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성수기

B2 noun #6,000 most common 9 min read

성수기

seongsugi Top 6,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 성수기 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 성수기 in your Level:

The word '성수기' (seongsugi) means 'busy season' or 'peak season'. In Korea, this usually refers to summer vacation (July-August) or winter vacation (December-January). During this time, many people travel, so hotels and flights are more expensive. You can think of it as the time when everything is very crowded. For example, '여름 성수기' means 'summer peak season'. If you want to go to the beach in August, you are going during the '성수기'. It is a noun, so you can use it like '성수기예요' (It is the peak season). At this level, just remember that '성수기' equals 'busy and expensive time'.

At the A2 level, you should understand that '성수기' is used to describe periods of high demand. It is most commonly used with tourism. You will see this word on travel websites and at hotel receptions. The opposite of '성수기' is '비수기' (bisu-gi), which means 'off-season'. When you plan a trip, you might say '성수기를 피하고 싶어요' (I want to avoid the peak season) to save money. You should also know the phrase '성수기 요금' (peak season rate), which explains why things cost more. It is a useful word for basic travel planning and explaining why you are choosing a certain date for your activities.

For B1 learners, '성수기' becomes a tool for discussing economic cycles and social trends. You should be able to use it in more complex sentences, such as '성수기에는 숙소 예약이 미리 꽉 차기 때문에 서둘러야 해요' (Because accommodation reservations are fully booked during peak season, you have to hurry). You will also encounter it in contexts beyond just travel, such as '이사 성수기' (peak moving season) or '입시 성수기' (peak entrance exam season). At this level, you should recognize that '성수기' implies not just a crowd, but a specific industry-wide surge in activity. You might also start using '준성수기' (shoulder season) to describe the times just before or after the main peak.

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using '성수기' in professional and formal contexts. It is frequently used in business reports to explain fluctuations in sales or customer traffic. For example, '이번 분기 실적은 여름 성수기 효과로 인해 개선되었습니다' (This quarter's performance improved due to the summer peak season effect). You should also understand the nuances of '극성수기' (the absolute peak) and how it affects logistics and infrastructure. You should be able to discuss the pros and cons of '성수기' travel, including '바가지 요금' (inflated prices) and the atmosphere of national holidays. Your usage should reflect an understanding of the Hanja roots: 盛 (flourishing) and 期 (period).

C1 learners should understand '성수기' as a socio-economic phenomenon. You can discuss how '성수기' impacts urban planning, environmental sustainability (e.g., over-tourism), and labor laws (e.g., overtime during peak periods). You should be able to use the word metaphorically or in highly specialized industry contexts, such as '정치적 성수기' (a peak political season, like during elections). You should also be familiar with related economic terms like '성수기 특수' (peak season special demand/boom). Your ability to contrast '성수기' with '비수기' strategies in marketing or revenue management should be fluent and nuanced, using advanced particles and connective endings to explain cause and effect.

At the C2 level, '성수기' is a concept you can analyze critically. You might explore how the digital economy and remote work are changing traditional definitions of '성수기', leading to a 'blurring of seasons' (성수기와 비수기의 경계가 모호해짐). You should be able to read academic papers or high-level economic editorials that use '성수기' to discuss macroeconomic trends, consumer psychology, and seasonal adjustment in statistics. You can use the term with absolute precision, distinguishing it from '대목', '제철', or '전성기' in complex rhetorical arguments. You understand the historical evolution of peak seasons in Korea, from agricultural cycles to the modern industrial and digital calendar.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

성수기 in 30 Seconds

성수기 means 'peak season' or 'high season' in Korean, used for busy times.
It is commonly used in travel, business, and for national holidays.
Prices are higher and places are more crowded during this period.
The opposite term is 비수기, which means 'off-season' or 'low season'.

The Korean word 성수기 (seongsugi) is a vital term for anyone navigating the worlds of travel, business, and daily planning in South Korea. At its most fundamental level, it refers to the 'peak season' or 'high season'—the specific period when a particular activity, service, or destination experiences its highest volume of traffic, demand, or popularity. Derived from Hanja roots, the term encapsulates the idea of a 'flourishing' or 'abundant' time. When you hear this word, you should immediately think of crowded beaches in Busan during August, packed ski resorts in Gangwon-do during January, or the surge in electricity usage during the sweltering heat of mid-summer. Understanding this word is not just about vocabulary; it is about understanding the rhythmic cycles of Korean society and economy.

