The heart has an extremely important role of pumping blood throughout the human body.  The organ that pumps blood and the emotions that people have are both referenced to by the term heart.

In Korea, the term for “heart” is “Shimjang” or “Ga-seum,” which is the literal heart in one’s chest. On the other hand, when talking about the emotions involving the heart, the word “Ma-eum” is used for heart. An example of the word heart used in an emotional sense is the phrase “Na-eui Ma-eum” which means “my heart.”  The sentence “Na-enun Ma-eum-i Ahpeuda” meaning “I am heartbroken” also uses the term “Ma-eum” to pertain to one’s emotional or mental condition. It should however be said that, more often than not, when Koreans use the term “heart” the first thing that comes to mind is the physical heart and not the emotional meaning of the word. So, people more often state “Na-eui Shimjang”  meaning “my heart” referring to the biological heart as if saying “Na-eui Ipsool” meaning “my lips” and “Na-eui Gwi” meaning “my ears” and “Na-eui Gan” which means “my liver.”

Here are a number of  vocabulary and expressions in the Korean language with the word “heart” being used. “Guhngang-han Shimjang” is a phrase referring to the literal “healthy heart.” “Na-eui Shimjang-eun Ddwinda” is a sentence which when translated means “My heart pumps.”  To say “young heart,” the phrase used is “Juhlmeun Gaseum” which also pertains to the physical heart.

The heart is frequently connected with feelings of emotion like love. On events like Valentine’s Day, people are demonstrative of their love and care.  Korea is one of the countries that celebrates Valentine’s Day.  In observance of this occasion, sweets particularly chocolates are exchanged between wedded partners to express their love. Sometimes, they also exchange cards. In the same way, there is yet another day in Korea, during which Koreans convey their love. This day is called “White Day.” Men can convey their love to their significant other on White Day. The guys gives gifts on White Day to show their love and they frequently give gifts of sweets like chocolate.

It is the heart which gives life to the different parts of the human body.  The heart is an organ that has a biological function but it is also frequently correlated with emotional feelings such as love. Three Korean words are used to speak about the “heart” namely “Shimjang,” “Ga-seum” and “Ma-eum.” If one wishes to speak about the heart in one’s chest, use “Shimjang” and “Ga-seum” but if one wants to refer to the feelings of the heart, it is appropriate to use “Ma-eum.