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B1 noun #1,200 most common 10 min read

시장

Top 1,200

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 시장 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 시장 in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners encounter the word '시장' (sijang) primarily as a physical location for buying and selling goods. It is one of the first vocabulary words taught in beginner textbooks alongside words like '학교' (school), '집' (home), and '회사' (company). Beginners learn to use '시장' with basic location particles such as '에' (to/at) and '에서' (in/at/from). The focus is on simple survival phrases: '시장에 가요' (I go to the market) or '시장에서 사과를 사요' (I buy apples at the market). At this stage, the cultural aspect of the Korean traditional market is also introduced. Learners might see pictures of vibrant stalls selling street food like tteokbokki or fresh vegetables. They learn that '시장' is different from a modern supermarket, which is called '마트' (mart). The vocabulary surrounding '시장' at this level includes basic nouns for food (과일, 채소, 고기) and simple verbs related to commerce (사다, 팔다, 가다, 오다). Pronunciation practice focuses on clear articulation of the two syllables. Teachers often use role-play exercises where students pretend to be vendors and customers in a '시장', practicing numbers and asking for prices with phrases like '이거 얼마예요?' (How much is this?). Understanding '시장' at the A1 level provides a crucial foundation for navigating daily life in Korea and engaging in basic transactional conversations.

As learners progress to the A2 level, their understanding and usage of '시장' (sijang) expand beyond simple sentences to more descriptive and functional communication. They begin to use adjectives to describe the market, such as '큰 시장' (big market), '유명한 시장' (famous market), or '복잡한 시장' (crowded market). They also learn to express frequency and time, constructing sentences like '주말마다 시장에 가요' (I go to the market every weekend) or '어제 시장에서 옷을 샀어요' (I bought clothes at the market yesterday). At this level, learners are introduced to the concept of bargaining (흥정하다), which is a common practice in Korean traditional markets. They might learn phrases like '조금 깎아 주세요' (Please give me a discount). Furthermore, A2 learners start to differentiate between various types of physical markets, such as '야시장' (night market), '수산시장' (fish market), and '동대문 시장' (Dongdaemun market - famous for clothes). The grammar structures become slightly more complex, incorporating conjunctions and sequential actions: '시장에 가서 저녁을 먹을 거예요' (I will go to the market and eat dinner). Listening exercises might involve understanding directions to a market or comprehending a simple dialogue between a vendor and a shopper. The focus remains on the physical marketplace, but the learner's ability to navigate and describe it becomes much more nuanced and practical for real-world travel and living in Korea.

At the B1 (Intermediate) level, a significant shift occurs in how learners use the word '시장' (sijang). While they still use it to refer to physical markets, they are now introduced to its abstract, economic meaning. This is a crucial milestone for exams like TOPIK II. Learners begin to encounter terms like '주식 시장' (stock market), '부동산 시장' (real estate market), and '취업 시장' (job market). The vocabulary associated with '시장' becomes more sophisticated. Instead of just '사다' (buy) and '팔다' (sell), learners use verbs like '투자하다' (to invest), '증가하다' (to increase), '감소하다' (to decrease), and '영향을 미치다' (to influence). They learn to read and discuss simple news articles or reports about economic trends. Sentences become more complex, expressing cause and effect or opinions: '요즘 취업 시장이 안 좋아서 걱정이에요' (I am worried because the job market is bad these days). B1 learners also start using compound nouns like '시장 조사' (market research) and '시장 경제' (market economy). In writing tasks, they might be asked to express their views on the differences between traditional markets and modern supermarkets, discussing the pros and cons of each. This level bridges the gap between everyday survival Korean and the more formal, academic, and professional language required for higher proficiency.

At the B2 (Upper-Intermediate) level, learners are expected to handle complex discussions and texts involving the word '시장' (sijang) with ease. The focus is heavily on the abstract, economic, and business applications of the word. Learners encounter '시장' in authentic materials such as news broadcasts, newspaper editorials, and business case studies. They must understand and use advanced collocations like '시장을 개척하다' (to pioneer a market), '시장을 점유하다' (to capture market share), and '시장에 진출하다' (to enter a market). The discussions move beyond personal experiences to societal and global issues. For example, a B2 learner should be able to debate the impact of globalization on the domestic market (국내 시장) or analyze the trends in the export market (수출 시장). Grammar structures used with '시장' become highly sophisticated, involving passive voice, causatives, and complex modifying clauses: '새로운 기술이 스마트폰 시장에 큰 변화를 가져올 것으로 예상됩니다' (It is expected that new technology will bring a major change to the smartphone market). In writing, learners might draft business proposals or analytical essays where '시장' is a central theme. They also learn to recognize the nuanced differences between related terms like '상권' (commercial district) and '경제' (economy). Mastery of '시장' at this level demonstrates a strong capability to function in professional and academic Korean environments.

At the C1 (Advanced) level, the usage of '시장' (sijang) is highly academic, professional, and abstract. Learners are dealing with specialized texts in economics, political science, and sociology. They must comprehend intricate theories and policies related to the market. Vocabulary includes highly specific terms such as '자유 시장 경제' (free market economy), '독점 시장' (monopoly market), '틈새 시장' (niche market), and '신흥 시장' (emerging market). C1 learners are expected to understand the subtle implications of market dynamics, such as '시장 실패' (market failure) or '시장 개입' (market intervention) by the government. They can effortlessly read financial reports and critique market strategies. In spoken Korean, they can participate in high-level debates, defending complex arguments about market regulations or international trade agreements. The language used is formal, objective, and precise. A typical sentence at this level might be: '정부의 과도한 시장 개입은 오히려 시장의 자율성을 해치고 경제 성장을 저해할 수 있다는 비판이 제기되고 있습니다' (Criticism is being raised that excessive government intervention in the market can actually harm market autonomy and hinder economic growth). At this stage, the learner's command of '시장' is nearly indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker, capable of navigating the most demanding intellectual and professional contexts.

