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B2 noun 8 min read

결속

gyelsok
Examples 결속 in 30 Seconds
Explanation 결속 in your Level:
At the A1 level, the word '결속' (solidarity/cohesion) might be too advanced for daily use, but it is helpful to understand its basic meaning: 'people being together like a strong team.' Imagine you are playing a game with your friends. If you all help each other and stay close, you have '결속.' At this level, you don't need to use this word in your own sentences yet. Instead, you focus on simpler words like '친구' (friend) and '같이' (together). However, if you see it in a simple story or a poster, just remember it means a 'strong bond.' It is like a group of people holding hands very tightly so no one can get through. In Korean culture, being part of a group is very important, so even children's stories might mention how animals or friends stay together to be strong. Think of it as the 'power of us.' You might see it on a school banner that says '우리는 하나' (We are one), which is the simple version of '결속.'
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At the A2 level, you can start to recognize '결속' in contexts like sports or family. You are learning how to describe relationships, and '결속' is a way to say a relationship is very strong. For example, if a family always eats together and helps each other, they have '결속.' In your studies, you might see this word in short news clips about a team winning a game because they worked together. You can think of it as a noun for 'teamwork' but with a more serious and deep feeling. When you describe your hobbies, like being in a soccer club, you can say '우리 팀은 결속이 좋아요' (Our team has good cohesion). This sounds much more natural and advanced than just saying 'we are close.' It shows you understand that the group has a special strength. You should also notice that it is often used with '있다' (to have/exist) or '좋다' (to be good). This is a great word to add to your vocabulary if you want to talk about how important your community or group of friends is to you.
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At the B1 level, you should be able to use '결속' in more structured sentences and understand its nuance compared to other words. You are now moving into intermediate Korean, where you discuss social topics and professional environments. You will encounter '결속' in business contexts, such as '직원들의 결속' (employee cohesion). At this stage, you should learn the common phrase '결속을 다지다,' which means to strengthen the bonds. For example, '우리는 회식에서 결속을 다졌어요' (We strengthened our bonds at the company dinner). This is a very common cultural expression in Korea. You should also understand that '결속' is a noun, so it needs verbs like '강화하다' (strengthen) or '무너지다' (collapse) to describe what is happening to that unity. You can use it to talk about how a group of people stays strong during a difficult time. It's not just about being friendly; it's about having a shared goal and a shared heart. This word will make your speaking sound much more professional and thoughtful.
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The B2 level is the 'sweet spot' for '결속.' At this level, you are expected to understand and use abstract nouns effectively in both formal and informal settings. You should be able to distinguish '결속' from synonyms like '단결' (unity) and '화합' (harmony). You should use '결속' when discussing the internal integrity of an organization or a society. For instance, in an essay about social issues, you might write about '사회적 결속의 중요성' (the importance of social cohesion). You will also see this word frequently in literature and news editorials. You should be comfortable using the derivative '결속력' (cohesive power) to describe the degree of unity. For example, '그 팀은 결속력이 부족해서 패배했다' (That team lost because they lacked cohesive power). At B2, you should also recognize the word in political contexts, where it refers to alliances or the solidarity of a party. You are now using the word to analyze group dynamics and express complex ideas about how people function together under pressure. It is a key word for expressing the 'we' sentiment in Korean culture.
At the C1 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of '결속' including its Hanja roots and its philosophical implications in Korean society. You can use it to discuss complex sociological theories or historical events. For example, you might analyze how '민족적 결속' (ethnic/national solidarity) played a role in Korea's independence movement. You should be able to use the word in highly formal writing, such as academic papers or business proposals, to describe strategic alliances or organizational health. You will notice that '결속' is often used in combination with other high-level terms like '유대감' (sense of bond), '상호 신뢰' (mutual trust), and '공동체 의식' (community spirit). You should be able to explain how '결속' differs from '연합' (alliance) or '제휴' (partnership) in terms of emotional depth and structural integration. Your usage should reflect an understanding that '결속' is something that is built over time through shared experiences and values. You might also encounter it in legal or diplomatic documents referring to the 'binding' nature of certain agreements, though this is less common than the social usage.
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At the C2 level, you have mastered '결속' and can use it with the precision of a native speaker. You understand its rhetorical power in speeches and its subtle emotional weight in literature. You can use it to discuss the 'atomization' of modern society and the resulting '결속의 약화' (weakening of cohesion). You are familiar with its use in diverse fields, from psychology (group cohesion) to international relations (bloc solidarity). You can use it metaphorically to describe the '결속' of ideas or theories. In a high-level debate, you might argue about the balance between individual freedom and '사회적 결속.' You also recognize the word's appearance in classical or semi-classical texts where the Hanja meaning (結束) is more prominent. At this level, you don't just know what the word means; you know how to use it to inspire, to analyze, and to critique. You can detect when a speaker uses '결속' to manipulate group sentiment versus when it is used to describe genuine organic solidarity. Your mastery of this word signifies a deep integration into the Korean linguistic and cultural landscape.
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Examples

