60+ Korean Tattoo Words & Phrases

Looking for inspirational Korean tattoo words?

To impress your oppa? Or to disappoint your eomma?

Well, here’s a big list, provided by Lingua “The K-Town Prince” Junkie, broken up by theme.

Also, pictures with the words in big font… so you can save and show your tattoo guy or gal.

Want to learn how to write in Korean? Download your free Korean Hangul (Alphabet) worksheet here.

Table of Contents

QUIZ

Now, if you want to scroll through all 70 words and phrases… that’s cool.

But if you want to take a quiz to determine which fits you best…

Take this 7-question quiz below.

Love & Relationships

1. 사랑

Romaji: sarang
Meaning: Love

This is one of the most common Korean tattoo words. It simply means “love.”
People choose it to represent romantic love, family love, or love for life itself.
It’s short, clean, and visually balanced in Hangul, which makes it popular for minimalist tattoos.

2. 사랑해

Romaji: saranghae
Meaning: I love you

This is the casual way to say “I love you” in Korean.
It’s widely recognized because it appears constantly in K-dramas and songs.
People choose it as a tattoo to symbolize deep love or emotional connection.

3. 사랑은 모든 것을 이긴다

Romaji: sarangeun modeun geoseul iginda
Meaning: Love conquers all

This phrase expresses the idea that love can overcome any obstacle.
It’s poetic and emotional, often used in romantic contexts.
People sometimes choose it to symbolize deep commitment.

4. 너와 나

Romaji: neowa na
Meaning: You and me

This phrase expresses closeness between two people.
It’s often used in love songs and poetry.
As a tattoo, it symbolizes a meaningful relationship.

5. 함께

Romaji: hamkke
Meaning: Together

함께 means together or side by side.
It symbolizes unity, love, and shared journeys.
Couples and friends sometimes choose it as a matching tattoo.

6. 함께라면

Romaji: hamkkeramyeon
Meaning: If we’re together

This phrase suggests that challenges are easier when people are together.
It appears often in K-pop lyrics about friendship or love.
The feeling is hopeful and supportive.

7. 항상 곁에

Romaji: hangsang gyeote
Meaning: Always by your side

This phrase symbolizes loyalty and support.
It appears often in romantic promises in dramas.
People sometimes choose it to represent devotion.

8. 영원히 함께

Romaji: yeongwonhi hamkke
Meaning: Together forever

This phrase expresses eternal connection.
It appears frequently in romantic songs.
Many couples choose it for matching tattoos.

9. 너와 영원히

Romaji: neowa yeongwonhi
Meaning: Forever with you

This phrase expresses long-lasting connection.
It often appears in romantic dialogue.
Many people choose it as a symbol of loyalty.

10. 끝까지 함께

Romaji: kkeutkkaji hamkke
Meaning: Together until the end

This phrase expresses loyalty and commitment.
It often appears in friendship or love contexts.
The meaning is emotional and enduring.

11. 보고 싶어

Romaji: bogo sipeo
Meaning: I miss you

This phrase literally means “I want to see you.”
In Korean, that’s how people express missing someone.
It often appears in romantic lyrics and emotional scenes.

12. 널 기다릴게

Romaji: neol gidarilge
Meaning: I’ll wait for you

This phrase expresses patience and devotion.
It often appears in dramatic romance scenes.
The meaning feels loyal and emotional.

13. 우리의 이야기

Romaji: uriui iyagi
Meaning: Our story

This phrase refers to a shared journey between people.
It’s common in romantic or nostalgic lyrics.
Many choose it to symbolize meaningful memories.

14. 우리의 시간

Romaji: uriui sigan
Meaning: Our time

This phrase suggests shared experiences between people.
It appears often in nostalgic songs.
It represents memories and connection.

15. 내 세상

Romaji: nae sesang
Meaning: My world

This phrase refers to someone or something that means everything to you.
It appears often in love songs.
It’s emotional but simple.

16. 너는 나의 빛

Romaji: neoneun naui bit
Meaning: You are my light

This poetic phrase describes someone who brings hope or happiness.
Light imagery appears often in Korean songs.
It sounds emotional and romantic.

