When exploring parks or historical sites in Korea, you might encounter impressive statues and want to learn more about them. This guide provides essential Korean phrases for tourists asking a guide about a famous statue, covering everything from basic identification to historical significance.
Table Of Content
Key Phrase: Famous Statue
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Expression: 유명한 동상
Pronunciation: yu-myeong-han dong-sang
Meaning: Famous statue
Asking Basic Questions
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Expression: 저 동상은 무엇인가요?
Pronunciation: jeo dong-sang-eun mu-eot-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: What is that statue? -
Expression: 이 동상의 이름이 뭐예요?
Pronunciation: i dong-sang-ui i-reum-i mwo-ye-yo?
Meaning: What is the name of this statue? -
Expression: 누구의 동상이에요?
Pronunciation: nu-gu-ui dong-sang-i-e-yo?
Meaning: Whose statue is this? -
Expression: 이 사람은 누구예요?
Pronunciation: i sa-ram-eun nu-gu-ye-yo?
Meaning: Who is this person? (Referring to the figure depicted) -
Expression: 이것은 유명한 동상인가요?
Pronunciation: i-geot-eun yu-myeong-han dong-sang-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is this a famous statue? -
Expression: 이 동상에 대해 설명해 주실 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: i dong-sang-e dae-hae seol-myeong-hae ju-sil su in-na-yo?
Meaning: Could you explain about this statue? -
Expression: 언제 만들어졌어요?
Pronunciation: eon-je man-deur-eo-jyeot-eo-yo?
Meaning: When was it made? -
Expression: 누가 만들었어요?
Pronunciation: nu-ga man-deur-eot-eo-yo?
Meaning: Who made it? -
Expression: 재료가 뭐예요?
Pronunciation: jae-ryo-ga mwo-ye-yo?
Meaning: What is the material? -
Expression: 이 공원에 왜 이 동상이 있나요?
Pronunciation: i gong-won-e wae i dong-sang-i in-na-yo?
Meaning: Why is this statue in this park?
Questions About History and Significance
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Expression: 이 동상은 어떤 의미가 있나요?
Pronunciation: i dong-sang-eun eo-tteon ui-mi-ga in-na-yo?
Meaning: What meaning does this statue have? / What does this statue signify? -
Expression: 이 동상은 누구를 기리는 건가요?
Pronunciation: i dong-sang-eun nu-gu-reul gi-ri-neun geon-ga-yo?
Meaning: Who does this statue commemorate? -
Expression: 역사적인 배경이 있나요?
Pronunciation: yeok-sa-jeok-in bae-gyeong-i in-na-yo?
Meaning: Does it have a historical background? -
Expression: 이 인물은 한국 역사에서 중요한가요?
Pronunciation: i in-mul-eun han-guk yeok-sa-e-seo jung-yo-han-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is this figure important in Korean history? -
Expression: 이 동상과 관련된 이야기가 있나요?
Pronunciation: i dong-sang-gwa gwan-ryeon-doen i-ya-gi-ga in-na-yo?
Meaning: Is there a story related to this statue? -
Expression: 왜 이 장소에 세워졌나요?
Pronunciation: wae i jang-so-e se-wo-jyeon-na-yo?
Meaning: Why was it erected in this location? -
Expression: 이 동상의 상징적인 의미는 무엇인가요?
Pronunciation: i dong-sang-ui sang-jing-jeok-in ui-mi-neun mu-eot-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: What is the symbolic meaning of this statue? -
Expression: 이 인물의 업적은 무엇인가요?
Pronunciation: i in-mul-ui eop-jeok-eun mu-eot-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: What are the achievements of this figure? -
Expression: 이 동상이 만들어진 시대는 어땠나요?
Pronunciation: i dong-sang-i man-deur-eo-jin si-dae-neun eo-ttaen-na-yo?
Meaning: What was the era like when this statue was made? -
Expression: 비슷한 다른 동상도 있나요?
Pronunciation: bi-seut-han da-reun dong-sang-do in-na-yo?
Meaning: Are there other similar statues?
Interacting with the Guide
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Expression: 좀 더 자세히 설명해 주시겠어요?
Pronunciation: jom deo ja-se-hi seol-myeong-hae ju-si-get-eo-yo?
Meaning: Could you explain in a bit more detail? -
Expression: 죄송하지만, 다시 한번 말씀해 주시겠어요?
Pronunciation: joe-song-ha-ji-man, da-si han-beon mal-sseum-hae ju-si-get-eo-yo?
Meaning: I’m sorry, could you please say that again? -
Expression: 천천히 말씀해 주세요.
Pronunciation: cheon-cheon-hi mal-sseum-hae ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please speak slowly. -
Expression: 여기서 사진 찍어도 되나요?
Pronunciation: yeo-gi-seo sa-jin jjik-eo-do doe-na-yo?
Meaning: May I take a picture here? -
Expression: 동상 가까이 가도 괜찮아요?
Pronunciation: dong-sang ga-kka-i ga-do gwaen-chan-a-yo?
Meaning: Is it okay to go closer to the statue? -
Expression: 설명 감사합니다.
Pronunciation: seol-myeong gam-sa-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Thank you for the explanation. -
Expression: 아주 흥미롭네요.
Pronunciation: a-ju heung-mi-rom-ne-yo.
Meaning: That’s very interesting. -
Expression: 이해했어요.
