보충학습
보충학습 in 30 Seconds
- 보충학습 is the Korean term for 'supplementary learning,' used when extra study is needed to fill knowledge gaps.
- It is a noun frequently paired with the verb '하다' (to do) or '받다' (to receive) in educational contexts.
- Commonly heard in schools and private academies (hagwons), it emphasizes the proactive effort to master difficult subjects.
- It differs from 'review' (복습) because it specifically targets weaknesses rather than just repeating what was learned.
The term 보충학습 (Bochung-hakseup) is a cornerstone of the South Korean educational landscape, representing the concept of 'supplementary learning' or 'remedial study.' In a culture where academic achievement is highly prioritized, this word describes any additional educational activity designed to fill gaps in a student's understanding or to reinforce what was taught during regular school hours. It is composed of two Hanja-derived words: 보충 (補充), meaning 'supplement' or 'filling up,' and 학습 (學習), meaning 'learning' or 'study.'
- The Core Concept
- At its heart, 보충학습 is about 'gap-filling.' If a student struggles with a specific mathematical formula or a grammatical structure in English class, the additional time spent mastering that specific point is referred to as 보충학습.
- Institutional Context
- In South Korean schools, teachers often organize official '보충학습' sessions after the regular school day ends. These sessions are intended to help students who may be falling behind the standard curriculum pace.
수학 기초가 부족한 학생들을 위해 보충학습 시간을 마련했습니다. (We have arranged supplementary study time for students who lack the basics in mathematics.)
Beyond the classroom, parents often use this word when discussing their children's progress. It carries a proactive connotation; it isn't just about 'failing' but about 'perfecting.' Even high-achieving students might engage in 보충학습 to ensure they have an absolute mastery of the material before a major exam like the Suneung (CSAT).
이번 주말에는 영어 단어 보충학습에 집중할 계획이에요. (This weekend, I plan to focus on supplementary learning for English vocabulary.)
In a professional or self-development context, an adult might use 보충학습 when they realize they need to brush up on a technical skill. For instance, a developer might say they are doing 보충학습 for a new programming language they didn't fully grasp during a workshop.
- Emotional Nuance
- For many Korean students, the word can feel heavy as it implies more time spent studying. However, it is also viewed as a necessary ladder for social and academic mobility.
선생님, 보충학습 자료를 더 받을 수 있을까요? (Teacher, could I get more supplementary study materials?)
방학 동안 부족한 과목의 보충학습을 하기로 했다. (I decided to do supplementary learning for the subjects I'm weak in during the vacation.)
- Synonymous Phrases
- 추가 학습 (Additional learning), 심화 학습 (Deepened/Advanced learning), 보강 (Makeup session).
온라인 강의를 통해 보충학습을 진행하고 있습니다. (We are conducting supplementary learning through online lectures.)
Ultimately, 보충학습 represents the Korean educational philosophy that knowledge is not just acquired once, but built through continuous, targeted effort to address one's own weaknesses.
Using 보충학습 correctly involves understanding its role as a noun and the verbs that typically accompany it. The most common verb is 하다 (to do), but others like 제공하다 (to provide), 신청하다 (to apply for), and 필요하다 (to be necessary) are equally important in various contexts.
- Subject + 보충학습
- When specifying which subject requires extra study, you place the subject name before 보충학습. For example, '수학 보충학습' (Math supplementary learning) or '영어 보충학습' (English supplementary learning).
시험 점수를 올리기 위해 보충학습이 절실해요. (I desperately need supplementary learning to raise my test scores.)
When talking about an organized program, the word 프로그램 (program) or 교재 (textbook/material) often follows 보충학습. This describes the structure or the physical items used during the extra study time.
- Verb Pairings
- 1. 보충학습을 실시하다 (To conduct/implement supplementary learning) - Formal school context.
2. 보충학습을 받다 (To receive supplementary learning) - Student's perspective.
3. 보충학습에 참여하다 (To participate in supplementary learning).
우리 학교는 방과 후에 희망자를 대상으로 보충학습을 실시합니다. (Our school conducts supplementary learning for volunteers after school.)
In more informal settings, you might hear students complaining about having to do 보충학습. In this case, it's often used with 해야 하다 (must do) or 하기 싫다 (don't want to do).
개인별 맞춤형 보충학습이 학업 성취도 향상에 큰 도움이 됩니다. (Personalized supplementary learning is a great help in improving academic achievement.)
- Time-related Usage
- You can specify when the learning happens: 방학 보충학습 (vacation supplementary learning), 주말 보충학습 (weekend supplementary learning), or 야간 보충학습 (night-time supplementary learning).
부족한 부분을 채우기 위해 스스로 보충학습 계획을 세웠어요. (I made a supplementary study plan by myself to fill in the parts I lacked.)
Notice how '스스로' (by oneself) is used here. While 보충학습 is often school-mandated, it can also be self-directed. This flexibility is key to using the word naturally in Korean conversation.
교과서 외의 다양한 자료를 활용한 보충학습이 권장됩니다. (Supplementary learning using various materials outside of textbooks is recommended.)
