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Vocabulary
광고하다

A2 verb #3,500 most common 8 min read

광고하다

gwangwohada Top 3,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 광고하다 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 광고하다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should understand that '광고하다' means 'to advertise.' You might see it in simple sentences about businesses or products. At this stage, you don't need to worry about complex marketing terms. Just remember that it is a '하다' verb, so it follows the same conjugation rules as '공부하다' (to study) or '일하다' (to work). You can use it to talk about things you see on TV or the internet. For example, 'TV에서 광고해요' (They advertise on TV). It is a useful word to know because advertisements are everywhere in Korea, from the signs in the subway to the stickers on delivery boxes. Focus on the connection between the noun '광고' (an ad) and the verb '광고하다' (to make an ad/to advertise). Even at this beginner level, knowing this word helps you identify what is happening when you see a commercial or a promotional poster.

At the A2 level, you can start using '광고하다' in more complete sentences with object markers (-을/를) and location markers (-에서). You should be able to describe what a company is advertising and where. For example, '백화점이 세일을 광고해요' (The department store is advertising a sale). You will also begin to notice the word in common contexts like '구인 광고' (job ads) or '신문 광고' (newspaper ads). At this level, you should be comfortable conjugating the verb into past, present, and future tenses. You might also start to see the difference between '광고하다' and '말하다' (to tell). Remember that '광고하다' is for a public audience. If you are learning about Korean culture, you will notice that celebrities are often the faces of ads, and you can use this verb to talk about them: '유명한 가수가 커피를 광고해요' (A famous singer advertises coffee).

At the B1 level, you should be able to use '광고하다' to discuss marketing strategies and the impact of media. You can use adverbs to describe the manner of advertising, such as '많이 광고하다' (to advertise a lot) or '효과적으로 광고하다' (to advertise effectively). You will also encounter the passive form '광고되다' (to be advertised) and the causative-like usage where a medium '광고를 내다' (places an ad). At this stage, you should distinguish between '광고하다' and '홍보하다' (to promote/PR). You might use '광고하다' when discussing the cost of ads or specific ad campaigns. You can also talk about different types of ads, like '인터넷 광고' or '모바일 광고.' Your sentences will become more complex, such as: '요즘은 기업들이 인스타그램을 통해 제품을 많이 광고하는 편이에요' (Lately, companies tend to advertise products a lot through Instagram).

At the B2 level, your understanding of '광고하다' should include its nuances in business and legal contexts. You should be familiar with terms like '허위 광고' (false advertising) and '과장 광고' (exaggerated advertising) and be able to discuss the ethics of these practices. You can use '광고하다' in more formal writing and presentations. For example, you might analyze how a certain brand '광고함으로써' (by advertising) increased its market share. You should also understand the role of a '광고주' (advertiser) and a '광고 대행사' (advertising agency). At this level, you can participate in debates about whether certain products, like alcohol or cigarettes, should be '광고할 수 있는지' (whether they can be advertised). Your vocabulary will expand to include related concepts like '타겟 광고' (targeted advertising) and '바이럴 광고' (viral advertising).

At the C1 level, you can use '광고하다' to discuss complex sociological and psychological aspects of consumer behavior. You might talk about how companies '광고하여 소비자의 욕구를 자극하다' (stimulate consumer desires by advertising). You will understand the subtle difference between '광고하다,' '선전하다,' and '공고하다' in various professional contexts. Your usage will be precise; for instance, using '광고하다' for commercial intent and '공고하다' for official notices. You can read and analyze marketing reports that use this verb to describe trends over decades. You will also be familiar with idiomatic expressions and cultural references related to advertising in Korea, such as the 'PPL' (Product Placement) controversy in dramas. Your ability to conjugate and use this verb in any grammatical structure—including complex clauses and honorifics—should be near-native.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of '광고하다' and its related semantic field. You can discuss the historical evolution of advertising in Korea, from the first print ads in the late 19th century to modern AI-driven programmatic advertising. You can use the verb in highly academic or professional settings to describe the '광고하는 행위' (the act of advertising) as a socio-economic phenomenon. You are aware of the legal nuances surrounding the verb, such as '표시·광고의 공정화에 관한 법률' (Act on Fair Labeling and Advertising). You can interpret the subtext of how '광고하다' is used in literature or high-level journalism to critique consumerism. Your understanding is not just linguistic but also deeply cultural, recognizing how advertising styles reflect changes in Korean societal values and norms over time.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

광고하다 in 30 Seconds

광고하다 is a Korean verb meaning 'to advertise' or 'to publicize' products and services.
It combines the noun '광고' (advertisement) with the verb '하다' (to do).
It is primarily used in commercial, business, and media contexts to describe promotional efforts.
Commonly paired with media platforms like TV, SNS, and newspapers using the marker -에서.