결속 in 30 Seconds

  • A formal noun meaning solidarity and cohesion within a group.
  • Commonly used in sports, business, and politics to describe group strength.
  • Often paired with the verb '다지다' to mean strengthening bonds.
  • Derived from Hanja meaning 'to tie a bundle,' representing unbreakable unity.

The Korean word 결속 (Gyelsok) is a profound noun that represents the concept of unity, cohesion, and the binding together of individuals into a singular, powerful entity. Derived from Hanja, where 'Gyeol' (結) means to tie or knot and 'Sok' (束) means to bundle or bind, the word literally translates to 'tying a bundle.' In a social and linguistic context, it refers to the strength of the bonds within a group, whether that be a family, a sports team, a political party, or an entire nation. Unlike simple cooperation (협력), 결속 implies an internal, emotional, and structural tightness that makes the group resilient against external pressures. It is the 'social glue' that keeps a community functioning as one. This term is frequently used in formal settings, such as corporate speeches, political manifestos, and sports commentary, to emphasize that the success of the collective depends on the unwavering solidarity of its members.

Core Nuance
It is not just about being together; it is about being bound so tightly that the individual parts become a cohesive whole.

위기 상황에서 국민들의 결속이 무엇보다 중요하다. (In a crisis, the solidarity of the citizens is more important than anything else.)

When you hear this word, imagine a rope made of many thin strands. Individually, each strand can be easily broken, but when they are twisted and bound together (결속), they can pull immense weight. This is why the word is so popular in South Korea's 'Uri' (we) culture. It reflects the Confucian and collectivist values that prioritize the harmony and strength of the group over individual desires. In modern times, you will see this word used on banners during protests, in the mission statements of tech startups, and in the locker rooms of professional athletes. It is a word of strength, resilience, and shared identity.

Common Collocation
결속을 다지다 (To strengthen/harden the bond or cohesion).

우리 팀은 이번 워크숍을 통해 결속을 다졌다. (Our team strengthened our cohesion through this workshop.)

Using 결속 correctly requires understanding its role as a noun that often pairs with specific verbs. The most frequent pairing is with '다지다' (to firm up/strengthen), '강화하다' (to reinforce), or '해치다' (to harm/undermine). Because it is a B2-level word, it appears more in written reports or formal speeches than in casual daily conversation, though it is not out of place in a serious discussion about family or friendship. When you want to describe a group that is falling apart, you would say the '결속력이 약해졌다' (cohesive force has weakened). Conversely, a highly disciplined military unit or a successful startup would be described as having '강한 결속력' (strong cohesive force).

Grammatical Note
결속 is usually followed by the particle '-이/가' when it is the subject, or '-을/를' when it is the object of an action like 'strengthening'.

가족 간의 결속은 그 어떤 어려움도 이겨내게 한다. (The cohesion among family members allows them to overcome any difficulty.)

In a business context, a manager might say, '조직의 결속을 위해 새로운 프로젝트를 시작합시다' (Let's start a new project for the cohesion of the organization). Here, the word acts as a goal or a value to be achieved. In political discourse, leaders often call for '범국민적 결속' (pan-national solidarity) during times of economic hardship or national security threats. It is important to note that 결속 is rarely used for physical objects (like glue sticking two boards together); for that, you would use '접착' or '결합'. 결속 is almost exclusively reserved for human relationships and social structures.

