Decoding Zodiac Signs in Korean, from Traits to Compatibilities

Explore the 12 unique animal signs of the Korean zodiac and learn how to talk about them in Korean. From the clever Rat to the majestic Dragon, these zodiac friends have been guarding against spirits and shaping personalities in Korea for ages. 

Join me on a journey through the Korean zodiac cycles, discovering the compatibility and traits of each of the Korean zodiac signs. 

Then, check out how to talk about Western star signs in Korean, too!

Contents

• A Brief History of the Korean Zodiac Signs
• • The 12-year and 60-year cycle
• What’s Your Korean Zodiac Sign?
• • How to say “zodiac” in Korean
  • How to determine your Korean zodiac sign
  • Common phrases for talking about Korean zodiac signs
• The Korean Zodiac Signs and Their Personality Traits
• • 쥐 (Jwi) — Rat
  • 소 (So) — Ox
  • 호랑이 (Horangi) — Tiger
  • 토끼 (Tokki) — Rabbit
  • 용 (Yong) — Dragon
  • 뱀 (Baem) — Snake
  • 말 (Mal) — Horse
  • 양 (Yang) — Goat
  • 원숭이 (Wonsungi) — Monkey
  • 닭 (Dak) — Rooster
  • 개 (Gae) — Dog
  • 돼지 (Dwaeji) — Pig 
• How to Talk About Your Star Sign in Korean
• And One More Thing...

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A Brief History of the Korean Zodiac Signs

The Korean zodiac shares similarities with its Chinese counterpart, featuring a unique origin story entwined with Korean mythology and beliefs. One popular Korean myth attributes the zodiac to a grand race organized by King Hwanung, son of the Heavenly King. Animals from across the land competed, crossing a treacherous river. The swift Rat, aided by the Ox’s back, secured first place, establishing the cycle’s order.

Other myths connect the animals to the Four Symbols of the cardinal directions and deities of time and orientation. This fusion of Chinese imagery with Korean mythology created a system deeply embedded in Korean cosmology and folklore.

The zodiac animals weren’t just birth signs. They were guardians, each associated with a specific direction and hour of the day, warding off evil spirits and protecting people. Their symbolism extended to personality traits, fortunetelling and even architectural features.

You can use your zodiac signs to assess potential relationships in dating, marriage and even business partnerships, since certain animal combinations are believed to be particularly harmonious or clashing.

Today, though, interpretations of zodiac signs leans toward more lighthearted personality assessments. 

The 12-year and 60-year cycle

In Korea, the zodiac system operates on two cycles: the 12-year cycle, known as 십이지신 (sibijisin) and the 60-year cycle, called 환신 (hwansin). Both play a significant role in understanding one’s age, personality and even compatibility with others.

The 12-year cycle features 12 animal signs. Each year is assigned one of these animals, repeating in the same order every 12 years. For example, if you were born in the year of the Ox, your next Ox year will come 12 years later. Each animal, in turn, is associated with specific personality traits, strengths and weaknesses.

The 60-year cycle combines the 12 animals with the five elements of wood, fire, earth, metal and water. This creates 60 unique combinations, each influencing the year’s character and energy. The five elements are represented by 십간 (shipgan) — the Ten Heavenly Stems, while the 12 animals are called 십이지 (sibiji) — the Twelve Earthly Branches. Combining these two creates the 60-year cycle.

The elements associated with the Korean zodiac signs are as follows:

• 금 (geum) — Metal
• 목 (mok) — Wood
• 수 (su) — Water 
• 화 (hwa) — Fire 
• 토 (to) — Earth 

Each animal and element combination in the 60-year cycle has a corresponding number, often influencing fortune-telling and divination practices. Some years within the 60-year cycle are considered especially auspicious for certain events like weddings, starting businesses or building houses.

A person’s 60th birthday is a major milestone, marking a complete cycle and often celebrated with a grand feast!

What’s Your Korean Zodiac Sign?

Do you know your zodiac sign? Find out what yours is below!

How to say “zodiac” in Korean

띠 (ddi) refers to the zodiac animal associated with one’s birth year. Each year has a corresponding animal. For example, if you were born in the year of the tiger, you would be a 호랑이 띠 (horangi ddi) or “tiger ddi.”  

How to determine your Korean zodiac sign

To determine your Korean zodiac sign, all you need to know is your birth year. The Korean zodiac is based on a 12-year cycle, with each year associated with a specific animal sign. You can get even more granular with the additional 60 year cycle. 

Here’s a chart representing the last 60 years—after which the pattern repeats. 

