Exploring Korea’s beautiful valleys often reveals intriguing natural formations. This guide provides essential Korean phrases for tourists asking their guides about mysterious or unusual boulders they might encounter, helping you learn more about these fascinating landmarks.
Table Of Content
Core Expression
-
Expression: 신비한 바위
Pronunciation: sin-bi-han ba-wi
Meaning: Mysterious boulder/rock (This phrase combines ‘mysterious’ with ‘boulder/rock’.)
Basic Questions for the Guide
-
Expression: 가이드님, 저 바위는 뭐예요?
Pronunciation: ga-i-deu-nim, jeo ba-wi-neun mwo-ye-yo?
Meaning: Guide, what is that rock? -
Expression: 이 바위 이름이 뭐예요?
Pronunciation: i ba-wi i-reum-i mwo-ye-yo?
Meaning: What is this boulder’s name? -
Expression: 저 신비한 바위에 대해 설명해 주실 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: jeo sin-bi-han ba-wi-e dae-hae seol-myeong-hae ju-sil su it-na-yo?
Meaning: Could you please explain about that mysterious boulder? -
Expression: 저 바위는 유명해요?
Pronunciation: jeo ba-wi-neun yu-myeong-hae-yo?
Meaning: Is that rock famous? -
Expression: 왜 신비하다고 불려요?
Pronunciation: wae sin-bi-ha-da-go bul-lyeo-yo?
Meaning: Why is it called mysterious? -
Expression: 이 바위는 얼마나 오래됐어요?
Pronunciation: i ba-wi-neun eol-ma-na o-rae-dwae-sseo-yo?
Meaning: How old is this boulder? -
Expression: 어떻게 여기에 있게 됐어요?
Pronunciation: eo-tteo-ke yeo-gi-e it-ge dwae-sseo-yo?
Meaning: How did it come to be here? -
Expression: 더 가까이 가봐도 돼요?
Pronunciation: deo ga-kka-i ga-bwa-do dwae-yo?
Meaning: Can we go closer? -
Expression: 만져봐도 괜찮아요?
Pronunciation: man-jyeo-bwa-do gwaen-chan-a-yo?
Meaning: Is it okay to touch it? -
Expression: 이 바위에 얽힌 전설이 있나요?
Pronunciation: i ba-wi-e eol-kin jeon-seol-i it-na-yo?
Meaning: Are there any legends associated with this rock?
Describing the Boulder
-
Expression: 모양이 이상해요.
Pronunciation: mo-yang-i i-sang-hae-yo.
Meaning: Its shape is strange. -
Expression: 정말 커요.
Pronunciation: jeong-mal keo-yo.
Meaning: It’s really big. -
Expression: 독특하게 생겼어요.
Pronunciation: dok-teuk-ha-ge saeng-gyeot-seo-yo.
Meaning: It looks unique. -
Expression: 굴러떨어질 것처럼 보여요.
Pronunciation: gul-leo-tteo-reo-jil geo-cheo-reom bo-yeo-yo.
Meaning: It looks like it could roll down. -
Expression: 신기한 위치에 있네요.
Pronunciation: sin-gi-han wi-chi-e it-ne-yo.
Meaning: It’s in a curious location. -
Expression: 색깔이 특이해요.
Pronunciation: saek-kkal-i teu-gi-hae-yo.
Meaning: The color is unusual. -
Expression: 아주 오래된 것 같아요.
Pronunciation: a-ju o-rae-doen geot ga-ta-yo.
Meaning: It seems very old. -
Expression: 표면에 무늬가 있어요.
Pronunciation: pyo-myeon-e mu-nui-ga i-sseo-yo.
Meaning: It has patterns on its surface. -
Expression: 계곡에서 눈에 띄어요.
Pronunciation: gye-gok-e-seo nun-e ttui-eo-yo.
Meaning: It stands out in the valley. -
Expression: 정말 신비로운 느낌이에요.
Pronunciation: jeong-mal sin-bi-ro-un neu-kkim-i-e-yo.
Meaning: It really feels mysterious.
Understanding the Explanation
-
Expression: 다시 한번 설명해 주시겠어요?
Pronunciation: da-si han-beon seol-myeong-hae ju-si-ge-sseo-yo?
Meaning: Could you please explain that again? -
Expression: 좀 더 천천히 말씀해 주실 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: jom deo cheon-cheon-hi mal-sseum-hae ju-sil su it-na-yo?
Meaning: Could you speak a bit more slowly? -
Expression: [단어] 무슨 뜻이에요?
Pronunciation: [dan-eo] mu-seun tteu-si-e-yo?
Meaning: What does [word] mean? -
Expression: 잘 이해가 안 돼요.
Pronunciation: jal i-hae-ga an dwae-yo.
Meaning: I don’t understand well. -
Expression: 아, 그래서 전설과 관련이 있군요?
Pronunciation: a, geu-rae-seo jeon-seol-gwa gwal-lyeon-i it-gun-yo?
Meaning: Oh, so it’s related to a legend? -
Expression: 자연적으로 형성된 건가요?
Pronunciation: ja-yeon-jeo-geu-ro hyeong-seong-doen geon-ga-yo?