The Korean verb 광고하다 (Gwang-go-ha-da) is a fundamental term in the modern Korean lexicon, specifically within the realms of business, media, and daily social interaction. At its core, it translates to 'to advertise,' 'to publicize,' or 'to promote.' The word is a combination of the Sino-Korean noun '광고' (advertisement) and the light verb '하다' (to do). Breaking down the Hanja, 광 (廣) signifies something 'wide' or 'broad,' and 고 (告) means 'to tell,' 'to inform,' or 'to announce.' Therefore, the literal etymological meaning is 'to inform widely.' This linguistic root perfectly captures the essence of advertising: reaching as broad an audience as possible to disseminate information about a product, service, or event.

Commercial Context: In a commercial sense, 광고하다 is used when a company pays for space or time to tell people about what they are selling. Whether it is a television commercial, a banner on a website, or a poster in a subway station, the action of presenting that content is described as 광고하다.

삼성전자가 새로운 스마트폰을 전 세계에 광고하고 있습니다. (Samsung Electronics is advertising its new smartphone all over the world.)

Beyond simple commerce, 광고하다 can also refer to the act of making something known to the public in a non-commercial but formal way. For instance, a government agency might 'advertise' a new public health campaign or a local community center might 'advertise' a free class. However, it is important to distinguish this from simple 'telling' (말하다) or 'informing' (알리다). 광고하다 implies a deliberate, structured effort to gain attention and influence the recipient's behavior or perception.

Modern Digital Usage: With the rise of social media, 광고하다 is now used to describe influencer marketing and 'sponsored' posts. If a YouTuber mentions a product because they were paid, they are 광고하고 있는 것 (advertising).

유튜버들이 제품을 광고할 때는 보통 유료 광고 포함 표시를 합니다. (When YouTubers advertise products, they usually display a 'Paid Promotion Included' sign.)

In summary, use 광고하다 whenever the context involves a systematic attempt to push information to a large group of people for the purpose of promotion. It is a professional, active verb that covers everything from traditional billboards to high-tech digital targeting. Understanding this word is key to navigating the consumer-driven landscape of modern South Korea, where advertising is highly creative and pervasive.

Using 광고하다 correctly requires an understanding of basic Korean sentence structure, specifically the use of object markers and causative or passive variations. As a transitive verb, it almost always takes an object—the thing being advertised—marked by the particles -을 or -를.

Basic Structure: [Subject]이/가 [Object]을/를 광고하다. (Subject advertises Object.)

그 회사는 잡지에 신발을 광고해요. (That company advertises shoes in magazines.)

When you want to specify where or how something is being advertised, you use the location marker -에서 or the method marker -로/으로. For instance, advertising 'on the internet' is '인터넷에서 광고하다,' and advertising 'via television' is '텔레비전으로 광고하다.'

Conjugating 광고하다 follows the standard rules for '하다' verbs. In the present tense, it becomes 광고해요 (polite) or 광고합니다 (formal). In the past tense, it is 광고했어요 (polite) or 광고했습니다 (formal). If you are talking about a future plan, you would use 광고할 거예요.

우리는 내일부터 페이스북에서 우리 앱을 광고할 것입니다. (We will advertise our app on Facebook starting tomorrow.)

In more advanced contexts, you might encounter the passive form 광고되다 (to be advertised). This is useful when the focus is on the product rather than the company doing the advertising. For example, '이 제품은 TV에서 많이 광고되고 있어요' (This product is being advertised a lot on TV).

Common Adverbial Pairings: 대대적으로 광고하다 (to advertise extensively), 허위로 광고하다 (to advertise falsely), 공격적으로 광고하다 (to advertise aggressively).

Finally, consider the nuances of intent. If you use 광고하다 in a social context among friends, it might imply that someone is 'showing off' or 'bragging' about something in a way that feels like a sales pitch. '자랑하다' (to boast) is the literal word for bragging, but if someone is constantly talking about how great their new car is, a friend might jokingly say, '너 지금 차 광고하니?' (Are you advertising your car right now?).

In South Korea, you will hear 광고하다 in a variety of environments, ranging from corporate boardrooms to casual conversations about pop culture. Korea's advertising industry is one of the most vibrant in the world, and the word itself is ubiquitous in media discourse.

On Television and Radio: During variety shows or talk shows, hosts often mention that they need to 'see some advertisements' before continuing. They might say, '광고 보고 오겠습니다' (We will come back after watching the advertisements). Here, the noun form '광고' is used, but the concept of 광고하다 is the underlying action.

