The Must-Know Korean Word 퍼컬 to Use When Talking with Korean Youth

Eunji Jang
Oct 28, 2024
2 min read

Updated: Jan 10

💎 What you'll learn in this post

You'll learn about the concept of [peo-keol], how it's used in Korea, and how you can use it to express what's right for you.
With real-life examples and media references, including the hottest male leads in 2024 Korean dramas, Jung Hae-in and Hwang In-yeop, this post will guide you on how to use [peo-keol] in various everyday situations.

📌 Heads up before you read

In this post, [ ] indicates the actual pronunciation.

Overnight Sensation Words

⚡ Frequency of use in general

★★★★★

퍼컬[peo-keol]

Personal color, Color Analysis

[peo-keol] is short for 퍼스널 컬러[peo-seu-neol keol-reo],

✅ 퍼스널[peo-seu-neol]: Personal

✅ 컬러[keol-reo]: Color

🤔🔎 1. What is [peo-keol]?

[peo-keol] is a beauty concept used to find the colors that best match an individual’s skin tone, hair color, and eye color. It helps people choose clothes and makeup that harmonize with their appearance.

Now in Korea, many young people in their 20s to 40s are paying professionals to analyse their [peo-keol]. After discovering their ideal colors, they often dye their hair or buy makeup and clothes that suit their unique tones.

🤔🔎 2. The Expanding Meaning of [peo-keol]

In Korea today, [peo-keol] has evolved beyond its original concept of beauty to mean 'something that fits someone perfectly'.

Let’s take a look at how this word is used in Korea through two popular 2024 dramas starring actors Jung Hae-in (born 1988) and Hwang In-yeop (born 1991). Despite being in their 30s, both actors wore school uniforms in their latest works, Love Next Door and Family by Choice.

Despite being in their 30s, both actors wore the uniforms so naturally and looked so good that news outlets and fans alike commented:

"The uniform is totally his [peo-keol]!"

In this context, this means that the uniform suits them perfectly.

So, if you want to compliment someone, why not use the word [peo-keol]? 🥰🧡

Wait, not familiar with the concept of [peo-keol]? 🧐

Then watch this YouTube video of Girls' Generation's Taeyeon getting her [peo-keol] diagnosed. You’ll not only learn all about it but also see the whole process in action!

This one video will help you fully understand the concept of [peo-keol].

⬇ Check it out on YouTube ⬇

(English subtitles available)

💬 Real Korean Expressions in Conversation