'ssik').
Mixing up with 'jol-eopsik' (졸업식).
Pronouncing 'jong' with a hard 'g' at the end.
Making the 'p' in 'eop' too loud/aspirated.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The Hanja is clear, and the word is common in school contexts.

Writing 3/5

Easy to misspell as '졸업식' or '종업시'.

Speaking 2/5

Simple pronunciation, but requires tense 's' sound.

Listening 3/5

Can be easily confused with '졸업식' in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

학교 (School) 선생님 (Teacher) 공부 (Study) 방학 (Vacation) 식 (Ceremony)

Learn Next

졸업식 (Graduation) 입학식 (Entrance ceremony) 성적표 (Report card) 개학 (Start of school) 수료 (Completion)

Advanced

훈화 (Principal's speech) 학적 (School register) 진급 (Promotion to next grade) 유급 (Staying back a grade) 사은회 (Teacher appreciation party)

Grammar to Know

Noun + 때 (At the time of)

종업식 때 상을 받았어요.

Noun + 후에 (After)

종업식 후에 방학이 시작돼요.

Noun + (이)라서 (Because it is)

오늘은 종업식이라서 일찍 끝나요.

Verb + 자마자 (As soon as)

종업식이 끝나자마자 집에 갔어요.

Honorific -께 (To/From - honorific)

선생님께 종업식 선물을 드렸어요.

Examples by Level

오늘 학교에서 종업식을 해요.

Today we have the end-of-term ceremony at school.

'-에서' marks the location, '-을' is the object particle.

종업식은 재미있어요.

The end-of-term ceremony is fun.

'-은' is the topic particle.

내일은 종업식 날이에요.

Tomorrow is the day of the ceremony.

'-날' means 'day', '-이에요' is the polite 'to be'.

종업식에 가요.

I am going to the ceremony.

'-에' indicates the destination or event.

선생님, 종업식 때 봐요!

Teacher, see you at the ceremony!

'-때' means 'at the time of'.

종업식이 끝났어요.

The ceremony has ended.

'-이' is the subject particle, '끝났어요' is past tense.

종업식 후에 방학이에요.

After the ceremony, it is vacation.

'-후에' means 'after'.

우리 학교 종업식은 금요일이에요.

Our school's ceremony is on Friday.

'-은' emphasizes the specific day.

종업식 때 상장을 받았어요.

I received an award certificate at the ceremony.

'-을 받다' means 'to receive'.

종업식이 끝나고 친구들과 떡볶이를 먹으러 갔어요.

After the ceremony ended, I went to eat tteokbokki with friends.

'-으러 가다' expresses the purpose of going.

이번 종업식은 강당에서 할 거예요.

This ceremony will be held in the auditorium.

'-ㄹ 거예요' expresses a future plan.

종업식 날에는 학교가 일찍 끝나요.

On the day of the ceremony, school ends early.

'-는' adds emphasis to the day's special rule.

어제 종업식을 해서 오늘부터 방학이에요.

We had the ceremony yesterday, so vacation starts from today.

'-아서/어서' indicates a reason or cause.

종업식 때 선생님께 꽃을 드렸어요.

I gave flowers to the teacher at the ceremony.

'-께' is the honorific form of '-에게' (to).

종업식 전까지 사물함을 비워야 해요.

You must empty your locker before the ceremony.

'-아/어야 하다' expresses obligation.

온라인으로 종업식을 하는 학교도 있어요.

There are also schools that hold the ceremony online.

'-는' is a present tense noun modifier.

종업식 분위기가 작년과는 사뭇 달랐다.

The atmosphere of the ceremony was quite different from last year.

'-와/과' used for comparison.

교장 선생님의 훈화 말씀이 종업식의 하이라이트였다.

The principal's words of wisdom were the highlight of the ceremony.

'훈화 말씀' is a formal term for a principal's speech.

종업식을 마치고 나니 한 학년이 끝났다는 게 실감 났다.

After finishing the ceremony, it finally felt like the school year was over.

'-고 나니' expresses a realization after an action.

학생들은 종업식 날 받은 통지표를 부모님께 보여 드렸다.

The students showed the report cards they received on ceremony day to their parents.

'-어/아 드리다' is the humble form of 'to give'.

종업식은 친구들과 헤어지는 아쉬운 시간이기도 하다.

The ceremony is also a bittersweet time of parting with friends.

'-이기도 하다' means 'it is also'.

이번 종업식에서는 우수 학생들에게 장학금을 전달했다.