Economic Context: In economic terms, this period is characterized by the law of supply and demand. Because demand is at its peak, prices for services like flights (항공권) and accommodation (숙박) tend to skyrocket, often doubling or tripling compared to the off-season.

여름 휴가 성수기에는 제주도 비행기 표를 구하기가 정말 하늘의 별 따기예요.

Translation: During the summer vacation peak season, getting a flight ticket to Jeju Island is like plucking a star from the sky (extremely difficult).

The word is most commonly paired with seasonal markers. For instance, '여름 성수기' (summer peak season) usually spans from late July to mid-August, coinciding with school vacations and corporate holiday breaks. Similarly, '겨울 성수기' (winter peak season) revolves around the end-of-year holidays and the lunar new year. Beyond tourism, a business might have its own '성수기'. For a delivery service, the period leading up to Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) is the ultimate peak season. Recognizing when a '성수기' is approaching allows Koreans to make reservations months in advance, a practice known as '티케팅' (ticketing) which has become a competitive social skill.

Social Implication: Culturally, the peak season represents a collective experience. While many complain about the '바가지 요금' (overcharging/rip-offs) that can occur during this time, there is also a sense of shared excitement and energy that comes with being part of the crowd during a national holiday or vacation period.

우리 식당은 연말이 가장 바쁜 성수기입니다.

Translation: Our restaurant's busiest peak season is the end of the year.

In summary, '성수기' is a word that dictates the flow of money, the movement of people, and the scheduling of lives in Korea. Whether you are a traveler trying to save money by avoiding these dates or a business owner preparing for a surge in customers, this word is central to your strategic planning. It contrasts sharply with '비수기' (off-season), and the transition between the two is often marked by a '준성수기' (shoulder season), which offers a balance between price and popularity.

Usage in Media: News reports frequently use '성수기' when discussing economic indicators, traffic forecasts during holidays, or the opening of seasonal attractions like water parks and ski resorts.

에어컨 업계는 여름 성수기를 맞아 특수를 누리고 있습니다.

스키장 성수기가 시작되자 강원도행 도로가 정체되기 시작했습니다.

호텔들은 성수기 요금을 적용하여 숙박비를 인상했습니다.

Using 성수기 correctly involves understanding its role as a noun that can function as a subject, object, or modifier within a sentence. It is frequently paired with the particle '에' to indicate a time when something happens, or with '를' when it is the focus of an action like 'preparing for' or 'avoiding'. Because it describes a period of time, it often interacts with verbs related to timing, cost, and congestion.

Common Verb Pairings: Common verbs include '피하다' (to avoid), '맞다' (to meet/encounter), '대비하다' (to prepare for), and '겹치다' (to overlap with).

우리는 복잡한 성수기를 피해서 휴가를 가기로 했어요.

Translation: We decided to take our vacation avoiding the crowded peak season.

When talking about prices, you will often use the pattern '[Noun] + 성수기 요금'. This specifically refers to the higher rates charged during peak times. For example, '호텔 성수기 요금' (hotel peak season rates). If you are discussing the start or end of this period, you would use '시작되다' (to begin) or '끝나다' (to end). In a business context, you might say '성수기를 누리다', which means to enjoy the benefits or high profits of a peak season.

Describing Conditions: To describe the intensity, use '본격적인' (full-scale) or '절정' (climax/peak). '본격적인 성수기가 시작되었다' means the peak season has begun in earnest.

지금은 이사 성수기라 이삿짐 센터 예약이 꽉 찼어요.

Translation: Since it's currently the peak season for moving, moving companies are fully booked.

Furthermore, you can use '성수기' in comparative sentences to highlight the difference in experience. '비수기보다 성수기에 사람이 두 배 더 많아요' (There are twice as many people in the peak season than in the off-season). This structure is useful for making travel recommendations or explaining business trends. In formal reports, you might see '성수기 진입' (entering peak season) or '성수기 효과' (peak season effect), referring to the positive impact on sales figures during these times.

관광객들은 성수기의 높은 물가에 불만을 토로했습니다.

택배 기사님들은 명절 성수기에 가장 고생하십니다.

이번 여름은 성수기와 비수기의 경계가 모호해졌습니다.

