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A2 verb 8 min read

운영하다

unyeonghada
Examples 운영하다 in 30 Seconds
Explanation 운영하다 in your Level:
At the A1 level, you can think of 운영하다 as a fancy way to say 'to run' or 'to have' a shop. Even though it's a bit of a big word, you might see it on signs or in simple introductions. For example, if you want to say 'My friend has a cafe,' you can use this word. At this stage, just focus on the most common objects: 식당 (restaurant), 카페 (cafe), 블로그 (blog). You don't need to worry about complex systems yet. Just remember that it's a verb, so you add '해요' to make it 운영해요. Think of it as 'I am the boss of this place.' If you see '운영 시간' (un-yeong si-gan) on a door, it just means 'Opening Hours.' It's a very useful word for basic travel and daily life in Korea. Don't worry about the Hanja (Chinese characters) yet; just recognize the sound 'un-yeong.'
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At the A2 level, you should start using 운영하다 to describe your hobbies and small responsibilities. If you manage a small study group or a social media account, this is the perfect word. You can also start using it with the progressive form ~고 있다 (운영하고 있다) to show that you are currently running something. You should also be able to distinguish it from '운전하다' (to drive). A2 learners should notice that 운영하다 is often used in the context of 'how' something is run, such as '가족끼리 운영해요' (We run it as a family). This level is about moving from simple nouns to small organizations like clubs (동아리) or small online communities. You will also see this word frequently on websites when looking for '운영 정책' (Operation Policy/Terms of Service).
At the B1 level, you should understand that 운영하다 applies to more abstract systems and programs. You might hear it in a work context, such as '프로그램을 운영하다' (to run a program) or '제도를 운영하다' (to operate a system/policy). You should also become familiar with the passive-style expression 운영되다 (to be operated). This is common when the person running the thing isn't the focus, like '이 캠페인은 시민들의 후원으로 운영됩니다' (This campaign is run by citizen donations). You can start using adverbs to describe the management style, such as 효율적으로 (efficiently) or 안정적으로 (stably). This is the level where you start to see the word in news articles or more formal announcements about city services or school administration.
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At the B2 level, you are expected to use 운영하다 in professional and academic discussions. You should be able to compare it with 경영하다 (business administration) and 관리하다 (maintenance). You will encounter this word in business reports, discussing '운영 비용' (operating costs) or '운영 수익' (operating profit). You should also understand its use in government and law, such as how a city '운영's its infrastructure or how a court '운영's its sessions. At this level, you should be comfortable using the noun form 운영 in compound nouns like '운영 위원회' (steering committee) or '운영 체제' (operating system - OS). Your ability to use the word should reflect an understanding of logistics and systematic oversight.
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At the C1 level, your usage of 운영하다 should include nuanced contexts like political governance and complex socio-economic systems. You will see it used in high-level literature and editorials discussing the '운영의 묘' (the beauty/skill of management), which refers to the wisdom of running something flexibly and skillfully rather than just following rules. You should be able to discuss the '국정 운영' (running of national affairs) or '기금 운영' (fund management). At this stage, the word isn't just about 'running a shop' but about the philosophical and strategic execution of power and resources. You should also be sensitive to the formal registers where 운영하다 might be replaced by even more specific terms like 집행하다 (execute) or 주관하다 (host/supervise).
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At the C2 level, you have a masterly grasp of 운영하다 and can use it to describe the intricate workings of abstract concepts like '운명의 운영' (the workings of fate - though rare, used in poetic contexts) or the '운영 원리' (operating principles) of the universe or complex biological systems. You understand the historical evolution of the term and its relation to other Hanja-based management terms. You can critique the '운영 방식' (method of operation) of global organizations or historical regimes with precision. You are comfortable using the word in legal, technical, and philosophical discourses, recognizing that 운영 implies a dynamic, ongoing process of balancing various forces to maintain a functional whole. You can use the term in high-level debates about governance, ethics, and systemic efficiency without hesitation.
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Examples

운영하다 in 30 Seconds

  • 운영하다 (un-yeong-ha-da) means to run, manage, or operate a business, organization, or system.
  • It is commonly used for shops, blogs, clubs, and government programs.
  • It differs from '운전하다' (to drive a vehicle) and '조작하다' (to operate a machine physically).
  • The noun form '운영' is often paired with '시간' (hours) or '자' (manager).