방송국에서는 인기 프로그램 사이에 비싼 가격으로 광고합니다. (Broadcasting stations advertise at high prices between popular programs.)

In the workplace, particularly in marketing, sales, or PR departments, 광고하다 is a daily-use verb. Discussions about budget allocation, platform selection (Instagram vs. Naver), and creative direction all revolve around how to effectively 광고하다. You might hear a manager ask, '이번 시즌에는 어떤 매체에 광고할까요?' (In which media should we advertise this season?).

Subway and Public Spaces: If you travel through Seoul, you'll see digital billboards everywhere. People might remark on how much a certain brand is advertising lately: '요즘 이 브랜드가 지하철에서 진짜 많이 광고하더라.' (Lately, this brand is really advertising a lot in the subway.)

정부도 정책을 국민에게 알리기 위해 지하철 전광판에 광고합니다. (The government also advertises on subway electronic boards to inform citizens about policies.)

Finally, in the context of job seeking, you will see '구인 광고' (help-wanted ads). Companies '광고하다' for new employees. When you are looking for a job on sites like Saramin or JobKorea, you are essentially looking at companies that are '광고하고 있는' positions. Thus, the word spans from high-glitz celebrity endorsements to the practical necessity of finding work or selling a used item on Danggeun Market (Korea's popular neighborhood marketplace app).

While 광고하다 is a straightforward verb, English speakers and Korean learners often trip up on its nuances compared to similar verbs like 홍보하다, 알리다, or 선전하다. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for sounding natural.

Mistake 1: Confusing 광고하다 with 홍보하다: 광고하다 typically implies paid media (advertising), whereas 홍보하다 (to promote/PR) is broader and often refers to public relations or general promotion that doesn't necessarily involve buying ad space. If you are talking about a company's general image, 홍보하다 is better.

Incorrect: 우리 회사를 친구들에게 광고했어요. (I advertised our company to my friends.)
Better: 우리 회사를 친구들에게 홍보했어요 / 소개했어요. (I promoted/introduced our company to friends.)

Another common mistake is using 광고하다 when you simply mean 'to tell' or 'to inform.' If you tell your mother that you are coming home, you are not '광고하는' her; you are '알리는' (informing) or '말하는' (telling) her. 광고하다 requires a public or commercial audience.

Mistake 2: Incorrect Particle Usage: Learners sometimes use the dative particle -에게 (to) for the medium. You don't advertise 'to' the TV; you advertise 'on' the TV. Use -에서 or -에.

Incorrect: 텔레비전에게 광고해요.
Correct: 텔레비전에서 광고해요. (Advertise on TV.)

Lastly, be careful with the word '광고주' (advertiser). While 광고하다 is the verb, the person or company doing the advertising is the 광고주. A common mistake is trying to use '광고자' which is much less common and sounds awkward. If you want to say 'The advertiser is Samsung,' say '광고주는 삼성입니다.'

By avoiding these pitfalls, you will use 광고하다 in a way that aligns with how native speakers perceive commercial and public communication. Remember: 광고하다 = paid/structured public messaging; 홍보하다 = general PR/promotion; 알리다 = simple informing.

To truly master the concept of 'advertising' in Korean, it is helpful to look at a cluster of related words that native speakers use to specify different types of promotion. While 광고하다 is the most general and safe term, these alternatives provide more precision.

홍보하다 (Hong-bo-ha-da): Meaning: To promote or publicize. This word is used for PR activities, government public service announcements, or when an individual promotes their own work. It feels less 'salesy' than 광고하다.
선전하다 (Seon-jeon-ha-da): Meaning: To publicize or propagate. Often used for political campaigns or when a product is being 'touted' as the best. In older contexts, it meant propaganda. Today, it is often used for 'word-of-mouth' promotion (입소문 선전).

영화사는 개봉 전부터 영화를 대대적으로 홍보하고 있습니다. (The movie company has been extensively promoting the movie even before its release.)

In the digital age, you will also hear 마케팅하다 (to market). This is a direct loanword from English and encompasses the entire strategy, including 광고하다, pricing, and distribution. If you say '우리는 SNS 마케팅을 해요,' it implies a broader strategy than just running a single ad.

공고하다 (Gong-go-ha-da): Meaning: To give public notice. This is used for official announcements, like a 'public notice' for a construction project or a 'notice' of a government exam. It is much more formal and less commercial than 광고하다.

시청 홈페이지에 채용 계획이 공고되었습니다. (The recruitment plan was officially noticed on the city hall website.)

Using these words correctly shows a high level of Korean proficiency. If you are selling a used bicycle on an app, you might say you are '광고하고 있다,' but if you are a singer appearing on a talk show to talk about your new album, you are '홍보하고 있다.' Choosing the right verb depends on whether the transaction is purely financial (광고) or more about awareness and image (홍보).