By mastering these patterns, you can discuss education, self-improvement, and skill acquisition with the precision of a native speaker.
If you live in South Korea or watch Korean media related to school life (like the 'School' series or 'Sky Castle'), you will encounter 보충학습 frequently. It is a word that echoes through school hallways, appears on official notices, and is a frequent topic of conversation among parents.
- In the Classroom
- Teachers use it to announce extra help sessions. '이번 시험 결과가 좋지 않은 학생들은 다음 주부터 보충학습을 해야 합니다' (Students whose test results aren't good must do supplementary study starting next week).
오늘 보충학습 시간에는 지난번 모의고사를 풀이하겠습니다. (In today's supplementary study time, we will go over the last mock exam.)
You will also hear it in news reports discussing educational policy. The Ministry of Education often releases statements about '보충학습 지원' (support for supplementary learning) to bridge the achievement gap between students from different socio-economic backgrounds.
- Parental Conversations
- Korean parents are deeply invested in their children's education. At a neighborhood café, you might hear: '우리 아이는 수학이 좀 약해서 따로 보충학습을 시키고 있어요' (My child is a bit weak in math, so I'm having them do separate supplementary learning).
방학인데도 보충학습 때문에 학교에 가야 해요. (Even though it's vacation, I have to go to school because of supplementary study.)
Online education platforms (In-gang) are another major source of this word. They often categorize their lectures into '정규 과정' (regular course) and '보충 과정' (supplementary course). When a student finds a concept difficult, they look for the '보충학습 영상' (supplementary study video).
이 부분은 이해하기 어려우니 보충학습 동영상을 참고하세요. (This part is hard to understand, so please refer to the supplementary study video.)
- In Literature and Drama
- It is often used to depict the 'hardworking student' trope or to highlight the pressure of the Korean education system. A character staying late for 보충학습 signifies diligence or desperation.
늦은 밤까지 보충학습을 하느라 눈이 충혈되었다. (His eyes were bloodshot from doing supplementary study until late at night.)
In summary, wherever there is a gap between a student's current knowledge and the desired standard, you will hear the word 보충학습 being used as the solution.
While 보충학습 is a straightforward term, English speakers often mix it up with related concepts like 'tutoring' or 'makeup classes.' Understanding these subtle differences is key to sounding natural.
- Mistake 1: 보충학습 vs. 과외 (Gwa-oe)
- '과외' refers specifically to private tutoring, usually one-on-one or in very small groups outside of school. '보충학습' is the general concept of supplementary learning, which can happen through school sessions, self-study, or tutoring. Using '보충학습' when you specifically mean private tutoring might be too vague.
[Wrong]: 저는 주말마다 수학 보충학습 선생님이 집에 오세요.
[Correct]: 저는 주말마다 수학 과외 선생님이 집에 오세요. (A private tutor comes to my house every weekend.)
Mistake 2: Confusing with '보강' (Bo-gang). '보강' usually refers to a 'makeup class'—a class held because a regular session was canceled. '보충학습' is about the content (supplementing knowledge), whereas '보강' is about the schedule (replacing a missed class).
- Mistake 3: Overusing '보충학습' for Simple Review
- If you are just reviewing what you learned today, use '복습' (Bok-seup). Use '보충학습' when you are specifically targeting a weakness or adding more depth because the initial learning wasn't enough.
[Wrong]: 오늘 배운 내용을 보충학습 했어요.
[Correct]: 오늘 배운 내용을 복습 했어요. (I reviewed what I learned today.)
Mistake 4: Particle Errors. Learners often forget the object particle '을/를' with '하다'. While '보충학습하다' (to supplement-study) is sometimes used as a compound verb, '보충학습을 하다' is more standard in formal writing.
[Natural]: 보충학습을 통해 실력을 보완했습니다. (I supplemented my skills through supplementary learning.)
- Mistake 5: Register Mismatch
- In very casual slang, students might just say '남아서 공부하다' (staying behind to study). Using '보충학습' in a very casual group of friends might sound a bit formal, like saying 'I am engaging in auxiliary education' instead of 'I'm staying for extra help.'
By avoiding these pitfalls, you'll use '보충학습' in a way that perfectly matches the context and conveys your meaning accurately.
Korean has many words related to studying. Choosing the right one depends on the goal and the setting. Here is how 보충학습 compares to its neighbors.
- 보충학습 vs. 심화학습 (Simhwa-hakseup)
- This is the most important distinction. 보충 (Supplement) is for when you are below the required level and need to catch up. 심화 (Deepening/Advanced) is for when you have mastered the basics and want to learn more difficult, high-level content. Schools often offer both: '보충반' for those needing help and '심화반' for advanced students.
기초가 부족하면 보충학습을, 성적이 우수하면 심화학습을 권장합니다. (Supplementary learning is recommended if basics are lacking; advanced learning is recommended if grades are excellent.)