In South Korea, 성수기 is a word that permeates various layers of society, from the nightly news to casual conversations over coffee. One of the most common places you will encounter it is in the media. During the weeks leading up to July and August, news anchors will frequently use '여름 휴가 성수기' when reporting on airport congestion, traffic jams on major highways like the Yeongdong Expressway, and the opening of public beaches. They might say, '본격적인 여름 성수기를 맞아 인천공항 이용객이 역대 최고치를 기록했습니다' (With the start of the full-scale summer peak season, the number of Incheon Airport users has reached an all-time high).

Travel & Booking Sites: When browsing websites like Naver Travel, Yanolja, or Interpark, you will see '성수기 요금' clearly marked. It acts as a warning to travelers that they will be paying a premium.

저희 펜션은 7월 15일부터 8월 20일까지 성수기 기간입니다.

Translation: Our pension's peak season period is from July 15th to August 20th.

In the workplace, particularly in the service, logistics, or retail industries, '성수기' is a period of high intensity. Employees might talk about their 'vacation blackout dates' because it is the peak season for their company. A department store clerk might tell a friend, '이제 곧 세일 성수기라 당분간은 주말에도 쉬기 힘들 것 같아' (It's almost the sale peak season, so I don't think I can rest even on weekends for a while). This usage highlights how the word is tied to workload and professional stress.

Economic Reports: Financial analysts use '성수기' to explain quarterly earnings. If a beer company has high profits in Q3, they attribute it to the '여름 성수기 효과' (summer peak season effect).

여행사들은 성수기를 앞두고 다양한 패키지 상품을 출시했습니다.

졸업식 성수기 덕분에 꽃집 매출이 크게 늘었습니다.

전력 거래소는 여름철 전력 수요 성수기 관리에 들어갔습니다.

One of the most common mistakes learners make with 성수기 is confusing it with other words that mean 'busy' or 'popular'. For example, learners might try to use '바쁜 시간' (busy time) to describe a peak season. While '바쁜 시간' is grammatically correct, it lacks the professional and seasonal nuance that '성수기' provides. '성수기' is specifically for recurring periods of high demand in an industry, not just a random busy hour at a cafe.

Confusion with '전성기': A common error is mixing up '성수기' with '전성기' (jeonseonggi). While they sound similar, '전성기' means a 'heyday' or 'prime' of a person's life or career, not a seasonal peak. You wouldn't say a hotel is in its '전성기' just because it's August; you'd use '성수기'.

[Wrong]: 이 가수는 지금 성수기예요. (This singer is in their peak season.)
[Right]: 이 가수는 지금 전성기예요. (This singer is in their prime.)

Another mistake involves the incorrect use of particles. Because '성수기' is a noun describing a period, it is almost always followed by '에' (at/during) when setting the time. Some learners mistakenly use '를' (object particle) when they should use '에'. For example, '성수기를 여행해요' is awkward; '성수기에 여행해요' (I travel during the peak season) is correct. Also, be careful with the antonym. It is '비수기', not '안성수기' or '불성수기'. The prefix '비' (非) meaning 'not' is the standard way to negate this specific Hanja-based word.

Spelling Errors: Some learners might misspell it as '성숙기' (seongsukgi), which means 'period of maturity' or 'puberty'. This changes the meaning entirely from business/tourism to biological development.

[Wrong]: 과일의 성수기가 지나면 맛이 없어요.
[Right]: 과일의 제철이 지나면 맛이 없어요. (Note: For fruit, use '제철' instead of '성수기'.)

Lastly, don't use '성수기' for daily peak hours like rush hour. For traffic during the day, use '혼잡 시간' or '출퇴근 시간'. '성수기' is reserved for longer, seasonal periods. Using it for the 8 AM subway commute would sound very strange to a native speaker.

[Wrong]: 지하철 성수기라 자리가 없어요.
[Right]: 출퇴근 시간이라 지하철에 자리가 없어요.

To truly master Korean, you need to know not just the word 성수기, but also its synonyms and related terms that describe 'busyness' in different contexts. While '성수기' is the standard term for a peak season, there are several nuances to explore.

성수기 vs. 제철: '성수기' refers to business and tourism demand. '제철' (jecheol) refers to the natural season when food is at its best. You buy strawberries in their '제철', but you book a hotel during '성수기'.

성수기 vs. 대목: '대목' (daemok) is a more traditional or colloquial term used by shopkeepers and market sellers to describe a huge sales opportunity, usually around a major holiday like Seollal or Chuseok. '명절 대목' is the 'big season' for traditional markets.

이번 추석 대목을 놓치지 않으려고 상인들이 분주합니다.