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character 廣 (광) also appears in words like 'Gwang-hwa-mun' (The gate of extensive transformation) and 'Gwang-ju' (Broad city).

Pronunciation Guide

UK /kwɐŋ.ɡo.ɦɐ.dɐ/

US /kwɑŋ.ɡoʊ.hɑ.də/

In Korean, stress is relatively even across syllables, but a slight emphasis often falls on the first syllable '광'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The word is very common in headlines and signs. Easy to recognize once learned.

Writing 3/5

Requires correct conjugation of '하다' and proper object/location markers.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers.

Listening 2/5

Frequently heard in media and daily life.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

하다 (To do) 말하다 (To speak) 알리다 (To inform) 회사 (Company) 제품 (Product)

Learn Next

홍보하다 (To promote) 판매하다 (To sell) 구매하다 (To purchase) 소비자 (Consumer) 시장 (Market)

Advanced

마케팅 믹스 (Marketing mix) 브랜딩 (Branding) 시장 점유율 (Market share) 잠재 고객 (Potential customer)

Grammar to Know

-을/를 (Object Marker)

제품을 광고하다.

-에서 (Location of Action)

인터넷에서 광고하다.

-고 싶다 (Want to)

광고하고 싶어요.

-기 시작하다 (Start to)

광고하기 시작했어요.

-아/어지다 (Passive/Change of state)

광고되어지다 (rarely used, usually 광고되다).

Examples by Level

텔레비전에서 장난감을 광고해요.

They advertise toys on TV.

Uses the location marker -에서 (on/at) and the present tense -해요.

우리는 우리 가게를 광고합니다.

We advertise our store.

Uses the formal polite ending -합니다.

이것은 무엇을 광고하는 거예요?

What is this advertising?

-는 거예요 is used to ask for an explanation of an ongoing state or action.

잡지에서 옷을 광고해요.

They advertise clothes in magazines.

The object '옷' (clothes) is followed by the marker -을.

버스가 영화를 광고하고 있어요.

The bus is advertising a movie.

-고 있다 expresses a continuous action (is advertising).

어디에서 광고할까요?

Where shall we advertise?

-ㄹ까요 is used to make a suggestion or ask for an opinion.

저는 이 가방을 광고하고 싶어요.

I want to advertise this bag.

-고 싶어요 expresses a desire (want to).

광고하는 사람이 많아요.

There are many people advertising.

-는 is the present noun-modifying form (people who advertise).

새로운 게임을 인터넷에서 광고했어요.

I advertised the new game on the internet.

Past tense -했어요.

유명한 배우가 이 화장품을 광고해요.

A famous actor advertises this cosmetic.

The subject '배우' is marked with the subject marker -가.

지하철역에서 신발을 광고하고 있습니다.

They are advertising shoes in the subway station.

-고 있습니다 is the formal continuous form.

우리 회사는 라디오로 광고하지 않아요.

Our company does not advertise via radio.

-지 않다 is the negative form (do not).

그들은 제품을 아주 크게 광고해요.

They advertise the product very loudly/largely.

크게 (largely/greatly) acts as an adverb here.

신문에 우리 학교를 광고할 거예요.

We will advertise our school in the newspaper.

-ㄹ 거예요 expresses future intent.

누가 이 핸드폰을 광고합니까?

Who advertises this mobile phone?

The formal question ending -합니까?

광고하기 위해서 돈이 많이 필요해요.

In order to advertise, a lot of money is needed.

-기 위해서 means 'in order to'.

이 브랜드는 인스타그램을 통해 활발하게 광고합니다.

This brand advertises actively through Instagram.

-을 통해 means 'through' or 'via'.

제품을 광고할 때 가장 중요한 것은 무엇인가요?

What is the most important thing when advertising a product?

-ㄹ 때 means 'when' or 'at the time of'.

중소기업들은 페이스북에서 저렴하게 광고할 수 있어요.

Small and medium enterprises can advertise cheaply on Facebook.

-ㄹ 수 있다 expresses capability or possibility.

정부는 새로운 법을 국민에게 광고하기 시작했습니다.

The government has started advertising the new law to the citizens.

-기 시작하다 means 'to start doing'.

허위로 광고하는 회사는 벌금을 내야 합니다.

Companies that advertise falsely must pay a fine.

-어야 하다 expresses obligation (must).

광고하지 않으면 사람들이 우리 제품을 모를 거예요.

If we don't advertise, people won't know our product.

-면 expresses a condition (if).

그 가수는 예능 프로그램에 나와서 신곡을 광고했어요.