Common phrases for talking about Korean zodiac signs

Now that you’ve determined your Korean zodiac sign, you may want to talk to others about it. Here are a few common phrases for discussing zodiac signs in Korean:

• 띠가 뭐예요? (neoui ttineun mwoya?) — What’s your zodiac sign?
• 태어난 해가 언제예요? (taeeonan haega eonjehyo?) — What year were you born?
• 생일이 언제예요? (saengili eonjeeyo?) — When is your birthday?
• 저는 [zodiac sign] 띠예요 . (naneun [zodiac sign]-ttiyeyo.) — I am a [insert zodiac sign].
• [Zodiac sign] 띠는 보통 [trait] 해요 . (zodiac signttineun botong [trait]-hae.) — People born in the year of [zodiac sign] are usually [trait].
• 제 띠랑 어울리는 띠가 뭐예요? (nae tti-lang eoulrineun tti-ga mwoeyo?) — Which zodiac sign goes well with mine?

The Korean Zodiac Signs and Their Personality Traits

쥐 (Jwi) — Rat

Years: 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020

Compatible signs: Dragon, monkey, ox.

Personality traits: 

• 즐거운 (jeulgeoun) — Joyful
• 검약한 (geomyakhan) — Thrifty
• 노련한 (noryeonhan) — Resourceful
• 사교적인 (sagyojeokin) — Social
• 밝은  (balgeun) — Bright
• 비밀스러운 (bimilseureoun) — Secretive
• 관대한 (gwandaehan) — Generous
• 추진력 있는 (chujinryeok itneun) — Driven
• 논리적인 (nonrijeokin) — Logical

소 (So) — Ox

Years: 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009

Compatible signs: Snake, rat, rooster. 

Personality traits: 

• 근면한 (geunmyeonhan) — Hardworking
• 신뢰할 수 있는 (shinrohal su itneun) — Dependable
• 현실적인 (hyeonsiljeogin) — Down-to-earth
• 조용한 (joyonghan) — Quiet
• 체계적인 (chegyejeogin) — Methodical
• 인내심 있는 (innaesim itneun) — Patient
• 사나운 (chiyeolhan) — Fierce
• 고집스러운 (gojipseureoun) — Stubborn
• 강한 의지를 가진 (ganghan ujireul gajin) — Strong-willed
• 용감한 (yonggamhan) — Courageous

호랑이 (Horangi) — Tiger

Years: 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2023

Compatible signs: Dragon, pig, dog.

Personality traits: 

• 용감한 (yonggamhan) — Brave
• 부주의한 (bujuihan) — Careless
• 진실한 (jinsilhan) — Sincere
• 민감한 (mingamhan) — Sensitive
• 다정한 (aejeong itneun) — Affectionate
• 의심 많은 (uisim manheun) — Suspicious 
• 화를 잘 내는 (hwareul jal naeneun) — Quick to anger
• 결정력이 없는 (gyeoljeongryeoki eomneun) — Indecisive
• 예측할 수 없는 (yecheokhal su eomneun) — Unpredictable
• 반항적인 (banhangjeokin) — Rebellious
• 실용적인 (silyongjeokin) — Practical

토끼 (Tokki) — Rabbit

Years: 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2024

Compatible signs: Snake, monkey, horse.

Personality traits: 

• 도덕적인 (deok itneun) — Virtuous
• 배려심 있는 (baeryeosim itneun) — Considerate
• 운 좋은 (haengun itneun) — Fortunate
• 이해심이 있는 (gonggamneungryeok itneun) — Empathetic
• 조심스러운 (josimseureoun) — Cautious
• 친근한 (chingeunhan) — Friendly
• 사려 깊은 (saryeo gipeun) — Thoughtful
• 사교적인 (sagyojeokin) — Sociable

용 (Yong) — Dragon

Years: 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2025

Compatible signs: Monkey, rat, rooster.

Personality traits: 

• 활기 넘치는 (hwalgi neomchineun) — Energetic
• 유머 감각 있는 (yumeo gamgak itneun) — Humorous
• 능력 있는 (neungryeok itneun) — Capable
• 이상주의적인 (isangjuuijeokin) — Idealistic
• 야심 있는 (yasim itneun) — Ambitious
• 지나치게 자신만만한 (jamansim itneun) — Over-confident
• 성질이 급한 (seonggeuphan) — Short-tempered
• 고집 센 (gojip sen) — Willful
• 흥분을 잘 하는 (heungbunhagi swiun) — Excitable 

뱀 (Baem) — Snake

Years: 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013

Compatible signs: Ox, rooster, dragon.

Personality traits: 

• 현명한 (hyeonmyeonghan) — Wise
• 매력 있는 (maeryeok itneun) — Charming
• 허영심이 많은 (heoyeongsim itneun) — Vain
• 자기 중심적인 (jagi jungsimjeokin) — Self-centered
• 인색한 (insaekhan) — Stingy
• 돈을 잘 아는 (doneul aneun) — Money-savvy
• 교활한 (gyohwalhan) — Cunning
• 내성적인 (naeseongjeokin) — Introspective
• 직감력이 있는 (jikgamjeokin) — Intuitive

말 (Mal) — Horse

Years: 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014

Compatible signs: Tiger, dog.

