[English Version] Most Common Korean Emoticons & Slang Explained

"ㅋㅋㅋ", "ㅇㅇ", "ㅠㅠ" — What Do These Mean?! 

[English Version] Most Common Korean Emoticons & Slang Explained

If you’ve ever messaged a Korean friend or browsed Korean social media, you’ve probably come across mysterious letter combos like ㅋㅋ, ㅇㅇ, or ㅠㅠ. At first glance, they look like random characters, but in Korea, these are common internet expressions that show laughter, agreement, or emotion.

In this post, we’ll break down the most frequently used Korean internet slang and emoticons, explain how they’re used, and share cultural tips so you can sound more like a native!

🌀 1. Korean Internet Emoticons 101

1) ㅋㅋ / ㅎㅎ — Laughter
“ㅋㅋ” sounds like “kkk” and comes from “크크크,” a Korean laugh.

“ㅎㅎ” is softer, from “하하” (haha).

The more letters you use (“ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ”), the more you're laughing.

⚠️ Be careful! In some contexts, it can sound sarcastic.

2) ㅠㅠ / ㅜㅜ — Crying or sadness
These are emoticons of crying eyes, not just letters.

Used to express pain, sadness, frustration, or sympathy.

3) ㅇㅇ / ㄴㄴ — Yes / No
“ㅇㅇ” = “응” (yes), “ㄴㄴ” = “아니” (no).

Quick, casual replies in messaging.

Add emojis or context to avoid sounding cold.

🔥 2. Top 10 Korean Slang Words & Abbreviations

Koreans love shortening words when chatting online. These abbreviations are so common that even in speech, people sometimes say them out loud!

Slang Meaning Original Phrase
ㄱㄱ Let’s go 고고 (Go-go)
ㅊㅋ Congrats 축하해 (Chukahae)
ㅅㄱ Good job 수고했어 (Sugo haesseo)
ㅁㄹ Don’t know 몰라 (Molla)
ㅇㅈ Agree 인정 (Injeong = I agree)
ㅎㅇ Hi 하이 (Hai = Hi)
ㅂㅂ Bye-bye 빠이빠이 (Bbaibbai)
ㄷㅊ Shut up ❌ 닥쳐 (Too rude – avoid!)
노잼 Not fun No + 재미 (jaemi = fun)
꿀잼 Very fun 꿀 (honey) + 재미 (fun)

📝 These are mostly used in texting, chat rooms, or online communities, not in formal situations.

⚠️ 3. Cultural Tips: When (Not) to Use Them

These expressions are fun, but using them in the wrong setting can be awkward or even rude.

👍 OK to use:
With close friends or younger people

In casual online chats or social media

In games, fandoms, group chats, etc.

🚫 Avoid when:
Talking to your boss, teacher, or older people

Writing formal emails or job applications

Unsure of the tone (e.g., “ㅋㅋ” might seem sarcastic)

💡 Tip: Observe how your Korean friends use them. You’ll start picking up the rhythm and tone naturally.

✨ Wrap-up: Don’t Be Afraid to Use Korean Slang!

Korean emoticons and slang may seem confusing at first, but they’re a big part of how Koreans express themselves online. They reflect tone, personality, and even humor in ways that textbooks can’t teach.

So next time your friend says “ㅋㅋ 오늘 꿀잼이었어 ㅂㅂ~,” you’ll know exactly what they mean 😄
Try using one today in a message — and see how natural it feels!