That singer appeared on a variety show and advertised their new song.

-어서/아서 used here for sequential actions.

많은 유튜버들이 뒷광고를 해서 문제가 되었습니다.

Many YouTubers caused problems by doing 'back-door' advertising (hidden ads).

뒷광고 is a modern slang term for undisclosed sponsored content.

기업들은 타겟 고객층에 맞춰 효율적으로 광고하려고 노력합니다.

Companies try to advertise efficiently by tailoring to their target customer base.

-으려고 노력하다 means 'to make an effort to'.

지나치게 과장해서 광고하면 소비자의 신뢰를 잃을 수 있습니다.

If you advertise by exaggerating excessively, you can lose consumer trust.

-면 expresses a hypothetical consequence.

이 영화는 개봉 전부터 대대적으로 광고되어 큰 기대를 모았습니다.

This movie was advertised extensively even before its release, garnering high expectations.

광고되어 is the passive form 'to be advertised' + connective ending.

광고주들은 광고 효과를 측정하기 위해 다양한 데이터를 분석합니다.

Advertisers analyze various data to measure the effectiveness of their advertising.

-기 위해 means 'in order to'.

비도덕적인 방식으로 광고하는 행위는 규제되어야 마땅합니다.

The act of advertising in an immoral way deserves to be regulated.

-어야 마땅하다 means 'it is only right/natural that...'

유튜브 프리미엄을 쓰면 광고하지 않는 영상을 볼 수 있어요.

If you use YouTube Premium, you can watch videos that don't advertise (have ads).

Here '광고하지 않는' describes the videos (videos that don't have ads).

전통적인 매체보다는 디지털 매체에 광고하는 비중이 늘고 있습니다.

The proportion of advertising on digital media rather than traditional media is increasing.

-보다(는) is used for comparison.

그 기업은 사회 공헌 활동을 광고함으로써 이미지를 개선했습니다.

The company improved its image by advertising its social contribution activities.

-음으로써 means 'by doing' or 'through the act of'.

현대 광고는 단순히 제품을 광고하는 것을 넘어 가치를 전달하는 데 주력합니다.

Modern advertising focuses on delivering values beyond simply advertising a product.

-는 것을 넘어 means 'beyond doing...'

소비자의 무의식을 자극하여 구매를 유도하도록 광고하는 기법이 정교해지고 있습니다.

Techniques for advertising to stimulate the consumer's subconscious and induce purchase are becoming more sophisticated.

-도록 means 'so that' or 'in a way that'.

특정 정치적 성향을 노골적으로 광고하는 매체는 중립성을 잃기 쉽습니다.

Media that blatantly advertise specific political leanings are prone to losing neutrality.

-기 쉽다 means 'to be easy to' or 'to be prone to'.

기업이 자신의 기술력을 광고할 때는 객관적인 지표를 제시하는 것이 신뢰도를 높입니다.

When a company advertises its technological prowess, presenting objective indicators increases credibility.

-는 것이 means 'the act of... is'.

공익적인 목적으로 광고하는 캠페인은 사회적 공감대를 형성하는 것이 필수적입니다.

For campaigns advertising for public interest purposes, forming a social consensus is essential.

공익적 means 'for the public good'.

드라마 속 PPL은 극의 흐름을 방해하지 않으면서 자연스럽게 광고해야 합니다.

PPL in dramas must advertise naturally without interrupting the flow of the plot.

-으면서 means 'while' (simultaneous action).

빅데이터를 활용해 개인별 맞춤형으로 광고하는 시스템이 보편화되었습니다.

Systems that advertise in a personalized manner for each individual using big data have become commonplace.

-어/아지다 indicates a change in state (became common).

언론사가 특정 업체의 이익을 위해 광고하듯 기사를 쓰는 것은 저널리즘 윤리에 어긋납니다.

It is against journalism ethics for a media outlet to write articles as if advertising for the benefit of a specific company.

-듯 means 'as if' or 'like'.

자본주의 사회에서 광고하는 행위는 경제 순환의 핵심적인 동력으로 작용합니다.

In a capitalist society, the act of advertising acts as a core driver of the economic cycle.

-로 작용하다 means 'to act as' or 'to function as'.

고도의 심리학적 전략을 동원하여 광고함으로써 소비자의 선택권을 교묘히 제한하기도 합니다.

By advertising using advanced psychological strategies, it sometimes subtly limits the consumer's right to choose.

-음으로써 indicates the means or method.

광고하는 주체와 수용자 사이의 정보 비대칭성은 시장 실패의 원인이 될 수 있습니다.

The information asymmetry between the advertising subject and the recipient can be a cause of market failure.

비대칭성 means 'asymmetry'.