At this ceremony, scholarships were delivered to outstanding students.

'전달하다' is a formal word for 'to deliver/hand over'.

종업식이 다가올수록 학생들의 기대감은 커져만 갔다.

As the ceremony approached, the students' expectations only grew.

'-을수록' means 'the more... the more...'.

우리 학교는 종업식 대신 작은 음악회를 열기로 했다.

Our school decided to hold a small concert instead of a ceremony.

'-기로 하다' indicates a decision.

종업식은 단순히 학기를 마무리하는 절차 이상의 의미를 지닌다.

The ceremony holds more meaning than just a procedure to end the semester.

'- 이상의 의미를 지니다' means 'to hold more meaning than...'

교육청의 지침에 따라 각 학교는 종업식 일정을 조정했다.

Following the guidelines of the Office of Education, each school adjusted its ceremony schedule.

'-에 따라' means 'according to' or 'following'.

종업식 행사 도중 갑작스러운 정전으로 소동이 빚어졌다.

A commotion was caused by a sudden power outage during the ceremony event.

'소동이 빚어지다' is a formal expression for 'a commotion was caused'.

선생님은 종업식에서 학생 개개인의 성장을 격려하며 눈시울을 붉혔다.

At the ceremony, the teacher's eyes welled up as she encouraged each student's growth.

'눈시울을 붉히다' means to have eyes redden/well up with emotion.

종업식이 거행되는 동안 강당 안은 엄숙한 분위기가 감돌았다.

While the ceremony was being conducted, a solemn atmosphere hung over the auditorium.

'거행되다' is the passive formal form of 'to hold a ceremony'.

학생회는 이번 종업식을 위해 특별 영상을 제작하여 상영했다.

The student council produced and screened a special video for this ceremony.

'-하여' is the literary version of '-해서'.

종업식 날 배부된 가정통신문에는 방학 중 유의 사항이 적혀 있었다.

The school newsletter distributed on ceremony day contained precautions for the vacation.

'배부되다' means 'to be distributed'.

일부 학교에서는 종업식 날 부모님을 초청하여 학예회를 겸하기도 한다.

Some schools invite parents on ceremony day and combine it with a school talent show.

'-을 겸하다' means 'to combine/do both'.

종업식이라는 통과의례를 통해 학생들은 한 단계 성숙해짐을 느낀다.

Through the rite of passage called the end-of-term ceremony, students feel themselves maturing a step further.

'통과의례' means 'rite of passage'.

디지털 시대에 접어들면서 종업식의 풍경도 메타버스 공간으로 확장되고 있다.

Entering the digital age, the scenery of ceremonies is also expanding into metaverse spaces.

'-로 확장되다' means 'to be expanded into'.

종업식에서 발표된 학업 성취도는 학생들에게 자기 성찰의 기회를 제공한다.

The academic achievement levels announced at the ceremony provide students with an opportunity for self-reflection.

'자기 성찰' means 'self-reflection'.

전통적인 종업식의 형식을 탈피하여 학생 주도형 축제로 기획하는 사례가 늘고 있다.

Cases of planning student-led festivals, breaking away from traditional ceremony formats, are increasing.

'형식을 탈피하다' means 'to break away from a format'.

종업식은 교사와 학생 간의 정서적 유대감을 확인하는 소중한 장(場)이다.

The ceremony is a precious venue for confirming the emotional bond between teachers and students.

'장(場)' refers to a 'place' or 'venue' in a conceptual sense.

기성세대에게 종업식은 빛바랜 흑백 사진 속의 향수를 불러일으키는 단어이다.

For the older generation, the ceremony is a word that evokes nostalgia in faded black-and-white photos.

'향수를 불러일으키다' means 'to evoke nostalgia'.

종업식 날의 고요한 교정은 떠들썩했던 한 해의 여운을 간직하고 있다.

The quiet campus on ceremony day holds the lingering imagery of a boisterous year.

'여운을 간직하다' means 'to hold the lingering feelings/afterglow'.

학교 공동체의 결속력을 다지는 데 있어 종업식과 같은 의례는 필수적이다.

Rituals like the end-of-term ceremony are essential in strengthening the solidarity of the school community.

'-는 데 있어' means 'in the matter of' or 'when it comes to'.

종업식의 사회학적 함의는 집단적 소속감의 고취와 신분 전이의 공식화에 있다.

The sociological implication of the ceremony lies in the inspiration of collective belonging and the formalization of status transition.

'사회학적 함의' means 'sociological implication'.