At the C2 (Mastery) level, the learner possesses a profound, native-like command of the word '시장' (sijang) across all possible registers, contexts, and disciplines. They can effortlessly interpret highly abstract, metaphorical, and literary uses of the word. C2 learners engage with complex academic treatises, philosophical discussions on capitalism, and intricate legal documents regarding market regulations. They understand the historical evolution of the Korean market system and can discuss it using appropriate historical terminology. They are also acutely aware of the sociolinguistic aspects, knowing exactly when to use '시장' versus its synonyms or technical alternatives depending on the audience and the medium. They can detect subtle biases in news reporting about market trends and can articulate highly nuanced critiques of economic policies. At this level, '시장' is not just a vocabulary word; it is a concept that the learner can manipulate rhetorically to persuade, analyze, and synthesize information at the highest intellectual level. They might write comprehensive research papers analyzing the psychological factors influencing consumer behavior in the virtual market space or deliver keynote speeches on the future of global market integration. Their use of collocations, idioms, and specialized jargon related to '시장' is flawless, demonstrating absolute mastery of the Korean language.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

시장 in 30 Seconds

A physical place to buy/sell goods.
The global or national economic system.
A specific industry's trade environment.
A target demographic for businesses.

The Korean word '시장' (sijang) is a fundamental vocabulary item that bridges the gap between everyday survival and high-level economic discourse. At its most basic level, it refers to a physical marketplace where goods are bought and sold. When you walk through the bustling streets of Seoul, you will inevitably encounter a '전통시장' (traditional market), where vendors sell fresh produce, street food, and clothing. However, as learners progress in their Korean studies, they will discover that '시장' extends far beyond physical stalls and haggling over prices. It is used to describe the abstract concept of a market in economics, such as the '주식 시장' (stock market), '부동산 시장' (real estate market), or '노동 시장' (labor market). Understanding this dual nature is crucial for anyone looking to achieve fluency, especially for those preparing for proficiency exams like TOPIK or IELTS, where economic environments and global trade are common topics.

Physical Market: A tangible location where buyers and sellers interact face-to-face, such as Namdaemun Market or a local neighborhood farmers' market.

어머니와 함께 시장에 가서 신선한 채소를 샀습니다.

In everyday conversation, people frequently use '시장' when discussing their shopping habits. While modern supermarkets (대형 마트) and convenience stores (편의점) have become incredibly popular, the traditional '시장' still holds a special place in Korean culture, representing warmth, community, and the concept of '정' (affection/attachment).

Abstract Market: The broader economic system or arena where commercial dealings, trade, and financial transactions occur on a macro level.

현재 세계 시장의 경제 상황이 매우 불안정합니다.

Furthermore, the word '시장' is heavily utilized in news broadcasts and business meetings. If you tune into a Korean news channel, you will hear phrases like '시장 경제' (market economy), '시장 점유율' (market share), and '시장 조사' (market research) almost daily. This versatility makes it an indispensable word for intermediate learners.

Target Market: A specific group of consumers at which a company aims its products and services, often discussed in marketing and business contexts.

우리 회사는 청년층을 새로운 시장으로 삼고 있습니다.

In academic and professional settings, mastering the collocations associated with '시장' will significantly elevate your Korean proficiency. Verbs like '개척하다' (to pioneer/open up), '진출하다' (to enter/advance into), and '확대하다' (to expand) frequently pair with '시장'.

해외 시장에 진출하기 위해서는 철저한 준비가 필요합니다.

국내 시장의 규모가 점차 축소되고 있습니다.

By recognizing whether the speaker is referring to a physical location where grandmothers sell homemade kimchi or a global arena where multinational corporations compete for dominance, you will be able to navigate a wide array of Korean texts and conversations with confidence and accuracy. The transition from physical to abstract meaning is a common linguistic phenomenon, and '시장' is a perfect example of this evolution in the Korean language.

Using the word '시장' (sijang) correctly in sentences requires an understanding of its various contexts and the specific particles and verbs that naturally accompany it. When talking about the physical market, the location particle '에' (e) is most commonly used to indicate destination or location. For example, '시장에 가다' means 'to go to the market'.

Location Particle: Use '시장에' when indicating the market as a destination, and '시장에서' when indicating an action happening within the market.

주말마다 시장에서 과일을 삽니다.

Conversely, when discussing the abstract economic market, '시장' often acts as the subject or object of a sentence, taking particles like '이/가' (subject) or '을/를' (object).

Subject Marker: When the market itself is performing an action or being described, use '시장이' or '시장은'.

부동산 시장이 빠르게 회복되고 있습니다.

It is also crucial to learn the verbs that collocate with the abstract meaning of '시장'. When a company wants to start selling in a new area, they use '시장에 진출하다' (to enter the market). When they want to increase their presence, they use '시장을 확대하다' (to expand the market).

Object Marker: Use '시장을' when an action is being done to the market, such as analyzing, expanding, or dominating it.

그 기업은 아시아 시장을 장악했습니다.

In more formal or academic writing, such as essays for the TOPIK II exam, you will need to construct complex sentences. For instance, you might write about how government policies affect the market.

정부의 새로운 규제가 금융 시장에 큰 영향을 미쳤습니다.

Another common pattern is discussing market trends. Words like '동향' (trend), '전망' (forecast), and '변화' (change) are frequently attached to '시장'.

전문가들은 내년 취업 시장의 전망이 어둡다고 예측했습니다.