포스트모더니즘 시대의 광고는 단순히 정보를 광고하기보다 하나의 예술 작품으로서 소비됩니다.

Advertising in the postmodern era is consumed as a work of art rather than simply advertising information.

-기보다(는) means 'rather than doing...'

윤리적 소비가 강조되면서, 기업이 환경 보호를 광고하는 '그린워싱'에 대한 비판도 거세지고 있습니다.

As ethical consumption is emphasized, criticism of 'greenwashing,' where companies advertise environmental protection, is also intensifying.

그린워싱 is the loanword 'greenwashing'.

광고하는 매체의 특성에 따라 메시지의 구조와 전달 방식은 유기적으로 변화해야 합니다.

The structure and delivery method of the message must change organically according to the characteristics of the advertising medium.

-에 따라 means 'according to'.

과거의 일방향적 광고에서 벗어나, 이제는 소비자와 소통하며 함께 브랜드 가치를 광고하는 시대입니다.

Moving away from the one-way advertising of the past, it is now an era of communicating with consumers and advertising brand value together.

-에서 벗어나 means 'breaking away from'.

국가 이미지를 전 세계에 광고하는 것은 소프트 파워를 강화하는 데 지대한 공헌을 합니다.

Advertising a national image to the world makes a significant contribution to strengthening soft power.

지대한 means 'immense' or 'profound'.

Common Collocations

대대적으로 광고하다

허위로 광고하다

TV에서 광고하다

적극적으로 광고하다

무료로 광고하다

지나치게 광고하다

전 세계에 광고하다

유튜브에서 광고하다

신제품을 광고하다

효과적으로 광고하다

Common Phrases

광고 좀 할게요

— Let me do a quick ad. Often said by YouTubers or podcasters before a sponsor segment.

잠시 광고 좀 하고 올게요.

과장 광고 하지 마세요

— Don't do exaggerated advertising. Used to warn against misleading claims.

이건 너무 심하잖아요. 과장 광고 하지 마세요.

광고를 내다

— To put out an ad. Used when someone pays to have an ad published.

신문에 구인 광고를 냈어요.

광고에 나오다

— To appear in an advertisement. Used for actors or models.

제 친구가 어제 TV 광고에 나왔어요.

광고를 찍다

— To film an advertisement (commercial).

오늘 유명 연예인이 우리 동네에서 광고를 찍었어요.

광고가 들어오다

— To receive an advertising offer/deal.

채널이 커지니까 광고가 많이 들어와요.

광고를 건너뛰다

— To skip an advertisement (e.g., on YouTube).

5초 후에 광고를 건너뛸 수 있습니다.

광고판을 세우다

— To set up a billboard/advertisement board.

고속도로 옆에 큰 광고판을 세웠어요.

광고비가 비싸다

— The advertising cost is expensive.

황금 시간대에는 광고비가 정말 비싸요.

광고 효과가 좋다

— The advertising effect is good (the ad is working).

이번 SNS 광고는 효과가 아주 좋네요.

Often Confused With

광고하다 vs 홍보하다

홍보하다 is for general promotion/PR; 광고하다 is specifically for paid advertising.

광고하다 vs 알리다

알리다 is just 'to inform' or 'to tell'; 광고하다 is a professional/commercial action.

광고하다 vs 공고하다

공고하다 is for official/government public notices; 광고하다 is for commercial ads.

Idioms & Expressions

"입소문 광고"

— Word-of-mouth advertising. When people tell each other about a product.

이 맛집은 입소문 광고 덕분에 유명해졌어요.

Common

"낚시성 광고"

— Clickbait advertising. Ads that use misleading titles to 'hook' users.

낚시성 광고에 속지 않도록 조심하세요.

Modern/Internet

"묻지마 광고"

— Blind advertising or reckless advertising without clear targets.

묻지마 광고는 예산 낭비일 뿐입니다.

Business

"타겟 광고"

— Targeted advertising. Ads aimed at a specific demographic.

페이스북은 정교한 타겟 광고가 가능합니다.

Professional

"공익 광고"

— Public service announcement (PSA). Ads for the public good.

금연을 권장하는 공익 광고가 나오고 있어요.

Formal

"옥외 광고"

— Outdoor advertising (billboards, bus wraps).

서울 시내에는 화려한 옥외 광고가 많습니다.

Neutral

"뒷광고"

— Back-door advertising. Undisclosed paid promotions by influencers.

뒷광고 논란으로 많은 유튜버들이 사과했습니다.

Slang/Modern

"과대 광고"

— Exaggerated advertising. Making a product seem better than it is.

이 화장품은 과대 광고로 판명되었습니다.