Another alternative is 추가 학습 (Chuga-hakseup). This simply means 'additional study.' It's more neutral than 보충학습. While 보충 implies fixing a deficiency, 추가 just means 'more.'
- Comparison Table
- 복습 (Bok-seup): Reviewing what was already learned.
- 예습 (Ye-seup): Previewing what will be learned next.
- 자습 (Ja-seup): Independent self-study.
- 보강 (Bo-gang): A replacement class for a cancelled one.
학원에서는 정규 수업 외에도 보충학습 자료를 많이 줍니다. (Academies give a lot of supplementary study materials in addition to regular classes.)
If you want to focus on the 'remedial' aspect specifically for struggling students, 부진아 지도 (Bujina-jido) is a more technical pedagogical term, meaning 'guidance for underachieving students.' However, '보충학습' is much more common and less stigmatizing.
스스로 부족함을 느껴 보충학습을 자처했습니다. (I felt my own deficiencies and volunteered for supplementary learning.)
In a business setting, you might use 추가 교육 (Chuga-gyoyuk) (additional training) instead of 보충학습, as '학습' sounds very academic and school-oriented. Understanding these synonyms allows you to tailor your Korean to any situation.
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The 'Seup' (習) in 학습 actually contains the Hanja for 'wings' (羽) and 'white' (白, meaning 'self' here). It originally depicted a young bird flapping its wings repeatedly to learn to fly, symbolizing the repetitive practice required in learning.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing '보' like 'boo'. It should be 'bo'.
- Pronouncing '학' without the final 'k' sound.
- Pronouncing '습' like 'sup' or 'soop'. The 'eu' sound is unique to Korean.
- Missing the aspiration on '충'. It should have a noticeable puff of air.
- Merging '학' and '습' too quickly without the distinct 'k' stop.
Difficulty Rating
The Hanja roots are common, making it easy to recognize for intermediate learners.
Requires correct spelling of '학습' and proper particle usage.
Pronunciation is straightforward as long as the 'eu' sound is mastered.
Clear, distinct syllables make it easy to hear in context.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Noun + 을/를 통해 (Through/Via)
보충학습을 통해 실력을 키웠어요. (I grew my skills through supplementary study.)
Noun + 덕분에 (Thanks to)
보충학습 덕분에 시험을 잘 봤어요. (I did well on the exam thanks to supplementary study.)
Noun + 에 참여하다 (To participate in)
그는 모든 보충학습에 참여한다. (He participates in all supplementary study sessions.)
Noun + 이/가 필요하다 (To need/be necessary)
저에게는 더 많은 보충학습이 필요해요. (I need more supplementary study.)
Noun + 을/를 실시하다 (To conduct/implement)
학교에서 보충학습을 실시합니다. (The school conducts supplementary study.)
Examples by Level
저는 오늘 보충학습을 해요.
I do extra study today.
보충학습 (noun) + 을 (object particle) + 해요 (do).
수학 보충학습이 재미있어요.
Math extra study is fun.
보충학습 (subject) + 이 (subject particle) + 재미있어요 (is fun).
선생님, 보충학습 주세요.
Teacher, please give me extra study (materials).
주세요 is the polite request form.
학교에서 보충학습을 합니다.
I do extra study at school.
합니다 is the formal polite form of 'to do'.
친구와 보충학습을 해요.
I do extra study with a friend.
와/과 means 'with'.
보충학습은 어려워요.
Extra study is difficult.
은/는 is the topic particle.
매일 보충학습을 해요.
I do extra study every day.
매일 means 'every day'.
집에서 보충학습을 해요.
I do extra study at home.
에서 indicates the location of an action.
어제는 영어 보충학습을 받았어요.
Yesterday, I received supplementary English study.
받았어요 is the past tense of 'to receive'.
보충학습 자료가 어디에 있어요?
Where are the supplementary study materials?
자료 means materials or data.
수업 후에 보충학습이 있습니다.
There is supplementary study after class.
후에 means 'after'.
저는 보충학습을 신청하고 싶어요.
I want to apply for supplementary study.
-고 싶어요 means 'want to'.
보충학습을 해서 성적이 올랐어요.
My grades went up because I did supplementary study.
-아서/어서 indicates a reason or cause.
주말에도 보충학습을 해야 해요.
I have to do supplementary study even on weekends.
-해야 해요 means 'must' or 'have to'.
이 책은 보충학습에 좋아요.
This book is good for supplementary study.
좋아요 means 'is good'.
보충학습 시간이 너무 길어요.
The supplementary study time is too long.
너무 means 'too' or 'excessively'.
부족한 과목은 보충학습을 통해 보완하세요.
Supplement the subjects you are weak in through supplementary study.
통해 means 'through' or 'via'.
보충학습 덕분에 어려운 문제를 풀 수 있게 되었어요.
Thanks to supplementary study, I became able to solve difficult problems.
덕분에 means 'thanks to'.
학교에서 무료로 보충학습을 제공합니다.
The school provides supplementary study for free.
무료로 means 'for free'.
보충학습 계획을 구체적으로 세워 보세요.