17. 나의 별

Romaji: naui byeol
Meaning: My star

Stars symbolize guidance and dreams.
This phrase suggests someone very important in one’s life.
It feels romantic and poetic.

Hope & Positivity

18. 빛나는 너

Romaji: bitnaneun neo
Meaning: You who shine

This phrase describes someone who shines brightly.
It appears in uplifting lyrics.
It’s often used as encouragement.

19. 희망

Romaji: huimang
Meaning: Hope

희망 means hope or expectation for something good in the future.
It’s a word people associate with optimism and perseverance.
Many choose it as a tattoo after overcoming difficult times.

20. 용기

Romaji: yonggi
Meaning: Courage

용기 means bravery or courage.
It represents the strength to face fear or challenges.
People often tattoo it as a reminder to keep moving forward.

21. 인내

Romaji: innae
Meaning: Patience / endurance

인내 means the ability to endure hardship without giving up.
It represents resilience and quiet strength.
People choose this tattoo to remind themselves to stay strong during difficult times.

22. 포기하지 마

Romaji: pogihaji ma
Meaning: Don’t give up

This motivational phrase is common in Korean media.
It encourages persistence and determination.
People often choose it as a reminder during difficult times.

23. 절대 포기하지 마

Romaji: jeoldae pogihaji ma
Meaning: Never give up

This phrase literally means “never give up.”
It’s motivational and often used in sports or personal challenges.
As a tattoo, it symbolizes persistence and determination.

24. 널 믿어

Romaji: neol mide
Meaning: I believe in you

This phrase expresses trust and support.
It’s often used in encouraging dialogue.
As a tattoo, it represents faith in someone or oneself.

25. 나를 믿어

Romaji: nareul mide
Meaning: Believe in me

This phrase emphasizes self-confidence.
It can also represent trust between people.
It has a strong, motivational tone.

26. 너는 충분해

Romaji: neoneun chungbunhae
Meaning: You are enough

This phrase focuses on self-acceptance.
It reminds people they do not need to prove their worth.
As a tattoo, it can represent self-love.

27. 나 자신

Romaji: na jasin
Meaning: Myself

나 자신 means oneself or one’s true self.
It emphasizes self-identity and personal growth.
Some people choose it to represent self-acceptance.

28. 나답게 살자

Romaji: nadapge salja
Meaning: Live as yourself

This phrase encourages authenticity.
It means living in a way that reflects your true self.
It’s popular among people seeking independence.

29. 마음

Romaji: maeum
Meaning: Heart / mind

마음 refers to emotional feelings or inner thoughts.
It represents sincerity and one’s true intentions.
As a tattoo, it reflects emotional depth.

30. 따뜻한 마음

Romaji: ttatteuthan maeum
Meaning: Warm heart

This phrase describes kindness and emotional warmth.
In Korean culture, having a “warm heart” means being compassionate.
It represents gentle character.

31. 마음 가는 대로

Romaji: maeum ganeun daero
Meaning: Follow your heart

This phrase means to act according to your feelings.
It suggests living honestly and trusting your instincts.
Many people choose it for its simple wisdom.

32. 마음의 길

Romaji: maeumui gil
Meaning: The path of the heart

This phrase suggests following one’s true feelings.
It combines emotional depth with the idea of a life journey.
It sounds poetic in Korean.

33. 작은 행복

Romaji: jageun haengbok
Meaning: Small happiness

This phrase celebrates simple joys in life.
It reminds people happiness does not have to be dramatic.
Many people find comfort in this idea.

34. 행복

Romaji: haengbok
Meaning: Happiness

행복 means happiness or a joyful state of life.
It represents appreciating everyday moments.

Life & Life Philosophy

35. 마음의 평화

Romaji: maeumui pyeonghwa
Meaning: Peace of mind

This phrase refers to inner calm and emotional balance.
It emphasizes mental well-being rather than external success.
Many people resonate with this idea.

36. 평화

Romaji: pyeonghwa
Meaning: Peace

평화 means peace, calm, or harmony. It can represent inner peace or a peaceful world.
Its balanced look in Hangul makes it visually appealing for tattoos.

37. 자유

Romaji: jayu
Meaning: Freedom

자유 means freedom or independence.
It’s often used by people who want a reminder to live life on their own terms.
As a tattoo, it can symbolize breaking away from limits.