Neutral/Legal

"비교 광고"

— Comparative advertising. Comparing one's product directly to a competitor's.

미국에서는 비교 광고가 매우 흔합니다.

Professional

"체험 광고"

— Experiential advertising. Letting customers try a product as an ad.

팝업 스토어를 통해 체험 광고를 진행합니다.

Marketing

Easily Confused

광고하다 vs 선전하다

Both mean to publicize.

선전하다 can imply propaganda or loud touting; 광고하다 is the standard neutral business term.

그는 자기 실력을 선전해요. (He touts his skills.) vs 회사가 제품을 광고해요. (The company advertises the product.)

광고하다 vs 게시하다

Both involve showing information to the public.

게시하다 means to physically post or display something (like a notice on a board); 광고하다 is the act of advertising.

벽보를 게시했어요. (I posted the poster.)

광고하다 vs 발표하다

Both involve making something known.

발표하다 means to present or announce a result/plan; 광고하다 is for promotion.

연구 결과를 발표했어요. (I announced the research results.)

광고하다 vs 소개하다

Both involve presenting something new.

소개하다 means to introduce; 광고하다 has a stronger commercial intent to sell.

친구를 소개해요. (I introduce a friend.)

광고하다 vs 전달하다

Both involve moving information.

전달하다 means to deliver or convey a message; 광고하다 is the strategic act of advertising.

메시지를 전달했어요. (I delivered the message.)

Sentence Patterns

[Noun]을/를 광고해요.

피자를 광고해요.

[Place]에서 [Noun]을/를 광고해요.

지하철에서 가방을 광고해요.

[Noun]을/를 광고하기 위해서 [Action].

제품을 광고하기 위해서 영상을 만들었어요.

[Noun]은/는 [Medium]을 통해 광고됩니다.

이 행사는 SNS를 통해 광고됩니다.

[Noun]을/를 [Adverb] 광고하다.

브랜드를 공격적으로 광고하다.

[Noun]을/를 광고하는 대신에 [Action].

광고하는 대신에 기부를 했어요.

[Noun]을/를 광고함으로써 [Result].

신기술을 광고함으로써 시장을 선점했습니다.

[Noun]을/를 광고함에 있어 [Condition]이 중요하다.

식품을 광고함에 있어 정직함이 중요하다.

Word Family

Nouns

광고 (Advertisement)

광고주 (Advertiser)

광고업 (Advertising business)

광고비 (Advertising cost)

광고지 (Flyer/Ad paper)

광고판 (Billboard)

Verbs

광고하다 (To advertise)

광고되다 (To be advertised)

광고시키다 (To make someone advertise)

홍보 (Promotion)

마케팅 (Marketing)

선전 (Propaganda/Publicity)

공고 (Public notice)

CF (Commercial Film)

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in daily life, business, and media.

Common Mistakes

Using '텔레비전에게 광고하다' → 텔레비전에서 광고하다
You don't advertise 'to' the TV; the TV is the medium. Use the location marker -에서.
Confusing 광고하다 with 홍보하다 for personal introductions. → 저를 홍보하다 / 소개하다
광고하다 sounds like you are a commercial product. 홍보하다 is better for PR/promotion of a person.
Saying '광고를 만들다' when you mean the act of showing it. → 광고하다
광고를 만들다 is 'to make/produce an ad.' 광고하다 is the broader act of advertising/running the ad.
Using '광고자' for advertiser. → 광고주
In Korean, the owner of the ad (the person paying) is always called 광고주 (Gwang-go-ju).
Forgetting the object marker. → 제품을 광고하다
광고하다 is a transitive verb and needs the -을/를 marker for the object.

Tips

Use the right particle

Always use -을/를 for the product and -에서 for the platform (TV, Internet, etc.).

CF vs. Gwang-go

Remember that TV commercials are almost always called CF in Korea. You will hear this in entertainment news a lot.

Spotting Hidden Ads

Learn the word '뒷광고' (hidden ad) to understand modern Korean internet controversies.

Noun + 하다

Since it is a Noun+하다 verb, you can split it into '광고를 하다' for emphasis or to add adjectives like '멋진 광고를 하다'.

Advertising yourself

In interviews, use '제 장점을 홍보하고 싶습니다' instead of '광고하고 싶습니다' to sound more humble and natural.

TV Transitions

When you hear '광고 보고 오겠습니다', it's your cue to take a break or wait for the show to resume.

Adverbs matter

Use '대대적으로' (extensively) to describe big product launches. It's a very common pairing.

Advertiser term

The person paying for the ad is the '광고주'. Use this term in business contexts.

Contextual meaning

If a friend is talking too much about their new phone, you can jokingly ask '광고하니?' (Are you advertising?).

