Asking About a Hidden Spring in a Canyon

Exploring natural landscapes like rocky canyons in Korea can be an exciting adventure. This guide provides essential Korean phrases for tourists wanting to ask their guide about specific natural features, such as a hidden spring, ensuring clear communication during your trek.

Key Phrase: Hidden Spring

• Expression: 숨겨진 샘
  Pronunciation: sum-gyeo-jin saem
  Meaning: Hidden spring (literally “hidden spring/fountain”)

Asking About the Location

• Expression: 가이드님, 이 근처에 숨겨진 샘이 있다고 들었어요.
  Pronunciation: ga-i-deu-nim, i geun-cheo-e sum-gyeo-jin saem-i it-da-go deul-eoss-eo-yo.
  Meaning: Guide, I heard there’s a hidden spring near here.
• Expression: 혹시 숨겨진 샘 위치를 아시나요?
  Pronunciation: hok-si sum-gyeo-jin saem wi-chi-reul a-si-na-yo?
  Meaning: Do you happen to know the location of the hidden spring?
• Expression: 그 샘은 어디에 있나요?
  Pronunciation: geu saem-eun eo-di-e it-na-yo?
  Meaning: Where is that spring?
• Expression: 이 협곡 안에 숨겨진 샘이 있습니까?
  Pronunciation: i hyeop-gok an-e sum-gyeo-jin saem-i it-seum-ni-kka?
  Meaning: Is there a hidden spring inside this canyon?
• Expression: 숨겨진 샘으로 가는 길을 알려주실 수 있나요?
  Pronunciation: sum-gyeo-jin saem-eu-ro ga-neun gil-eul al-lyeo-ju-sil su it-na-yo?
  Meaning: Can you tell me the way to the hidden spring?
• Expression: 여기서 얼마나 멀리 있나요?
  Pronunciation: yeo-gi-seo eol-ma-na meol-li it-na-yo?
  Meaning: How far is it from here?
• Expression: 그곳에 가려면 시간이 얼마나 걸릴까요?
  Pronunciation: geu-got-e ga-ryeo-myeon si-gan-i eol-ma-na geol-lil-kka-yo?
  Meaning: How long would it take to get there?
• Expression: 지도에 표시되어 있나요?
  Pronunciation: ji-do-e pyo-si-doe-eo it-na-yo?
  Meaning: Is it marked on the map?
• Expression: 이쪽 방향이 맞나요?
  Pronunciation: i-jjok bang-hyang-i mat-na-yo?
  Meaning: Is this the right direction?
• Expression: 저희가 가는 길 근처에 있나요?
  Pronunciation: jeo-hui-ga ga-neun gil geun-cheo-e it-na-yo?
  Meaning: Is it near the path we are taking?
• Expression: 샘의 정확한 위치가 궁금해요.
  Pronunciation: saem-ui jeong-hwak-han wi-chi-ga gung-geum-hae-yo.
  Meaning: I’m curious about the exact location of the spring.
• Expression: 쉽게 찾을 수 있는 곳인가요?
  Pronunciation: swip-ge cha-jeul su it-neun got-in-ga-yo?
  Meaning: Is it a place that’s easy to find?

Describing the Location (Canyon)

• Expression: 이 바위 협곡이 정말 멋지네요.
  Pronunciation: i ba-wi hyeop-gok-i jeong-mal meot-ji-ne-yo.
  Meaning: This rocky canyon is really amazing.
• Expression: 협곡이 깊고 좁아요.
  Pronunciation: hyeop-gok-i gip-go jop-a-yo.
  Meaning: The canyon is deep and narrow.
• Expression: 주변 경치가 아름다워요.
  Pronunciation: ju-byeon gyeong-chi-ga a-reum-da-wo-yo.
  Meaning: The surrounding scenery is beautiful.
• Expression: 바위가 많아서 길이 험해요.
  Pronunciation: ba-wi-ga man-a-seo gil-i heom-hae-yo.
  Meaning: The path is rough because there are many rocks.
• Expression: 이런 협곡은 처음 와봐요.
  Pronunciation: i-reon hyeop-gok-eun cheo-eum wa-bwa-yo.
  Meaning: It’s my first time visiting a canyon like this.
• Expression: 여기는 자연 그대로의 모습이네요.
  Pronunciation: yeo-gi-neun ja-yeon geu-dae-ro-ui mo-seup-i-ne-yo.
  Meaning: This place looks untouched by nature.
• Expression: 협곡 아래로 물이 흐르나요?
  Pronunciation: hyeop-gok a-rae-ro mul-i heu-reu-na-yo?
  Meaning: Does water flow down the canyon?
• Expression: 이 지역의 지형이 독특해요.
  Pronunciation: i ji-yeok-ui ji-hyeong-i dok-teuk-hae-yo.
  Meaning: The terrain in this area is unique.
• Expression: 햇빛이 잘 안 드는 곳도 있네요.
  Pronunciation: haet-bit-i jal an deu-neun got-do it-ne-yo.
  Meaning: There are places where the sunlight doesn’t reach well.
• Expression: 협곡 벽이 아주 가파릅니다.
  Pronunciation: hyeop-gok byeok-i a-ju ga-pa-reum-ni-da.
  Meaning: The canyon walls are very steep.
• Expression: 이런 곳에 샘이 있다니 신기해요.
  Pronunciation: i-reon got-e saem-i it-da-ni sin-gi-hae-yo.
  Meaning: It’s amazing that there’s a spring in a place like this.
• Expression: 공기가 아주 맑고 상쾌해요.
  Pronunciation: gong-gi-ga a-ju mak-go sang-kwae-hae-yo.
  Meaning: The air is very clear and refreshing.