By mastering these sentence patterns, learners can seamlessly transition from asking for directions to the local market to debating global economic policies in fluent Korean. Practice combining '시장' with different adjectives like '치열한' (fierce) or '안정적인' (stable) to add depth to your descriptions.

The word '시장' (sijang) is ubiquitous in South Korea, permeating various aspects of daily life, media, and professional environments. For a language learner, recognizing where and how this word appears is vital for contextual comprehension. First and foremost, you will hear it on the streets. South Korea is famous for its vibrant traditional markets, such as Gwangjang Market (광장시장) and Namdaemun Market (남대문시장). When tourists ask for directions or locals discuss where to buy the freshest ingredients for Kimjang (kimchi-making season), '시장' is the word of choice.

Daily Conversations: Used among family members and friends when planning shopping trips or discussing food prices.

오늘 저녁 반찬거리를 사러 시장에 다녀올게.

Beyond the physical streets, '시장' dominates the airwaves. If you watch Korean news programs (뉴스), especially the economic segments, you will hear the word repeatedly. Anchors discuss the '주식 시장' (stock market) closing numbers, the '부동산 시장' (real estate market) housing bubble, and the '수출 시장' (export market) statistics.

News and Media: A staple vocabulary word in journalism, used to describe economic trends, financial health, and global trade.

오늘 국내 주식 시장은 큰 폭으로 하락 마감했습니다.

In the corporate world, '시장' is the cornerstone of business meetings and presentations. Marketing teams analyze '시장 트렌드' (market trends) and conduct '시장 조사' (market research) to understand consumer behavior. Startups pitch their ideas by highlighting the potential '시장 규모' (market size).

Business Settings: Essential for discussing corporate strategy, consumer demographics, and competitive analysis.

경쟁사보다 먼저 새로운 시장을 선점해야 합니다.

Furthermore, you will encounter this word in academic textbooks, particularly in sociology, economics, and political science. University students write papers on '자유 시장 경제' (free market economy) and debate the role of government intervention.

자본주의 사회에서 시장의 원리는 매우 중요하게 작용합니다.

독점 기업은 시장의 공정한 경쟁을 방해할 수 있습니다.

Whether you are buying street food, watching the evening news, presenting a business plan, or writing an academic essay, '시장' is a versatile and inescapable part of the Korean linguistic landscape. Its frequent appearance across all registers of speech makes it a high-priority word for mastery.

While '시장' (sijang) is a common word, English speakers learning Korean frequently make specific mistakes regarding its usage, primarily due to direct translation errors, homonyms, and confusion with modern retail terminology. The most prevalent mistake is using '시장' to refer to a modern supermarket or grocery store. In English, one might say, 'I am going to the market to buy milk,' referring to a local Safeway or Tesco. However, if you say '우유를 사러 시장에 가요' in Korean, the listener will picture you going to a traditional outdoor market with stalls and street vendors.

Supermarket vs. Traditional Market: Do not use '시장' for modern supermarkets. Use '마트' (mart) or '슈퍼마켓' (supermarket) instead.

이마트나 홈플러스 같은 곳은 시장이 아니라 대형 마트라고 부릅니다.

Another significant source of confusion arises from homonyms. The Korean language has many words with identical pronunciation but different Hanja (Chinese characters) and meanings. '시장' can mean 'Market' (市場), but it also means 'Mayor' (市長) and 'Hunger' (as in the adjective 시장하다).

Homonym Confusion: Context is crucial. '서울 시장' usually means the Mayor of Seoul, not the Seoul Market.

새로운 서울 시장이 선출되었습니다. (Here, it means Mayor).

Learners also struggle with collocations in business contexts. In English, we say 'to do market research'. A direct translation might lead a learner to say '시장을 연구하다' (to study the market), which is understandable but unnatural. The correct, natural collocation is '시장 조사를 하다' (to do market investigation/research).

Collocation Errors: Always learn '시장' with its natural accompanying verbs and nouns to avoid sounding awkward.

신제품을 출시하기 전에 반드시 시장 조사를 해야 합니다.

Finally, pronunciation mistakes can occasionally occur. While '시장' is straightforward, learners sometimes fail to emphasize the first syllable, making it sound flat. The standard pronunciation is [시:장] with a slightly longer '시' sound, though in rapid modern speech, this length distinction is often lost. However, clear articulation prevents confusion with similar-sounding words.

글로벌 시장의 변화에 신속하게 대응해야 합니다.

우리는 틈새 시장을 공략할 계획입니다.

By being aware of these common pitfalls—especially the distinction between traditional markets and modern marts, and the existence of homonyms—learners can use '시장' accurately and confidently in any context.

To build a rich and nuanced Korean vocabulary, it is essential to understand the synonyms and alternatives to '시장' (sijang). While '시장' is the most comprehensive term for both physical and abstract markets, several other words are used in specific contexts. Understanding these distinctions will make your Korean sound much more natural and precise. The most common alternative for everyday shopping is '마트' (mart) or '대형 마트' (large mart). As discussed earlier, this refers to modern, indoor supermarkets like E-mart or Lotte Mart.

마트 (Mart): Used for modern, Western-style supermarkets. This is the word you should use when talking about buying everyday groceries in a modern setting.

퇴근길에 마트에 들러서 우유를 샀습니다. (Not 시장)

Another related word is '상가' (sangga), which translates to a shopping district or a commercial building housing multiple shops. You would use '상가' when referring to the physical structure or the collection of stores, such as an underground shopping mall (지하 상가).

상가 (Shopping District/Arcade): Refers to a building or area specifically designated for retail shops, often found in residential complexes or subway stations.