38. 바람처럼 자유롭게

Romaji: baramcheoreom jayuropge
Meaning: Free like the wind

This phrase evokes movement and independence. Wind in Korean poetry often represents wandering and freedom. It’s a calm but powerful image.

39. 길

Romaji: gil
Meaning: Path

길 literally means road or path. Metaphorically it represents the journey of life.
It reflects personal growth and direction.

40. 나의 길

Romaji: naui gil
Meaning: My path

This phrase represents one’s personal journey in life.
It suggests independence and personal direction.
Many people choose it to symbolize self-determination.

41. 삶

Romaji: salm
Meaning: Life

삶 means life or existence.
It reflects the full experience of living.
As a tattoo, it’s simple but deeply meaningful.

42. 삶은 여행이다

Romaji: salmeun yeohaengida
Meaning: Life is a journey

This phrase compares life to a long trip.
It reflects the idea that experiences matter more than the destination.
It feels thoughtful and reflective.

43. 지금

Romaji: jigeum
Meaning: Now

지금 means now or the present moment.
It encourages people to live in the present.
Minimalist tattoo lovers often like this simple word.

44. 지금 이 순간

Romaji: jigeum i sungan
Meaning: This moment

This phrase focuses on the present moment.
It reminds people to fully experience life as it happens.
It has a calm and reflective tone.

45. 순간

Romaji: sungan
Meaning: Moment

순간 means a brief point in time.
It reflects the idea that life is made up of meaningful moments.
As a tattoo, it reminds people to appreciate the present.

46. 모든 순간이 빛난다

Romaji: modeun sungani bitnanda
Meaning: Every moment shines

This line reflects appreciation for small moments in life.
It suggests that even ordinary days have beauty.
The phrase has a poetic tone.

47. 영원

Romaji: yeongwon
Meaning: Eternity

영원 means something that lasts forever.
It’s often used in romantic contexts or lasting memories.
Many people choose it as a symbolic tattoo.

48. 영원한 순간

Romaji: yeongwonhan sungan
Meaning: Eternal moment

This phrase describes a moment that feels timeless.
It appears in poetic writing and lyrics.
The meaning is emotional and reflective.

49. 기억

Romaji: gieok
Meaning: Memory

기억 means memory or remembrance.
It’s often chosen to honor loved ones or meaningful experiences.
The word carries a sentimental feeling.

50. 잊지 마

Romaji: itji ma
Meaning: Don’t forget

This phrase asks someone to remember something important.
It appears often in emotional lyrics. As a tattoo, it can represent preserving memories.

51. 다시 시작

Romaji: dasi sijak
Meaning: Start again

This phrase represents resilience and renewal.
It encourages people to try again after failure.
The tone feels hopeful.

52. 새로운 시작

Romaji: saeroun sijak
Meaning: A new beginning

This phrase represents fresh starts and transformation. People often associate it with major life changes. It’s hopeful and forward-looking.

53. 여기서 시작

Romaji: yeogiseo sijak
Meaning: Start here

This phrase symbolizes new beginnings.
It reflects the idea that change starts now.
People often choose it during major life transitions.

54. 오늘을 살아라

Romaji: oneureul sarara
Meaning: Live for today

This phrase encourages people to focus on the present moment.
It’s like the Korean fpr ” carpe diem.” As a tattoo, it’s a reminder to truly live.

55. 꿈

Romaji: kkum
Meaning: Dream

꿈 means dream, both literal and metaphorical.
It represents goals, ambitions, and hopes for the future.
Because it’s short, it’s a popular minimalist tattoo.

56. 꿈은 이루어진다

Romaji: kkumeun irueojinda
Meaning: Dreams come true

This phrase reflects hope and ambition.
It suggests dreams can become reality through effort.
It’s simple but motivational.

57. 꿈을 향해

Romaji: kkumeul hyanghae
Meaning: Toward the dream

This phrase focuses on moving toward one’s dreams.
It appears in motivational contexts.
The tone feels hopeful.

Nature Words & Phrases

58. 별

Romaji: byeol
Meaning: Star

별 means star.
In Korean symbolism, stars often represent dreams and destiny.
It’s often paired with star imagery in tattoo designs.

