Discovering lesser-known natural spots is a highlight of traveling. This guide provides essential Korean phrases for tourists wanting to ask their guide about finding a hidden spring near the coastline. Learn how to inquire about locations, understand descriptions, and express your interest in exploring Korea’s beautiful natural scenery.
Table Of Content
Key Vocabulary
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Expression: 숨겨진 샘
Pronunciation: sum-gyeo-jin saem
Meaning: Hidden spring -
Expression: 해안선
Pronunciation: hae-an-seon
Meaning: Coastline -
Expression: 바닷가
Pronunciation: ba-dat-ga
Meaning: Seaside / Coast -
Expression: 근처
Pronunciation: geun-cheo
Meaning: Nearby / Vicinity -
Expression: 가이드
Pronunciation: ga-i-deu
Meaning: Guide -
Expression: 관광객
Pronunciation: gwan-gwang-gaek
Meaning: Tourist -
Expression: 비밀 장소
Pronunciation: bi-mil jang-so
Meaning: Secret place -
Expression: 자연
Pronunciation: ja-yeon
Meaning: Nature
Asking Your Guide for Information
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Expression: 이 근처에 숨겨진 샘이 있다고 들었어요.
Pronunciation: i geun-cheo-e sum-gyeo-jin saem-i it-da-go deur-eoss-eo-yo.
Meaning: I heard there’s a hidden spring near here. -
Expression: 해안선 근처에 특별한 장소가 있나요?
Pronunciation: hae-an-seon geun-cheo-e teuk-byeol-han jang-so-ga inn-a-yo?
Meaning: Is there a special place near the coastline? -
Expression: 혹시 아는 비밀의 샘 같은 곳이 있으세요?
Pronunciation: hok-si a-neun bi-mil-ui saem gat-eun got-i iss-eu-se-yo?
Meaning: Do you happen to know of any places like a secret spring? -
Expression: 그 숨겨진 샘에 대해 좀 더 알려주실 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: geu sum-gyeo-jin saem-e dae-hae jom deo al-lyeo-ju-sil su inn-a-yo?
Meaning: Could you tell me more about that hidden spring? -
Expression: 바닷가 근처에 갈 만한 숨은 명소가 있을까요?
Pronunciation: ba-dat-ga geun-cheo-e gal man-han sum-eun myeong-so-ga iss-eul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Are there any hidden spots worth visiting near the seaside? -
Expression: 그 샘은 어디에 있나요?
Pronunciation: geu saem-eun eo-di-e inn-a-yo?
Meaning: Where is that spring located? -
Expression: 찾아가기 어렵나요?
Pronunciation: chaj-a-ga-gi eo-ryeop-na-yo?
Meaning: Is it difficult to find/get to? -
Expression: 가이드님만 아는 특별한 장소를 추천해 주실 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: ga-i-deu-nim-man a-neun teuk-byeol-han jang-so-reul chu-cheon-hae ju-sil su inn-a-yo?
Meaning: Could you recommend a special place that only you (the guide) know? -
Expression: 그곳에 가려면 어떻게 해야 하나요?
Pronunciation: geu-got-e ga-ryeo-myeon eo-tteo-ke hae-ya ha-na-yo?
Meaning: How do I get there? -
Expression: 일반 관광객들은 잘 모르는 곳인가요?
Pronunciation: il-ban gwan-gwang-gaek-deur-eun jal mo-reu-neun got-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is it a place that regular tourists don’t know well?
Describing Natural Features
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Expression: 물이 정말 맑아요.
Pronunciation: mul-i jeong-mal malg-a-yo.
Meaning: The water is really clear. -
Expression: 경치가 아름다워요.
Pronunciation: gyeong-chi-ga a-reum-da-wo-yo.
Meaning: The scenery is beautiful. -
Expression: 아주 조용하고 한적한 곳이에요.
Pronunciation: a-ju jo-yong-ha-go han-jeok-han got-i-e-yo.