관습화된 종업식의 절차적 정당성에 대한 비판적 성찰이 요구되는 시점이다.

It is a time when critical reflection on the procedural legitimacy of the conventionalized ceremony is required.

'절차적 정당성' means 'procedural legitimacy'.

종업식은 교육 과정의 선형적 완결성을 부여하며 학습자에게 심리적 해방감을 선사한다.

The ceremony grants linear completeness to the educational curriculum and provides learners with a sense of psychological liberation.

'선형적 완결성' means 'linear completeness'.

언어적 관점에서 '종업'이라는 표현은 근대적 노동 윤리와 학업의 등치(等値)를 시사한다.

From a linguistic perspective, the expression 'jong-eop' suggests the equivalence of modern work ethics and academic study.

'등치(等値)' means 'equivalence' or 'equal value'.

종업식 날의 풍경은 시대를 막론하고 한국 교육열의 이면을 투영하는 거울과도 같다.

The scenery of the ceremony day, regardless of the era, is like a mirror reflecting the hidden side of Korea's passion for education.

'시대를 막론하고' means 'regardless of the era'.

종업식의 담론은 점차 성적 중심의 평가에서 전인적 성장의 축하로 전이되고 있다.

The discourse of the ceremony is gradually shifting from grade-centered evaluation to the celebration of holistic growth.

'전인적 성장' means 'holistic growth'.

종업식에 내포된 시간의 불연속성은 학생들에게 새로운 자아 정체성 확립의 계기를 마련한다.

The discontinuity of time implied in the ceremony provides students with an opportunity to establish a new self-identity.

'불연속성' means 'discontinuity'.

교육 현장의 다변화는 종업식이라는 고착된 형식을 해체하고 재구성하는 동력으로 작용한다.

The diversification of the educational field acts as a driving force to deconstruct and reconstruct the fixed format of the ceremony.

'해체하고 재구성하다' means 'to deconstruct and reconstruct'.

Common Collocations

종업식을 하다

종업식에 참석하다

종업식 날

종업식 때

종업식이 끝나다

종업식 행사

종업식 기념

온라인 종업식

종업식 훈화

종업식 선물

Common Phrases

종업식 잘 해!

— Have a good end-of-term ceremony!

내일 학교 잘 다녀오고 종업식 잘 해!

벌써 종업식이야?

— Is it already the end-of-term ceremony?

시간 참 빠르다. 벌써 종업식이야?

종업식 마치고 뭐 해?

— What are you doing after the ceremony?

종업식 마치고 우리 영화 보러 갈까?

종업식이라 일찍 왔어요.

— I came home early because of the ceremony.

엄마, 저 종업식이라 일찍 왔어요.

종업식 때 상 받았어.

— I got an award at the ceremony.

나 이번 종업식 때 개근상 받았어!

종업식 분위기가 썰렁해.

— The atmosphere of the ceremony is chilly/dull.

비가 와서 그런지 종업식 분위기가 썰렁해.

종업식 날의 추억

— Memories of the ceremony day.

종업식 날의 추억은 평생 남는다.

종업식 복장

— Ceremony attire (usually school uniform).

종업식 복장은 교복으로 정해졌다.

종업식 일정이 잡혔다.

— The ceremony schedule has been set.

드디어 다음 주 금요일로 종업식 일정이 잡혔다.

종업식 사회를 맡다

— To host/emcee the ceremony.

내가 이번 종업식 사회를 맡게 되었어.

Often Confused With

종업식 vs 졸업식

Graduation. This is the final ceremony for a school level, whereas 종업식 is for every grade.

종업식 vs 수료식

Completion ceremony. Used for courses or specific training, not usually for a standard school year.

종업식 vs 입학식

Entrance ceremony. This is the start of school, the opposite of 종업식.

Idioms & Expressions

"종업식 날 교실 청소하듯"

— Doing something very thoroughly and finally.

그는 종업식 날 교실 청소하듯 짐을 몽땅 정리했다.

Casual

"종업식 통지표를 기다리는 마음"

— Being extremely nervous about a result.

합격 발표를 기다리는 게 꼭 종업식 통지표를 기다리는 마음 같아.

Literary

"종업식 끝난 초등학생처럼"

— Being incredibly excited and carefree.

그는 휴가를 앞두고 종업식 끝난 초등학생처럼 들떠 있었다.

Casual

"종업식의 눈물"

— The bittersweet feeling of parting with a group.

그녀는 종업식의 눈물을 흘리며 친구들과 약속했다.