Translation: Merchants are busy so as not to miss this Chuseok 'big season'.

Then there is '피크' (peak), which is a loanword from English. It is often used interchangeably with '성수기' in casual conversation or when referring to a specific high point in time, like '피크 타임' (peak time). However, '성수기' remains the formal and most widely used term in professional settings. For a more poetic or general way to say 'the height of something,' you can use '한창' (hanchang). For example, '여름이 한창이다' means 'summer is at its height'.

성수기 vs. 비수기 vs. 준성수기: - 성수기: High season (Expensive, crowded)
- 비수기: Off-season (Cheap, quiet)
- 준성수기: Shoulder season (Moderate price/crowds)

비용을 아끼려면 성수기보다는 준성수기에 여행하는 것이 좋습니다.

지금은 에어컨 수리 성수기라 기사님 방문이 늦어질 수 있습니다.

겨울 스포츠의 성수기는 12월부터 2월까지입니다.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

While '성수기' is the standard business term, the word '대목' is its native Korean equivalent, often used for traditional holidays. In the past, these 'seasons' were strictly tied to agricultural harvests.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /sʌŋ.su.ɡi/

US /sʌŋ.su.ɡi/

In Korean, syllables generally have equal weight, but a slight emphasis may fall on the first syllable '성' (seong).

Rhymes With

성숙기 (seongsukgi) 비수기 (bisugi) 전성기 (jeonseonggi) 사춘기 (sachungi) 가동기 (gadonggi) 성장기 (seongjanggi) 정체기 (jeongchegi) 비행기 (bihaenggi)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'eo' as 'o' (song-su-gi instead of seong-su-gi).
Confusing 'gi' with 'ki' (seong-su-ki).
Pronouncing it too quickly as 'seongs-gi'.
Confusing it with 'seong-suk-gi' (maturity period).
Mixing up the 'u' sound in 'su' with an 'o' sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize in texts but requires understanding Hanja context.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct particle usage (에 vs 를).

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation is straightforward but requires natural flow.

Listening 4/5

Can be confused with '전성기' or '성숙기' in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

여름 겨울 비싸다 사람 여행

Learn Next

비수기 준성수기 요금 예약 혼잡

Advanced

수요와 공급 물가 상승 성수기 특수 오버투어리즘

Grammar to Know

-(이)라 (Because it is [Noun])

성수기라 호텔이 비싸요.

-기 위해 (In order to [Verb])

성수기를 피하기 위해 일찍 떠나요.

-에 비해 (Compared to [Noun])

비수기에 비해 성수기가 훨씬 복잡해요.

-(으)ㄴ/는 만큼 (As much as...)

성수기인 만큼 서비스에 신경 써야 해요.

-아/어지다 (To become...)

성수기가 되면 물가가 비싸져요.

Examples by Level

지금은 성수기예요.

It is the peak season now.

Noun + -예요 (polite ending).

여름 성수기는 비싸요.

The summer peak season is expensive.

Subject marker -는 used for contrast.

성수기에 여행해요.

I travel during the peak season.

Time particle -에 used after '성수기'.

성수기에는 사람이 많아요.

There are many people during the peak season.

-에는 emphasizes the specific time period.

제주도는 지금 성수기입니까?

Is Jeju Island in peak season now?

Formal question ending -입니까?

성수기 요금이 얼마예요?

How much is the peak season rate?

Compound noun: 성수기 + 요금.

저는 성수기가 싫어요.

I don't like the peak season.

Subject marker -가 with the adjective '싫다'.

겨울 성수기가 시작됐어요.

The winter peak season has started.

Past tense verb: 시작되다 -> 시작됐어요.

성수기를 피해서 예약했어요.

I made a reservation avoiding the peak season.

-어서/아 서 (reason/sequence) with '피하다'.

성수기라 호텔 방이 없어요.

Because it's the peak season, there are no hotel rooms.

-(이)라 (because) used with nouns.

비수기보다 성수기가 더 비싸요.

The peak season is more expensive than the off-season.

-보다 (than) for comparison.

성수기에는 비행기 표를 미리 사야 해요.

During the peak season, you must buy plane tickets in advance.

-아/어야 하다 (must/have to).

이번 여름 성수기에 어디에 가요?

Where are you going during this summer peak season?

Compound noun: 이번 여름 성수기.

성수기에는 길이 아주 막혀요.

During the peak season, the roads are very congested.

