By Bae Ji-sook
Staff Reporter

``Netizen,'' ``blog,'' ``download'' and some other newly coined but widely used terms have been listed in a Korean dictionary from this year.

In the new online version of the ``Korean Dictionary of Standard Language,'' at http://stdweb2.korean.go.kr, the National Institute of the Korean Language has added several words that reflect state-of-the-art information and technology, as well as social trends. Some of them were translated into Korean, while others kept their original English pronunciation.

``Nuriggun,'' (an Internet user) describes those active in cyberspace and was linked to ``Netizen,'' a compound of Internet and citizen. Blog was also explained as Web site where people can post their own articles, holiday pictures, diary entries, or columns. For usage it gave ``I have just posted holiday photos and comments on the blog,'' as an example in Korean.

In addition to new IT vocabulary words that have been co-opted by the industry were also listed. ``Banghwabyeok'' (firewall) had been described as a physical wall to prevent fires, but the newest version includes the definition ``a device to block outside infiltration of a computer.''

With Pluto kicked out as a planet, the dictionary also revised the solar system entry to reflect this.

``Myeongyetoejik'' (early retirement) was defined as quitting a job voluntarily without any pressure.

The new online version of the dictionary comes nine years since the latest 7,300-page-paper edition was published. ``More than 100 professionals here have been working since 2003 on about 500,000 words. The online version will give easy access to those who want to know about the Korean language,'' the institute said.

bjs@koreatimes.co.kr