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Korean Terms Join Oxford Dictionary Amid Cultural Surge

1/7/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Oxford English Dictionary added Korean terms ramyeon, haenyeo, and sunbae, marking the second consecutive year of such additions.
The rise of Korean pop culture has increased usage of these terms in English.
Korean barbecue is now officially recognized by the dictionary.
Professor Jieun Kiaer emphasized that English-language research and publishing help sustain Korean culture's global impact.
The dictionary contains around 500,000 words and adds terms permanently once included.

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Story summary

The Oxford English Dictionary added Korean terms ramyeon, haenyeo, and sunbae, marking the second consecutive year of such additions.
The rise of Korean pop culture has increased usage of these terms in English.
Korean barbecue is now officially recognized by the dictionary.
Professor Jieun Kiaer emphasized that English-language research and publishing help sustain Korean culture's global impact.
The dictionary contains around 500,000 words and adds terms permanently once included.