Exploring historical sites is a highlight of visiting Korea, and knowing how to ask about them is essential. This guide provides key Korean phrases for tourists wanting to inquire about famous castle ruins (성터 – seong-teo) nearby, enabling effective communication with local guides or information centers. Learn how to ask for locations, details, and understand the responses to enrich your cultural journey.
Table Of Content
Core Expression
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Expression: 이 근처에 유명한 성터가 있나요?
Pronunciation: i geun-cheo-e yu-myeong-han seong-teo-ga in-na-yo?
Meaning: Is there a famous castle ruin nearby?
Basic Questions for Tourists
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Expression: 가장 가까운 성터는 어디에 있나요?
Pronunciation: ga-jang ga-kka-un seong-teo-neun eo-di-e in-na-yo?
Meaning: Where is the nearest castle ruin? -
Expression: 이 성터의 이름이 뭐예요?
Pronunciation: i seong-teo-ui i-reum-i mwo-ye-yo?
Meaning: What is the name of this castle ruin? -
Expression: 여기서 얼마나 멀어요?
Pronunciation: yeo-gi-seo eol-ma-na meo-reo-yo?
Meaning: How far is it from here? -
Expression: 거기에 어떻게 가나요?
Pronunciation: geo-gi-e eo-tteo-ke ga-na-yo?
Meaning: How do I get there? -
Expression: 걸어서 갈 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: geo-reo-seo gal su in-na-yo?
Meaning: Can I walk there? -
Expression: 버스나 지하철로 갈 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: beo-seu-na ji-ha-cheol-lo gal su in-na-yo?
Meaning: Can I get there by bus or subway? -
Expression: 입장료가 있나요?
Pronunciation: ip-jang-nyo-ga in-na-yo?
Meaning: Is there an entrance fee? -
Expression: 운영 시간이 어떻게 되나요?
Pronunciation: un-yeong si-gan-i eo-tteo-ke doe-na-yo?
Meaning: What are the operating hours? -
Expression: 오늘 문 열었나요?
Pronunciation: o-neul mun yeo-reon-na-yo?
Meaning: Is it open today? -
Expression: 지도가 있나요?
Pronunciation: ji-do-ga in-na-yo?
Meaning: Do you have a map? -
Expression: 영어 안내가 있나요?
Pronunciation: yeong-eo an-nae-ga in-na-yo?
Meaning: Is there information available in English?
Asking for More Details
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Expression: 이 성터의 역사에 대해 설명해 주실 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: i seong-teo-ui yeok-sa-e dae-hae seol-myeong-hae ju-sil su in-na-yo?
Meaning: Could you explain the history of this castle ruin? -
Expression: 언제 지어졌나요?
Pronunciation: eon-je ji-eo-jeon-na-yo?
Meaning: When was it built? -
Expression: 어떤 왕조 시대의 유적인가요?
Pronunciation: eo-tteon wang-jo si-dae-ui yu-jeo-gin-ga-yo?
Meaning: From which dynasty era is this ruin? -
Expression: 여기서 꼭 봐야 할 것이 있나요?
Pronunciation: yeo-gi-seo kkok bwa-ya hal geo-si in-na-yo?
Meaning: Is there anything specific I must see here? -
Expression: 둘러보는 데 시간이 얼마나 걸릴까요?
Pronunciation: dul-leo-bo-neun de si-gan-i eol-ma-na geol-lil-kka-yo?
Meaning: How long does it take to look around? -
Expression: 사진 촬영이 가능한가요?
Pronunciation: sa-jin chwal-yeong-i ga-neung-han-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is photography allowed? -
Expression: 가이드 투어가 있나요?
Pronunciation: ga-i-deu tu-eo-ga in-na-yo?
Meaning: Are there guided tours available? -
Expression: 근처에 식당이나 카페가 있나요?
Pronunciation: geun-cheo-e sik-dang-i-na ka-pe-ga in-na-yo?
Meaning: Are there restaurants or cafes nearby? -
Expression: 화장실은 어디에 있나요?
Pronunciation: hwa-jang-sil-eun eo-di-e in-na-yo?