Poetic

"종업식 도장을 찍다"

— To officially finish a long task.

오늘 프로젝트에 종업식 도장을 찍고 회식하러 가자.

Slang/Metaphorical

"종업식 날 빈 책상"

— A feeling of emptiness after something busy ends.

아이들이 떠난 집안이 종업식 날 빈 책상처럼 적막하다.

Literary

"종업식 훈화 말씀처럼 길다"

— Something that is boring and never-ending.

그의 잔소리는 꼭 교장 선생님의 종업식 훈화 말씀처럼 길다.

Casual/Humorous

"종업식을 치르다"

— To go through a difficult or final ordeal.

힘든 훈련의 종업식을 치르는 기분으로 임했다.

Formal

"종업식 날의 해방감"

— A total sense of freedom.

시험이 끝나니 종업식 날의 해방감이 느껴진다.

Common

"종업식 없는 공부"

— Lifelong learning or a task that never ends.

인생은 종업식 없는 공부의 연속이다.

Philosophical

Easily Confused

종업식 vs 종강

Both mean 'end of study'.

종강 is for university lectures; 종업식 is for K-12 school years and involves a formal ceremony.

대학생은 종강을 하고, 초등학생은 종업식을 한다.

종업식 vs 종무식

Both involve 'closing' a period of work.

종무식 is for companies and offices; 종업식 is strictly for schools.

아빠는 회사에서 종무식을 하셨다.

종업식 vs 폐회식

Both are 'closing ceremonies'.

폐회식 is for events like sports or meetings; 종업식 is for the academic year.

올림픽의 마무리는 폐회식이다.

종업식 vs 해산식

Both involve a group parting ways.

해산식 is for a group or committee dissolving; 종업식 is for students moving to the next grade.

프로젝트 팀이 해산식을 가졌다.

종업식 vs 영결식

Both are types of 'ceremonies' (식).

영결식 is a funeral/farewell to the deceased; 종업식 is a school ceremony. Be very careful not to mix these up!

그는 고인의 영결식에 참석했다.

Sentence Patterns

오늘은 [Noun]이에요.

오늘은 종업식이에요.

[Noun] 때 [Action].

종업식 때 사진을 찍었어요.

[Noun]이/가 끝나고 나서 [Action].

종업식이 끝나고 나서 친구들을 만났어요.

[Noun] 덕분에 [Result].

종업식 덕분에 일찍 쉴 수 있어요.

[Noun]을/를 기점으로 [Change].

종업식을 기점으로 본격적인 방학이 시작된다.

[Noun]에 참석한 [Noun].

종업식에 참석한 학생들은 모두 즐거워 보였다.

[Noun]이라는 명목 하에 [Action].

종업식이라는 명목 하에 전교생이 강당에 모였다.

[Noun]이 지니는 [Noun]적 가치.

종업식이 지니는 교육적 가치는 작지 않다.

Word Family

Nouns

종업 (Finishing study/work)

식 (Ceremony)

시업식 (Opening ceremony)

Verbs

종업하다 (To finish a course of study)

졸업 (Graduation)

방학 (Vacation)

학기 (Semester)

학년 (Grade level)

성적표 (Report card)

How to Use It

frequency

Highly seasonal (used mostly in Feb and July).

Common Mistakes

Using 종업식 for graduation. → 졸업식
Jongeopsik is for moving up a grade; Joleopsik is for leaving the school level entirely.
Using 종업식 for university. → 종강
University students don't have ceremonies; they just have a final day of lectures called 'jonggang'.
Spelling it as 종엽식. → 종업식
The middle character is 'eop' (업), not 'yeop'.
Using '보다' (to see) with 종업식. → 하다 / 참석하다
You 'do' or 'attend' a ceremony; you don't just 'watch' it like a movie.
Using 종업식 for the end of a work day. → 퇴근
Ending a work day is 'toe-geun'. Ending a school term is 'jong-eopsik'.

Tips

Don't mix up Jong and Jol

Remember: 'Jong' (종) is for 'Just finishing a year', while 'Jol' (졸) is for 'Joining the real world/Leaving for good'.

Cleaning is part of the ritual

In Korea, 종업식 day is also 'clean the school' day. Students are expected to leave their space spotless for the next year.

Use with '하다'

The most natural way to say you had the ceremony is '오늘 종업식 했어'. It functions like a verb phrase.

Learn '성적표' together

Since you always get your '성적표' (report card) at the '종업식', learning these two words together is very helpful.

