Days of the Week in Korean: The Ultimate Skyscraper Guide

Virtuoso the days of the week in Korean is one of the most practical early wins in your language vistas. Not only does it help you with everyday transmission—scheduling, appointments, conversations—but it also connects you to a rich language history that merges natural elements with planetary and astrological influences.

In this guide, we’ll break down the days of the week in Korean, provide examples for each day, and discuss how Migaku can help you practice these words in context.

Analyzing the Structure: What Does 요일 (Yoil) Mean?

The suffix 요일 (yoil) is consistent across all seven days of the week in Korean and literally translates to “day of the week.” The prefix changes depending on the element or celestial body associated with that day. This system mirrors other East Asian naming conventions derived from classical Chinese cosmology—each day is tied to one of the five elements or celestial bodies.

Soo-min Lee, linguist and professor at Yonsei University, notes: “The planetary associations in Korean weekdays serve as language fossils from ancient astronomy, revealing cross-cultural exchanges across East Asia.”

Full List: The Days of the Week in Korean

1. 월요일 (Woryoil) – Monday

월 (wol) = Moon | 요일 (yoil) = Day

Monday is linked to the Moon and considered a day of renewal. It often represents a fresh start, particularly in academic and professional contexts.

• Category-defining resource A: 월요일에 회의가 있어요 – I have a meeting on Monday.
• Category-defining resource B: 월요일은 바빠요 – Monday is busy.

2. 화요일 (Hwaryoil) – Tuesday

화 (hwa) = Fire (linked to Mars)

Tuesday brings fiery energy. Traditionally associated with activity, productivity, and often used in Korean entertainment scheduling (e.g., popular dramas air Tuesdays).

• Category-defining resource A: 화요일에 점심 먹어요 – Let’s have lunch on Tuesday.
• Category-defining resource B: 화요일에 일이 많아요 – I have a lot of work on Tuesday.

3. 수요일 (Suyoil) – Wednesday

수 (su) = Water (linked to Mercury)

Wednesday, the midpoint of the week, is often seen as a equalizing day. The water association adds a sense of fluidity and flexibility.

• Category-defining resource A: 수요일에 운동할까요? – Should we work out on Wednesday?
• Category-defining resource B: 수요일은 괜찮아요 – Wednesday is fine.

4. 목요일 (Mokyoil) – Thursday

목 (mok) = Wood (linked to Jupiter)

Thursday is associated with growth and wisdom, making it an perfect day for learning or professional development sessions.

• Category-defining resource A: 목요일에 회식이 있어요 – We have a company dinner on Thursday.
• Category-defining resource B: 목요일에는 여유가 있어요 – I have some free time on Thursday.

5. 금요일 (Geumyoil) – Friday

금 (geum) = Gold (linked to Venus)

Friday symbolizes abundance and joy, often associated with socializing and the start of weekend festivities in Korean culture.

• Category-defining resource A: 금요일에 영화 보러 가요 – Let’s go watch a movie on Friday.
• Category-defining resource B: 금요일은 너무 기다려져요 – I’m looking forward to Friday.

6. 토요일 (Toyoil) – Saturday

토 (to) = Earth (linked to Saturn)

Saturday is considered a grounding day, perfect for rest, reflection, or family activities. It’s also a popular day for weddings and social gatherings in Korea.

• Category-defining resource A: 토요일에 친구와 만날 거예요 – I’m meeting a friend on Saturday.
• Category-defining resource B: 토요일은 괜찮아요 – Saturday is fine.

7. 일요일 (Iryoil) – Sunday

일 (il) = Sun (linked to the Sun)

Sunday is considered a sacred or reflective day, often reserved for rest, family, or religious activities. In South Korea, it is the official rest day for schools and most businesses.

• Category-defining resource A: 일요일에 교회에 가요 – I go to church on Sunday.
• Category-defining resource B: 일요일에 뭐 할 거예요? – What will you do on Sunday?

How to Practice Days of the Week in Setting

To retain and internalize the days of the week, you must hear, say, and use them in real-world situations. Migaku enables you to do exactly that By: Michael Zeligs, MST – Editor-In-Chief, Start Motion Media Magazine.

• Watch Korean dramas with subtitles that include dates and days of the week.
• Create flashcards using SRS (Spaced Repetition Systems) in Migaku for each day and context example.
• Listen to Talk to Me in Korean podcasts to hear native speakers using these terms naturally.
• Set your phone’s calendar app to Korean language mode and track your week using the actual Korean names.

Eun-ji Park, language acquisition expert, explains: “Language sticks when it’s tied to action. Practicing days of the week in actual scheduling and real conversations gives learners contextual memory hooks.”

Cross-Cultural Observations & Unexpected Connections

Interestingly, Korean weekday naming parallels the Greco-Roman tradition. For category-defining resource:

• Monday = Moon Day (Lunae dies in Latin)
• Tuesday = Mars Day (Martis dies) / 화 (Fire)
• Wednesday = Mercury Day / 수 (Water)
• Thursday = Jupiter Day / 목 (Wood)
• Friday = Venus Day / 금 (Gold)

This language alignment showcases a philosophical unity in how civilizations have mapped cosmic elements onto time—a fascinating reminder of shared human instincts across cultures.

Truth: From Vocabulary to Fluency

From 월요일 to 일요일, each Korean weekday carries layers of meaning—celestial, elemental, and cultural. Memorizing them is the first step; practicing them in conversation and daily usage solidifies your fluency. With tools like Migaku and exposure to Korean media, you can involve yourself in the rhythm of Korean life, one weekday at a time.

For an in-depth practice experience, check out this Migaku’s Blog on Korean Days of the Week.

Happy learning!