Exploring Korea’s beautiful coastline often involves seeking out unique natural features. This guide provides essential Korean phrases for tourists wanting to ask their guide about hidden grottos or sea caves located near the coast, enabling you to discover less-known scenic spots during your travels.
Table Of Content
Core Inquiry
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Expression: 이 근처에 숨겨진 해안 동굴이 있나요?
Pronunciation: i geun-cheo-e sum-gyeo-jin hae-an dong-gur-i it-na-yo?
Meaning: Is there a hidden coastal grotto/cave near here?
Asking About Specific Locations
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Expression: 해안가에 특별한 동굴 같은 곳이 있어요?
Pronunciation: hae-an-ga-e teuk-byeol-han dong-gul ga-teun got-i iss-eo-yo?
Meaning: Is there a special place like a cave along the coast? -
Expression: 숨겨진 명소를 찾고 있어요.
Pronunciation: sum-gyeo-jin myeong-so-reul chat-go iss-eo-yo.
Meaning: I’m looking for hidden scenic spots. -
Expression: 이 해안선 근처에 동굴이 있다고 들었어요.
Pronunciation: i hae-an-seon geun-cheo-e dong-gur-i it-da-go deur-eoss-eo-yo.
Meaning: I heard there’s a cave near this coastline. -
Expression: 혹시 아시는 비밀 장소 같은 곳이 있나요?
Pronunciation: hok-si a-si-neun bi-mil jang-so ga-teun got-i it-na-yo?
Meaning: Do you happen to know of any secret places? -
Expression: 가이드님, 이 주변에 잘 알려지지 않은 동굴이 있습니까?
Pronunciation: ga-i-deu-nim, i ju-byeon-e jal al-lyeo-ji-ji an-eun dong-gur-i iss-seum-ni-kka?
Meaning: Guide, is there a little-known cave around here? -
Expression: 그 동굴은 어디에 위치해 있나요?
Pronunciation: geu dong-gur-eun eo-di-e wi-chi-hae it-na-yo?
Meaning: Where is that cave located? -
Expression: 해안 절벽 아래에 동굴이 있다고 하던데요.
Pronunciation: hae-an jeol-byeok a-rae-e dong-gur-i it-da-go ha-deon-de-yo.
Meaning: I heard there’s a cave below the coastal cliffs. -
Expression: 사진에서 본 멋진 해식 동굴을 찾고 싶어요.
Pronunciation: sa-jin-e-seo bon meot-jin hae-sik dong-gur-eul chat-go sip-eo-yo.
Meaning: I want to find the amazing sea cave I saw in a picture. -
Expression: 이 지역의 숨겨진 보석 같은 곳을 추천해 주실 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: i ji-yeog-ui sum-gyeo-jin bo-seok ga-teun gos-eul chu-cheon-hae ju-sil su it-na-yo?
Meaning: Can you recommend a hidden gem-like place in this area?
Describing the Desired Location
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Expression: 사람들이 잘 모르는 곳이었으면 좋겠어요.
Pronunciation: sa-ram-deur-i jal mo-reu-neun gos-i-eoss-eu-myeon jok-ess-eo-yo.
Meaning: I hope it’s a place that people don’t know well. -
Expression: 해안가에 있는 작은 동굴이에요.
Pronunciation: hae-an-ga-e it-neun jag-eun dong-gur-i-e-yo.
Meaning: It’s a small cave on the coast. -
Expression: 물이 들어오는 해식 동굴인가요?
Pronunciation: mur-i deur-o-o-neun hae-sik dong-gur-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is it a sea cave where water comes in? -
Expression: 접근하기 어려운 곳인가요?
Pronunciation: jeop-geun-ha-gi eo-ryeo-un gos-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is it a difficult place to access? -
Expression: 배를 타야만 갈 수 있는 곳인가요?
Pronunciation: bae-reul ta-ya-man gal su it-neun gos-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is it a place you can only reach by boat? -
Expression: 자연적으로 형성된 동굴을 보고 싶어요.
Pronunciation: ja-yeon-jeog-eu-ro hyeong-seong-doen dong-gur-eul bo-go sip-eo-yo.
