Exploring the Korean countryside can reveal hidden historical gems. This guide provides essential Korean phrases for tourists asking guides about lesser-known or forgotten castles, covering how to inquire about their existence, history, location, and accessibility.
Table Of Content
Core Concept: Forgotten Castle
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Expression: 잊혀진 성
Pronunciation: it-hyeo-jin seong
Meaning: Forgotten castle (This phrase combines ‘forgotten’ and ‘castle’.) -
Expression: 옛 성터
Pronunciation: yet seong-teo
Meaning: Old castle site/ruins (Often used for places where only remnants remain.)
Asking About the Castle’s Existence and Location
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Expression: 이 근처에 혹시 잊혀진 성 같은 곳이 있나요?
Pronunciation: i geun-cheo-e hok-si it-hyeo-jin seong ga-teun go-si in-na-yo?
Meaning: Is there perhaps a place like a forgotten castle around here? -
Expression: 가이드님, 잘 알려지지 않은 옛 성터에 대해 아시는 것 있으세요?
Pronunciation: ga-i-deu-nim, jal al-lyeo-ji-ji a-neun yet seong-teo-e dae-hae a-si-neun geot i-sseu-se-yo?
Meaning: Guide, do you happen to know anything about old castle ruins that aren’t well-known? -
Expression: 이 지역에 오래된 성곽 유적이 있다고 들었어요.
Pronunciation: i ji-yeo-ge o-rae-doen seong-gwak yu-jeo-gi it-da-go deu-reo-sseo-yo.
Meaning: I heard there are old fortress ruins in this area. -
Expression: 지도에 나오지 않는 성이 있다고 하던데요?
Pronunciation: ji-do-e na-o-ji an-neun seong-i it-da-go ha-deon-de-yo?
Meaning: I heard there’s a castle that doesn’t appear on maps? -
Expression: 그 성은 어디쯤에 위치해 있나요?
Pronunciation: geu seong-eun eo-di-jjeu-me wi-chi-hae in-na-yo?
Meaning: Around where is that castle located? -
Expression: 여기서 그 성터까지 얼마나 걸릴까요?
Pronunciation: yeo-gi-seo geu seong-teo-kka-ji eol-ma-na geol-lil-kka-yo?
Meaning: How long would it take to get to those castle ruins from here? -
Expression: 숨겨진 성곽을 찾고 싶어요.
Pronunciation: sum-gyeo-jin seong-gwa-geul chat-go si-peo-yo.
Meaning: I want to find a hidden fortress wall. -
Expression: 현지인들만 아는 그런 곳이 있나요?
Pronunciation: hyeon-ji-in-deul-man a-neun geu-reon go-si in-na-yo?
Meaning: Is there a place like that which only locals know about? -
Expression: 폐허가 된 성에 대한 정보를 얻을 수 있을까요?
Pronunciation: pye-heo-ga doen seong-e dae-han jeong-bo-reul eo-deul su i-sseul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Could I get information about a ruined castle? -
Expression: 그 성의 정확한 이름이 무엇인가요?
Pronunciation: geu seong-ui jeong-hwa-kan i-reu-mi mu-eo-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: What is the exact name of that castle?
Inquiring About History and Stories
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Expression: 그 성은 언제 지어졌나요?
Pronunciation: geu seong-eun eon-je ji-eo-jeon-na-yo?
Meaning: When was that castle built? -
Expression: 그 성에 얽힌 이야기가 있나요?
Pronunciation: geu seong-e eol-kin i-ya-gi-ga in-na-yo?
Meaning: Are there any stories related to that castle? -
Expression: 왜 잊혀지게 되었나요?
Pronunciation: wae it-hyeo-ji-ge doe-eon-na-yo?
Meaning: Why did it become forgotten? -
Expression: 어떤 역사적 사건과 관련이 있나요?
Pronunciation: eo-tteon yeok-sa-jeok sa-geon-gwa gwan-lyeon-i in-na-yo?
Meaning: Is it related to any historical events? -
Expression: 누가 그 성에 살았었나요?
Pronunciation: nu-ga geu seong-e sa-ra-sseon-na-yo?
Meaning: Who used to live in that castle? -
Expression: 전설 같은 것이 전해져 내려오나요?
Pronunciation: jeon-seol ga-teun geo-si jeon-hae-jyeo nae-ryeo-o-na-yo?