아파트 단지 내 상가에 새로운 빵집이 생겼습니다.

In the realm of economics and business, '상권' (sang-gwon) is a crucial alternative. It translates to 'commercial district' or 'trade area' and refers to the geographic area from which a business draws its customers. It is a more technical term than '시장' when discussing the viability of opening a physical store.

상권 (Commercial District): Used in real estate and business planning to describe the economic vitality and customer base of a specific location.

강남역 주변은 대한민국에서 가장 발달한 상권 중 하나입니다.

Lastly, the pure Korean word '장' (jang) is often used interchangeably with '시장' in casual contexts, especially in phrases like '장을 보다' (to go grocery shopping). '장터' (jang-teo) is another pure Korean word meaning marketplace, evoking a nostalgic, traditional feeling, often associated with rural five-day markets (오일장).

명절을 앞두고 시골 장터가 사람들로 북적입니다.

오늘 저녁에 먹을 고기를 사러 장을 보러 가야 해요.

By learning these alternatives—마트, 상가, 상권, 장, and 장터—you can express yourself with much greater precision, tailoring your vocabulary to whether you are discussing a modern shopping trip, a real estate investment, or a nostalgic trip to a rural fair.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient Korea, markets were heavily regulated by the government and only opened on specific days, such as the famous '5-day markets' (오일장) which still exist in some rural areas today. The concept of a permanent, everyday market is relatively modern.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɕi.dʑaŋ/

US /ɕi.dʑaŋ/

In standard Korean, there is no strong stress accent, but traditionally the first syllable '시' can be slightly elongated [시:장].

Rhymes With

공장 (factory) 농장 (farm) 극장 (theater) 직장 (workplace) 도장 (stamp) 포장 (packaging) 화장 (makeup) 수영장 (swimming pool)

Common Errors

Pronouncing '시' with a hard English 'sh' sound. It should be softer.
Failing to pronounce the 'ng' (ㅇ) batchim clearly at the end of '장'.
Confusing the intonation, making it sound like a question.
Pronouncing '장' with a hard 'z' sound instead of a soft 'j'.
Adding a vowel sound after the final 'ng'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Very easy to read and recognize. The Hanja (市場) is also commonly taught early on.

Writing 2/5

Simple two-syllable word with basic batchim (ㅇ).

Speaking 2/5

Easy to pronounce, though learners must remember the soft 'j' sound.

Listening 3/5

Can be confused with '시장' (Mayor) or '시장하다' (hungry) depending on context.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

가다 (to go) 사다 (to buy) 물건 (thing/goods) 돈 (money) 가게 (store)

Learn Next

마트 (mart) 경제 (economy) 주식 (stock) 투자 (investment) 상권 (commercial district)

Advanced

독점 (monopoly) 수요와 공급 (supply and demand) 인플레이션 (inflation) 거시경제 (macroeconomics) 점유율 (market share)

Grammar to Know

Location Particles: 에 vs 에서

시장에 가요 (Destination) vs 시장에서 사요 (Action location).

Noun Modifiers: Noun + 의 + Noun

시장의 변화 (The market's change / The change of the market).

Compound Nouns without spaces

시장 조사 (Correct as two words or one word '시장조사' depending on dictionary, but often written together in business).

Verbs of Change: 아/어지다

시장이 커지다 (The market becomes bigger).

Passive Voice with 이/히/리/기

시장이 형성되다 (The market is formed - using 되다 for passive).

Examples by Level

어머니가 시장에 가요.

Mother is going to the market.

Uses the basic location particle '에' indicating destination.

시장에서 사과를 사요.

I buy apples at the market.

Uses '에서' to indicate the location where an action (buying) takes place.

이 시장은 아주 커요.

This market is very big.

Uses the subject marker '은' to describe the market.

시장에 사람이 많아요.

There are many people at the market.

Basic existence sentence using '에' (location) and '이/가 많다'.

저는 매일 시장에 가요.

I go to the market every day.

Combines time frequency (매일) with the destination.

시장에서 빵을 먹어요.

I eat bread at the market.

Simple action verb (먹다) happening at a location (에서).

동대문 시장은 어디에 있어요?

Where is Dongdaemun Market?

Asking for location using '어디에 있어요?'.

시장이 문을 닫았어요.

The market is closed.

Uses the past tense of '문을 닫다' (to close the door/business).

주말에 친구와 함께 남대문 시장을 구경했어요.

I looked around Namdaemun Market with my friend on the weekend.

Uses '을 구경하다' (to look around/sightsee) with a specific market name.

전통 시장은 마트보다 가격이 더 싸요.

Traditional markets are cheaper than supermarkets.

Comparative sentence using '보다' (than).

시장에서 파는 길거리 음식이 정말 맛있어요.

The street food sold at the market is really delicious.

Uses the modifying form '파는' (that is sold) to describe the food.

야시장에 가서 여러 가지 물건을 샀습니다.

I went to the night market and bought various things.

Uses the sequential conjunction '아서/어서' (went and then bought).

이 옷은 동대문 시장에서 산 거예요.

This clothes is what I bought at Dongdaemun Market.

Uses the past modifier '산' + '거예요' (the thing that I bought).

시장이 너무 복잡해서 길을 잃어버렸어요.

The market was so crowded that I lost my way.

Uses '아/어서' to express cause and effect (crowded therefore lost).

아침 일찍 수산 시장에 가면 신선한 생선을 살 수 있어요.

If you go to the fish market early in the morning, you can buy fresh fish.

Uses the conditional '으면' (if) and potential '을 수 있다' (can).

시장 아주머니가 덤으로 사과를 하나 더 주셨어요.

The market lady gave me one more apple as an extra.