The Korean verb 운영하다 (un-yeong-ha-da) is a foundational term used to describe the act of managing, running, or operating an organization, business, system, or even a digital platform. Derived from the Hanja 運 (운 - to move/transport) and 營 (영 - to build/manage), it literally suggests the 'movement and construction' of an entity to keep it functioning. Unlike the English word 'operate,' which can sometimes refer to physical machinery (like operating a crane), 운영하다 leans heavily toward the administrative, organizational, and systematic management of things. It is the word you use when you want to say you 'run' a restaurant, 'manage' a website, or 'operate' a government program. It encompasses the planning, daily maintenance, and strategic oversight required to keep a project or entity alive and productive.

Business Context
When an individual or a group is responsible for the financial and operational health of a shop, cafe, or company, they are '운영'ing it. It implies ownership or high-level responsibility. For example, '식당을 운영하다' means to run a restaurant.

우리 형은 서울에서 작은 카페를 운영하고 있어요. (My older brother is running a small cafe in Seoul.)

Systemic Context
This word is also used for the functioning of abstract systems like schedules, memberships, or computer servers. If a school has a special scholarship program, they '운영' that program. It refers to the implementation and execution of a set of rules or processes.

In the modern digital age, 운영하다 has found a significant home in social media and IT. People '운영' their YouTube channels, blogs, and Instagram accounts. In these cases, it refers to the consistent uploading of content, responding to comments, and managing the overall direction of the platform. It suggests a level of professional or semi-professional dedication rather than just casual use. When a game server is running, the developers are said to be '운영'ing the service. This highlights the word's versatility across physical and virtual spaces.

이 블로그는 제가 5년째 운영하고 있는 공간입니다. (This blog is a space I have been running for five years.)

Institutional Context
Governments and large institutions '운영' policies and facilities. For instance, a city might operate a public library or a sports center. This usage emphasizes the public service aspect and the systematic allocation of resources to keep the facility open and useful to the public.

정부는 새로운 복지 제도를 운영하기 시작했습니다. (The government has started to operate a new welfare system.)

Using 운영하다 correctly requires understanding its role as a transitive verb, meaning it almost always takes an object marked by 을/를. The object is the entity being managed. The sentence structure typically follows: [Subject] + [Object] + 을/를 + 운영하다. Depending on the formality of the situation, the verb ending changes (e.g., 운영해요, 운영합니다, 운영한다). Because it describes a continuous action of management, it is very frequently used in the progressive form ~고 있다 (운영하고 있다) to indicate that someone is currently in the business of running something.

저희 부모님은 시골에서 작은 농장을 운영하십니다. (My parents run a small farm in the countryside.)

When talking about the purpose or method of operation, you can use the adverbial form ~게 or ~으로. For example, '효율적으로 운영하다' (to operate efficiently) or '투명하게 운영하다' (to manage transparently). These modifiers are essential in business and political contexts to describe the quality of management. Furthermore, when you want to express the ability or plan to run something, you might use ~ㄹ 수 있다 or ~려고 하다.

Common Modifiers
Words like '직접' (directly), '공동으로' (jointly), or '독자적으로' (independently) are often paired with 운영하다 to specify how the management is handled. '직접 운영하다' is a very common phrase meaning the owner is hands-on.

그 회사는 여러 개의 자회사를 운영하고 있습니다. (That company is operating several subsidiaries.)

In passive-like contexts, you might see the noun form 운영 combined with 되다 (to be operated). While 운영하다 focuses on the person or entity doing the managing, 운영되다 focuses on the system or organization itself. For instance, '이 프로그램은 기부금으로 운영됩니다' (This program is operated by donations). This is a crucial distinction for advanced learners who want to shift focus from the agent to the process.