Inquiring About the Spring

• Expression: 그 샘물은 마실 수 있나요?
  Pronunciation: geu saem-mul-eun ma-sil su it-na-yo?
  Meaning: Can we drink the spring water?
• Expression: 물이 깨끗한가요?
  Pronunciation: mul-i kkae-kkeut-han-ga-yo?
  Meaning: Is the water clean?
• Expression: 샘 주변은 어떤 모습인가요?
  Pronunciation: saem ju-byeon-eun eo-tteon mo-seup-in-ga-yo?
  Meaning: What does the area around the spring look like?
• Expression: 샘까지 가는 길이 안전한가요?
  Pronunciation: saem-kka-ji ga-neun gil-i an-jeon-han-ga-yo?
  Meaning: Is the path to the spring safe?
• Expression: 특별한 이야기가 있는 샘인가요?
  Pronunciation: teuk-byeol-han i-ya-gi-ga it-neun saem-in-ga-yo?
  Meaning: Is it a spring with a special story?
• Expression: 물이 차가운가요?
  Pronunciation: mul-i cha-ga-un-ga-yo?
  Meaning: Is the water cold?
• Expression: 샘 크기는 어느 정도인가요?
  Pronunciation: saem keu-gi-neun eo-neu jeong-do-in-ga-yo?
  Meaning: About how big is the spring?
• Expression: 사람들이 많이 찾는 곳인가요?
  Pronunciation: sa-ram-deul-i man-i chat-neun got-in-ga-yo?
  Meaning: Is it a place many people visit?
• Expression: 샘 근처에서 쉴 수 있나요?
  Pronunciation: saem geun-cheo-e-seo swil su it-na-yo?
  Meaning: Can we rest near the spring?
• Expression: 약수라고도 하나요?
  Pronunciation: yak-su-ra-go-do ha-na-yo?
  Meaning: Is it also called medicinal water (yaksu)?
• Expression: 물맛이 어떤가요?
  Pronunciation: mul-mat-i eo-tteon-ga-yo?
  Meaning: How does the water taste?
• Expression: 샘이 마르지는 않았나요?
  Pronunciation: saem-i ma-reu-ji-neun an-at-na-yo?
  Meaning: Has the spring dried up?

Expressing Interest and Appreciation

• Expression: 와, 정말 가보고 싶어요!
  Pronunciation: wa, jeong-mal ga-bo-go sip-eo-yo!
  Meaning: Wow, I really want to go see it!
• Expression: 숨겨진 곳이라니 더 궁금해요.
  Pronunciation: sum-gyeo-jin got-i-ra-ni deo gung-geum-hae-yo.
  Meaning: I’m even more curious because it’s a hidden place.
• Expression: 설명해 주셔서 감사합니다.
  Pronunciation: seol-myeong-hae ju-syeo-seo gam-sa-ham-ni-da.
  Meaning: Thank you for explaining.
• Expression: 좋은 정보를 알려주셨네요.
  Pronunciation: jo-eun jeong-bo-reul al-lyeo-ju-syeot-ne-yo.
  Meaning: You’ve given me good information.
• Expression: 기회가 되면 꼭 방문하고 싶어요.
  Pronunciation: gi-hoe-ga doe-myeon kkok bang-mun-ha-go sip-eo-yo.
  Meaning: If I get the chance, I definitely want to visit.
• Expression: 정말 흥미로운데요!
  Pronunciation: jeong-mal heung-mi-ro-un-de-yo!
  Meaning: That’s really interesting!
• Expression: 가이드님 덕분에 새로운 것을 알게 되었어요.
  Pronunciation: ga-i-deu-nim deok-bun-e sae-ro-un geot-eul al-ge doe-eoss-eo-yo.
  Meaning: Thanks to you, Guide, I learned something new.
• Expression: 자연의 신비가 느껴져요.
  Pronunciation: ja-yeon-ui sin-bi-ga neu-kkyeo-jyeo-yo.
  Meaning: I can feel the mystery of nature.
• Expression: 친절하게 답해주셔서 고맙습니다.
  Pronunciation: chin-jeol-ha-ge dap-hae-ju-syeo-seo go-map-seum-ni-da.
  Meaning: Thank you for answering kindly.
• Expression: 다음에 꼭 다시 와서 찾아봐야겠어요.
  Pronunciation: da-eum-e kkok da-si wa-seo cha-ja-bwa-ya-gess-eo-yo.
  Meaning: I should definitely come back next time and look for it.
• Expression: 오늘 투어 정말 만족스러워요.
  Pronunciation: o-neul tu-eo jeong-mal man-jok-seu-reo-wo-yo.
  Meaning: I’m really satisfied with today’s tour.
• Expression: 기대 이상이에요!
  Pronunciation: gi-dae i-sang-i-e-yo!
  Meaning: It’s beyond my expectations!

