B1 noun Neutral

불황

/pulhwaŋ/

A period of economic decline characterized by low business activity and high unemployment; a recession.

Examples

3 of 5
1

불황을 극복하기 위해 정부가 예산을 편성했다.

The government organized a budget to overcome the recession.

2

최근 출판계는 극심한 불황을 겪고 있다.

The publishing industry is experiencing a severe slump recently.

3

경제적 불황은 사회적 불안을 초래한다.

Economic recession causes social instability.

Word Family

Noun
불황
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Memory Tip

Bul (No) + Hwang (Bright/Prosperous) = Not prosperous.

Quick Quiz

지속되는 경기 ___으로 인해 많은 상점들이 문을 닫았다.

Correct!

The correct answer is: 불황

Examples

1

불황을 극복하기 위해 정부가 예산을 편성했다.

formal

The government organized a budget to overcome the recession.

2

최근 출판계는 극심한 불황을 겪고 있다.

business

The publishing industry is experiencing a severe slump recently.

3

경제적 불황은 사회적 불안을 초래한다.

academic

Economic recession causes social instability.

4

요즘 불황이라 다들 힘들어 해.

informal

Everyone is struggling because of the recession lately.

5

불황기에는 저축을 늘리는 경향이 있다.

everyday

People tend to increase savings during a recession.

Word Family

Noun
불황

Common Collocations

불황이 계속되다 recession continues
경제 불황 economic recession
불황을 타개하다 to overcome a recession
사상 최악의 불황 worst recession in history
불황의 늪 quagmire of recession

Common Phrases

불황기

recession period

만성 불황

chronic recession

불황형 소비

recession-type consumption

Often Confused With

불황 vs 침체

Chimche is a broader term for stagnation, while bulhwang is specifically the opposite of 'hohwang' (boom) in the business cycle.

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Usage Notes

Essential for IELTS Writing Task 1 and 2 when discussing economic trends or social issues.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Do not confuse with '불황' (not yellow), which is rarely used but exists phonetically.

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Memory Tip

Bul (No) + Hwang (Bright/Prosperous) = Not prosperous.

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Word Origin

From Sino-Korean 不況 (not + situation/condition).

Grammar Patterns

~이/가 계속되다 불황을 겪다
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Cultural Context

Koreans often use the term 'IMF' to refer to the most severe bulhwang in their history.

Quick Quiz

지속되는 경기 ___으로 인해 많은 상점들이 문을 닫았다.

Correct!

The correct answer is: 불황

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