Grammatical Patterns
[Entity] + 을/를 + 운영하는 데 [Resource] + 이/가 들다 (It takes [Resource] to run [Entity]). Example: 가게를 운영하는 데 비용이 많이 들어요. (It costs a lot to run a shop.)

학교 축제 기간에는 학생들이 직접 부스를 운영합니다. (During the school festival, students operate the booths themselves.)

The word 운영하다 is ubiquitous in Korean daily life, but it shines most brightly in professional, social, and digital settings. If you are watching the evening news, you will hear it in reports about the economy, specifically regarding how small businesses are '운영'ing during tough times or how the government is '운영'ing a new economic stimulus package. It is a formal yet accessible word that carries a sense of responsibility and systematic action. In a professional office environment, you'll hear it during meetings when discussing project management, team operations, or the logistics of a new service launch.

Social Media & Online Communities
On platforms like Naver Cafe, KakaoTalk Open Chats, or YouTube, the person in charge is called the '운영자' (manager/administrator). You will often hear users say, '운영자님, 이 게시물 좀 확인해 주세요' (Admin, please check this post). This has made the word very familiar to the younger generation who spend a lot of time in digital spaces.

유튜브 채널을 운영하는 것은 생각보다 많은 시간이 걸려요. (Running a YouTube channel takes more time than you think.)

In educational settings, students use it when talking about clubs (동아리). If you are the president of a photography club, you are '운영'ing that club. You'll hear it during recruitment periods: '저희 동아리는 학생들의 자발적인 참여로 운영됩니다' (Our club is operated by the voluntary participation of students). This usage instills a sense of leadership and organizational skill. Furthermore, in the service industry, you might see signs that say '연중무휴 운영' (Operating 365 days a year) or '24시간 운영' (24-hour operation), indicating the business hours of a facility.

Public Announcements
Public transport systems, like the subway or buses, use this word in their announcements. If a line is being '운영'ed on a reduced schedule due to maintenance, you will hear it over the speakers. It conveys a formal, authoritative tone that implies the system is under control.

이 공영 주차장은 24시간 무인으로 운영되고 있습니다. (This public parking lot is being operated 24 hours a day without staff.)

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using 운영하다 is over-extending its meaning to match every sense of the English word 'operate.' In English, you can 'operate a computer' or 'operate a heavy machine.' In Korean, 운영하다 is strictly for management and systems. If you are physically manipulating a machine or a tool, you must use 조작하다 (jo-jak-ha-da). If you say '컴퓨터를 운영하다,' it sounds like you are managing a computer's software system or a server farm, not just typing on a laptop.

Incorrect: 저는 매일 포크레인을 운영합니다. (I operate an excavator every day.)

Correct: 저는 매일 포크레인을 조작합니다 (or 운전합니다).

Another common error is confusing 운영하다 with 경영하다 (gyeong-yeong-ha-da). While they are very similar, 경영하다 is more academic and large-scale, often translated as 'to administer' or 'to manage a business' from a strategic, CEO-level perspective. 운영하다 is more practical and day-to-day. You would '운영' a small cafe, but a CEO would '경영' a multinational corporation. Using '경영하다' for a tiny hobby blog would sound overly grandiose and slightly humorous.

The 'Driving' Confusion
As mentioned before, learners often mix up '운영' (manage) and '운전' (drive). Remember: '운전' is for vehicles (cars, buses, trains). '운영' is for businesses and systems. You cannot '운영' a car unless you own a car-sharing company and are managing the fleet.

Incorrect: 택시를 운영하고 싶어요. (I want to manage a taxi - meaning drive one).

Correct: 택시를 운전하고 싶어요. (I want to drive a taxi.)