Introduces cultural concept '덤' (extra) and honorific verb '주셨어요'.

요즘 주식 시장이 불안정해서 투자를 조심해야 합니다.

The stock market is unstable these days, so you must be careful with investments.

Introduces abstract meaning '주식 시장' (stock market) and cause/effect '아/어서'.

청년들의 취업 시장이 점점 더 어려워지고 있습니다.

The job market for young people is getting increasingly difficult.

Uses '취업 시장' (job market) and the progressive change form '아/어지다'.

우리 회사는 새로운 해외 시장을 개척하려고 노력 중입니다.

Our company is trying to pioneer new overseas markets.

Advanced collocation '시장을 개척하다' (to pioneer a market).

부동산 시장의 변화를 예측하는 것은 전문가에게도 힘든 일입니다.

Predicting changes in the real estate market is a hard task even for experts.

Uses '부동산 시장' (real estate market) and gerund form '는 것'.

스마트폰 시장의 경쟁이 갈수록 치열해지고 있습니다.

Competition in the smartphone market is becoming fiercer as time goes by.

Uses '경쟁이 치열해지다' (competition becomes fierce) with market.

신제품을 출시하기 전에 철저한 시장 조사가 필요합니다.

Thorough market research is necessary before launching a new product.

Introduces the compound noun '시장 조사' (market research).

온라인 쇼핑몰이 성장하면서 오프라인 시장이 위축되고 있습니다.

As online shopping malls grow, the offline market is shrinking.

Uses '면서' (while/as) to show simultaneous contrasting trends.

소비자들의 요구에 맞춰 시장의 트렌드도 빠르게 변합니다.

Market trends also change quickly to meet consumers' demands.

Uses '에 맞춰' (in accordance with) and '트렌드' (trend).

그 기업은 혁신적인 기술을 바탕으로 세계 시장 점유율을 크게 높였습니다.

That company significantly increased its global market share based on innovative technology.

Uses advanced business vocabulary '시장 점유율' (market share).

정부의 규제 완화 정책이 금융 시장에 긍정적인 영향을 미칠 것으로 기대됩니다.

It is expected that the government's deregulation policy will have a positive impact on the financial market.

Uses formal passive expectation '을 것으로 기대되다'.

중고 거래 플랫폼의 발달로 중고차 시장이 전례 없는 호황을 누리고 있습니다.

With the development of second-hand trading platforms, the used car market is enjoying an unprecedented boom.

Uses '호황을 누리다' (to enjoy a boom) in relation to a specific market.

국내 시장의 포화 상태를 극복하기 위해 다국적 기업과의 인수합병을 추진 중입니다.

To overcome the saturation of the domestic market, we are pushing for mergers and acquisitions with multinational companies.

Uses '시장 포화 상태' (market saturation) and formal business terms.

소비자의 구매력이 하락함에 따라 내수 시장의 침체가 장기화될 우려가 있습니다.

As consumer purchasing power declines, there are concerns that the stagnation of the domestic market will be prolonged.

Uses '내수 시장' (domestic market) and formal grammar '함에 따라' (as/in accordance with).

친환경 제품에 대한 수요가 급증하면서 관련 시장 규모가 기하급수적으로 팽창하고 있습니다.

As the demand for eco-friendly products surges, the related market size is expanding exponentially.

Uses '시장 규모' (market size) and advanced adverbs like '기하급수적으로'.

독점 기업의 횡포를 막고 시장의 공정한 경쟁 질서를 확립하는 것이 시급합니다.

It is urgent to prevent the tyranny of monopolies and establish a fair competitive order in the market.

Discusses market ethics and regulations using formal academic phrasing.

인공지능 기술의 도입은 노동 시장의 구조적인 변화를 야기할 불가피한 요인입니다.

The introduction of AI technology is an inevitable factor that will cause structural changes in the labor market.

Uses '노동 시장' (labor market) and complex modifying clauses.

자유 시장 경제 체제 하에서는 보이지 않는 손에 의해 자원의 최적 배분이 이루어진다고 가정합니다.

Under a free market economy system, it is assumed that optimal allocation of resources is achieved by the invisible hand.

Highly academic economic theory using '자유 시장 경제' (free market economy).

글로벌 공급망의 붕괴는 원자재 시장의 변동성을 극대화시켜 인플레이션 압력을 가중시켰습니다.

The collapse of the global supply chain maximized the volatility of the raw materials market, aggravating inflationary pressure.

Uses '원자재 시장' (raw materials market) and advanced economic terminology.

정부의 섣부른 시장 개입은 오히려 시장의 가격 결정 메커니즘을 왜곡하는 부작용을 낳을 수 있습니다.

Hasty government intervention in the market can rather produce the side effect of distorting the market's price determination mechanism.

Discusses '시장 개입' (market intervention) and '왜곡' (distortion).

대기업의 골목 상권 침해 논란은 거대 자본과 영세 상인 간의 시장 내 불균형 문제를 적나라하게 보여줍니다.

The controversy over large corporations encroaching on neighborhood commercial districts starkly reveals the problem of imbalance within the market between massive capital and petty merchants.

Analyzes socio-economic issues using complex vocabulary like '골목 상권' and '불균형'.

신흥 시장으로의 자본 유입이 가속화됨에 따라 환율 시장의 불안정성에 대비한 헤지 전략이 필수적입니다.

As capital inflow into emerging markets accelerates, a hedge strategy against the instability of the exchange rate market is essential.

Uses '신흥 시장' (emerging market) and '환율 시장' (exchange rate market).

정보의 비대칭성은 금융 시장에서 역선택과 도덕적 해이를 유발하는 근본적인 원인으로 지목됩니다.