그 정당은 내부 분열로 인해 결속이 무너졌다. (That political party's cohesion collapsed due to internal division.)

You are most likely to encounter 결속 in environments where collective effort is scrutinized. On the evening news, reporters use it to describe how a community is pulling together after a natural disaster. In a corporate boardroom, it is the buzzword used to justify team-building retreats or changes in company culture. In the world of sports, especially during international events like the World Cup or the Olympics, commentators constantly refer to the '결속력' of the national team as a key factor in their performance. It is a word that carries an air of gravity and purpose. If you are watching a K-drama about a business takeover or a political struggle, keep an ear out for this word during dramatic speeches where a leader tries to rally their followers.

Media Context
News headlines often use '결속' to describe diplomatic alliances between countries, such as '한미일 3국 결속 강화' (Strengthening the cohesion/alliance of Korea, US, and Japan).

감독은 선수들에게 팀의 결속을 강조했다. (The coach emphasized the team's cohesion to the players.)

Interestingly, you might also hear it in academic or sociological lectures discussing 'social capital.' Professors might talk about '사회적 결속' (social cohesion) as a metric for the health of a society. In these contexts, it is compared to social trust and participation. Even in religious settings, a pastor or monk might speak about the 'spiritual cohesion' of the congregation. It is a versatile word that bridges the gap between the emotional bonds of a small group and the strategic alliances of global powers. Understanding this word gives you a window into how Korean society views the relationship between the individual and the group.

지역 사회의 결속을 위해 축제가 개최되었다. (A festival was held for the cohesion of the local community.)

One of the most common mistakes English speakers make is using 결속 for physical objects. In English, we might say 'the glue ensures the bond between the two surfaces.' In Korean, using '결속' here would sound strange and personified. '결속' is strictly for social, psychological, or organizational bonds. For physical binding, use '결합' (combination) or '접착' (adhesion). Another mistake is confusing '결속' with '단결' (unity). While they are synonyms, '단결' is more of an action-oriented word (like 'Unite!'), often used in slogans, whereas '결속' is more of a state of being or a quality of the relationship.

Comparison
결속 vs. 단결: '단결' is often a command or a rally cry. '결속' is the resulting strength of that union.

[Wrong]: 이 풀은 나무 판자들의 결속을 돕는다. (This glue helps the cohesion of the wooden boards.)
[Correct]: 이 풀은 나무 판자들의 결합을 돕는다.

Additionally, learners sometimes confuse '결속' with '구속' (restraint/arrest). Though they share the '속' (bind) character, '구속' has a negative connotation of being trapped or legally detained. Using '구속' when you mean 'solidarity' would be a significant error. Finally, ensure you don't over-use '결속' in very casual settings. If you are just hanging out with two friends, saying '우리의 결속을 다지자' might sound overly dramatic or like you're starting a secret society. In casual contexts, '친해지다' (get close) or '우정을 쌓다' (build friendship) is much more natural.

[Confusing]: 우리 사이에는 강한 구속이 있다. (There is strong restraint/arrest between us.)
[Natural]: 우리 사이에는 강한 유대감이 있다. (There is a strong sense of bonding between us.)

To truly master 결속, you should know its neighbors in the Korean vocabulary. The most common alternative is 단결 (Dangyeol). As mentioned, '단결' is often used in slogans like '단결 투쟁' (United Struggle) and focuses on the act of coming together for a specific purpose. Another similar word is 유대 (Yudae), which refers to a 'bond' or 'link'. While '결속' emphasizes the strength and tightness of the group as a whole, '유대' often focuses on the connection between two specific points or individuals. You'll often hear '유대감' (sense of bond) used in psychological contexts.

Word Comparison
  • 결속 (Gyelsok): Cohesion/Solidarity (Focus on group strength).
  • 단결 (Dangyeol): Unity (Focus on collective action).
  • 유대 (Yudae): Bond (Focus on the connection itself).
  • 화합 (Hwahap): Harmony (Focus on peaceful coexistence).