False Advertising

Know '허위 광고' and '과장 광고' to understand consumer rights and news reports in Korea.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Gwang' as a 'Gong' sound that is 'Wide' (廣) and 'Go' as 'Going' out to tell people. You are hitting a wide gong to let everyone know about your product.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant megaphone spreading sound waves across a wide city map. The megaphone has the word '광고' written on it.

Word Web

TV Smartphone Newspaper Money Celebrity Sales Information Company

Challenge

Try to find three Korean advertisements on YouTube and write down what they are '광고하고' (advertising) using the sentence pattern '[Product]을/를 광고해요'.

Word Origin

From the Sino-Korean word 廣告 (광고) plus the verb-forming suffix 하다.

Original meaning: Broadly (廣) announcing or informing (告).

Sino-Korean (Hanja-based).

Cultural Context

Be careful with '과대 광고' (exaggerated ads) as Korean consumers are very vocal about being misled and will often start online boycotts.

In English-speaking countries, advertising is often seen as a necessary evil, but in Korea, high-quality CFs are often treated as entertainment and even discussed as pop culture events.

The '2% 부족할 때' drink commercials which were like mini-movies. Samsung's 'Anycall' commercials featuring Lee Hyori. The iconic 'Ssa-yi-da' (Cider) ads.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Business Meetings

어떤 매체에 광고할까요?
광고 예산이 부족합니다.
광고 효과를 분석해 봅시다.
타겟을 좁혀서 광고해야 합니다.

Watching TV

광고가 너무 길어요.
이 광고 재미있네요.
광고에 나오는 모델이 누구예요?
광고 끝나고 드라마 시작해요.

Job Hunting

구인 광고를 보고 연락했습니다.
신문에 광고를 냈어요.
광고에 나온 조건이 좋아요.
어디에 광고를 올리면 좋을까요?

Social Media

이거 유료 광고예요?
인스타그램 광고가 너무 많아.
광고 건너뛰기 버튼이 어디 있지?
광고 보고 샀는데 별로예요.

Legal/News

허위 광고는 불법입니다.
과장 광고로 신고당했어요.
광고 심의를 통과해야 합니다.
부당한 광고 행위를 근절합시다.

Conversation Starters

"요즘 TV에서 광고하는 그 핸드폰 보셨어요?"

"우리 회사 제품을 어디에 광고하는 게 좋을까요?"

"유튜브 광고가 너무 많아서 불편하지 않으세요?"

"가장 기억에 남는 광고가 뭐예요?"

"연예인들이 광고하는 제품을 믿고 사시나요?"

Journal Prompts

오늘 본 광고 중에서 가장 인상 깊었던 것은 무엇인가요? 왜 그렇게 생각하나요?

만약 당신이 새로운 앱을 만들었다면, 어떻게 광고하고 싶나요?

과도한 광고가 우리 사회에 미치는 영향에 대해 써 보세요.

유명인이 광고하는 제품을 구매한 경험이 있나요? 그 광고가 구매에 영향을 주었나요?

미래의 광고는 어떤 모습일지 상상해서 적어 보세요.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

In 90% of cases, yes. It implies a structured effort, usually involving a cost or a specific promotional intent. If it's free, people might use '홍보하다' or '알리다' instead, though '광고하다' can still be used for free ads on platforms like Craigslist or Danggeun Market.

You can, but it sounds like you are treating yourself as a product. For example, '나를 광고하다' (to advertise myself). It is more natural to say '자기 피알(PR)을 하다' or '나를 홍보하다' in a job interview context.

광고 is the general word for 'advertisement.' CF stands for 'Commercial Film' and specifically refers to television commercials. You '광고하다' a product by making a 'CF'.

Yes, it is very common now. If a post is sponsored, it is called '광고' and the act is '광고하다'. If someone hides that they were paid, it is called '뒷광고' (back-door advertising).

You can say '광고를 내다' or '광고를 올리다'. '광고를 내다' is more common for newspapers or magazines, while '광고를 올리다' is common for websites.

Yes, you can say '과잉 광고' (excessive advertising) or '지나치게 광고하다' (to advertise excessively).

Yes, but '선전하다' or '홍보하다' are also very common in politics. '광고하다' would focus on the actual paid ads the candidate runs.

It is '과장 광고' (Gwa-jang Gwang-go). If it is completely false, it is '허위 광고' (Heo-wi Gwang-go).

You say '광고하십니다' (present) or '광고하셨습니다' (past). This would be used if you are talking about someone you respect, like a CEO, who is doing the advertising.

There is no single verb, but '숨기다' (to hide) or '비밀로 하다' (to keep secret) are conceptually opposite in terms of information flow.