Convert Korean pyeong to square foot easily.

Imagine you’re browsing a sleek apartment listing in Seoul, and the description mentions a '32 pyeong" floor plan. If you grew up thinking in square feet, that number might leave you scratching your head. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Converting Korean pyeong to square feet is a common challenge for expats, designers, and global real estate enthusiasts. This guide breaks down everything you need to know, from the basic math to the cultural quirks behind these units.

Unit definitions

What is a pyeong (py)?

• Description: A traditional Korean unit of area, deeply rooted in the country’s history and daily life.
• Symbol: py
• Common uses: Measuring apartments, commercial spaces, and land in South Korea.
• Definition: 1 pyeong equals approximately 3.3058 square meters, or the area of a square measuring roughly 1.818 meters per side.

What is a square foot (sq ft)?

• Description: A standard imperial unit used primarily in the United States and a few other countries.
• Symbol: sq ft
• Common uses: Real estate, interior design, and construction in the US, Canada, and the UK.
• Definition: 1 square foot is the area of a square with 1-foot sides (0.3048 meters per side).

Conversion formula

To convert pyeong to square feet, multiply the pyeong value by 35.583. For the reverse, divide square feet by 35.583.

The formula stems from two steps:

1. Convert pyeong to square meters: py × 3.3058
2. Convert square meters to square feet: result × 10.7639

Combined: py × 3.3058 × 10.7639 ≈ py × 35.583.

Example calculations

1. A 5-pyeong studio apartment:
   5 py × 35.583 = 177.915 sq ft.
   That’s slightly larger than a standard one-car garage in the US.
2. A 1,000 sq ft office space:
   1,000 sq ft ÷ 35.583 ≈ 28.1 py.
   Useful to know if comparing properties in Seoul and San Francisco.

Conversion tables

Pyeong to square feet

Square feet to pyeong

The story behind pyeong and square foot

The pyeong’s origins trace back to Korea’s Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897), where it was part of a broader system of weights and measures. The term itself comes from the Chinese "ping," meaning "peace" or "flatness," reflecting its role in land distribution. Interestingly, during the Japanese occupation (1910–1945), Korea briefly adopted the tsubo—Japan’s equivalent of the pyeong—but reverted post-independence to preserve cultural identity.

Square foot, on the other hand, evolved from medieval English units. It became standardized in the 1950s as global trade demanded clearer imperial metrics. While Korea officially uses the metric system, pyeong persists in real estate as a nod to tradition. It’s a classic case of old habits dying hard, especially when they carry a cultural benifit.

Interesting facts

1. Pyeong in pop culture: Korean dramas often mention apartment sizes in pyeong to signify character wealth. A "40-pyeong apartment" signals luxury.
2. Global cousins: The Japanese tsubo and Taiwanese ping are nearly identical to the pyeong, simplifying regional trade.
3. Metric push: Since 2007, South Korea’s government has encouraged metric-only listings, but pyeong remains stubbornly popular.
4. Design impact: Interior designers convert pyeong to square feet to source furniture from US retailers.
5. Sports trivia: A FIFA-standard soccer field is about 7,140 pyeong (252,000 sq ft).

FAQ