노사 간의 화합이 회사의 성장을 이끌었다. (Harmony between labor and management led to the company's growth.)

For a more formal or academic tone, you might use 응집력 (Eungjip-ryeok), which translates to 'cohesiveness' or 'cohesion' in a scientific or sociological sense. For example, '집단의 응집력' (the cohesiveness of a group). If you are looking for a word that describes an alliance between different organizations or countries, 연합 (Yeonhap) or 제휴 (Jehyu) might be more appropriate. '연합' is an alliance (like the UN), while '제휴' is a partnership (like two airlines sharing routes). Understanding these nuances allows you to choose the exact level of 'togetherness' you want to express.

강력한 연합군이 적의 공격을 막아냈다. (The powerful allied forces blocked the enemy's attack.)

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Examples by Level

1

우리는 친구들과 결속이 강해요.

We have strong solidarity with our friends.

Using '결속' as a subject with the particle '이'.

2

우리 팀은 결속이 좋아요.

Our team has good cohesion.

Simple adjective '좋아요' following the noun.

3

가족의 결속은 중요해요.

Family solidarity is important.

Possessive particle '의' connecting family and solidarity.

4

우리는 하나로 결속해요.

We unite as one.

Verb form '결속하다' meaning to unite.

5

친구끼리 결속이 필요해요.

Solidarity is needed among friends.

The noun '필요해요' used with '결속'.

6

작은 결속이 큰 힘이 돼요.

Small solidarity becomes a big strength.

Using '결속' as the subject of a sentence about strength.

7

모두가 결속하면 이길 수 있어요.

If everyone unites, we can win.

Conditional '-(으)면' attached to '결속하다'.

8

선생님은 우리에게 결속을 가르쳐요.

The teacher teaches us solidarity.

Object particle '을' used with the verb 'teach'.

1

이번 여행으로 우리 가족의 결속이 더 단단해졌어요.

Our family's bond became firmer through this trip.

Comparative '더' and the verb '단단해지다' (to become firm).

2

축구 팀원들이 승리를 위해 결속했어요.

The soccer team members united for victory.

Past tense '결속했다' used for a completed action.

3

어려울 때일수록 친구들의 결속이 빛나요.

The solidarity of friends shines more during difficult times.

-을수록 (the more... the more) pattern.

4

우리는 매주 모임을 통해 결속을 다져요.

We strengthen our cohesion through weekly meetings.

Present tense '다져요' expressing a regular habit.

5

그 마을 사람들은 결속이 매우 강합니다.

The people of that village have very strong solidarity.

Formal polite ending '-습니다'.

6

팀의 결속을 해치는 행동은 하지 마세요.

Please do not do things that harm the team's cohesion.

Imperative '-지 마세요' (don't do).

7

서로 믿을 때 결속이 생깁니다.

Solidarity arises when we trust each other.

The verb '생기다' (to arise/be created).

8

학교 행사에서 학생들의 결속을 보았어요.

I saw the students' solidarity at the school event.

Using '보았어요' to describe an observation of an abstract noun.

1

새로운 프로젝트를 시작하기 전에 팀의 결속을 다지는 것이 중요합니다.

It is important to strengthen the team's cohesion before starting a new project.

-는 것 (nominalization) used to make a subject clause.

2

이 회사는 직원들 간의 결속력이 아주 뛰어납니다.

This company has excellent cohesive power among its employees.

Using '결속력' (cohesive force) as a specific noun.

3

위기 상황에서 국민들이 하나로 결속하여 재난을 극복했습니다.

In a crisis, the citizens united as one and overcame the disaster.

Connecting two actions with '-하여' (and/by doing).

4

우리는 대화를 통해 서로의 오해를 풀고 결속을 강화했습니다.

We resolved our misunderstandings through dialogue and reinforced our solidarity.

Using '강화하다' (to reinforce) with '결속'.

5

정치인들은 당의 결속을 위해 회의를 소집했습니다.

Politicians called a meeting for the cohesion of the party.

-을 위해 (for the sake of) structure.