막히다 (to be blocked/congested).

보통 8월이 가장 바쁜 성수기예요.

Usually, August is the busiest peak season.

가장 (most) modifying '바쁜 성수기'.

성수기 전에는 가격이 더 저렴해요.

Prices are cheaper before the peak season.

Noun + 전에 (before).

성수기에는 숙박비를 두 배로 받기도 해요.

During peak season, they sometimes charge double for lodging.

-기도 하다 (sometimes/also does).

우리는 성수기가 끝날 때까지 기다릴 거예요.

We will wait until the peak season ends.

-을 때까지 (until the time when).

성수기 대목을 노리고 가게를 열었어요.

I opened the shop aiming for the peak season boom.

-고 (aiming/intending) with '노리다'.

성수기에는 어딜 가나 사람이 붐벼요.

No matter where you go in the peak season, it's crowded.

(의문사) + -나 (no matter...).

이곳은 겨울이 스키 성수기라 아주 활기차요.

This place is very lively because winter is the peak ski season.

활기차다 (to be lively/energetic).

성수기 예약을 놓쳐서 여행을 못 갔어요.

I missed the peak season reservation, so I couldn't go on the trip.

-아/어서 (reason) with '놓치다'.

업계에서는 벌써 여름 성수기 준비에 들어갔어요.

The industry has already started preparing for the summer peak season.

준비에 들어가다 (to enter/start preparation).

성수기 때는 서비스 품질이 떨어질 수도 있어요.

During peak season, service quality might drop.

-을 수도 있다 (might/could).

본격적인 성수기에 접어들면서 물가가 오르고 있습니다.

As we enter the full-scale peak season, prices are rising.

-면서 (while/as) with '접어들다' (to enter/approach).

성수기 특수를 누리기 위해 마케팅을 강화했어요.

We strengthened marketing to enjoy the peak season boom.

-기 위해 (in order to).

이번 휴가는 성수기와 비수기 사이인 준성수기에 가기로 했어.

I decided to go on vacation during the shoulder season between peak and off-season.

Noun + 사이 (between).

성수기에는 항공권 가격이 평소보다 몇 배는 뜁니다.

During peak season, flight prices jump several times higher than usual.

뛰다 (to jump/soar in price).

호텔들은 성수기 수요를 예측하여 요금을 책정합니다.

Hotels set their rates by predicting peak season demand.

-아/어/여 (by doing/and) connecting verbs.

성수기에는 유명 관광지마다 발 디딜 틈이 없어요.

During peak season, there's no room to step at every famous tourist spot.

발 디딜 틈이 없다 (idiom: no room to stand).

여름 성수기 전력 수급에 비상이 걸렸습니다.

An emergency has been declared for summer peak season power supply.

비상이 걸리다 (to have an emergency declared).

성수기에는 아르바이트생을 추가로 고용해야 합니다.

During peak season, we need to hire additional part-time workers.

추가로 (additionally).

성수기 편중 현상을 해소하기 위해 휴가 분산 정책이 시행되고 있다.

To resolve the peak season concentration phenomenon, a vacation dispersal policy is being implemented.

편중 현상 (concentration phenomenon).

기업들은 성수기 재고 관리에 각별한 주의를 기울여야 한다.

Companies must pay special attention to peak season inventory management.

각별한 주의를 기울이다 (to pay special attention).

성수기 바가지 요금 논란이 매년 반복되고 있는 실정이다.

The reality is that the controversy over peak season price gouging is repeated every year.

-고 있는 실정이다 (it is the current situation).

전통 시장은 명절 성수기를 맞아 활기를 되찾았습니다.

Traditional markets regained their vitality for the holiday peak season.

활기를 되찾다 (to regain vitality).

성수기에는 인력 부족으로 인해 업무 강도가 매우 높아집니다.

During peak season, work intensity becomes very high due to labor shortages.

-로 인해 (due to/because of).

관광 산업은 성수기 의존도가 높아 비수기 대책 마련이 시급하다.

The tourism industry has a high dependence on the peak season, so preparing off-season measures is urgent.

의존도가 높다 (high degree of dependence).

성수기에는 주요 고속도로의 교통량이 폭발적으로 증가합니다.

During peak season, the traffic volume on major highways increases explosively.

폭발적으로 (explosively).

이번 여름은 기상 이변으로 인해 성수기 특수가 기대에 못 미쳤다.

Due to abnormal weather, the summer peak season boom fell short of expectations.

