Expressing “Worth Doing” in Korean || How to Use 만하다

Q: What's the difference between (을/ㄹ) 만하다 and -고 싶다?

(을/ㄹ) 만하다 expresses something is worth doing, while -고 싶다 simply shows desire to do it. For example, 보고 싶다 means “I want to see it,” while 볼 만하다 means “It’s worth seeing.”

Q: Can I use (을/ㄹ) 만하다 in the past or future tense?

Yes. The verb 하다 is conjugated for tense. Example: 볼 만했어요 (It was worth watching), 읽을 만할 거예요 (It will be worth reading).

Q: Can I use (을/ㄹ) 만하다 with adjectives?

No. (을/ㄹ) 만하다 is used only with action verbs to express the worth of an action, not a state or condition.

Q: Can I study Korean at LTL?

Yes! You can study with us in Seoul , in our Hongdae location , or online if you prefer learn from home. Contact us here if you have any questions

Home A2 Expressing "worth doing'' in Korean

HOW TO USE 만하다

The expression -(으)ㄹ 만하다 helps speakers describe actions or experiences that are worth the time, effort, or risk, or are bearable or tolerable.

This lesson will walk you through the meaning, structure, and usage of -(으)ㄹ 만하다, using vocabulary related to challenges (도전), effort (노력), and perseverance (인내).

만하다 SOMETHING IS WORTH DOING

The pattern -(으)ㄹ 만하다 means that something is worth doing or deserves to be done.

It can also suggest that something is bearable or acceptable, even if not perfect.

This structure is widely used to recommend experiences, reflect on past efforts, or encourage someone to try something challenging but rewarding.

PATTERN

Verb + (을/ㄹ) 만하다

한국어는 배울 만한 언어예요.	Korean is a language worth learning.
일이 힘들지만 해볼 만해요.	The work is hard, but it’s worth trying.

View More Examples:

이 식당은 줄 서서 먹을 만해요.	This restaurant is worth waiting in line for.
제주도는 한 번쯤 갈 만한 곳이에요.	Jeju Island is a place worth visiting at least once.
그 영화는 볼 만했어요.	That movie was worth watching.

Here are real-world examples using Korean vocabulary that describes challenges, persistence, and success—all themes where -(으)ㄹ 만하다 is commonly used.

Korean	Romanization	English
도전하다	dojeonhada	to challenge oneself
시도하다	sidohada	to attempt
노력하다	noryeokhada	to make an effort
인내하다	innaehada	to endure patiently
극복하다	geukbokhada	to overcome
참다	chamda	to bear, tolerate
해내다	haenaeda	to succeed, accomplish
버티다	beotida	to hold on, endure

Let’s have a look at those words in sentence examples:

도전 (Challenge)	이 프로젝트는 도전할 만한 가치가 있어요.	This project is worth the challenge.
노력 (Effort)	조금 더 노력할 만해요.	It’s worth putting in a little more effort.
극복 (Overcome)	그 어려움은 극복할 만했어요.	That difficulty was worth overcoming.
인내 (Patience)	긴 기다림이 인내할 만했어요.	The long wait was bearable.