6

작은 갈등이 팀의 결속을 무너뜨릴 수 있습니다.

Small conflicts can destroy a team's cohesion.

Causative verb '무너뜨리다' (to make something collapse).

7

그들은 공동의 목표를 향해 강력하게 결속되어 있습니다.

They are strongly united toward a common goal.

Passive form '결속되어 있다' (to be in a state of being united).

8

동호회 회원들은 취미를 공유하며 결속을 쌓아갑니다.

Club members build solidarity while sharing their hobbies.

-아/어 가다 (to keep doing/continue over time).

1

조직 내의 원활한 소통은 구성원들의 결속을 이끌어내는 핵심 요소이다.

Smooth communication within an organization is a key factor in drawing out the cohesion of its members.

Formal '-(이)다' ending for written reports.

2

외부의 위협은 오히려 집단 내부의 결속을 강화시키는 계기가 되기도 한다.

External threats sometimes serve as an opportunity to strengthen internal group cohesion.

Using '계기' (turning point/opportunity) and '-기도 하다' (also happens).

3

그 지도자는 뛰어난 리더십으로 흩어져 있던 민심을 결속시켰다.

The leader united the scattered public sentiment with outstanding leadership.

Causative form '결속시키다' (to make someone/something unite).

4

노동조합은 권익 보호를 위해 조합원들의 결속을 호소했다.

The labor union appealed for the solidarity of its members to protect their rights.

The verb '호소하다' (to appeal/plead).

5

다문화 사회에서는 서로 다른 배경을 가진 사람들 사이의 사회적 결속이 요구된다.

In a multicultural society, social cohesion among people with different backgrounds is required.

Passive '요구되다' (to be required) in a formal context.

6

경제적 불평등은 사회의 결속을 저해하는 주요 원인 중 하나이다.

Economic inequality is one of the main causes that hinder social cohesion.

The verb '저해하다' (to hinder/impede).

7

그 스포츠 팀은 시즌 초반의 부진을 딛고 선수들의 결속으로 우승을 차지했다.

The sports team overcame their early-season slump and won the championship through the players' cohesion.

-을 딛고 (overcoming/stepping over).

8

기업들은 브랜드 충성도를 높이기 위해 고객들과의 결속을 중시한다.

Companies value the bond with customers to increase brand loyalty.

The verb '중시하다' (to value/place importance on).

1

급변하는 국제 정세 속에서 동맹국 간의 전략적 결속은 그 어느 때보다 절실하다.

In a rapidly changing international situation, strategic solidarity among allies is more desperate than ever.

Adjective '절실하다' (desperate/urgent) in a high-level context.

2

지나친 집단 이기주의는 전체 사회의 유기적인 결속을 방해할 우려가 있다.

Excessive collective egoism carries the risk of hindering the organic cohesion of the entire society.

-을 우려가 있다 (there is a concern/risk that...).

3

이 소설은 전쟁이라는 극한 상황 속에서 인간들이 맺는 비극적인 결속을 다루고 있다.

This novel deals with the tragic solidarity that humans form in the extreme situation of war.

The verb '다루다' (to deal with/handle) in literary analysis.

4

전통적인 대가족 제도가 해체되면서 가족 구성원 간의 심리적 결속 방식도 변화하고 있다.

As the traditional extended family system dissolves, the way psychological cohesion among family members is formed is also changing.

-면서 (while/as) used to describe simultaneous changes.

5

혁신적인 기업 문화를 정착시키기 위해서는 구성원들의 자발적인 결속이 뒷받침되어야 한다.

In order to establish an innovative corporate culture, the voluntary cohesion of members must be supported.

The verb '뒷받침되다' (to be supported/backed up).

6

정부는 지역 간의 격차를 해소하여 국가적 결속을 도모하겠다는 의지를 밝혔다.

The government expressed its will to promote national solidarity by resolving regional disparities.

The verb '도모하다' (to plan/promote/aim for).

7

시민 사회의 강한 결속은 민주주의를 지탱하는 가장 견고한 뿌리이다.

The strong solidarity of civil society is the most solid root supporting democracy.

Metaphorical use of '뿌리' (root) in political philosophy.