기대에 못 미치다 (to fall short of expectations).

성수기와 비수기의 양극화 현상은 지역 경제에 불균형을 초래할 수 있다.

The polarization between peak and off-seasons can cause imbalance in regional economies.

양극화 현상 (polarization phenomenon).

성수기 요금 책정은 소비자 심리와 시장 지배력을 동시에 고려해야 하는 복잡한 과정이다.

Peak season pricing is a complex process that must simultaneously consider consumer psychology and market dominance.

책정 (setting/fixing a price).

디지털 노마드의 증가는 전통적인 성수기의 개념을 점진적으로 해체하고 있다.

The increase in digital nomads is gradually dismantling the traditional concept of the peak season.

점진적으로 해체하다 (to gradually dismantle).

성수기 기간 동안의 오버투어리즘 문제는 주민들의 삶의 질을 저해하는 요인으로 지목된다.

The problem of over-tourism during the peak season is pointed out as a factor that hinders the quality of life for residents.

저해하는 요인 (hindering factor).

기업들은 성수기 데이터를 분석하여 장기적인 수요 예측 모델을 고도화하고 있다.

Companies are analyzing peak season data to enhance their long-term demand forecasting models.

고도화하다 (to enhance/make high-level).

성수기 집중 현상을 완화하기 위한 제도적 장치 마련이 학계에서 논의되고 있다.

Providing institutional mechanisms to alleviate the peak season concentration phenomenon is being discussed in academia.

제도적 장치 (institutional mechanism).

기후 변화로 인해 농작물의 성수기와 수확 시기가 변동되면서 유통업계가 긴장하고 있다.

As the peak season and harvest time for crops fluctuate due to climate change, the distribution industry is on edge.

유통업계 (distribution industry).

성수기 마케팅 전략은 단순한 가격 할인을 넘어 브랜드 가치를 제고하는 방향으로 진화해야 한다.

Peak season marketing strategies must evolve toward enhancing brand value beyond simple price discounts.

가치를 제고하다 (to enhance/raise value).

Synonyms

피크 한창때

Antonyms

비수기

Common Collocations

여름 성수기

성수기 요금

성수기를 피하다

성수기를 맞다

이사 성수기

성수기 예약

겨울 성수기

성수기 특수

본격적인 성수기

성수기 대책

Common Phrases

성수기라 그런지

— Perhaps because it's peak season. Used to explain a situation.

성수기라 그런지 사람이 정말 많네요.

성수기 한복판

— Right in the middle of peak season. Refers to the busiest time.

우리는 성수기 한복판에 제주도에 갔다.

성수기를 앞두고

— With peak season approaching. Used for preparation.

성수기를 앞두고 호텔을 리모델링했다.

성수기답게

— True to its reputation as peak season. Used when expectations are met.

성수기답게 공항이 북적거립니다.

성수기에 접어들다

— To enter the peak season period.

이제 본격적인 성수기에 접어들었습니다.

성수기 물가

— Peak season prices, often implying they are high.

성수기 물가가 너무 비싸서 부담스러워요.

성수기 시즌

— Peak season (redundant but common in casual speech).

이번 성수기 시즌에는 어디로 가세요?

성수기 전후

— Before and after the peak season.

성수기 전후로 여행하면 저렴해요.

성수기 수요

— Peak season demand.

성수기 수요를 감당하기 어렵습니다.

성수기 할증

— Peak season surcharge.

택시비에 성수기 할증이 붙나요?

Often Confused With

성수기 vs 전성기

Means 'prime' or 'heyday' of a person's life, not a season.

성수기 vs 성숙기

Means 'maturity period' or 'puberty' in biology.

성수기 vs 제철

Used for food/produce (e.g., strawberry season).

Idioms & Expressions

"발 디딜 틈이 없다"

— To be so crowded that there is no space to step. Very common during 성수기.

성수기 해운대는 발 디딜 틈이 없어요.

Neutral

"하늘의 별 따기"

— Extremely difficult, like plucking a star. Used for getting tickets in 성수기.

성수기 기차표 예매는 하늘의 별 따기예요.

Neutral

"물 들어올 때 노 젓는다"

— Row when the tide is in. Meaning to work hard during 성수기 to make money.

성수기니까 물 들어올 때 노 저어야지.

Informal

"바가지를 씌우다"

— To overcharge someone. Often happens during 성수기.

성수기라고 관광객에게 바가지를 씌우면 안 돼요.