Meaning: Where is the restroom? -
Expression: 이 유적의 중요성에 대해 알려주세요.
Pronunciation: i yu-jeo-gui jung-yo-seong-e dae-hae al-lyeo-ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please tell me about the significance of this ruin. -
Expression: 복원 계획이 있나요?
Pronunciation: bo-gwon gye-hoe-gi in-na-yo?
Meaning: Are there any restoration plans?
Potential Guide Responses
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Expression: 네, 근처에 유명한 [성터 이름] 성터가 있습니다.
Pronunciation: ne, geun-cheo-e yu-myeong-han [seong-teo i-reum] seong-teo-ga it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Yes, the famous [Castle Ruin Name] ruin is nearby. -
Expression: 저쪽으로 약 15분 정도 걸어가시면 됩니다.
Pronunciation: jeo-jjok-eu-ro yak si-bo-bun jeong-do geo-reo-ga-si-myeon doem-ni-da.
Meaning: You can walk that way for about 15 minutes. -
Expression: 버스를 타시는 것이 더 빠릅니다. [번호]번 버스를 타세요.
Pronunciation: beo-seu-reul ta-si-neun geo-si deo ppa-reum-ni-da. [beon-ho] beon beo-seu-reul ta-se-yo.
Meaning: Taking the bus is faster. Take bus number [Number]. -
Expression: 입장료는 성인 1인당 [금액]원입니다.
Pronunciation: ip-jang-nyo-neun seong-in il-in-dang [geu-maek] won-im-ni-da.
Meaning: The entrance fee is [Amount] won per adult. -
Expression: 운영 시간은 오전 9시부터 오후 6시까지입니다.
Pronunciation: un-yeong si-gan-eun o-jeon a-hop-si-bu-teo o-hu yeo-seot-si-kka-ji-im-ni-da.
Meaning: Operating hours are from 9 AM to 6 PM. -
Expression: 네, 사진 촬영은 자유롭게 하실 수 있습니다.
Pronunciation: ne, sa-jin chwal-yeong-eun ja-yu-rop-ge ha-sil su it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Yes, you can take photos freely. -
Expression: 아니요, 플래시 사용은 금지되어 있습니다.
Pronunciation: a-ni-yo, peul-lae-si sa-yong-eun geum-ji-doe-eo it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: No, flash photography is prohibited. -
Expression: 이 성터는 [왕조] 시대에 중요한 방어 시설이었습니다.
Pronunciation: i seong-teo-neun [wang-jo] si-dae-e jung-yo-han bang-eo si-seo-ri-eot-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: This castle ruin was an important defensive facility during the [Dynasty] period. -
Expression: 둘러보시는 데 약 1시간 정도 소요됩니다.
Pronunciation: dul-leo-bo-si-neun de yak han-si-gan jeong-do so-yo-doem-ni-da.
Meaning: It takes about 1 hour to look around. -
Expression: 영어 안내 팸플릿이 준비되어 있습니다.
Pronunciation: yeong-eo an-nae paem-peul-lit-i jun-bi-doe-eo it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: English information pamphlets are available. -
Expression: 화장실은 입구 오른쪽에 있습니다.
Pronunciation: hwa-jang-sil-eun ip-gu o-reun-jjok-e it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: The restroom is on the right side of the entrance.
Korean Culture Notes
Respect for Historical Sites: Koreans hold deep respect for their history and cultural heritage. When visiting castle ruins or any historical site (유적지 – yu-jeok-ji), behave respectfully. Avoid loud noises, littering, or touching fragile structures unless permitted.
Understanding 성터 (Seongteo): The term 성터 (seong-teo) specifically refers to the ‘site’ or ‘ruins’ of a castle (성 – seong). While some sites might have reconstructed walls or buildings, many are primarily foundations and remnants, valued for their historical significance.
Following Rules: Pay attention to signs regarding photography, restricted areas, and opening/closing times. Rules are generally well-enforced to preserve the sites for future generations.