8

종교적 신념은 박해 받는 소수 집단에게 강력한 생존적 결속의 수단이 되어 왔다.

Religious belief has been a means of powerful existential solidarity for persecuted minority groups.

Present perfect continuous form '-어 왔다'.

1

포스트모던 사회의 파편화된 개인주의는 공동체적 결속의 근간을 뒤흔들고 있다.

The fragmented individualism of postmodern society is shaking the very foundation of communal cohesion.

High-level vocabulary like '파편화된' (fragmented) and '근간' (foundation).

2

역사적으로 볼 때, 공통의 적에 대항하기 위한 결속은 일시적인 방편에 그치는 경우가 많았다.

Historically speaking, solidarity to oppose a common enemy often ended up being only a temporary measure.

-에 그치다 (to stop at/be limited to).

3

디지털 공간에서의 느슨한 결속이 오프라인에서의 실질적인 사회 변화를 이끌어낼 수 있는지에 대한 논의가 활발하다.

There is active discussion about whether loose solidarity in digital spaces can lead to substantive social change offline.

-는지에 대한 논의 (discussion about whether...).

4

지식인들은 지적 결속을 통해 권력의 횡포에 맞서 진실을 수호해야 할 책무가 있다.

Intellectuals have a responsibility to protect the truth against the tyranny of power through intellectual solidarity.

The noun '책무' (duty/responsibility) and '횡포' (tyranny).

5

인류는 기후 위기라는 전 지구적 난제 앞에서 초국가적인 결속을 시험받고 있다.

Humanity is having its supranational solidarity tested in the face of the global challenge of the climate crisis.

Passive '시험받다' (to be tested).

6

예술은 언어와 문화를 초월하여 인간 본연의 감정적 결속을 가능케 하는 매개체이다.

Art is a medium that transcends language and culture, enabling a fundamental emotional solidarity of humans.

The causative form '-게 하다' shortened to '-케 하다'.

7

체제 유지에 급급한 독재 정권은 공포 정치를 통해 강요된 결속을 유지하려 한다.

Dictatorial regimes, desperate to maintain their systems, try to maintain a forced solidarity through a politics of fear.

Adjective '급급하다' (to be preoccupied with/desperate for).

8

현대 철학에서 타자와의 결속은 단순한 공감을 넘어선 실존적 책임의 문제로 다루어진다.

In modern philosophy, solidarity with 'the Other' is treated as a matter of existential responsibility beyond mere empathy.

The term '타자' (the Other) in a philosophical context.

Antonyms

분열 해체 이탈

Common Collocations

결속을 다지다
결속이 강하다
결속력을 높이다
사회적 결속
강력한 결속
결속을 강화하다
결속이 무너지다
결속을 저해하다
가족 간의 결속
결속의 상징

Common Phrases

단합과 결속

— Unity and cohesion. Used to emphasize group strength.

우리는 단합과 결속으로 무장해야 합니다.

내부 결속

— Internal cohesion. Often used regarding political parties or companies.

선거를 앞두고 내부 결속이 시급하다.

결속을 꾀하다

— To aim for or seek cohesion.

새로운 사장은 직원들의 결속을 꾀하고 있다.

결속이 돈독하다

— To have a deep and close bond/cohesion.

그 부부는 결속이 아주 돈독해 보인다.

결속을 호소하다

— To appeal for solidarity.

리더는 위기 극복을 위해 결속을 호소했다.

결속을 확인하다

— To confirm or reaffirm solidarity.

두 나라는 정상회담을 통해 결속을 확인했다.

결속을 강조하다

— To emphasize cohesion.

선생님은 항상 학급의 결속을 강조하신다.

결속을 해치다

— To damage or harm cohesion.

거짓말은 팀의 결속을 해치는 지름길이다.

결속의 시간

— A time for bonding or uniting.

오늘 밤은 우리만의 결속의 시간이다.

결속을 유지하다

— To maintain cohesion.

어려운 상황에서도 결속을 유지하는 것이 중요하다.

Idioms & Expressions

"모래알 같은 결속"

— Very weak cohesion, like grains of sand tha

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