🎵 K-Culture B2

갓생

gatsaeng

God-life (ultra-productive lifestyle)

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What it means

A portmanteau of the English word "God" and 생 (생활 life). Refers to a lifestyle of extreme productivity and self-discipline — waking up early, exercising, studying, and maximising every moment. Became widely used on social media.

Nuance & when to use

Positive and aspirational. Commonly used by younger Koreans. 갓생살기 (living the 갓생) is the act of pursuing this lifestyle. Reflects Korean hustle culture.

⚠ Common mistake

Thinking it means a perfect or ideal life in a general sense. It specifically refers to the highly productive, disciplined daily routine.

Example sentences

요즘 갓생 살려고 노력 중이에요. Yojeum gatsaeng sallyeogo noryeok jungieyo. I'm trying to live the 갓생 lifestyle these days.
갓생을 실천하는 사람들이 늘고 있어요. Gatsaeng-eul silcheonhaneun saramdeuri neulgo isseoyo. More and more people are putting the 갓생 lifestyle into practice.
새벽 5시에 일어나는 게 갓생의 시작이에요. Saebyo dasidsi-e ironaneun ge gatsaengui sijagieoyo. Waking up at 5 a.m. is the start of the 갓생.

See also

자기계발 루틴
References Naver Korean Dictionary ↗ 국립국어원 표준국어대사전 ↗ Wikipedia ↗
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More B2 lessons

정 jeong deep emotional bond / attachment / affection 뻔하다 ppeonhada Obvious / Predictable / Clichéd 아우르다 aureurda To encompass / Bring together / Unite
← 감성 고성 →

FAQ

When is this used?

Positive and aspirational. Commonly used by younger Koreans. 갓생살기 (living the 갓생) is the act of pursuing this lifestyle. Reflects Korean hustle culture.

What's a common mistake?

Thinking it means a perfect or ideal life in a general sense. It specifically refers to the highly productive, disciplined daily routine.

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