Try making a supplementary study plan concretely.
구체적으로 means 'concretely' or 'specifically'.
그 학생은 보충학습에 아주 열심입니다.
That student is very diligent in supplementary study.
열심이다 means 'to be diligent/earnest'.
방학 기간 동안 보충학습 프로그램이 운영됩니다.
A supplementary study program is operated during the vacation period.
운영되다 means 'to be operated/run'.
보충학습은 기초를 다지는 데 중요합니다.
Supplementary study is important for strengthening the basics.
다지다 means 'to harden' or 'to strengthen'.
온라인으로 보충학습을 하는 학생들이 늘고 있어요.
The number of students doing supplementary study online is increasing.
-고 있다 indicates an ongoing action or trend.
정규 수업만으로는 부족해서 보충학습이 필수적입니다.
Regular classes alone are not enough, so supplementary study is essential.
-만으로는 means 'with only...' or 'just by...'
교사는 학생 개개인의 수준에 맞는 보충학습을 지도해야 합니다.
Teachers must guide supplementary learning that fits each individual student's level.
개개인 means 'each and every individual'.
보충학습의 효율성을 높이기 위해 다양한 매체를 활용합니다.
Various media are utilized to increase the efficiency of supplementary learning.
활용하다 means 'to utilize' or 'to make use of'.
학력 격차를 해소하기 위한 보충학습 지원 정책이 발표되었습니다.
A supplementary study support policy to resolve the achievement gap was announced.
해소하다 means 'to resolve' or 'to settle'.
자기주도적 보충학습은 학생의 문제 해결 능력을 키워줍니다.
Self-directed supplementary learning develops a student's problem-solving skills.
키워주다 means 'to grow' or 'to develop' something for someone.
보충학습이 과도하면 학생들에게 심리적 부담을 줄 수 있습니다.
If supplementary study is excessive, it can cause psychological burden to students.
과도하다 means 'to be excessive'.
효과적인 보충학습을 위해서는 피드백이 중요합니다.
Feedback is important for effective supplementary learning.
위해서는 means 'in order to' or 'for the sake of'.
보충학습 자료를 디지털화하여 접근성을 높였습니다.
Accessibility was improved by digitizing supplementary study materials.
디지털화하다 means 'to digitize'.
보충학습은 단순히 지식을 전달하는 것을 넘어 학습 동기를 유발해야 합니다.
Supplementary learning must go beyond simply delivering knowledge and trigger learning motivation.
-을 넘어 means 'beyond' or 'surpassing'.
기초 학력 부진 학생들에게 보충학습은 교육적 권리로서 보장되어야 합니다.
Supplementary learning for students with low basic academic skills should be guaranteed as an educational right.
보장되다 means 'to be guaranteed'.
보충학습 프로그램의 질적 향상을 위해 교사 연수가 병행되어야 합니다.
Teacher training must be conducted in parallel to improve the quality of supplementary learning programs.
병행되다 means 'to be handled in parallel' or 'to go hand in hand'.
사교육 의존도를 낮추기 위해 공교육 내 보충학습의 내실화가 필요합니다.
To lower the dependence on private education, the substantialization of supplementary learning within public education is necessary.
내실화 means 'making something substantial/solid inside'.
보충학습 과정에서 학생의 인지적 특성을 고려한 맞춤형 지도가 이루어집니다.
In the process of supplementary learning, customized guidance considering the student's cognitive characteristics takes place.
이루어지다 means 'to be achieved' or 'to take place'.
보충학습의 성과는 단기적인 성적 향상보다 장기적인 학습 태도 변화에서 찾아야 합니다.
The achievements of supplementary learning should be sought in long-term changes in learning attitudes rather than short-term grade improvements.
성과 means 'result' or 'achievement'.
다문화 가정 자녀들을 위한 언어 보충학습 지원이 확대되고 있습니다.
Support for language supplementary learning for children from multicultural families is expanding.
확대되다 means 'to be expanded'.
보충학습은 학생이 스스로의 부족함을 인지하고 보완하는 메타인지 과정의 일환입니다.
Supplementary learning is part of a metacognitive process where students recognize and supplement their own deficiencies.
일환 means 'a part of' or 'a link in a chain'.
보충학습의 과잉은 오히려 학습자의 자율성을 침해하고 학습 번아웃을 초래할 위험이 있다.
An excess of supplementary learning risks infringing upon the learner's autonomy and causing learning burnout.
초래하다 means 'to bring about' or 'to cause' (usually something negative).
현대 교육 철학에서 보충학습은 단순한 지식의 보충이 아닌, 학습권 보장의 핵심 기제로 기능한다.
In modern educational philosophy, supplementary learning functions not as a simple supplement of knowledge but as a core mechanism for guaranteeing the right to learn.
기제 means 'mechanism'.
보충학습의 패러다임이 교사 중심의 주입식 교육에서 학생 중심의 탐구형 학습으로 전환되고 있다.
The paradigm of supplementary learning is shifting from teacher-centered rote education to student-centered inquiry-based learning.
