What Is English Sijo?
Sijo (시조) is Korea's best-known traditional poetic form, with a history of more than 700 years. Like the sonnet in English or the haiku in Japanese, Sijo is a deeply respected form still written and enjoyed today. An English Sijo adapts the spirit and structure of traditional Korean Sijo into the English language while preserving its essential characteristics.
Basic Structure (3 Lines)
Line 1 · Introduction — Present an image, situation, observation, or idea
Line 2 · Development — Expand, deepen, or develop the theme
Line 3 · Turn & Resolution — Begin with a 3-syllable (or 3-word) twist, then resolve
Total syllables: approximately 40–60 (flexible for English)
Rhyme is not required
What Makes a Good Sijo?
▪ Expresses a vivid image or meaningful experience
▪ Uses clear and concise language
▪ Develops a thought or feeling through the first two lines
▪ Provides a fresh insight or emotional resonance in the final line
▪ Leaves the reader with something to reflect upon
Themes
Nature · Family · Friendship · Love · Memory · Identity · Community · Culture · Hope · Contemporary Life
Both personal and universal themes are welcome
Sample English Sijo
— Inspired by listening to BTS
— Anonymous
They told us to be quiet, to disappear into the crowd and never rise.
We ran through every storm together, chasing lights that no one else could see.
Still here now — not because the path was easy, but because we chose to bloom.
— Inspired by listening to BLACKPINK
— Anonymous
She walks into the room and every shadow steps aside to let her pass.
They said she'd never make it — now the world is spelling out her name.
How do you like that? The girl they tried to silence found her voice and roared.
— — —
Morning Light
Morning mist rises from the quiet river valley, sunlight finds its path.
A lone bird stirs the stillness, and the hills remember what they dreamed at night.
Even darkness — held its breath a moment, then let go, and gave way to light.
Friendship
Years have passed between us, yet your laughter still returns like spring after snow.
We never said goodbye out loud — just left a door unlocked in case you came.
Still your voice — finds me in the quiet hours, and I am not alone again.
Hope
Dark clouds fill the heavens, still one bird continues singing through the storm.
The rain comes down in silver sheets, yet somewhere green things push up through the mud.
Morning is — not something given; it is something we must choose to greet.