Meaning: Are there any legends passed down about it? -
Expression: 성의 원래 모습은 어땠을까요?
Pronunciation: seong-ui won-lae mo-seu-beun eo-ttae-sseul-kka-yo?
Meaning: What might the original appearance of the castle have been like? -
Expression: 이 성터의 역사적 중요성은 무엇인가요?
Pronunciation: i seong-teo-ui yeok-sa-jeok jung-yo-seong-eun mu-eo-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: What is the historical significance of this castle site? -
Expression: 관련된 기록이나 문헌이 남아 있나요?
Pronunciation: gwan-lyeon-doen gi-ro-gi-na mun-heon-i na-ma in-na-yo?
Meaning: Are there any related records or documents remaining? -
Expression: 이 성이 버려진 이유를 아세요?
Pronunciation: i seong-i beo-ryeo-jin i-yu-reul a-se-yo?
Meaning: Do you know the reason why this castle was abandoned?
Asking About Accessibility and Visiting
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Expression: 그 성터에 직접 가볼 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: geu seong-teo-e jik-jeop ga-bol su in-na-yo?
Meaning: Can we actually go visit those castle ruins? -
Expression: 가는 길이 험하지는 않나요?
Pronunciation: ga-neun gi-ri heom-ha-ji-neun an-na-yo?
Meaning: Isn’t the path to get there rough? -
Expression: 관람이 가능한가요, 아니면 그냥 폐허인가요?
Pronunciation: gwal-la-mi ga-neung-han-ga-yo, a-ni-myeon geu-nyang pye-heo-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is visiting allowed, or is it just ruins? -
Expression: 안전하게 둘러볼 수 있을까요?
Pronunciation: an-jeon-ha-ge dul-leo-bol su i-sseul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Can we look around safely? -
Expression: 특별한 허가가 필요한가요?
Pronunciation: teuk-byeol-han heo-ga-ga pi-ryo-han-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is special permission required? -
Expression: 대중교통으로 갈 수 있는 방법이 있나요?
Pronunciation: dae-jung-gyo-tong-eu-ro gal su in-neun bang-beo-bi in-na-yo?
Meaning: Is there a way to get there by public transportation? -
Expression: 주변에 다른 볼거리가 있나요?
Pronunciation: ju-byeo-ne da-reun bol-geo-ri-ga in-na-yo?
Meaning: Are there other things to see nearby? -
Expression: 방문하기 가장 좋은 시간대가 언제인가요?
Pronunciation: bang-mun-ha-gi ga-jang jo-eun si-gan-dae-ga eon-je-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: When is the best time to visit? -
Expression: 혹시 사진 촬영은 가능한가요?
Pronunciation: hok-si sa-jin chwal-yeong-eun ga-neung-han-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is photography allowed, by any chance? -
Expression: 안내 표지판 같은 것이 있나요?
Pronunciation: an-nae pyo-ji-pan ga-teun geo-si in-na-yo?
Meaning: Are there any guide signs or information boards?
Korean Culture Notes
When exploring historical sites in Korea, especially less-maintained ruins, keep these points in mind:
Respect for Heritage: Many old sites, even ruins (폐허 – pye-heo), are considered important cultural heritage. Avoid climbing on unstable structures or removing anything from the site.
Local Legends: Smaller, forgotten sites often have local legends or folk tales associated with them (전설 – jeon-seol). Asking locals or your guide about these can enrich your understanding beyond formal history.
Accessibility Challenges: Unlike major tourist attractions, forgotten castles or ruins might be difficult to access, sometimes requiring hiking or navigating unmarked paths. Be prepared and inquire about safety (안전 – an-jeon) beforehand.
Private Property: Some ruins might be located on private land (사유지 – sa-yu-ji). Always check if entry is permitted before venturing onto a site that looks unmanaged.
Preservation Efforts: While some sites are forgotten, others might be undergoing quiet preservation or research. Be mindful of any signs indicating restricted areas.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: A tourist (A) is talking with their local guide (B) while driving through the countryside, curious about potential hidden historical sites.
Roles: A: Tourist, B: Guide
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Expression: A: 가이드님, 이 주변 경치가 정말 아름답네요. 혹시 이 근처에 잘 알려지지 않은 오래된 성 같은 곳이 있을까요?