전환되다 means 'to be converted' or 'to be shifted'.
디지털 전환 시대에 인공지능을 활용한 지능형 보충학습 시스템의 구축이 가속화되고 있다.
In the era of digital transformation, the construction of intelligent supplementary learning systems using AI is accelerating.
가속화되다 means 'to be accelerated'.
보충학습은 사회 경제적 배경에 따른 교육 불평등을 완화하는 사회적 안전망 역할을 수행해야 한다.
Supplementary learning must perform the role of a social safety net that alleviates educational inequality based on socio-economic background.
수행해야 한다 means 'must perform/carry out'.
보충학습의 효과를 극대화하기 위해서는 학습자의 심리적 안정과 정서적 지지가 선행되어야 한다.
To maximize the effect of supplementary learning, the learner's psychological stability and emotional support must come first.
선행되어야 한다 means 'must take precedence' or 'must be done first'.
보충학습의 담론은 이제 학교라는 물리적 공간을 넘어 평생 교육의 영역으로 확장되고 있다.
The discourse on supplementary learning is now expanding beyond the physical space of school into the realm of lifelong education.
담론 means 'discourse'.
보충학습이 형식적인 절차에 그치지 않으려면 실질적인 학습 결손을 진단하는 정교한 평가 도구가 필요하다.
In order for supplementary learning not to end up as a formal procedure, sophisticated evaluation tools that diagnose substantial learning deficits are needed.
-에 그치다 means 'to stop at' or 'to end up as'.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— The people (students) who are selected or required to take supplementary learning sessions. It is often used in official school lists.
보충학습 대상자 명단이 게시판에 붙었습니다.
— To recommend that a student take extra study sessions. This is common in parent-teacher conferences.
선생님은 저에게 방학 동안 보충학습을 권장하셨어요.
— The effectiveness or result of doing extra study. It refers to how much a student improved.
보충학습의 효과가 이번 시험 점수로 나타났다.
— To do supplementary study alongside regular classes or other activities. It implies a busy schedule.
그는 아르바이트를 하면서도 보충학습을 병행했다.
— Supplementary learning conducted via the internet. This became very popular during and after the pandemic.
온라인 보충학습 덕분에 집에서도 편하게 공부할 수 있다.
— Mandatory supplementary learning. Students who fall below a certain grade threshold usually have to attend.
성적 미달 학생은 의무 보충학습에 참여해야 합니다.
— Voluntary or self-directed supplementary learning. It is up to the student to decide if they need it.
우리 학교는 야간에 자율 보충학습을 허용한다.
— To stop or cease supplementary learning. This might happen if a student has caught up or is too overwhelmed.
성적이 충분히 올라서 이제 보충학습을 중단하기로 했다.
— A schedule or timetable specifically for extra study sessions. Essential for organized students.
보충학습 계획표를 짜는 것부터 시작하세요.
— An instructor who specifically teaches supplementary classes. Often distinct from the regular subject teacher.
보충학습 강사님이 설명을 아주 쉽게 해주신다.
Often Confused With
Bo-gang is a makeup class for a cancelled one. Bo-chung-hak-seup is extra learning to fix a knowledge gap.
Bok-seup is reviewing what you already learned today. Bo-chung-hak-seup is specifically for filling holes or addressing weaknesses.
Gwa-oe is private tutoring. Bo-chung-hak-seup is the general concept of extra learning, which can happen in many ways.
Idioms & Expressions
— Literally 'to fill in the holes.' Used metaphorically to describe doing 보충학습 to fix gaps in knowledge.
보충학습으로 지식의 구멍 난 곳을 메웠어요.
Informal/Metaphorical— To strengthen the foundation. Often used to describe the primary goal of 보충학습.
보충학습은 기초를 다지는 데 가장 효과적이다.
Neutral— To fill in the parts where one has fallen behind. A very common way to describe the purpose of extra study.
방학 동안 뒤처진 부분을 채우기 위해 보충학습을 했다.
Neutral— Blood-sweat-and-tears effort. Often associated with the intense 보충학습 students undergo for major exams.
그는 피나는 보충학습 끝에 명문대에 합격했다.
Informal/Emphatic— To polish and hone one's skills. Can be used for advanced 보충학습 or deep study.
보충학습을 통해 실력을 갈고닦았습니다.
Formal— Fire falling on one's foot (to be in a desperate hurry). Used when someone starts 보충학습 right before an exam.
시험이 내일이라 발등에 불이 떨어져서 보충학습을 시작했다.
Idiomatic— Bone-aching effort. Describes extreme dedication to supplementary study.
뼈를 깎는 보충학습으로 전교 1등을 차지했다.
Literary/Emphatic— To start again from the very bottom. Often the mindset of a student starting remedial 보충학습.
수학이 너무 어려워 밑바닥부터 다시 보충학습을 하고 있다.
Informal— To be so busy you can't even open your eyes and nose. Common for students with multiple 보충학습 sessions.
보충학습 때문에 눈코 뜰 새 없이 바쁜 하루를 보내고 있다.