Information asymmetry is pointed out as the fundamental cause inducing adverse selection and moral hazard in the financial market.

Advanced economic concepts applied to the '금융 시장' (financial market).

플랫폼 경제의 부상은 전통적인 양면 시장 이론으로는 온전히 설명하기 어려운 새로운 독점 형태를 창출하고 있습니다.

The rise of the platform economy is creating a new form of monopoly that is difficult to fully explain with traditional two-sided market theory.

Academic discourse on '양면 시장 이론' (two-sided market theory).

인구 고령화에 따른 소비 구조의 변화는 실버 산업이라는 거대한 틈새 시장의 폭발적인 성장을 견인하고 있습니다.

The change in consumption structure due to population aging is driving the explosive growth of a massive niche market called the silver industry.

Uses '틈새 시장' (niche market) and sophisticated cause-and-effect structures.

현대 자본주의 사회에서 시장은 단순한 교환의 장을 넘어 인간의 욕망과 가치관이 투영되는 복합적인 이데올로기적 공간으로 기능합니다.

In modern capitalist society, the market functions beyond a simple arena of exchange as a complex ideological space where human desires and values are projected.

Philosophical and sociological analysis of the concept of '시장'.

파생상품 시장의 기형적인 팽창은 실물 경제와의 괴리를 심화시키며 시스템적 리스크를 내재화하는 결과를 초래했습니다.

The anomalous expansion of the derivatives market deepened the disconnect with the real economy, resulting in the internalization of systemic risk.

Highly specialized financial analysis using '파생상품 시장' (derivatives market).

신자유주의적 시장 만능주의에 대한 성찰은 국가의 역할 재정립과 포용적 성장 모델로의 패러다임 전환을 촉구하고 있습니다.

Reflection on neoliberal market omnipotence is urging a redefinition of the state's role and a paradigm shift towards an inclusive growth model.

Critique of '시장 만능주의' (market fundamentalism/omnipotence).

탄소 배출권 거래 시장의 실효성을 담보하기 위해서는 국제적인 공조 체제 구축과 더불어 엄격한 모니터링 시스템이 선행되어야 합니다.

To guarantee the effectiveness of the carbon emission trading market, the establishment of an international cooperation system along with a strict monitoring system must precede.

Discusses environmental economics and '탄소 배출권 거래 시장' (carbon emission trading market).

데이터가 새로운 원유로 불리는 4차 산업혁명 시대에, 데이터 거래 시장의 표준화와 법적 정합성 확보는 국가 경쟁력을 좌우하는 핵심 의제입니다.

In the era of the 4th Industrial Revolution where data is called the new oil, standardizing the data trading market and securing legal consistency is a core agenda determining national competitiveness.

Discusses the futuristic '데이터 거래 시장' (data trading market).

행동경제학적 관점에서 볼 때, 시장 참여자들의 제한적 합리성은 전통 경제학이 상정하는 효율적 시장 가설의 치명적인 한계를 노정합니다.

From a behavioral economics perspective, the bounded rationality of market participants exposes the fatal limitations of the efficient market hypothesis posited by traditional economics.

Academic critique involving '효율적 시장 가설' (efficient market hypothesis).

예술 작품이 자본 시장의 투기 대상으로 전락하는 현상은 문화의 상업화가 초래하는 미학적 가치의 훼손을 단적으로 보여주는 사례입니다.

The phenomenon of artworks degenerating into objects of speculation in the capital market is an example that bluntly shows the damage to aesthetic value caused by the commercialization of culture.

Sociological critique of the '자본 시장' (capital market) intersecting with art.

초연결 사회로의 진입은 지리적 경계를 허물고 전 지구적 차원의 단일 시장 형성을 가속화하며 다원화된 거버넌스의 필요성을 대두시키고 있습니다.

The entry into a hyper-connected society is breaking down geographical boundaries, accelerating the formation of a single market on a global scale, and bringing the need for diversified governance to the fore.

Macro-level analysis of '단일 시장' (single market) in a globalized context.

Synonyms

마켓 거래소 경기 유통망 상권

Common Collocations

시장에 가다

시장을 조사하다

시장에 진출하다

시장을 개척하다

시장 점유율

주식 시장

부동산 시장

취업 시장

시장이 형성되다

시장을 장악하다

Common Phrases

시장 바구니

— A shopping basket or bag used when going to the market. Often used metaphorically to refer to consumer prices.

시장 바구니 물가가 많이 올랐습니다.

시장 경제

— Market economy. An economic system where prices are determined by free market forces.

한국은 시장 경제 체제를 따르고 있습니다.

틈새 시장

— Niche market. A small, specialized market for a particular product or service.

우리는 틈새 시장을 공략해야 합니다.

벼룩 시장

— Flea market. A street market selling second-hand goods.

주말에 벼룩 시장에서 헌 책을 샀어요.

암시장

— Black market. An illegal traffic or trade in officially controlled or scarce commodities.

전쟁 중에는 암시장이 성행합니다.

시장 원리

— Market principles. The fundamental laws of supply and demand.

가격은 시장 원리에 따라 결정됩니다.

시장 동향

— Market trends. The general direction in which a market is moving.

최신 시장 동향을 파악하는 것이 중요합니다.

시장 규모

— Market size. The total number of potential buyers or total revenue in a specific market.

중국의 시장 규모는 엄청납니다.

시장 개방

— Market opening. The act of allowing foreign goods and services into a domestic market.

농산물 시장 개방을 두고 논란이 많습니다.

시장성

— Marketability. The potential of a product to be sold successfully in the market.

이 아이디어는 시장성이 아주 높습니다.

Often Confused With

시장 vs 마트 (Mart)

Learners use '시장' for supermarkets. Use '마트' for places like E-mart or Walmart.