Meaning: It’s a very quiet and secluded place. -
Expression: 바다 바로 옆에 있어요.
Pronunciation: ba-da ba-ro yeop-e iss-eo-yo.
Meaning: It’s right next to the sea. -
Expression: 자연 그대로의 모습이에요.
Pronunciation: ja-yeon geu-dae-ro-ui mo-seub-i-e-yo.
Meaning: It’s in its natural state. -
Expression: 신비로운 분위기가 있어요.
Pronunciation: sin-bi-ro-un bun-wi-gi-ga iss-eo-yo.
Meaning: It has a mysterious atmosphere. -
Expression: 작은 폭포도 있나요?
Pronunciation: jag-eun pok-po-do inn-a-yo?
Meaning: Is there a small waterfall too? -
Expression: 바위들 사이에 숨어 있어요.
Pronunciation: ba-wi-deul sa-i-e sum-eo iss-eo-yo.
Meaning: It’s hidden among the rocks. -
Expression: 숲길을 따라가야 해요.
Pronunciation: sup-gil-eul tta-ra-ga-ya hae-yo.
Meaning: You have to follow a forest path. -
Expression: 해안 절벽 아래에 있어요.
Pronunciation: hae-an jeol-byeok a-rae-e iss-eo-yo.
Meaning: It’s below the coastal cliffs.
Understanding the Guide’s Explanation
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Expression: 네, 알겠습니다.
Pronunciation: ne, al-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Yes, I understand. -
Expression: 다시 한번 설명해 주시겠어요?
Pronunciation: da-si han-beon seol-myeong-hae ju-si-gess-eo-yo?
Meaning: Could you explain that again? -
Expression: 조금 더 천천히 말씀해 주세요.
Pronunciation: jo-geum deo cheon-cheon-hi mal-sseum-hae ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please speak a little more slowly. -
Expression: 여기서 얼마나 걸리나요?
Pronunciation: yeo-gi-seo eol-ma-na geol-li-na-yo?
Meaning: How long does it take from here? -
Expression: 걸어서 갈 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: geor-eo-seo gal su inn-a-yo?
Meaning: Can I walk there? -
Expression: 지도를 보여주실 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: ji-do-reul bo-yeo-ju-sil su inn-a-yo?
Meaning: Could you show me on a map? -
Expression: 가는 길이 안전한가요?
Pronunciation: ga-neun gir-i an-jeon-han-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is the path safe? -
Expression: 특별히 준비해야 할 것이 있나요?
Pronunciation: teuk-byeol-hi jun-bi-hae-ya hal geot-i inn-a-yo?
Meaning: Is there anything special I need to prepare? -
Expression: 그곳은 입장료가 있나요?
Pronunciation: geu-got-eun ip-jang-nyo-ga inn-a-yo?
Meaning: Is there an entrance fee there? -
Expression: 사진 찍어도 괜찮아요?
Pronunciation: sa-jin jjig-eo-do gwaen-chan-a-yo?
Meaning: Is it okay to take photos?
Expressing Interest and Gratitude
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Expression: 와, 정말 흥미롭네요!
Pronunciation: wa, jeong-mal heung-mi-rop-ne-yo!
Meaning: Wow, that sounds really interesting! -
Expression: 꼭 가보고 싶어요.
Pronunciation: kkok ga-bo-go sip-eo-yo.
Meaning: I definitely want to go see it. -
Expression: 좋은 정보 감사합니다.
Pronunciation: jo-eun jeong-bo gam-sa-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Thank you for the good information. -
Expression: 알려주셔서 고맙습니다.
Pronunciation: al-lyeo-ju-syeo-seo go-map-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Thank you for letting me know. -
Expression: 정말 멋진 곳일 것 같아요.
Pronunciation: jeong-mal meot-jin got-il geot gat-a-yo.
Meaning: It sounds like a really wonderful place. -
Expression: 기대돼요!