Idiomatic— A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Encouragement for someone starting long-term 보충학습.
보충학습이 힘들겠지만 천 리 길도 한 걸음부터라고 생각하세요.
ProverbialEasily Confused
Both are types of study outside regular class.
Ye-seup is looking forward (previewing), while Bo-chung-hak-seup is looking back to fix errors (remedial).
내일 수업을 위해 예습을 하고, 어제 몰랐던 부분은 보충학습을 했어요.
Both are 'extra' study.
Simhwa is for advanced students to go deeper. Bo-chung is for students who need to catch up on basics.
기초가 부족하면 보충학습을, 기초가 탄탄하면 심화학습을 하세요.
Both involve studying on one's own time.
Ja-seup is independent study of any kind. Bo-chung-hak-seup is specifically 'supplementary' to a main lesson.
야간 자습 시간에 수학 보충학습을 병행했습니다.
Both happen after school.
Bang-gwa-hu is a general term for all after-school classes (including hobbies). Bo-chung-hak-seup is specifically for academic reinforcement.
방과 후 수업으로 바둑을 배우고, 따로 영어 보충학습을 받아요.
Both involve studying again.
Jae-su is retaking the entire college entrance exam year. Bo-chung-hak-seup is just extra study for a specific topic or class.
재수를 하는 동안 부족한 과목의 보충학습에 매진했다.
Sentence Patterns
[Subject] 보충학습을 해요.
영어 보충학습을 해요.
[Subject] 보충학습이 필요해요.
수학 보충학습이 필요해요.
보충학습을 통해 [Result].
보충학습을 통해 성적이 올랐어요.
[Target] 대상으로 보충학습을 실시하다.
희망자를 대상으로 보충학습을 실시합니다.
보충학습의 내실화를 꾀하다.
정부는 보충학습의 내실화를 꾀하고 있다.
보충학습이 [Concept]의 일환으로 작용하다.
보충학습이 공교육 정상화의 일환으로 작용한다.
보충학습 자료를 [Verb].
보충학습 자료를 검토했습니다.
보충학습 시간에 [Action].
보충학습 시간에 질문을 했어요.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Very frequent in South Korea, especially among students, parents, and educators.
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Using 보충학습 for a cancelled class.
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보강 (Bo-gang)
보강 is the correct term for a makeup class scheduled to replace a missed one. 보충학습 is for extra learning content.
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Using 보충학습 instead of 복습 for daily review.
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복습 (Bok-seup)
If you are just reviewing today's lesson, use 복습. Use 보충학습 if you are specifically trying to fix a part you didn't understand.
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Saying '보충학습을 들어요'.
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보충수업을 들어요 or 보충학습을 해요.
You 'listen to/attend' a class (수업), but you 'do' learning (학습).
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Confusing 보충학습 with 과외 for private lessons.
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과외 (Gwa-oe)
While 과외 is a form of supplementary learning, the word '과외' specifically refers to the private, paid tutoring arrangement.
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Pronouncing it as 'Bo-chung-ha-seup'.
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Bo-chung-hak-seup (보충학습)
Don't forget the 'k' (ㄱ) sound at the end of '학'. It is essential for the word to be understood.
Tips
Focus on the 'Bo' (補)
Whenever you see '보' (Bo) in an academic or technical word, think 'Supplement' or 'Repair'. This will help you understand words like 보강 (makeup), 보충 (supplement), and 보완 (complement).
Use with '통해'
A very natural way to use this word is '보충학습을 통해' (Through supplementary learning). It makes you sound sophisticated and logical when explaining how you improved.
The Hagwon Connection
If you are in Korea, you'll see '보충' written on many hagwon banners. It's a key selling point for private academies to offer 'free' supplementary sessions.
Particle Precision
Don't forget the '을' in '보충학습을 하다'. While '보충학습하다' is okay in speech, keeping the particle makes your written Korean much stronger.
Contrast with Simhwa
Always remember the pair: 보충 (Catch up) vs. 심화 (Level up). This distinction is vital in the Korean school system.
Listen for 'Bang-gwa-hu'
보충학습 and 방과 후 (after school) are like best friends. They almost always appear together in school contexts.
Subject First
Always put the subject first: [Math] 보충학습, [English] 보충학습. This is the most natural word order.
Showing Diligence
Telling a Korean person you are doing '보충학습' for your Korean studies shows that you are a very serious and diligent student.
Hanja Roots
Learning that 'Hakseup' (學習) means learning/practice will help you learn dozens of other words like 연습 (practice) and 복습 (review).
Self-Study Application
Use this word to label your own study folders. 'Korean 보충학습' for the grammar points you find hardest!
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of a 'Boat' (보) that is 'Chung' (충 - sounds like 'chunk') missing. You need to 'Hack' (학) a 'Soup' (습 - sounds like 'seup') to fill the hole so you can learn to sail! Bo-Chung-Hak-Seup.
