A celestial body visible in the night sky; a star.

Origin: The word '별' (byeol) originates from Middle Korean '별〯' (pyel), which itself is derived from Old Korean. It is thought to have been influenced by ancient terms for celestial bodies, potentially linked to proto-Korean-Japonic roots.Historical and Cultural Context: '별' has been used in Korean folklore and literature to represent guidance, destiny, and timelessness. Its presence in poetry and song underscores the cultural significance of stars as symbols of aspiration and eternity.Evolution: Over time, the pronunciation has shifted slightly from 'pyel' to 'byeol'. In modern Korean, it retains its original meaning. Cognates can be found in Japanese, where 'hoshi' (星) shares the celestial connotation, though the phonetic link is distant.Modern Relevance: Today, '별' is a common term in everyday language, often used metaphorically to describe someone exceptional ('별난 사람' - an unusual person) or in expressions of fate and dreams.

In Korea, the Big Dipper is often referred to as '북두칠성' (Bukdu Chilseong), meaning 'Northern Seven Stars', and holds cultural significance in both navigation and folklore.