Core Pattern Rule: Not only... but also...
This pattern, -은/는 물론이고, is used to present two related facts, emphasizing the second one by treating the first one as obvious or expected. It's equivalent to saying "not only A, but also B," or "A is a given, and B too."
Formation
It attaches directly to a noun.
Nouns ending in a vowel: Add -는 물론이고
노래 (song) → 노래는 물론이고 (not only singing)
강아지 (dog) → 강아지는 물론이고 (not only dogs)
Nouns ending in a consonant: Add -은 물론이고
밥 (rice/meal) → 밥은 물론이고 (not only meals)
맛 (taste) → 맛은 물론이고 (not only the taste)
Usage
The most common structure is [Noun 1]-은/는 물론이고 [Noun 2]-도 [Verb/Adjective]. The particle 도 (also, too) is almost always used with the second noun to reinforce the idea of addition.
영어는 물론이고 한국어도 잘해. / 노래는 물론이고 춤도 잘 춰. / 스테이크는 물론이고 파스타도 맛있어.
Synonyms & Differences: vs. -(으)ㄹ 뿐만 아니라
A similar pattern is -(으)ㄹ 뿐만 아니라, which also means "not only... but also...". However, there's a key difference in what they can attach to.
-은/는 물론이고
Attaches only to nouns.
It often carries a nuance that the first noun is an obvious, expected baseline.
Example: 공부는 물론이고 운동도 잘해요. (He's good at sports, not to mention studying.)
-(으)ㄹ 뿐만 아니라
Attaches to verb and adjective stems.
It can also be used with nouns by adding 이다 (e.g., 학생일 뿐만 아니라).
It's a more general connector for adding information without the strong nuance of the first item being "obvious."
Example: 그 배우는 연기를 잘할 뿐만 아니라 노래도 잘해요. (That actor not only acts well but also sings well.)
Tip: If you're connecting two nouns, -은/는 물론이고 is often more natural. If you're connecting two actions or states (verbs/adjectives), use -(으)ㄹ 뿐만 아니라.
김치는 물론이고 매운 음식은 다 잘 먹어. / 그 식당은 음식이 맛있을 뿐만 아니라 서비스도 좋아요. / 한국은 물론이고 해외에서도 유명해요.