Exploring historical sites is a key part of visiting Korea, and plazas often hold significant stories. This guide provides essential Korean phrases for tourists wanting to ask their guide about the history of a famous plaza, enabling deeper understanding and appreciation of Korea’s rich past.
Table Of Content
Core Expression
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Expression: 이 광장의 역사가 어떻게 되나요?
Pronunciation: i gwang-jang-ui yeok-sa-ga eo-tteo-ke doe-na-yo?
Meaning: What is the history of this plaza? (This is the most direct way to ask about the plaza’s history.)
Basic Questions About the Plaza
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Expression: 여기가 어디예요?
Pronunciation: yeo-gi-ga eo-di-ye-yo?
Meaning: Where is this place? / What is this place called? -
Expression: 이 광장 이름이 뭐예요?
Pronunciation: i gwang-jang i-reum-i mwo-ye-yo?
Meaning: What is the name of this plaza? -
Expression: 이 광장은 유명한 곳인가요?
Pronunciation: i gwang-jang-eun yu-myeong-han got-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is this plaza a famous place? -
Expression: 여기서 사진 찍어도 돼요?
Pronunciation: yeo-gi-seo sa-jin jji-geo-do dwae-yo?
Meaning: Can I take pictures here? -
Expression: 이 광장은 언제 만들어졌어요?
Pronunciation: i gwang-jang-eun eon-je man-deu-reo-jyeoss-eo-yo?
Meaning: When was this plaza built/created? -
Expression: 이 광장의 크기는 얼마나 돼요?
Pronunciation: i gwang-jang-ui keu-gi-neun eol-ma-na dwae-yo?
Meaning: How big is this plaza? -
Expression: 저 건물은 뭐예요?
Pronunciation: jeo geon-mul-eun mwo-ye-yo?
Meaning: What is that building over there? -
Expression: 여기 주변에 또 볼거리가 있나요?
Pronunciation: yeo-gi ju-byeon-e tto bol-geo-ri-ga it-na-yo?
Meaning: Are there other things to see around here? -
Expression: 이 광장은 왜 중요해요?
Pronunciation: i gwang-jang-eun wae jung-yo-hae-yo?
Meaning: Why is this plaza important? -
Expression: 사람들이 여기 왜 많이 와요?
Pronunciation: sa-ram-deul-i yeo-gi wae man-i wa-yo?
Meaning: Why do many people come here?
Asking Specifically About History
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Expression: 이 광장의 역사에 대해 설명해 주실 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: i gwang-jang-ui yeok-sa-e dae-hae seol-myeong-hae ju-sil su it-na-yo?
Meaning: Could you explain the history of this plaza? -
Expression: 여기서 어떤 역사적인 사건이 있었나요?
Pronunciation: yeo-gi-seo eo-tteon yeok-sa-jeok-in sa-geon-i iss-eot-na-yo?
Meaning: What kind of historical events happened here? -
Expression: 이 광장은 누구에 의해 계획되었나요?
Pronunciation: i gwang-jang-eun nu-gu-e ui-hae gye-hoek-doe-eot-na-yo?
Meaning: Who planned this plaza? / By whom was this plaza planned? -
Expression: 이름의 유래가 뭐예요?
Pronunciation: i-reum-ui yu-rae-ga mwo-ye-yo?
Meaning: What is the origin of the name? -
Expression: 이 광장과 관련된 유명한 인물이 있나요?
Pronunciation: i gwang-jang-gwa gwan-ryeon-doen yu-myeong-han in-mul-i it-na-yo?
Meaning: Are there any famous figures related to this plaza? -
Expression: 옛날에는 이 장소가 어땠나요?
Pronunciation: yet-nal-e-neun i jang-so-ga eo-ttaet-na-yo?
Meaning: What was this place like in the past? -
Expression: 이 광장의 가장 오래된 부분은 어디인가요?
Pronunciation: i gwang-jang-ui ga-jang o-rae-doen bu-bun-eun eo-di-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: Where is the oldest part of this plaza? -
Expression: 이 디자인에는 특별한 의미가 있나요?
Pronunciation: i di-ja-in-e-neun teuk-byeol-han ui-mi-ga it-na-yo?
Meaning: Does this design have a special meaning? -
Expression: 역사적으로 어떤 변화를 겪었나요?