Pronunciation: i-hae-haet-eo-yo.
Meaning: I understand. -
Expression: 혹시 관련 자료가 있나요?
Pronunciation: hok-si gwan-ryeon ja-ryo-ga in-na-yo?
Meaning: Are there perhaps any related materials (like brochures)? -
Expression: 다음 장소는 어디인가요?
Pronunciation: da-eum jang-so-neun eo-di-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: Where is the next place (on the tour)?
Cultural Notes on Statues and Guides
Many statues in Korean parks commemorate historical figures like kings, admirals, scholars, or independence activists. Understanding who they are provides insight into Korean history and values.
When interacting with guides, using polite language (like the phrases provided, which often end in -요 [-yo] or -ㅂ니다/습니다 [-mnida/-seumnida]) is appreciated. Showing genuine interest is always welcome.
Some statues, especially older or culturally significant ones, might have restrictions on touching or getting too close. Always check for signs or ask your guide if unsure (e.g., “만져도 되나요?” [man-jyeo-do doe-na-yo?] – May I touch it?).
Guides often appreciate questions as it shows engagement. Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification if you don’t understand something; it’s better than pretending to understand.
Parks in Korea are often well-maintained public spaces. Remember general etiquette like not littering and keeping noise levels reasonable, especially near memorials or statues.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: A tourist (A) is in a park with a tour guide (B) and stops in front of a large statue of Admiral Yi Sun-sin.
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Expression: A: 가이드님, 저 동상은 누구의 동상이에요? 아주 인상적이네요.
Pronunciation: ga-i-deu-nim, jeo dong-sang-eun nu-gu-ui dong-sang-i-e-yo? a-ju in-sang-jeok-i-ne-yo.
Meaning: A: Guide, whose statue is that? It’s very impressive. -
Expression: B: 아, 이분은 이순신 장군입니다. 한국 역사상 가장 위대한 해군 제독 중 한 분이시죠.
Pronunciation: a, i-bun-eun i-sun-sin jang-gun-im-ni-da. han-guk yeok-sa-sang ga-jang wi-dae-han hae-gun je-dok jung han bun-i-si-jyo.
Meaning: B: Ah, this is Admiral Yi Sun-sin. He is one of the greatest naval commanders in Korean history. -
Expression: A: 이순신 장군이요? 이 동상은 언제 만들어졌어요?
Pronunciation: i-sun-sin jang-gun-i-yo? i dong-sang-eun eon-je man-deur-eo-jyeot-eo-yo?
Meaning: A: Admiral Yi Sun-sin? When was this statue made? -
Expression: B: 이 동상은 1968년에 세워졌습니다. 국민들의 존경심을 표현하기 위해 만들어졌어요.
Pronunciation: i dong-sang-eun cheon-gu-baek-yuk-sip-pal-nyeon-e se-wo-jyeot-seum-ni-da. guk-min-deur-ui jon-gyeong-sim-eul pyo-hyeon-ha-gi wi-hae man-deur-eo-jyeot-eo-yo.
Meaning: B: This statue was erected in 1968. It was made to express the people’s respect. -
Expression: A: 그렇군요. 이 동상과 관련된 특별한 이야기가 있나요?
Pronunciation: geu-reo-kun-yo. i dong-sang-gwa gwan-ryeon-doen teuk-byeol-han i-ya-gi-ga in-na-yo?
Meaning: A: I see. Is there a special story related to this statue? -
Expression: B: 네, 이순신 장군은 임진왜란 때 일본 수군을 상대로 수많은 해전에서 승리하셨습니다. 특히 거북선을 활용한 전술로 유명합니다.
Pronunciation: ne, i-sun-sin jang-gun-eun im-jin-wae-ran ttae il-bon su-gun-eul sang-dae-ro su-man-eun hae-jeon-e-seo seung-ri-ha-syeot-seum-ni-da. teuk-hi geo-buk-seon-eul hwal-yong-han jeon-sul-lo yu-myeong-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: B: Yes, Admiral Yi Sun-sin won numerous naval battles against the Japanese navy during the Imjin War. He is particularly famous for his tactics using the Turtle Ship. -
Expression: A: 와, 정말 흥미롭네요! 설명 감사합니다. 여기서 사진 찍어도 괜찮을까요?
Pronunciation: wa, jeong-mal heung-mi-rom-ne-yo! seol-myeong gam-sa-ham-ni-da. yeo-gi-seo sa-jin jjik-eo-do gwaen-chan-eul-kka-yo?
Meaning: A: Wow, that’s really interesting! Thank you for the explanation. Is it okay to take a picture here? -
Expression: B: 네, 그럼요. 편하게 찍으세요.
Pronunciation: ne, geu-reom-yo. pyeon-ha-ge jjik-eu-se-yo.
Meaning: B: Yes, of course. Feel free to take pictures.
Practice Tips
Mastering these phrases will greatly enhance your experience exploring Korean parks and historical sites! Try practicing them out loud, focusing on the pronunciation~ You can even role-play with a friend, one playing the tourist and the other the guide. When you visit a park in Korea, try using one or two simple phrases like “이 동상은 누구예요?” (i dong-sang-eun nu-gu-ye-yo?) or “설명 감사합니다” (seol-myeong gam-sa-ham-ni-da). Don’t be afraid to ask questions; it’s the best way to learn more about the culture and the language! 화이팅! (hwaiting! – You can do it!)
