Skip to content

New every day: Korea news, words and grammar — in your language

Pocket Korean

Dictionary › TOPIK 5

TOPIK 5noun

열강

yeolgang

열강이 · 열강을

the (great) powers

Example

19세기 말 조선은 서구 열강의 압력을 받았습니다.

In the late 19th century, Joseon came under pressure from the Western powers.

Word parts

열 row, ranks강 strong

Literally 'the row of strong ones' — powerful states lined up together.

Good to know

Mostly a history word for 19th–20th century imperial powers; for today use 강대국.