Visual Association
Imagine a student holding a bucket labeled '보충' (Supplement) and pouring water into a half-empty tank labeled '학습' (Learning) to fill it to the top.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to use '보충학습' in a sentence today when you talk about your Korean studies. For example, 'I need 보충학습 for Korean particles!'
Word Origin
Derived from Hanja (Sino-Korean characters). 'Bo' (補) means to repair or supplement. 'Chung' (充) means to fill or satisfy. 'Hak' (學) means to study or learn. 'Seup' (習) means to practice or repeat.
Original meaning: To fill up and repair one's learning through practice.
Sino-Korean (Hanja)Cultural Context
Be careful not to imply that someone is 'stupid' just because they are doing 보충학습. In Korea, it's seen as a sign of diligence and effort to improve oneself.
In the US or UK, this is often called 'remedial class' or 'extra help.' However, '보충학습' in Korea is much more common and carries less of a 'slow learner' stigma than 'remedial' might in the West.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
School Environment
- 보충학습 시간표
- 보충학습 신청서
- 보충학습 담당 선생님
- 방과 후 보충학습
Private Academy (Hagwon)
- 일대일 보충학습
- 주말 보충학습 반
- 보충학습 교재비
- 무료 보충학습
Self-Improvement
- 독학 보충학습
- 유튜브 보충학습
- 부족한 부분 보충학습
- 매일 1시간 보충학습
Parental Discussion
- 아이 보충학습
- 보충학습 효과
- 보충학습 학원 추천
- 집에서 하는 보충학습
Corporate Training
- 직무 보충학습
- 신입 사원 보충학습
- 기술 보충학습
- 온라인 보충학습 과정
Conversation Starters
"요즘 어떤 과목 보충학습을 하고 있어요? (What subject are you doing supplementary study for lately?)"
"보충학습이 실제로 성적 향상에 도움이 된다고 생각하세요? (Do you think supplementary study actually helps in improving grades?)"
"학교에서 하는 보충학습은 보통 몇 시에 끝나요? (What time does the supplementary study at school usually end?)"
"추천할 만한 영어 보충학습 교재가 있나요? (Is there any English supplementary study textbook you'd recommend?)"
"보충학습을 스스로 계획해서 하는 편인가요? (Do you usually plan and do supplementary study by yourself?)"
Journal Prompts
오늘 내가 보충학습이 필요하다고 느낀 부분에 대해 적어보세요. (Write about the parts you felt you needed supplementary study for today.)
내가 만약 선생님이라면, 학생들을 위해 어떤 보충학습 프로그램을 만들고 싶은가요? (If you were a teacher, what kind of supplementary study program would you want to create for students?)
보충학습을 통해 무언가를 극복했던 경험이 있나요? (Do you have an experience of overcoming something through supplementary study?)
보충학습의 장점과 단점에 대해 자신의 생각을 정리해보세요. (Organize your thoughts on the pros and cons of supplementary study.)
미래의 보충학습은 기술의 발전으로 어떻게 변할까요? (How will future supplementary study change with the development of technology?)
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot necessarily. While it is often used for remedial help, in the competitive Korean context, even high-performing students use 보충학습 to ensure they have zero gaps in their knowledge. It is seen as a tool for perfection, not just a fix for failure.
보충학습 (Learning) focuses on the student's act of acquiring knowledge. 보충수업 (Lesson/Class) focuses on the teacher's act of instructing. For example, 'I am doing 보충학습' vs 'I am attending a 보충수업.'
Yes. Adults can use it for professional development. For example, 'I'm doing 보충학습 for my new accounting software.' However, it still retains a slightly academic feel.
In many public schools, it is officially voluntary, but there is often strong social or teacher pressure to attend if your grades are low. In private academies, it is usually a paid part of the service.
You can say '보충학습이 필요해요' (I need supplementary learning) or '보충학습을 좀 더 하고 싶어요' (I want to do a bit more supplementary learning).
It can be seen as a burden because it means more work. However, it is fundamentally a positive term because it implies improvement and growth.
It is mostly used for academic subjects. For sports, you would more likely use '추가 연습' (extra practice) or '개인 레슨' (private lesson).
Common materials include '보충학습지' (worksheets), '오답 노트' (incorrect answer notes), and '인강' (online lectures).
It is a noun. To use it as a verb, you add '하다' to make '보충학습(을) 하다.'
It's a flat sound made by pulling your lips back slightly, like the 'u' in 'pull' but without rounding your lips. It's unique to Korean!
Test Yourself 200 questions
Write a sentence using '보충학습' and '필요하다'.
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Translate: 'I am doing supplementary English study today.'
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Write a formal sentence about a school conducting extra study.
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Translate: 'Thanks to supplementary study, my grades improved.'
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Write a sentence asking for study materials.
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Use '보충학습을 통해' in a sentence about self-improvement.
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Write a sentence about doing extra study on the weekend.
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Translate: 'I applied for a supplementary study program.'
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Write a sentence using '보충학습' and '방학'.
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Use '보충학습' in a sentence about a difficult subject.
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Write a sentence about a teacher recommending extra study.