Meaning: Was it formed naturally? -
Expression: 어떻게 만들어졌어요?
Pronunciation: eo-tteo-ke man-deu-reo-jyeo-sseo-yo?
Meaning: How was it formed/made? -
Expression: 이런 바위가 또 있어요?
Pronunciation: i-reon ba-wi-ga tto i-sseo-yo?
Meaning: Are there other rocks like this? -
Expression: 정말 흥미롭네요.
Pronunciation: jeong-mal heung-mi-rom-ne-yo.
Meaning: That’s really interesting. -
Expression: 설명 감사합니다.
Pronunciation: seol-myeong gam-sa-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Thank you for the explanation.
Korean Culture Notes
When exploring natural sites in Korea, remember that nature holds significant cultural importance. Many mountains, rocks, and trees are associated with local legends, shamanistic beliefs, or historical events. Showing respect for these sites is crucial.
Always follow your guide’s instructions, especially regarding safety and preservation. Some areas or natural objects might be restricted to protect them or because they are considered sacred. Avoid touching or climbing on rocks unless explicitly permitted.
Listening attentively to your guide’s explanations can enrich your experience. They often share fascinating stories and local knowledge that you won’t find in guidebooks. Don’t hesitate to ask questions politely using the phrases learned.
Expressing gratitude to your guide (감사합니다 – gam-sa-ham-ni-da) after their explanation is a polite gesture that is always appreciated.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: A tourist (A) is hiking in a Korean valley with a guide (B) and notices a large, oddly shaped boulder perched precariously.
-
Expression: A: 가이드님, 저기 저 큰 바위 좀 보세요! 정말 신기하게 생겼어요. 저건 뭐예요?
Pronunciation: Ga-i-deu-nim, jeo-gi jeo keun ba-wi jom bo-se-yo! Jeong-mal sin-gi-ha-ge saeng-gyeot-seo-yo. Jeo-geon mwo-ye-yo?
Meaning: Guide, look at that big rock over there! It looks really strange. What is that? -
Expression: B: 아, 저 바위요? 저건 ‘선바위’라고 불리는 유명한 바위입니다. 보는 각도에 따라 다르게 보이고 좀 신비한 느낌이 들죠.
Pronunciation: A, jeo ba-wi-yo? Jeo-geon ‘seon-ba-wi’-ra-go bul-li-neun yu-myeong-han ba-wi-im-ni-da. Bo-neun gak-do-e tta-ra da-reu-ge bo-i-go jom sin-bi-han neu-kkim-i deul-jyo.
Meaning: Ah, that rock? That’s a famous rock called ‘Seonbawi’ (Standing Rock). It looks different depending on the angle and feels a bit mysterious. -
Expression: A: 선바위요? 왜 신비하다고 하는 건가요? 전설 같은 것이 있나요?
Pronunciation: Seon-ba-wi-yo? Wae sin-bi-ha-da-go ha-neun geon-ga-yo? Jeon-seol ga-teun geo-si it-na-yo?
Meaning: Seonbawi? Why do they say it’s mysterious? Is there something like a legend? -
Expression: B: 네, 옛날부터 이 바위에 소원을 빌면 이루어진다는 이야기가 전해져 내려옵니다. 특히 자식을 원하는 사람들이 많이 찾았다고 해요.
Pronunciation: Ne, yen-nal-bu-teo i ba-wi-e so-won-eul bil-myeon i-ru-eo-jin-da-neun i-ya-gi-ga jeon-hae-jyeo nae-ryeo-om-ni-da. Teuk-hi ja-sik-eul won-ha-neun sa-ram-deul-i ma-ni cha-jat-da-go hae-yo.
Meaning: Yes, there’s a story passed down from long ago that wishes made to this rock come true. It’s said that people especially hoping for children visited it often. -
Expression: A: 와, 정말 흥미롭네요! 저기까지 가까이 가볼 수 있어요?
Pronunciation: Wa, jeong-mal heung-mi-rom-ne-yo! Jeo-gi-kka-ji ga-kka-i ga-bol su i-sseo-yo?
Meaning: Wow, that’s really interesting! Can we go closer to it? -
Expression: B: 네, 저쪽 길로 가면 가까이서 볼 수 있습니다. 하지만 안전을 위해 너무 가까이 가거나 만지지는 마세요.
Pronunciation: Ne, jeo-jjok gil-lo ga-myeon ga-kka-i-seo bol su it-seum-ni-da. Ha-ji-man an-jeon-eul wi-hae neo-mu ga-kka-i ga-geo-na man-ji-ji-neun ma-se-yo.
Meaning: Yes, if we take that path, we can see it up close. However, for safety, please don’t get too close or touch it.
Practice Tips
Now you have the phrases to ask about that mysterious boulder you might see on your next Korean adventure! Try practicing these questions and descriptive phrases out loud. Imagine you’re talking to a guide~ You can also practice listening by searching for videos about famous Korean rocks or mountains.
Remembering the pronunciation, especially the syllable breaks, is key! Don’t be shy to use these expressions when you travel. Asking questions shows your interest and helps you learn more about the fascinating culture and nature of Korea. Good luck with your practice! 화이팅! (hwa-i-ting! – Fighting!/Good luck!)