Pronounce the 'ss'

Make sure to say 'sik' with a strong, tense 's' sound. It sounds like 'ssik'.

February is key

If someone says '종업식' in February, they are talking about the big end-of-year event.

Formal vs Informal

Use '종업식' in essays and formal reports, but feel free to use '방학식' when chatting with friends.

Listen for the Principal

In dramas, if you hear an old man giving a long speech in a hall, he is likely doing the '종업식 훈화'.

Taking Photos

It is very common to take photos with your class on 종업식 day because the class will be split up next year.

Reflect on growth

In Korean culture, this ceremony is a time to reflect on how much you have grown over the past year.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Jong' as the sound of a bell ringing at the 'End', 'Eop' as 'Up' (moving up a grade), and 'Sik' as 'Sick' (you're sick of school and want vacation).

Visual Association

Imagine a classroom where all the desks are empty and clean, and a big banner says 'Jong-eopsik' at the front.

Word Web

School Teacher Report Card Vacation February Cleaning Awards Promotion

Challenge

Try to say '내일 종업식을 해요' five times fast without mixing it up with '졸업식'.

Word Origin

Derived from Sino-Korean (Hanja).

Original meaning: 終 (End) + 業 (Work/Study) + 式 (Ceremony).

Sino-Korean

Cultural Context

Be sensitive to students who might be stressed about their report cards, as this is the day they are received.

In English-speaking countries, this is simply called 'The Last Day of School' or 'End of Term Assembly'. There isn't always a formal name for the ceremony itself.

Often depicted in 'Reply' series (응답하라) dramas during year-end episodes. Common theme in school-life webtoons like 'True Beauty' or 'Lookism'. Mentioned in K-pop songs that talk about school memories and growth.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

School Announcement

내일은 종업식입니다.
강당으로 모여주세요.
복장은 단정히 하세요.
일찍 귀가합니다.

Family Conversation

종업식 몇 시에 끝나?
성적표 가져왔니?
선생님이 뭐라셔?
방학 계획 세웠어?

Friend Conversation

우리 이제 다른 반이야.
종업식 끝나고 놀자.
방학 때 연락해.
사진 찍자!

Teacher to Students

한 해 동안 수고했다.
건강하게 잘 지내라.
종업식 끝나고 청소하자.
새 학년에 만나자.

News Report

전국 학교가 종업식을 가졌다.
이색 종업식이 열렸다.
방학이 시작되었다.
교정은 한산해졌다.

Conversation Starters

"종업식 날 가장 기억에 남는 추억이 뭐야?"

"너희 학교는 종업식 때 보통 뭐 해?"

"종업식 때 성적표 받으면 기분이 어때?"

"이번 종업식 끝나고 특별한 계획 있어?"

"종업식 때 선생님께 편지 써 본 적 있어?"

Journal Prompts

오늘 종업식을 했다. 한 해를 돌아보며 느낀 점을 써보자.

종업식 날 친구들과 헤어질 때의 기분은 어떠했는가?

내가 만약 교장 선생님이라면 종업식 때 어떤 훈화 말씀을 하고 싶은가?

가장 기억에 남는 종업식 날의 날씨와 분위기를 묘사해 보자.

종업식과 졸업식의 차이점에 대해 내가 경험한 것을 바탕으로 설명해 보자.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

While it can be used for the end of any term, in Korea it most commonly refers to the big ceremony at the end of the academic year in February. The end of the first term in July is also a 종업식, but it's often called '방학식' colloquially.

No, university students do not have a formal end-of-term ceremony. They use the word '종강' to mean their classes have finished for the semester.

Usually, students gather in the morning, clean the classroom, receive their report cards, and then go to the auditorium for speeches and awards. School usually finishes early that day.

No. Graduation (졸업식) means you are leaving that school (e.g., finishing middle school). 종업식 means you finished a grade (e.g., 7th grade) and will return to the same school for the next grade (e.g., 8th grade).

Typically, parents do not attend a regular 종업식 unless their child is receiving a major award. It is mostly an event for students and teachers.

The opposite is '시업식' (term-opening ceremony) or '입학식' (entrance ceremony).

The Korean academic year starts in March. Therefore, the year ends in February after the winter break.

Usually, no formal food is served at the school, and lunch (급식) is often skipped because school ends early. Students often go out to eat with friends afterwards.

Yes, it is the official administrative term. In daily life, students might just say '방학식'.

You can, but '수료식' (completion ceremony) is more common for private courses.