시장 vs 시장 (Mayor)

Homonym. '서울 시장' means Mayor of Seoul. Context usually makes it clear.

시장 vs 상가 (Shopping Arcade)

'상가' refers to a building or specific area with multiple shops, often indoors or underground, unlike a traditional '시장'.

Idioms & Expressions

"시장이 반찬이다"

— Hunger is the best sauce. (Note: Here '시장' means hunger, not market, but it is the most famous idiom using the word).

하루 종일 굶었더니 시장이 반찬이네요.

informal

"도깨비 시장"

— A chaotic, bustling market that opens briefly and disappears, or a place selling illegal/unusual goods.

여기는 밤만 되면 도깨비 시장으로 변해요.

informal

"시장 바닥"

— The market floor. Used metaphorically to describe a very noisy, chaotic, and unrefined place.

회의실이 너무 시끄러워서 마치 시장 바닥 같아요.

informal

"파장 분위기"

— The atmosphere of a market closing down. Used to describe a party or event that is winding down and people are leaving.

파티가 벌써 파장 분위기네요.

neutral

"시장을 읽다"

— To read the market. To understand the current trends and future directions of the economy or an industry.

성공적인 사업가는 시장을 읽는 눈이 있어야 합니다.

formal

"시장의 냉혹한 평가"

— The harsh evaluation of the market. Refers to the unforgiving nature of consumer choice and economic reality.

그 제품은 결국 시장의 냉혹한 평가를 받았습니다.

formal

"시장에 내놓다"

— To put on the market. To offer something for sale, often used for real estate or new products.

집을 시장에 내놓은 지 한 달이 지났습니다.

neutral

"시장을 선점하다"

— To preempt the market. To be the first to establish a strong presence in a new market.

빠른 출시로 시장을 선점하는 것이 목표입니다.

formal

"시장이 얼어붙다"

— The market freezes. Used when economic activity stops or slows down significantly due to a crisis.

경제 위기로 인해 소비 시장이 얼어붙었습니다.

neutral

"시장의 보이지 않는 손"

— The invisible hand of the market. An economic concept referring to the self-regulating nature of the marketplace.

시장의 보이지 않는 손이 가격을 결정합니다.

formal

Easily Confused

시장 vs 마트

Both mean a place to buy food and goods.

'마트' is a modern, indoor, corporate supermarket. '시장' is a traditional, often outdoor market with individual vendors.

마트에서 카트를 끌고 쇼핑했어요. (I shopped with a cart at the mart.)

시장 vs 시장 (Mayor)

Exact same spelling and pronunciation.

One is a place/economy, the other is a person (head of a city). Look for verbs like '당선되다' (elected) for Mayor.

새로운 시장이 선출되었습니다. (A new mayor was elected.)

시장 vs 상권

Both relate to commercial areas.

'상권' is an abstract business term referring to the economic zone or customer base of an area, not the physical market itself.

이 지역은 상권이 아주 좋습니다. (This area has a very good commercial district/customer base.)

시장 vs 경제

Both are used in financial contexts.

'경제' means the entire economy. '시장' is a specific market within that economy (e.g., stock market).

국가 경제가 발전하고 있습니다. (The national economy is developing.)

시장 vs 가게

Both involve buying things.

'가게' is a single store or shop. '시장' is a collection of many stores or the entire economic system.

옷 가게에서 셔츠를 샀어요. (I bought a shirt at the clothing store.)

Sentence Patterns

[Place] 시장에 가다.

저는 오늘 남대문 시장에 갑니다.

시장에서 [Noun]을/를 사다.

시장에서 신선한 과일을 샀어요.

[Type] 시장이 [Adjective]아/어지다.

요즘 취업 시장이 어려워지고 있습니다.

[Noun] 시장에 진출하다.

우리 회사는 유럽 시장에 진출했습니다.

[Noun] 시장의 규모가 [Verb]고 있다.

온라인 쇼핑 시장의 규모가 급격히 커지고 있습니다.

시장을 [Verb]기 위해 노력하다.

새로운 시장을 개척하기 위해 노력 중입니다.

[Noun]이/가 시장에 미치는 영향은 [Adjective]하다.

금리 인상이 부동산 시장에 미치는 영향은 지대합니다.

시장의 [Noun] 원리에 따라 [Verb]게 마련이다.

시장의 수요와 공급 원리에 따라 가격은 변동하게 마련입니다.

Word Family

Nouns

시장 (market)

시장성 (marketability)

시장조사 (market research)

시장경제 (market economy)

Verbs

시장하다 (to be hungry - homonym)

상업 (commerce)

경제 (economy)

거래 (transaction)

상인 (merchant)

물가 (prices)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely High (Top 500 words in Korean)

Common Mistakes

우유를 사러 시장에 갔어요. (When meaning a modern supermarket) → 우유를 사러 마트에 갔어요.
Using '시장' for a modern grocery store like Safeway or E-mart is unnatural. '시장' implies a traditional outdoor market.
시장을 연구하다. (To do market research) → 시장 조사를 하다.
While '연구하다' means to study/research, the fixed business collocation for market research is '시장 조사'.
시장에 사과를 샀어요. → 시장에서 사과를 샀어요.
When an action (buying) takes place at a location, you must use the particle '에서', not '에'.
시장이 아주 맛있어요. → 시장 음식이 아주 맛있어요.
You cannot say the market itself is delicious. You must specify that the food at the market is delicious.
새로운 시장을 크게 했어요. (Expanded the market) → 새로운 시장을 확대했어요.
In business contexts, use formal vocabulary like '확대하다' (to expand) rather than basic adjectives like '크게 하다'.

