Who Are the MZ Generation in Korea?
The “MZ Generation” refers to a combination of Millennials (born ~1981–1996) and Gen Z (born ~1997–2010).
In Korea, this group is known for being digitally native, highly expressive, and trend-sensitive.
한국에서 MZ세대는 1980년대 초반부터 2010년 사이에 태어난 세대를 의미해요.
이들은 디지털 환경에 익숙하고, 자기표현이 강하며, 유행에 민감한 특징이 있어요.
They are reshaping Korea’s pop culture, fashion, workplace values, and even political attitudes.
1. Hyper-Trendy Fashion & Streetwear
Korea’s fashion trends change fast — often influenced by K-pop idols, influencers, and Instagram.
MZs mix high-end brands with streetwear, and love bold color choices, wide-leg pants, crop tops, and statement accessories.
한국 MZ세대는 하이엔드 브랜드와 스트리트 패션을 믹스해 자신만의 스타일을 만들어내요.
컬러풀하고 과감한 디자인이 인기예요.
Local brands like Musinsa, Andersson Bell, and Mardi Mercredi are especially popular among Korean youth.
2. Social Media & “Hot Place” Culture
Instead of asking, “What should we do?”, MZs ask, “Where’s the hot place?”
They seek out the newest cafés, pop-up stores, exhibitions, and photo spots — then post them on Instagram, YouTube Shorts, and TikTok.
요즘 MZ세대는 ‘무엇을 할까?’보다 ‘어디가 핫하지?’를 먼저 고민해요.
감각적인 공간에서 사진을 찍고 SNS에 올리는 게 하나의 문화가 되었어요.
Hashtags like #요즘애들 #핫플 #OOTD #갬성사진 trend daily on Korean feeds.
3. Memes, Slang, and Internet Humor
Korean MZs constantly invent new words and expressions, often based on puns or inside jokes.
Some recent slang includes:
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헬갓: Hell + God, refers to someone amazing in a difficult situation
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킹받네: “It makes me so annoyed that I feel like a king” (sarcastic)
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스불재: “Situation you brought on yourself but regret” (shortened phrase)
MZ세대는 새로운 말을 끊임없이 만들어내고, 그걸 유행처럼 퍼뜨려요.
밈과 유행어는 유튜브, 댓글, 온라인 커뮤니티에서 시작되는 경우가 많아요.
4. Value-Driven Consumption
This generation tends to spend money on what aligns with their beliefs.
They support eco-friendly brands, local creators, and socially responsible companies — and avoid ones they consider unethical.
MZ세대는 자신의 가치관에 맞는 소비를 중요하게 여겨요.
친환경, 소수자 존중, 동물 보호 등의 이슈에 민감해요.
That’s why even big companies in Korea now use “MZ 전략팀” to understand and respond to this group.
5. Career and Lifestyle Choices
Unlike their parents’ generation, many MZ Koreans value work-life balance, mental health, and flexible careers.
They’re more open to freelancing, remote work, or “gap years”.
정규직보다 프리랜서나 유튜버 같은 비전통적인 직업을 선호하기도 해요.
일과 삶의 균형을 중시하고, 자기 시간을 중요하게 여기는 경향이 있어요.
Final Thoughts
Korea’s MZ Generation is not just following trends — they are making them.
Understanding this generation is the key to understanding where Korean society is headed.
MZ세대는 유행을 소비하는 데 그치지 않고, 스스로 만들어가는 세대예요.
지금 한국을 이해하고 싶다면, 이들의 문화를 먼저 들여다보세요.
Whether you’re traveling, studying, or working in Korea, keep an eye on what the MZs are doing — because chances are, you’ll be doing it next.