Informal

"눈 코 뜰 새 없이 바쁘다"

— To be incredibly busy (cannot even open eyes or nose).

성수기라 눈 코 뜰 새 없이 바빠요.

Neutral

"인산인해를 이루다"

— To form a human mountain and a human sea (a massive crowd).

명동은 성수기면 인산인해를 이룹니다.

Formal

"파리만 날리다"

— Only flies are flying (meaning a business is very quiet, the opposite of 성수기).

비수기라 가게에 파리만 날려요.

Informal

"돈 방석에 앉다"

— To sit on a cushion of money (to make a lot of profit during 성수기).

이번 성수기 장사가 잘돼서 돈 방석에 앉겠어.

Informal

"문전성시를 이루다"

— A crowd of people like a market in front of the door.

그 맛집은 성수기마다 문전성시를 이룬다.

Formal

"손이 모자라다"

— To be short-handed (not enough workers).

성수기에는 일손이 너무 모자라요.

Neutral

Easily Confused

성수기 vs 전성기

Similar sound.

성수기 is for business seasons; 전성기 is for a person's best years.

그 배우는 지금 전성기를 누리고 있다.

성수기 vs 성숙기

One syllable difference.

성수기 is about demand; 성숙기 is about growth/ripening.

이 과일은 지금 성숙기에 접어들었다.

성수기 vs 대목

Both mean a busy sales period.

대목 is usually for holidays (Seollal/Chuseok); 성수기 is for broader seasons.

추석 대목을 맞아 시장이 활기차다.

성수기 vs 제철

Both refer to a 'best time'.

제철 is for nature/food; 성수기 is for human activity/business.

수박은 여름이 제철이다.

성수기 vs 피크

Interchangeable in many cases.

성수기 is the formal Korean word; 피크 is an English loanword used casually.

지금이 주문 피크 시간이에요.

Sentence Patterns

[Time]은 성수기예요.

8월은 성수기예요.

성수기라 [Result].

성수기라 방이 없어요.

성수기를 피해서 [Action].

성수기를 피해서 여행을 가요.

성수기에는 [Noun]이/가 붐벼요.

성수기에는 공항이 붐벼요.

성수기 요금이 적용되다.

7월부터 성수기 요금이 적용됩니다.

성수기 특수를 누리다.

가게가 성수기 특수를 누리고 있어요.

성수기 의존도가 높다.

이 지역은 성수기 의존도가 너무 높아요.

성수기 집중 현상을 완화하다.

정부는 성수기 집중 현상을 완화하려고 합니다.

Word Family

Nouns

성수기 (peak season)

비수기 (off-season)

준성수기 (shoulder season)

극성수기 (extreme peak)

Verbs

성수기를 맞다 (to meet peak season)

성수기를 누리다 (to enjoy peak season)

Adjectives

성수기다운 (peak-season-like)

휴가 (vacation)

요금 (fee/rate)

예약 (reservation)

붐비다 (to be crowded)

대목 (big season)

How to Use It

frequency

Very high during seasonal transitions and holidays.

Common Mistakes

Using '성수기' for daily rush hour. → 출퇴근 시간
성수기 refers to seasonal periods (weeks/months), not daily hours.
Saying '안 성수기' for off-season. → 비수기
The correct Hanja-based antonym is '비수기'.
Confusing '성수기' with '성숙기'. → 성수기
성숙기 means biological maturity; 성수기 means peak business season.
Using '를' instead of '에' for time. → 성수기에 여행해요
When used as a time marker, the particle '에' is required.
Using '성수기' for a person's success. → 전성기
Use '전성기' to describe the prime of a career or life.

Tips

Avoid the Peak

If you travel in late August instead of early August, you can often avoid the '극성수기' prices and crowds.

Learn the Antonym

Always learn '성수기' and '비수기' together; they are a perfect pair for comparisons.

Prepare Early

Koreans say '성수기를 대비하다' (prepare for peak season). Businesses usually start this months in advance.

Ticketing War

During holiday peak seasons, ticket booking is called a '티케팅 전쟁' (ticketing war). Be ready at the exact opening time!

Particle Choice

Use '성수기에' for 'during the season' and '성수기라' for 'because it is the season'.

Sound Natural

Say '여름 성수기' as one word without a pause to sound like a native speaker.

Sales Season

Department stores have '세일 성수기'. Watch for these to get the best seasonal items.