Finally, some learners use 운영하다 when they should use 관리하다 (gwan-ri-ha-da). 관리하다 means 'to take care of' or 'to maintain.' For example, if you are cleaning and maintaining a building, you are '관리'ing it. If you are the person who runs the business that leases the building, you are '운영'ing it. 운영하다 implies a higher level of creative and functional control than simple maintenance.

Understanding the nuances between 운영하다 and its synonyms will help you sound more like a native speaker. Korean has several words for 'management' and 'operation,' each suited for different scales and types of objects. Choosing the right one depends on whether you are talking about a machine, a business, a person, or a project.

운영하다 vs. 경영하다
운영하다: Focuses on the functional running of any organization or system (practical).
경영하다: Focuses on the strategic, financial, and high-level administration of a business (academic/corporate).

회사를 경영하는 방침이 바뀌었습니다. (The policy for managing/administering the company has changed.)

운영하다 vs. 관리하다
운영하다: To run an entity so it achieves its purpose.
관리하다: To maintain, supervise, or take care of something (like health, time, or a building).

그는 자기 건강을 아주 잘 관리합니다. (He manages/takes care of his health very well.)

운영하다 vs. 조작하다 / 가동하다
운영하다: Managing the system.
조작하다: Physically operating/manipulating parts of a machine.
가동하다: To set a factory or a large machine into motion (to 'start up' production).

공장은 내일부터 정상적으로 가동될 예정입니다. (The factory is scheduled to operate/run normally starting tomorrow.)

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Examples by Level

1

저는 작은 식당을 운영해요.

I run a small restaurant.

운영해요 is the polite present tense.

2

우리 형은 카페를 운영합니다.

My older brother runs a cafe.

운영합니다 is the formal polite present tense.

3

이 블로그는 누가 운영해요?

Who runs this blog?

누가 (who) is the subject.

4

그녀는 꽃집을 운영하고 싶어 해요.

She wants to run a flower shop.

~고 싶어 하다 is used for third-person desires.

5

우리는 같이 가게를 운영해요.

We run a store together.

같이 (together) modifies the action.

6

아버지는 서울에서 학원을 운영하세요.

My father runs a private academy in Seoul.

운영하세요 is the honorific form.

7

이 웹사이트는 무료로 운영됩니다.

This website is operated for free.

운영됩니다 is the passive form (to be operated).

8

가게 운영 시간이 어떻게 돼요?

What are the store's operating hours?

운영 시간 is a compound noun.

1

취미로 유튜브 채널을 운영하고 있어요.

I am running a YouTube channel as a hobby.

~고 있다 indicates a continuing state.

2

저희는 매주 토요일마다 축구 동아리를 운영합니다.

We run a soccer club every Saturday.

마다 means 'every'.

3

이 프로그램은 어떻게 운영되나요?

How is this program operated?

~나요 is a gentle question ending.

4

제 친구는 인터넷 쇼핑몰을 운영해요.

My friend runs an internet shopping mall.

쇼핑몰 is the object.

5

회사를 운영하는 것은 정말 힘들어요.

Running a company is really hard.

~는 것 turns the verb into a noun phrase.

6

그 도서관은 시청에서 운영합니다.

The city hall operates that library.

시청 (city hall) is the agent.

7

우리는 새로운 시스템을 운영할 계획입니다.

We plan to operate a new system.

~ㄹ 계획이다 means 'plan to'.

8

이 카페는 가족이 직접 운영하고 있습니다.

This cafe is being run directly by the family.

직접 (directly) emphasizes personal involvement.

1

정부는 청년들을 위한 일자리 프로그램을 운영하고 있습니다.

The government is operating a job program for young people.

위한 (for) modifies the noun.

2

이 서비스는 24시간 무인으로 운영됩니다.

This service is operated 24 hours a day without staff.

무인 (unmanned) describes the mode.

3

비용 문제로 인해 박물관 운영이 중단되었습니다.

Museum operations have been suspended due to cost issues.

~로 인해 means 'due to'.

4

효율적인 운영을 위해 새로운 소프트웨어를 도입했습니다.

We introduced new software for efficient operation.