Pronunciation: ga-i-deu-nim, i ju-byeon gyeong-chi-ga jeong-mal a-reum-dam-ne-yo. hok-si i geun-cheo-e jal al-lyeo-ji-ji a-neun o-rae-doen seong ga-teun go-si i-sseul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Guide, the scenery around here is really beautiful. By any chance, is there a place like an old, not well-known castle nearby? -
Expression: B: 아, 네. 사실 이 산 너머에 사람들이 잘 모르는 작은 성터가 하나 있어요. 거의 잊혀진 곳이죠.
Pronunciation: a, ne. sa-sil i san neo-meo-e sa-ram-deu-ri jal mo-reu-neun ja-geun seong-teo-ga ha-na i-sseo-yo. geo-ui it-hyeo-jin go-si-jyo.
Meaning: Ah, yes. Actually, over this mountain, there’s a small castle site that people don’t really know about. It’s almost a forgotten place. -
Expression: A: 정말요? 와, 흥미롭네요! 그 성터에 대해 좀 더 말씀해 주실 수 있나요? 언제쯤 지어진 건가요?
Pronunciation: jeong-mal-lyo? wa, heung-mi-rom-ne-yo! geu seong-teo-e dae-hae jom deo mal-sseum-hae ju-sil su in-na-yo? eon-je-jjeum ji-eo-jin geon-ga-yo?
Meaning: Really? Wow, that’s interesting! Could you tell me a bit more about those castle ruins? Around when was it built? -
Expression: B: 정확한 기록은 부족하지만, 아마 고려 시대 후기나 조선 초기에 국경 방어를 위해 세워진 작은 요새였을 거라고 추정해요. 전쟁 후에 버려져서 잊혀진 것 같아요.
Pronunciation: jeong-hwa-kan gi-ro-geun bu-jo-ka-ji-man, a-ma go-ryeo si-dae hu-gi-na jo-seon cho-gi-e guk-gyeong bang-eo-reul wi-hae se-wo-jin ja-geun yo-sae-yeo-sseul geo-ra-go chu-jeong-hae-yo. jeon-jaeng hu-e beo-ryeo-jyeo-seo it-hyeo-jin geot ga-ta-yo.
Meaning: Exact records are scarce, but it’s estimated to have been a small fortress built for border defense probably in the late Goryeo or early Joseon period. It seems it was abandoned and forgotten after a war. -
Expression: A: 그렇군요. 혹시 저희가 잠깐 들러서 볼 수 있을까요? 가는 길이 많이 험한가요?
Pronunciation: geu-reo-ku-nyo. hok-si jeo-hui-ga jam-kkan deul-leo-seo bol su i-sseul-kka-yo? ga-neun gi-ri ma-ni heom-han-ga-yo?
Meaning: I see. By any chance, could we stop by briefly to see it? Is the path to get there very rough? -
Expression: B: 차로는 근처까지만 갈 수 있고, 거기서 한 15분 정도 걸어야 해요. 길이 잘 정비되어 있지는 않지만, 조심하면 괜찮을 거예요. 시간 괜찮으시면 가볼까요?
Pronunciation: cha-ro-neun geun-cheo-kka-ji-man gal su it-go, geo-gi-seo han si-bo-bun jeong-do geo-reo-ya hae-yo. gi-ri jal jeong-bi-doe-eo it-ji-neun an-chi-man, jo-sim-ha-myeon gwaen-cha-neul geo-ye-yo. si-gan gwaen-cha-neu-si-myeon ga-bol-kka-yo?
Meaning: We can only go near it by car, and from there, you have to walk for about 15 minutes. The path isn’t well-maintained, but it should be okay if we’re careful. Shall we go if you have time? -
Expression: A: 네, 좋아요! 꼭 보고 싶어요. 정말 기대되네요!
Pronunciation: ne, jo-a-yo! kkok bo-go si-peo-yo. jeong-mal gi-dae-doe-ne-yo!
Meaning: Yes, please! I definitely want to see it. I’m really looking forward to it!
Practice Tips
Ready to uncover Korea’s hidden history? Try using these phrases! When visiting historical sites or talking with guides, don’t hesitate to ask about lesser-known spots using “혹시 이 근처에…” (hok-si i geun-cheo-e… – “By any chance, around here…”). Practice asking about the history (역사 – yeok-sa) and accessibility (갈 수 있나요? – gal su in-na-yo?). The more you ask, the more hidden gems you might discover~ Good luck with your explorations!
