The purpose of this study is to show semantic characteristics of two modern Korean verbs caluta and peyta, both of which mean "to cut", from the point of cognitive linguistics. In this study, I have analyzed the meaning of the two verbs through imagery of bases and profiles. One may have differing perspectives depending on the focus assumed, i.e. the focus may be on the base rather than on the profile, or alternatively, on the profile rather than on the base. This alternation presents a case where one`s cognitive experiences result in differential semanticization of near-synonymous words. These two verbs share the same meaning that the patient is separated from the original form by an instrument. However, the verbs can have different meanings in addition depending on the focus associated by each verb as to whether the verb places stress on the base or the profile. In the case of caluta, there is great emphasis on the outcome of being separated; whereas there is great emphasis on the process of separation in the case of peyta. Consequently, the verb caluta has more extended meanings than the verb peyta.