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Translate: 'Supplementary study is helpful for the exam.'
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Write a sentence about online extra study.
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Use '보충학습' in a sentence with '매일'.
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Translate: 'The supplementary study time is too long.'
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Write a sentence about a student who is diligent in extra study.
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Use '보충학습' to explain why you are late.
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Translate: 'I need a personalized supplementary study plan.'
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Write a sentence about completing extra study.
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Use '보충학습' in a sentence about educational equality.
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Say 'I do supplementary study' in polite Korean.
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Say 'I need math supplementary study' in polite Korean.
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Say 'Supplementary study was helpful' in polite Korean.
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Ask 'Is there supplementary study today?' in polite Korean.
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Say 'I am doing extra study for the exam' in polite Korean.
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Say 'I want to apply for supplementary study' in polite Korean.
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Say 'Teacher, please give me extra study materials' in polite Korean.
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Say 'I do extra study every day' in polite Korean.
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Say 'Supplementary study is hard' in polite Korean.
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Say 'I am going to school for extra study' in polite Korean.
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Ask 'Where is the supplementary study room?' in polite Korean.
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Say 'I improved through supplementary study' in polite Korean.
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Say 'I'm busy with extra study' in polite Korean.
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Say 'Supplementary study starts at 4 PM' in polite Korean.
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Say 'I'm doing self-directed extra study' in polite Korean.
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Say 'Supplementary study is necessary for everyone' in polite Korean.
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Say 'I finished my extra study plan' in polite Korean.
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Say 'I'm doing online extra study' in polite Korean.
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Say 'Thanks to the teacher, the extra study was great' in polite Korean.
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Say 'I will work hard on my extra study' in polite Korean.
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Listen and write the word: [Audio: Bo-chung-hak-seup]
Listen and translate: [Audio: 보충학습이 필요해요]
Listen and identify the subject: [Audio: 영어 보충학습을 합니다]
Listen and identify the time: [Audio: 보충학습은 5시에 끝나요]
Listen and identify the location: [Audio: 학교에서 보충학습을 해요]
Listen and determine if it's mandatory: [Audio: 희망자는 보충학습을 신청하세요]
Listen and identify the material: [Audio: 보충학습지를 받으세요]
Listen and identify the reason: [Audio: 수학이 어려워서 보충학습을 해요]
Listen and identify the goal: [Audio: 성적을 올리려고 보충학습을 해요]
Listen and translate: [Audio: 보충학습 자료가 어디 있나요?]
Listen and identify the speaker's feeling: [Audio: 보충학습이 너무 많아서 힘들어요 (Sigh)]
Listen and identify the frequency: [Audio: 매일 보충학습을 합니다]
Listen and identify the person: [Audio: 선생님이 보충학습을 해주세요]
Listen and translate: [Audio: 방학 동안 보충학습을 했어요]
Listen and identify the verb: [Audio: 보충학습을 실시합니다]
/ 200 correct
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Summary
보충학습 is an essential term in the Korean education system, referring to the additional, targeted study required to overcome academic weaknesses. For example: '부족한 기초를 위해 보충학습을 시작했습니다' (I started supplementary learning for my lacking basics).
- 보충학습 is the Korean term for 'supplementary learning,' used when extra study is needed to fill knowledge gaps.
- It is a noun frequently paired with the verb '하다' (to do) or '받다' (to receive) in educational contexts.
- Commonly heard in schools and private academies (hagwons), it emphasizes the proactive effort to master difficult subjects.
- It differs from 'review' (복습) because it specifically targets weaknesses rather than just repeating what was learned.
Focus on the 'Bo' (補)
Whenever you see '보' (Bo) in an academic or technical word, think 'Supplement' or 'Repair'. This will help you understand words like 보강 (makeup), 보충 (supplement), and 보완 (complement).
Use with '통해'
A very natural way to use this word is '보충학습을 통해' (Through supplementary learning). It makes you sound sophisticated and logical when explaining how you improved.
The Hagwon Connection
If you are in Korea, you'll see '보충' written on many hagwon banners. It's a key selling point for private academies to offer 'free' supplementary sessions.
Particle Precision
Don't forget the '을' in '보충학습을 하다'. While '보충학습하다' is okay in speech, keeping the particle makes your written Korean much stronger.
Related Content
More academic words
입체적
B2Having a three-dimensional effect or examining something from multiple perspectives rather than a single flat view. It implies a comprehensive and detailed analysis.
~에 관해
B1About, concerning.
~에 대하여
A2Concerning or regarding a particular subject; about.
~대해
A2About; concerning; regarding.
~에 관하여
A2Regarding, concerning, about (a topic).
~에 대해(서)
A1Indicates the topic or subject of discussion, meaning 'about' or 'regarding'.
무엇보다
A2More than anything else; above all.
결석생
A2A student who is absent from class.
추상화하다
B2To consider something theoretically or separately from its physical reality. It involves extracting general principles from specific examples.
추상
A2Abstraction; the quality of dealing with ideas rather than events.