1. What does it mean?
익절 is trading shorthand for taking profit. For a simple long holding, it usually means selling above the purchase price instead of leaving the gain unrealized. It contrasts with 손절, realizing a loss to exit.
Also written or said as ikjeol
2. The nuance
It describes the result of a transaction, not the ideal time to trade. Fees, taxes, and the type of position affect actual profit; no particular transaction is recommended here.
3. Examples
“친구는 수익이 난 상태에서 팔고 익절했다고 말했어.”
My friend sold while the position was profitable and said they had taken profit.
“평가 이익과 실제 익절은 다르다는 설명을 읽었어.”
I read an explanation of the difference between an unrealized gain and actually taking profit.
Sources
References support the meaning and usage. Example sentences are written for NoCapWiki.