위해 (for the sake of) indicates purpose.

5

그 단체는 기부금만으로 운영되고 있어요.

That organization is being operated solely by donations.

만으로 (only with) emphasizes the source.

6

학교는 학생들의 의견을 반영하여 식당을 운영합니다.

The school operates the cafeteria by reflecting students' opinions.

반영하여 (reflecting) is a connecting form.

7

이곳은 회원제로 운영되는 비공개 커뮤니티입니다.

This is a private community operated on a membership basis.

회원제 (membership system) describes the structure.

8

그들은 독자적인 운영 방식을 고수하고 있습니다.

They are sticking to an independent operating method.

고수하다 means 'to stick to' or 'to adhere to'.

1

기업의 투명한 운영은 투자자들에게 신뢰를 줍니다.

Transparent operation of a company gives trust to investors.

투명한 (transparent) modifies the noun 운영.

2

운영 체제(OS)는 하드웨어와 소프트웨어를 연결하는 역할을 합니다.

An operating system (OS) plays the role of connecting hardware and software.

역할을 하다 means 'to play a role'.

3

철저한 준비 없이 사업을 운영하는 것은 위험합니다.

It is dangerous to run a business without thorough preparation.

없이 (without) is an adverbial form.

4

정부는 예산 부족으로 인해 일부 시설의 운영을 축소했습니다.

The government scaled back the operation of some facilities due to budget shortages.

축소하다 (to reduce/scale back) is the action.

5

전문적인 운영진이 이 대회를 주도하고 있습니다.

A professional management team is leading this competition.

운영진 refers to the staff/management team.

6

이 펀드는 장기적인 관점에서 운영될 필요가 있습니다.

This fund needs to be operated from a long-term perspective.

관점 (perspective) is the context.

7

고객 센터를 운영하는 데 드는 비용이 만만치 않습니다.

The cost of operating a customer center is not insignificant.

만만치 않다 means 'to be tough' or 'not easy'.

8

그는 다년간의 매장 운영 경험을 바탕으로 책을 썼습니다.

He wrote a book based on many years of store management experience.

바탕으로 (based on) indicates the foundation.

1

국가 운영의 핵심은 국민의 목소리에 귀를 기울이는 것입니다.

The core of running a nation is listening to the voices of the people.

국가 운영 (national administration) is a high-level term.

2

그 재단은 기금을 투명하고 공정하게 운영하기 위해 외부 감사를 도입했습니다.

The foundation introduced an external audit to operate the fund transparently and fairly.

공정하게 (fairly) adds to the description.

3

전략적 운영을 통해 위기를 기회로 바꿀 수 있었습니다.

Through strategic operation, we were able to turn a crisis into an opportunity.

통해 (through) indicates the means.

4

복지 제도의 효율적인 운영을 위해 시스템 전반을 개편해야 합니다.

To efficiently operate the welfare system, the entire system must be reorganized.

개편하다 means 'to reorganize'.

5

그는 조직 운영에 있어서 타협하지 않는 원칙주의자입니다.

He is a non-compromising principled person when it comes to organizational management.

~에 있어서 means 'in' or 'regarding'.

6

지속 가능한 성장을 위해 환경 친화적인 운영 방식을 택했습니다.

For sustainable growth, we chose an eco-friendly operating method.

지속 가능한 (sustainable) is a key modern term.

7

운영의 묘를 살려 복잡한 갈등 상황을 원만하게 해결했습니다.

Using the skill of management, the complex conflict situation was resolved smoothly.

운영의 묘 is an idiomatic expression for 'skillful management'.

8

디지털 플랫폼의 운영 권한을 둘러싼 분쟁이 격화되고 있습니다.

The dispute over the operating rights of the digital platform is intensifying.

격화되다 means 'to intensify'.

1

거시 경제의 안정적 운영을 위한 정책적 개입이 불가피해 보입니다.

Policy intervention for the stable operation of the macroeconomy seems inevitable.