Tips

Mart vs. Market

Always remember: E-mart = 마트. Namdaemun = 시장. Don't mix them up in daily conversation!

Location Particles

Use '에' for destination (시장에 가요) and '에서' for action (시장에서 먹어요).

Economic Collocations

Memorize '시장에 진출하다' (enter the market) and '시장 점유율' (market share) for TOPIK II.

Street Food

Traditional markets (시장) are the best places to find authentic Korean street food like Tteokbokki and Hotteok.

The Mayor

If you hear '서울 시장', they are talking about the Mayor of Seoul, not a market in Seoul.

Grocery Shopping

To say 'I am going grocery shopping', Koreans often say '장을 보러 가요' instead of using the full word '시장'.

Night Markets

Add '야' (night) to make '야시장' (night market), a must-visit for tourists in Korea.

Spacing

Compound words like '시장조사' can be written without a space in professional contexts.

Hunger is the best sauce

The idiom '시장이 반찬이다' uses the homonym '시장' (hunger), not market. It's a great phrase to impress native speakers.

Market Trends

For advanced writing, use words like '위축되다' (shrink) or '활성화되다' (become active) to describe the market.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a SHE (시) selling JANG (장 - Korean paste like gochujang) at the MARKET. 'She sells jang at the sijang.'

Visual Association

Picture a bustling Korean street market. A woman (SHE) is standing behind a stall, stirring a giant pot of red pepper paste (JANG). The sign above her stall reads 'SIJANG'.

Word Web

시장 물건 (goods) 사다 (buy) 팔다 (sell) 경제 (economy) 주식 (stock) 마트 (mart) 돈 (money)

Challenge

Next time you read a news article about the economy, count how many times the word '시장' appears. Try to identify if it means a physical market or an abstract economic concept.

Word Origin

The word '시장' comes from Sino-Korean roots. It is composed of two Hanja characters: 市 (시 - si) meaning 'city' or 'market', and 場 (장 - jang) meaning 'yard', 'place', or 'arena'. Together, they literally mean 'market place'. This reflects the historical reality where markets were specific designated areas within a city or town.

Original meaning: A designated physical place in a town where people gathered to trade goods.

Sino-Korean

Cultural Context

When discussing the decline of traditional markets ('전통시장') due to large corporate supermarkets ('대형 마트'), be aware that this is a sensitive political and social issue in Korea regarding the survival of small business owners.

In English, 'market' is similarly versatile, but English speakers often use 'grocery store' or 'supermarket' for daily food shopping. Koreans distinguish this by using '마트' for supermarkets and '시장' for traditional markets.

Gwangjang Market (광장시장) - One of the oldest and largest traditional markets in Seoul, famous for its street food. Namdaemun Market (남대문시장) - The largest traditional market in Korea, selling everything from clothes to camera equipment. Dongdaemun Market (동대문시장) - Famous globally as a massive fashion and textile market operating late into the night.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Daily Shopping

시장에 가다
시장에서 장을 보다
전통 시장
시장 바구니

News and Economy

주식 시장
부동산 시장
시장 경제
시장 동향

Business Strategy

시장 조사
시장 점유율
시장에 진출하다
시장을 개척하다

Job Hunting

취업 시장
노동 시장
시장이 얼어붙다
경쟁이 치열한 시장

Tourism

야시장
수산 시장
벼룩 시장
시장 구경

Conversation Starters

"한국에서 가장 좋아하는 전통 시장이 어디예요?"

"요즘 주식 시장에 투자하고 계신가요?"

"대형 마트와 전통 시장 중 어디를 더 자주 가시나요?"

"현재 취업 시장이 어떻다고 생각하시나요?"

"외국인 친구에게 추천하고 싶은 서울의 시장은 어디인가요?"

Journal Prompts

Describe your last visit to a physical market. What did you see, hear, and buy?

Write about the differences between a traditional market and a modern supermarket in your country.

Analyze the current state of the job market in your industry.

If you were to start a business, what 'niche market' (틈새 시장) would you target and why?

Discuss the pros and cons of a free market economy.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, it is better to use '마트' (mart) or '슈퍼마켓' (supermarket) for modern grocery stores. '시장' implies a traditional market with stalls, or an abstract economic market.

It is a formal adjective meaning 'to be hungry'. It is a homonym and has no relation to the noun '시장' (market). You might hear elders say '시장하시죠?' (Are you hungry?).

You say '주식 시장' (ju-sik si-jang). In news headlines, it is often abbreviated to '증시' (jeung-si).

Yes. Just like in English, businesses use '시장' to refer to their target demographic or industry, such as '청년 시장' (youth market) or '스마트폰 시장' (smartphone market).

'장' is a pure Korean word often used in the phrase '장을 보다' (to go grocery shopping). '시장' is the Sino-Korean word and is more versatile, used for both physical places and economic concepts.

If you are going there, use '에' (시장에 가다). If you are doing an action there, use '에서' (시장에서 사다). If it is the subject of an economic trend, use '이/가' (시장이 변하다).

'야시장' (ya-si-jang) means 'night market'. These are very popular in Korea and other Asian countries, known for selling street food and operating late into the night.

The standard term is '시장 조사' (si-jang jo-sa). The verb used with it is usually '하다' (to do), so '시장 조사를 하다' means to conduct market research.

While they face heavy competition from large marts and online shopping, many traditional markets are revitalizing themselves by targeting tourists and offering unique street food experiences.

It literally translates to 'flea market' (벼룩 = flea). It is used exactly as in English, referring to a market where second-hand goods are sold.

Test Yourself 200 questions

writing

Write a sentence saying 'I go to the market.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Use the destination particle 에.