Asking Politely: Using polite question endings like -나요? (-na-yo?) or -ㅂ니까/습니까? (-m-ni-kka/-seum-ni-kka?) is standard when asking for information from guides, staff, or strangers. It shows respect and increases the likelihood of a helpful response.
Local Pride: Many historical sites are points of local pride. Showing genuine interest in the history and significance of the place is often appreciated by locals and guides.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: A tourist (A) approaches a local tour guide (B) near a historical area.
Roles:
A: Tourist
B: Tour Guide
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Expression: A: 실례합니다. 이 근처에 유명한 성터가 있다고 들었는데요.
Pronunciation: sil-lye-ham-ni-da. i geun-cheo-e yu-myeong-han seong-teo-ga it-da-go deu-reon-neun-de-yo.
Meaning: A: Excuse me. I heard there is a famous castle ruin nearby. -
Expression: B: 네, 맞습니다. 저쪽에 보이는 [가상 성터 이름] 성터입니다. 아주 역사적인 곳이죠.
Pronunciation: ne, mat-seum-ni-da. jeo-jjok-e bo-i-neun [ga-sang seong-teo i-reum] seong-teo-im-ni-da. a-ju yeok-sa-jeo-gin go-si-jyo.
Meaning: B: Yes, that’s correct. It’s the [Fictional Castle Ruin Name] ruin you can see over there. It’s a very historical place. -
Expression: A: 아, 그렇군요! 여기서 걸어서 갈 수 있나요? 얼마나 걸릴까요?
Pronunciation: a, geu-reo-kun-yo! yeo-gi-seo geo-reo-seo gal su in-na-yo? eol-ma-na geol-lil-kka-yo?
Meaning: A: Oh, I see! Can I walk there from here? How long would it take? -
Expression: B: 네, 걸어서 약 10분 정도 걸립니다. 언덕길을 조금 올라가셔야 해요.
Pronunciation: ne, geo-reo-seo yak sip-bun jeong-do geol-lim-ni-da. eon-deok-gil-eul jo-geum ol-la-ga-syeo-ya hae-yo.
Meaning: B: Yes, it takes about 10 minutes on foot. You’ll need to walk up a small hill. -
Expression: A: 알겠습니다. 입장료는 얼마인가요? 그리고 역사에 대해 간단히 알려주실 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: al-get-seum-ni-da. ip-jang-nyo-neun eol-ma-in-ga-yo? geu-ri-go yeok-sa-e dae-hae gan-dan-hi al-lyeo-ju-sil su in-na-yo?
Meaning: A: Understood. How much is the entrance fee? And could you briefly tell me about its history? -
Expression: B: 입장료는 2,000원입니다. 이 성터는 신라 시대에 지어진 중요한 산성 유적입니다. 자세한 내용은 입구에 안내판이 있습니다.
Pronunciation: ip-jang-nyo-neun i-cheon-won-im-ni-da. i seong-teo-neun sil-la si-dae-e ji-eo-jin jung-yo-han san-seong yu-jeo-gim-ni-da. ja-se-han nae-yong-eun ip-gu-e an-nae-pan-i it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: B: The entrance fee is 2,000 won. This ruin is an important mountain fortress site built during the Silla period. There’s an information board at the entrance with more details. -
Expression: A: 감사합니다! 정말 도움이 많이 됐어요.
Pronunciation: gam-sa-ham-ni-da! jeong-mal do-um-i ma-ni dwaet-seo-yo.
Meaning: A: Thank you! That was very helpful. -
Expression: B: 천만에요. 즐거운 관람 되세요!
Pronunciation: cheon-ma-ne-yo. jeul-geo-un gwal-lam doe-se-yo!
Meaning: B: You’re welcome. Enjoy your visit!
Practice Tips
Practice makes perfect~! Try using these phrases when you visit tourist information centers or historical sites in Korea. Role-playing the conversation example with a friend or language partner can also be very helpful. Don’t be afraid to ask questions; most guides and staff are happy to help tourists interested in Korean history! Listen carefully to the pronunciation and try mimicking the sounds. 화이팅! (hwa-i-ting! – You can do it!)