59. 별빛

Romaji: byeolbit
Meaning: Starlight

별빛 literally means the light of stars.
It carries a dreamy and poetic feeling.
People often choose it to symbolize hope.

60. 밤하늘

Romaji: bamhaneul
Meaning: Night sky

The night sky is a common poetic image in Korean lyrics.
It often represents dreams or quiet reflection.
The word feels calm and atmospheric.

61. 별을 바라보다

Romaji: byeoreul baraboda
Meaning: Look at the stars

This phrase evokes quiet reflection and dreams.
Star imagery often represents hope in Korean poetry.
It has a calm and dreamy feeling.

62. 끝없는 하늘

Romaji: kkeuteomneun haneul
Meaning: Endless sky

The endless sky represents freedom and possibility.
It creates a strong visual image.
This phrase feels expansive and poetic.

63. 빛

Romaji: bit
Meaning: Light

빛 means light or brightness.
It can symbolize guidance, hope, or positivity.
People often choose it as a reminder to stay positive.

64. 빛나는 순간

Romaji: bitnaneun sungan
Meaning: A shining moment

This phrase refers to a beautiful moment in life.
It’s often used in poetry and music.
It captures the idea of brief but meaningful joy.

65. 영원한 빛

Romaji: yeongwonhan bit
Meaning: Eternal light

This phrase feels spiritual and timeless.
Light often represents guidance and hope.
It has a strong poetic feeling.

66. 마음의 빛

Romaji: maeumui bit
Meaning: Light of the heart

This phrase suggests inner kindness and sincerity.
It reflects emotional warmth and compassion.
It has a soft, poetic tone.

67. 달빛

Romaji: dalbit
Meaning: Moonlight

Moonlight imagery appears frequently in Korean poetry and songs.
It often symbolizes quiet beauty or nostalgia.
The word has a soft, aesthetic feeling.

68. 나비

Romaji: nabi
Meaning: Butterfly

Butterflies symbolize transformation and rebirth.
The image appears often in art and poetry.
It feels delicate and poetic.

69. 꽃

Romaji: kkot
Meaning: Flower

Flowers symbolize beauty, growth, and life.
In Korean expressions, flowers often represent happiness or youth.
The word looks visually elegant in Hangul.

70. 꽃길만 걷자

Romaji: kkotgilman geotja
Meaning: Walk only on flower paths

This is a popular Korean expression wishing someone a happy life.
Flower paths symbolize good fortune and ease.
People say it to encourage a bright future.
Many choose it as a reminder to focus on what truly matters.

FAQ

Q: What”s the most important thing to remember? I’d like to think I’m a trustworthy blogger but please… before you get a tattoo in another language… always have the word or phrase you want double-checked by a native speaker. And make sure that the artist copies the characters exactly.

Q: Do Koreans actually get these words tattooed? Tattoos in Korea have historically carried a stigma, though attitudes are changing among younger people. While the expressions here are natural, most Koreans will not get these words. These are more commonly chosen as tattoos by non-Koreans who are drawn to the aesthetics of Hangul.

Q: Will Koreans understand my tattoo? Yes. All the words and phrases in this list are natural, commonly used Korean expressions. Any Korean speaker will immediately understand. Just make sure your tattoo artist copies the Hangul characters exactly, since small strokes can change the meaning entirely.

Q: Does it matter if I can’t read Korean? Well, you should and you can learn the Korean alphabet here… but many people choose a Korean tattoo purely for its visual beauty. Hangul is one of the most elegantly designed writing systems in the world. That said, it’s always worth knowing exactly what your tattoo says.

Q: How do I choose the right word or phrase for my tattoo? Well, take the quiz above. Or start with what you want the tattoo to represent… love, strength, freedom, a memory… rather than picking something that just looks good. The quiz above can help narrow it down based on your personality and intentions. Once you have a shortlist, say the words aloud using the romanization guide to get a feel for how they sound.

Extra Notes & Back to You

In the case that these Korean tattoo words aren’t enough…

I have other posts that may offer some inspiration:

And if you want a program to learn Korean with… I recommend KoreanClass101 (click here). Mostly because you’re not just learning words and phrases… but via real conversations between real native speakers. With conversation-based lessons that you can listen to… and then get everything explained.