Moving Tips

Moving during '이사 성수기' is very expensive. Try to move in the winter if possible.

Expect Crowds

When someone says it's '성수기', it's a social signal that you should expect long wait times.

Compound Nouns

Combine '성수기' with other nouns like '요금' (fee) or '수요' (demand) to broaden your vocabulary.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'SEONG' as 'Strong' demand, 'SU' as 'Super' busy, and 'GI' as 'Given period'. A Strong Super busy period.

Visual Association

Imagine a graph with a huge mountain peak in the middle of summer. That peak is the '성수기'.

Word Web

Travel Hotels Crowds Expensive Summer Winter Vacation Reservations

Challenge

Try to find the '성수기' dates for a hotel in Seoul on a booking website today.

Word Origin

The word is composed of three Hanja characters: 盛 (성), 數 (수), and 期 (기).

Original meaning: 盛 (seong) means 'flourishing' or 'abundant'. 數 (su) means 'number' or 'count'. 期 (gi) means 'period' or 'time'. Together, it literally means 'the period of flourishing numbers'.

Sino-Korean (Hanja-derived vocabulary).

Cultural Context

Be aware that mentioning '성수기' to workers in the service industry might trigger stress, as it is their most difficult time of year.

In English-speaking countries, we use 'High Season' or 'Peak Season' similarly. However, the Korean 'Seongsugi' is more strictly tied to specific dates like the first week of August.

News reports on KBS or MBC often start with '본격적인 성수기가 시작되었습니다'. Travel variety shows like '2 Days & 1 Night' often struggle with crowds during 성수기. Vlogs by Korean YouTubers often feature '성수기 여행' tips.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Travel Planning

성수기 요금인가요?
성수기를 피하고 싶어요.
성수기 예약이 끝났어요.
성수기에는 어디가 좋나요?

Business Meeting

성수기 매출이 중요합니다.
성수기 대비 인력을 충원합시다.
성수기 특수를 기대합니다.
성수기 물량 확보가 시급해요.

Real Estate

이사 성수기라 집이 없어요.
성수기에는 복비가 비싼가요?
성수기 전후로 이사하세요.
지금이 이사 성수기입니다.

Weather/News

여름 성수기 전력 수요.
성수기 고속도로 정체.
성수기 해수욕장 개장.
성수기 물가 점검.

Daily Conversation

성수기라 그런지 덥네요.
성수기 때는 집이 최고야.
벌써 성수기가 왔어?
성수기 끝나면 가자.

Conversation Starters

"이번 여름 성수기에 어디로 여행 가실 계획인가요?"

"성수기 요금이 너무 비싼데, 비수기에 가는 건 어때요?"

"성수기에는 어딜 가나 사람이 많은데, 조용한 곳 아세요?"

"성수기 때 비행기 표 예매해 본 적 있으세요? 정말 힘들죠?"

"우리나라에서 가장 바쁜 성수기는 언제라고 생각하세요?"

Journal Prompts

성수기에 여행을 갔던 경험에 대해 써보세요. 좋았나요, 아니면 힘들었나요?

성수기 요금을 피하기 위해 당신이 사용하는 방법은 무엇인가요?

만약 당신이 호텔 주인이라면, 성수기에 어떤 특별 서비스를 제공하고 싶나요?

성수기의 장점과 단점에 대해 비교해서 써보세요.

한국의 '이사 성수기' 문화에 대해 어떻게 생각하는지 적어보세요.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

The summer peak season (여름 성수기) typically runs from mid-July to mid-August, with the absolute peak (극성수기) being the first week of August.

No, it can be used for any industry with seasonal demand, such as '이사 성수기' (moving) or '에어컨 수리 성수기' (AC repair).

The opposite is '비수기' (bisu-gi), which means off-season or low season.

Usually, we use '제철' for food. However, you might use '성수기' for a restaurant's busiest time.

Because demand exceeds supply, companies apply '성수기 요금' (peak season rates) to maximize profit and manage crowds.

The prefix '극' means 'extreme'. So '극성수기' is the busiest few days within the peak season.

In Korean, it is called '준성수기' (jun-seongsugi), meaning 'semi-peak season'.

Yes, it is a standard noun used in news, business, and everyday life.

No, for daily traffic, use '출퇴근 시간' or '혼잡 시간'. '성수기' is for longer seasonal periods.

To save money, travelers often try to '성수기를 피하다' (avoid the peak season) or book months in advance.