Cultural Insights for Hiking and Nature

When exploring natural sites like canyons and mountains in Korea, keep these points in mind. Many Koreans enjoy hiking (등산 – deung-san) as a popular leisure activity. Trails are often well-maintained, but it’s crucial to stay on marked paths to protect the environment and ensure safety, especially in rugged areas like canyons.

Natural springs, particularly those known for clean, drinkable water (약수터 – yak-su-teo), are often considered special places. It’s customary to approach them respectfully, avoid polluting the area, and take only a small amount of water if permitted. Sharing water or snacks with fellow hikers or guides is a common friendly gesture.

Guides (가이드 – ga-i-deu or 안내원 – an-nae-won) are usually knowledgeable about the local area, including hidden spots. Addressing them politely using 가이드님 (ga-i-deu-nim) shows respect. Listen carefully to their instructions, especially regarding safety in challenging terrains like rocky canyons.

Remember the principle of “Leave No Trace.” Pack out everything you pack in, including trash. Respect wildlife and plant life. Koreans value nature deeply, and showing respect for the environment will be appreciated.

Real Conversation Example

Situation: A tourist (A) is hiking through a rocky canyon with a local guide (B) and asks about a hidden spring they heard about.

• Expression: A: 가이드님, 이 협곡 경치가 정말 놀랍네요! 그런데 혹시 이 근처에 숨겨진 샘이 있다는 이야기를 들었는데, 사실인가요?
  Pronunciation: A: ga-i-deu-nim, i hyeop-gok gyeong-chi-ga jeong-mal nol-lap-ne-yo! geu-reon-de hok-si i geun-cheo-e sum-gyeo-jin saem-i it-da-neun i-ya-gi-reul deul-eot-neun-de, sa-sil-in-ga-yo?
  Meaning: A: Guide, the scenery in this canyon is truly amazing! By the way, I heard a story that there’s a hidden spring near here, is that true?
• Expression: B: 아, 네 맞습니다. 아는 사람들만 아는 작은 약수터가 있긴 합니다. 여기서 조금 더 들어가야 해요.
  Pronunciation: B: a, ne mat-seum-ni-da. a-neun sa-ram-deul-man a-neun ja-geun yak-su-teo-ga it-gin ham-ni-da. yeo-gi-seo jo-geum deo deul-eo-ga-ya hae-yo.
  Meaning: B: Ah, yes, that’s correct. There is a small mineral spring that only locals really know about. We have to go a little further in from here.
• Expression: A: 와, 정말요? 그 샘까지 가는 길이 많이 험한가요? 물은 마실 수 있나요?
  Pronunciation: A: wa, jeong-mal-lyo? geu saem-kka-ji ga-neun gil-i man-i heom-han-ga-yo? mul-eun ma-sil su it-na-yo?
  Meaning: A: Wow, really? Is the path to the spring very rough? Can we drink the water?
• Expression: B: 길은 조금 미끄럽고 바위가 많지만, 조심하면 괜찮습니다. 물은 아주 깨끗하고 시원해서 마실 수 있어요. 가보시겠어요?
  Pronunciation: B: gil-eun jo-geum mi-kkeu-reop-go ba-wi-ga man-chi-man, jo-sim-ha-myeon gwaen-chan-seum-ni-da. mul-eun a-ju kkae-kkeut-ha-go si-won-hae-seo ma-sil su iss-eo-yo. ga-bo-si-gess-eo-yo?
  Meaning: B: The path is a bit slippery and rocky, but it’s okay if we are careful. The water is very clean and cool, so you can drink it. Would you like to go see it?
• Expression: A: 네! 꼭 가보고 싶어요! 안내해 주셔서 감사합니다!
  Pronunciation: A: ne! kkok ga-bo-go sip-eo-yo! an-nae-hae ju-syeo-seo gam-sa-ham-ni-da!
  Meaning: A: Yes! I definitely want to go see it! Thank you for guiding me!

Practice and Explore!

Now you have the phrases to ask about that intriguing hidden spring during your canyon adventure in Korea! Try practicing these sentences aloud, focusing on the pronunciation~ Remember to use 가이드님 (ga-i-deu-nim) when addressing your guide.

Don’t hesitate to ask questions about interesting natural features you encounter. Exploring hidden gems often leads to the most memorable experiences! Enjoy your hike and the beauty of Korea’s natural landscapes!