Pronunciation: yeok-sa-jeog-eu-ro eo-tteon byeon-hwa-reul gyeokk-eot-na-yo?
Meaning: What historical changes has it undergone? -
Expression: 이 장소에 얽힌 이야기가 있나요?
Pronunciation: i jang-so-e eol-kin i-ya-gi-ga it-na-yo?
Meaning: Are there any stories associated with this place?
Understanding the Explanation
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Expression: 네, 알겠습니다.
Pronunciation: ne, al-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Yes, I understand. -
Expression: 죄송하지만, 잘 못 들었어요.
Pronunciation: joe-song-ha-ji-man, jal mot deul-eoss-eo-yo.
Meaning: I’m sorry, I didn’t hear that well. -
Expression: 다시 한번 말씀해 주시겠어요?
Pronunciation: da-si han-beon mal-sseum-hae ju-si-gess-eo-yo?
Meaning: Could you please say that again? -
Expression: 조금 더 천천히 말씀해 주실 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: jo-geum deo cheon-cheon-hi mal-sseum-hae ju-sil su it-na-yo?
Meaning: Could you please speak a little more slowly? -
Expression: 그게 무슨 뜻이에요?
Pronunciation: geu-ge mu-seun tteus-i-e-yo?
Meaning: What does that mean? -
Expression: “[단어]”가 무슨 뜻이에요?
Pronunciation: “[dan-eo]”-ga mu-seun tteus-i-e-yo?
Meaning: What does “[word]” mean? (Replace [단어]/[dan-eo] with the specific word) -
Expression: 아, 그렇군요.
Pronunciation: a, geu-reo-kun-yo.
Meaning: Oh, I see. / Oh, is that so? -
Expression: 이해가 잘 안 돼요.
Pronunciation: i-hae-ga jal an dwae-yo.
Meaning: I don’t understand well. -
Expression: 영어(다른 언어)로 설명해 주실 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: yeong-eo-(da-reun eon-eo)-ro seol-myeong-hae ju-sil su it-na-yo?
Meaning: Could you explain it in English (another language)? -
Expression: 더 자세히 설명해 주실 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: deo ja-se-hi seol-myeong-hae ju-sil su it-na-yo?
Meaning: Could you explain in more detail?
Expressing Interest and Gratitude
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Expression: 와, 정말 흥미롭네요!
Pronunciation: wa, jeong-mal heung-mi-rop-ne-yo!
Meaning: Wow, that’s really interesting! -
Expression: 정말 놀랍네요!
Pronunciation: jeong-mal nol-lap-ne-yo!
Meaning: That’s really amazing! -
Expression: 설명 감사합니다.
Pronunciation: seol-myeong gam-sa-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Thank you for the explanation. -
Expression: 덕분에 많이 배웠습니다.
Pronunciation: deok-bun-e man-i bae-wot-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Thanks to you, I learned a lot. -
Expression: 친절하게 알려주셔서 감사합니다.
Pronunciation: chin-jeol-ha-ge al-lyeo-ju-syeo-seo gam-sa-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Thank you for kindly letting me know. -
Expression: 정말 유익한 정보였어요.
Pronunciation: jeong-mal yu-ik-han jeong-bo-yeoss-eo-yo.
Meaning: That was very informative information. -
Expression: 이 장소가 더 특별하게 느껴지네요.
Pronunciation: i jang-so-ga deo teuk-byeol-ha-ge neu-kkyeo-ji-ne-yo.
Meaning: This place feels even more special now. -
Expression: 시간 내주셔서 감사합니다.
Pronunciation: si-gan nae-ju-syeo-seo gam-sa-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Thank you for your time. -
Expression: 정말 감동적이에요.
Pronunciation: jeong-mal gam-dong-jeog-i-e-yo.
Meaning: It’s really touching/moving. -
Expression: 기억에 남을 것 같아요.
Pronunciation: gi-eog-e nam-eul geot gat-a-yo.
Meaning: I think I will remember this.
Korean Culture Notes
Historical Significance: Many public squares and plazas in Korea are not just open spaces but sites of significant historical events, protests, or cultural milestones. Asking about the history shows respect and genuine interest.