거시 경제 (macroeconomy) is a C2 level term.

2

그 철학자는 우주의 운영 원리가 인간의 내면과 맞닿아 있다고 주장했습니다.

The philosopher argued that the operating principles of the universe are in touch with the human inner self.

맞닿아 있다 means 'to be in contact' or 'to touch'.

3

민주주의 시스템의 원활한 운영은 시민 의식의 성숙도에 달려 있습니다.

The smooth operation of the democratic system depends on the maturity of civic consciousness.

~에 달려 있다 means 'depends on'.

4

권력의 운영 방식이 시대적 흐름에 따라 변화하고 있습니다.

The way power is operated is changing according to the flow of the times.

시대적 흐름 (flow of the times) is an abstract concept.

5

복잡계 이론에 따르면, 시스템의 운영은 예측 불가능한 변수들에 의해 좌우됩니다.

According to complexity theory, the operation of a system is influenced by unpredictable variables.

좌우되다 means 'to be influenced/dominated by'.

6

법치주의의 엄격한 운영은 사회 정의 실현의 초석이 됩니다.

The strict operation of the rule of law is the cornerstone of realizing social justice.

초석 (cornerstone) is a metaphorical term.

7

기업의 사회적 책임(CSR)은 이제 운영의 선택이 아닌 필수 요소가 되었습니다.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has now become an essential element, not a choice in operation.

A 아닌 B (B, not A) structure.

8

조직의 위계적 운영은 정보의 흐름을 왜곡할 위험성을 내포하고 있습니다.

Hierarchical operation of an organization carries the risk of distorting the flow of information.

내포하다 means 'to involve' or 'to contain'.

Common Collocations

식당을 운영하다
블로그를 운영하다
시스템을 운영하다
투명하게 운영하다
직접 운영하다
공동으로 운영하다
운영 자금
운영 위원회
운영 방침
운영 체제

Common Phrases

운영 중

— Currently operating or open. Often seen on signs.

이 식당은 현재 정상 운영 중입니다.

운영 시간

— Operating hours or business hours.

운영 시간은 오전 9시부터 오후 6시까지입니다.

운영자

— The operator, manager, or administrator (often online).

운영자에게 문의 메일을 보냈어요.

운영진

— The management team or staff members.

운영진의 노력 덕분에 행사가 잘 끝났습니다.

운영 방식

— The way or method of running something.

우리는 독특한 운영 방식을 가지고 있습니다.

운영 비용

— Operating costs or expenses.

운영 비용을 절감하기 위해 노력하고 있습니다.

운영 노하우

— Operating know-how or management expertise.

그는 20년의 식당 운영 노하우를 공개했습니다.

운영 권한

— Operating authority or management rights.

그는 모든 운영 권한을 동생에게 넘겼습니다.

운영 실태

— The actual state or condition of operations.

정부는 복지 시설의 운영 실태를 조사했습니다.

운영 인력

— Operating personnel or workforce.

운영 인력이 부족해서 채용을 진행 중입니다.

Idioms & Expressions

"운영의 묘를 살리다"

— To manage something with great skill and flexibility, adapting to the situation.

그는 운영의 묘를 살려 위기를 극복했습니다.

Formal/Literary
"손발이 맞다"

— Literally 'hands and feet match.' Used when a team running something works in perfect harmony.

운영진들의 손발이 잘 맞아서 일이 술술 풀려요.

Informal
"기틀을 잡다"

— To establish a foundation for running an organization.

창업 초기에 운영의 기틀을 잡는 것이 중요합니다.

Neutral
"궤도에 오르다"

— To get on track. Used when a business or system starts running smoothly.

이제 우리 사업도 운영 궤도에 올랐습니다.

Neutral
"총대를 메다"

— To take the lead/responsibility for running a difficult project.

아무도 안 하려고 해서 제가 운영 총대를 멨습니다.

Informal
"뿌리를 내리다"
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Related Content

This Word in Other Languages

手術する Japanese 运营 Chinese
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