Meaning: I want to see a naturally formed cave. -
Expression: 경치가 아주 아름다운 곳이라고 들었어요.
Pronunciation: gyeong-chi-ga a-ju a-reum-da-un gos-i-ra-go deur-eoss-eo-yo.
Meaning: I heard it’s a place with very beautiful scenery. -
Expression: 파도가 깎아서 만든 동굴이 맞나요?
Pronunciation: pa-do-ga kkak-a-seo man-deun dong-gur-i mat-na-yo?
Meaning: Is it a cave carved by the waves? -
Expression: 지도에는 표시되지 않은 곳 같아요.
Pronunciation: ji-do-e-neun pyo-si-doe-ji an-eun got ga-ta-yo.
Meaning: It seems like a place not marked on the map. -
Expression: 입구가 좁은 동굴인가요?
Pronunciation: ip-gu-ga job-eun dong-gur-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is it a cave with a narrow entrance?
Follow-up Questions for the Guide
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Expression: 거기까지 가는 길이 안전한가요?
Pronunciation: geo-gi-kka-ji ga-neun gir-i an-jeon-han-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is the path to get there safe? -
Expression: 가이드 없이 혼자 가도 괜찮을까요?
Pronunciation: ga-i-deu eop-si hon-ja ga-do gwaen-chan-eul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Would it be okay to go alone without a guide? -
Expression: 밀물 때는 들어갈 수 없나요?
Pronunciation: mil-mul ttae-neun deur-eo-gal su eop-na-yo?
Meaning: Can you not enter during high tide? -
Expression: 특별히 준비해야 할 것이 있나요? (예: 손전등)
Pronunciation: teuk-byeol-hi jun-bi-hae-ya hal geos-i it-na-yo? (ye: son-jeon-deung)
Meaning: Is there anything special I need to prepare? (e.g., flashlight) -
Expression: 그곳에 가려면 시간이 얼마나 걸리나요?
Pronunciation: geu-gos-e ga-ryeo-myeon si-gan-i eol-ma-na geol-li-na-yo?
Meaning: How long does it take to get there? -
Expression: 가장 방문하기 좋은 시간대가 언제인가요?
Pronunciation: ga-jang bang-mun-ha-gi jo-eun si-gan-dae-ga eon-je-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: When is the best time to visit? -
Expression: 사진 찍기 좋은 장소인가요?
Pronunciation: sa-jin jjik-gi jo-eun jang-so-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is it a good place for taking photos? -
Expression: 근처에 다른 볼거리가 또 있나요?
Pronunciation: geun-cheo-e da-reun bol-geo-ri-ga tto it-na-yo?
Meaning: Are there other things to see nearby? -
Expression: 가이드님께서 직접 안내해 주실 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: ga-i-deu-nim-kke-seo jik-jeop an-nae-hae ju-sil su it-na-yo?
Meaning: Could you guide me there personally? -
Expression: 위험 요소는 없나요? (예: 미끄러운 바위)
Pronunciation: wi-heom yo-so-neun eop-na-yo? (ye: mi-kkeu-reo-un ba-wi)
Meaning: Are there any dangers? (e.g., slippery rocks)
Cultural Tips
Respect Nature: Many coastal areas and natural formations in Korea are protected or considered special. Avoid leaving trash, disturbing wildlife, or damaging the natural environment. Follow designated paths where available.
Check Tides and Weather: Coastal grottos can be dangerous or inaccessible depending on the tide and weather conditions. Always check the tide schedule (물때표, mul-ttae-pyo) and weather forecast before venturing out, especially to hidden or less-maintained spots. High tides or stormy weather can make exploration hazardous.
Safety First: Hidden coastal areas might have slippery rocks, unstable footing, or be difficult to access. Inform someone of your plans, consider going with a guide or companion, wear appropriate footwear, and carry essentials like water and a flashlight if needed. Don’t take unnecessary risks for a photo.
Listen to Local Advice: Guides and local residents often have the best knowledge about hidden spots, including safety concerns and accessibility. Trust their advice if they warn against visiting a certain area due to conditions or difficulty.