Politeness (존댓말 – Jondaetmal): When speaking to a guide, who is often older or in a position of providing service, using formal language (ending sentences with -요/-yo or -ㅂ니다/-mnida) is crucial. The phrases provided here use polite forms.
Guide Interaction: Korean tour guides are generally knowledgeable and appreciate questions. Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification or repetition using polite phrases like “다시 한번 말씀해 주시겠어요?” (da-si han-beon mal-sseum-hae ju-si-gess-eo-yo?).
Symbolism in Design: Korean architecture and public spaces often incorporate symbolic elements related to history, philosophy, or nature. Asking about the design (“이 디자인에는 특별한 의미가 있나요?” – i di-ja-in-e-neun teuk-byeol-han ui-mi-ga it-na-yo?) can reveal deeper layers of meaning.
Expressing Gratitude: Clearly expressing thanks (“감사합니다” – gam-sa-ham-ni-da) after receiving information is a key part of polite interaction in Korea.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: A tourist (A) is with a tour guide (B) at Gwanghwamun Plaza in Seoul.
Roles:
A: Tourist
B: Tour Guide
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Expression: A: 가이드님, 여기가 광화문 광장 맞죠? 정말 넓네요!
Pronunciation: ga-i-deu-nim, yeo-gi-ga gwang-hwa-mun gwang-jang mat-jyo? jeong-mal neol-ne-yo!
Meaning: Guide, this is Gwanghwamun Plaza, right? It’s really spacious! -
Expression: B: 네, 맞습니다. 서울의 중심부에 위치한 아주 중요한 광장입니다.
Pronunciation: ne, mat-seum-ni-da. seo-ul-ui jung-sim-bu-e wi-chi-han a-ju jung-yo-han gwang-jang-im-ni-da.
Meaning: Yes, that’s correct. It’s a very important plaza located in the heart of Seoul. -
Expression: A: 이 광장의 역사가 어떻게 되나요? 뭔가 특별한 이야기가 있을 것 같아요.
Pronunciation: i gwang-jang-ui yeok-sa-ga eo-tteo-ke doe-na-yo? mwon-ga teuk-byeol-han i-ya-gi-ga iss-eul geot gat-a-yo.
Meaning: What is the history of this plaza? I feel like there must be a special story. -
Expression: B: 그럼요. 이 광장은 조선시대부터 중요한 거리였고, 현대에 와서는 민주화 운동 같은 역사적인 사건들이 많이 일어난 곳입니다. 저 앞에 보이는 동상은 세종대왕 동상입니다.
Pronunciation: geu-reom-yo. i gwang-jang-eun jo-seon-si-dae-bu-teo jung-yo-han geo-ri-yeot-go, hyeon-dae-e wa-seo-neun min-ju-hwa un-dong gat-eun yeok-sa-jeog-in sa-geon-deul-i man-i il-eo-nan got-im-ni-da. jeo ap-e bo-i-neun dong-sang-eun se-jong-dae-wang dong-sang-im-ni-da.
Meaning: Of course. This plaza has been an important street since the Joseon Dynasty, and in modern times, many historical events like democratization movements took place here. The statue you see over there is the statue of King Sejong the Great. -
Expression: A: 아, 그렇군요! 정말 흥미롭네요. 설명 감사합니다!
Pronunciation: a, geu-reo-kun-yo! jeong-mal heung-mi-rop-ne-yo. seol-myeong gam-sa-ham-ni-da!
Meaning: Oh, I see! That’s really interesting. Thank you for the explanation! -
Expression: B: 천만에요. 더 궁금한 점 있으시면 언제든지 물어보세요.
Pronunciation: cheon-man-e-yo. deo gung-geum-han jeom iss-eu-si-myeon eon-je-deun-ji mul-eo-bo-se-yo.
Meaning: You’re welcome. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask anytime.
Practice Tips
Learning these phrases is just the start! Try practicing them by yourself, maybe imagining you’re talking to a guide~ You can also watch Korean travel shows or documentaries about historical sites and listen for similar expressions. If you get the chance to visit Korea, don’t be shy! Try asking a guide or even a local (politely, of course!) about the history of a place you visit. Real-life practice is the best way to improve! 화이팅! (hwa-i-ting! – Fighting!/Good luck!)