Personality traits: 

• 쾌활한 (kwaehwalhan) — Cheerful
• 활발한 (hwalbalhan) — Active
• 인기 있는 (ingi itneun) — Popular
• 편안한 (pyunanhan) — Easygoing
• 분석적인 (buneokjeokin) — Analytical
• 업무적인 (eopmujeokin) — Businesslike
• 독립적인 (doklibjeokin) — Independent
• 고집 센 (gojip sen) — Headstrong

양 (Yang) — Goat

Years: 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015

Compatible signs: Horse, pig, rabbit.

Personality traits: 

• 온화한 (onhwahan) — Gentle
• 동정적인 (dongjeongjeokin) — Compassionate
• 수줍은 (sujupeun) — Shy
• 비관적인 (bigwanjeokin) — Pessimistic
• 쉽게 혼란스러워하는 (swige honlanseureowahaneun) — Easily confused
• 운이 좋은 (hHaengun itneun) — Lucky
• 끈질긴 (kkeunjilgeun) — Persistent
• 의지가 약한 (uijiga yakhan) — Weak-willed
• 망설이는 (mangseolineun) — Hesitant

원숭이 (Wonsungi) — Monkey

Years: 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016

Compatible signs: Dragon, rat.

Personality traits: 

• 머리가 잘 돌아가는 (binteumeopsi ppaleuge saenggakhaneun) — Quick-witted
• 다재다능한 (dajaedaneunghan) — Versatile
• 지적인 (jijeokin) — Intelligent
• 결단력 있는 (gyeoldanryeok itneun) — Decisive
• 냉담한 (naengdamhan) — Aloof
• 단호한 (danhohan) — Determined
• 혁신적인 (hyeoksinjeokin) — Innovative

닭 (Dak) — Rooster

Years: 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993. 2005, 2017

Compatible signs: Snake, dragon, ox.

Personality traits: 

• 단호한 (danhohan) — Assertive
• 자신만만한 (jashinmanmanhan) — Self-assured
• 공격적인 (gonggyeokjeokin) — Aggressive
• 말을 잘 하는 (woongbyunitneun) — Eloquent
• 솔직한 (soljikhan) — Outspoken
• 무모한 (mumohan) — Reckless
• 외향적인  (waehyangjeokin) — Extroverted
• 목표 지향적인 (mokpyojihyangjeokin) — Goal-driven
• 기분 변화가 심한 (gibun byeonhwaga simhan) — Moody

개 (Gae) — Dog

Years: 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018

Compatible signs: Horse, tiger, rabbit, pig.

Personality traits: 

• 똑똑한 (ddokddokhan) — Smart
• 체계적인 (chegyejeokin) — Organized
• 웃긴 (utgin) — Funny
• 진한 (jinjeonghan) — Genuine
• 충실한 (chungsilhan) — Faithful
• 믿을 만한 (miteul manhan) — Trustworthy
• 이기적인 (igijeokin) — Selfish
• 과잉 보호적인 (gwabohojeokin) — Overprotective
• 고집 센 (gojip sen) — Obstinate

돼지 (Dwaeji) — Pig 

Years: 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019

Compatible signs: Rabbit, sheep, dog, dragon.

Personality traits: 

• 두려움 없는 (duryeoum eopneun) — Fearless
• 충실한 (chungsilhan) — Loyal
• 사려 깊은 (saryeo gipeun) — Thoughtful
• 화를 잘 내는 (seonggeuphan) — Quick-tempered
• 내성적인 (naeseongjeokin) — Introverted
• 정직한 (jeongjikhan) — Honest
• 예술적인 (yesuljeokin) — Artistic

If you want even more vocabulary words and ways to talk about zodiac signs in Korean, the FluentU program can help.

How to Talk About Your Star Sign in Korean

If you’re from the West, you may be more familiar with the star signs. Find your sign below:

양자리 (yangjari) — Aries
황소자리 (hwangsojari) — Taurus
쌍둥이자리 (ssangdungijari) — Gemini
게자리 (gejari) — Cancer
사자자리 (sajajari) — Leo
처녀자리 (cheonyeojari) — Virgo
천칭자리 (cheonchingjari) — Libra
전갈자리 (jeongaljari) — Scorpio
궁수자리 (gungsujari) — Sagittarius
염소자리 (yeomsojari) — Capricorn
물병자리 (mulbyeongjari) — Aquarius
물고기자리 (mulgogijari) — Pisces

Then, use these phrases to get the conversation going:

• 네 별자리는 뭐야? (neoui byeoljarineun mwoya?) — What’s your star sign?
• 난 [insert star sign] 자리야. (naneun [star sign]-jariyeyo.) — I am a [insert star sign].

Talking about the zodiac in Korean is in the stars for you!

And One More Thing...

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