Private Property: Be mindful that some coastal access points or areas near hidden spots might be private property. Respect any signs indicating restricted access.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: A tourist (A) is talking to their local tour guide (B) while walking along a scenic coastal path.
Roles: A: Tourist, B: Guide
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Expression: A: 가이드님, 이 해안선 정말 아름답네요. 혹시 이 근처에 숨겨진 동굴 같은 곳이 있다고 들었는데, 아시나요?
Pronunciation: A: ga-i-deu-nim, i hae-an-seon jeong-mal a-reum-dam-ne-yo. hok-si i geun-cheo-e sum-gyeo-jin dong-gul ga-teun got-i it-da-go deur-eot-neun-de, a-si-na-yo?
Meaning: A: Guide, this coastline is really beautiful. I heard there might be a hidden cave or something similar near here, do you know of one? -
Expression: B: 아, 네. 여기서 조금 더 가면 사람들이 잘 모르는 작은 해식 동굴이 하나 있긴 합니다. ‘용굴’이라고 불리죠.
Pronunciation: B: a, ne. yeo-gi-seo jo-geum deo ga-myeon sa-ram-deur-i jal mo-reu-neun jag-eun hae-sik dong-gur-i ha-na it-gin ham-ni-da. ‘yong-gul’-i-ra-go bul-li-jyo.
Meaning: B: Ah, yes. If you go a little further from here, there is a small sea cave that people don’t know well. It’s called ‘Yonggul’ (Dragon Cave). -
Expression: A: 와, 정말요? 거기 가보고 싶어요! 가는 길이 많이 험한가요?
Pronunciation: A: wa, jeong-mal-lyo? geo-gi ga-bo-go sip-eo-yo! ga-neun gir-i man-i heom-han-ga-yo?
Meaning: A: Wow, really? I’d love to go see it! Is the path to get there very rough? -
Expression: B: 길이 명확하지 않고 바위가 좀 미끄러울 수 있어서 조심해야 합니다. 그리고 썰물 때만 안전하게 접근할 수 있어요. 지금은 시간이 괜찮네요.
Pronunciation: B: gir-i myeong-hwak-ha-ji an-ko ba-wi-ga jom mi-kkeu-reo-ul su iss-eo-seo jo-sim-hae-ya ham-ni-da. geu-ri-go sseol-mul ttae-man an-jeon-ha-ge jeop-geun-hal su iss-eo-yo. ji-geum-eun si-gan-i gwaen-chan-ne-yo.
Meaning: B: The path isn’t clearly marked, and the rocks can be a bit slippery, so you need to be careful. Also, you can only safely access it during low tide. The timing is okay right now. -
Expression: A: 알겠습니다. 그럼 조심해서 한번 가볼까요? 가이드님이 같이 가주시면 더 좋고요!
Pronunciation: A: al-get-seum-ni-da. geu-reom jo-sim-hae-seo han-beon ga-bol-kka-yo? ga-i-deu-nim-i ga-chi ga-ju-si-myeon deo jo-ko-yo!
Meaning: A: I understand. Then shall we try going carefully? It would be even better if you could come with me, Guide! -
Expression: B: 네, 제가 안내해 드릴게요. 저쪽으로 가면 됩니다. 발밑을 잘 살피세요.
Pronunciation: B: ne, je-ga an-nae-hae deu-ril-ge-yo. jeo-jjok-eu-ro ga-myeon doem-ni-da. bal-mit-eul jal sal-pi-se-yo.
Meaning: B: Yes, I’ll guide you. We can go that way. Watch your step carefully.
Practice Tips
Practice asking about hidden spots using the core phrases provided~ You can try describing the kind of place you’re looking for (e.g., 작은 동굴 ja-geun dong-gul – small cave, 경치 좋은 곳 gyeong-chi jo-eun got – place with good scenery). Role-playing with a friend or language partner can be very helpful! When you visit coastal areas in Korea, try asking locals or guides about interesting natural features nearby. Remember to always prioritize safety and respect the environment when exploring! Happy discovering!