Pronunciation: gi-dae-dwae-yo!
Meaning: I’m looking forward to it! -
Expression: 친절하게 설명해 주셔서 감사합니다.
Pronunciation: chin-jeol-ha-ge seol-myeong-hae ju-syeo-seo gam-sa-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Thank you for explaining so kindly. -
Expression: 덕분에 좋은 곳을 알게 되었어요.
Pronunciation: deok-bun-e jo-eun got-eul al-ge doe-eoss-eo-yo.
Meaning: Thanks to you, I learned about a great place. -
Expression: 나중에 꼭 방문해 볼게요.
Pronunciation: na-jung-e kkok bang-mun-hae bol-ge-yo.
Meaning: I will definitely visit later.
Cultural Tips
When asking locals or guides about hidden spots in Korea, politeness is key. Using formal language (like the phrases provided) shows respect. Koreans appreciate when visitors show genuine interest in discovering less touristy places, but be mindful that some ‘secret’ spots are kept quiet for preservation reasons.
Korea has stunning coastlines on three sides (East, West, South), each with unique characteristics. Guides often have deep knowledge of their local area’s natural beauty. Don’t hesitate to ask, but also respect their decision if they are reluctant to share extremely secluded or potentially fragile locations.
When visiting natural sites like springs or coastal areas, always practice responsible tourism. Avoid leaving trash, disturbing wildlife, or damaging plants. Showing respect for nature is highly valued in Korean culture.
Guides often appreciate genuine curiosity. Asking thoughtful questions about the history or significance of a place, beyond just its location, can lead to more engaging conversations and potentially reveal more interesting details.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: A tourist (A) is talking with their local guide (B) while walking along a coastal path.
Roles: A: Tourist, B: Guide
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Expression: A: 가이드님, 이 해안선 정말 아름답네요. 혹시 이 근처에 사람들이 잘 모르는 숨겨진 샘 같은 곳이 있나요?
Pronunciation: A: ga-i-deu-nim, i hae-an-seon jeong-mal a-reum-dam-ne-yo. hok-si i geun-cheo-e sa-ram-deur-i jal mo-reu-neun sum-gyeo-jin saem gat-eun got-i inn-a-yo?
Meaning: A: Guide, this coastline is really beautiful. By any chance, is there a place like a hidden spring nearby that people don’t know well? -
Expression: B: 아, 네. 마침 이 근처에 작은 숨은 샘이 하나 있긴 합니다. 아는 사람만 아는 곳이죠.
Pronunciation: B: a, ne. ma-chim i geun-cheo-e jag-eun sum-eun saem-i ha-na it-gin ham-ni-da. a-neun sa-ram-man a-neun got-i-jyo.
Meaning: B: Ah, yes. As it happens, there is a small hidden spring near here. It’s a place only known by those who know it. -
Expression: A: 와, 정말요? 그 샘은 어디에 있어요? 찾아가기 어렵나요?
Pronunciation: A: wa, jeong-mal-lyo? geu saem-eun eo-di-e iss-eo-yo? chaj-a-ga-gi eo-ryeop-na-yo?
Meaning: A: Wow, really? Where is that spring? Is it difficult to find? -
Expression: B: 여기서 걸어서 한 20분 정도 가야 해요. 해안 절벽 아래쪽에 숨어 있어서 길이 조금 험할 수 있습니다. 물은 정말 맑고 깨끗해요.
Pronunciation: B: yeo-gi-seo geor-eo-seo han i-sip-bun jeong-do ga-ya hae-yo. hae-an jeol-byeok a-raet-jjog-e sum-eo iss-eo-seo gir-i jo-geum heom-hal su it-seum-ni-da. mur-eun jeong-mal malg-go kkae-kkeut-hae-yo.
Meaning: B: You have to walk about 20 minutes from here. It’s hidden below the coastal cliffs, so the path can be a bit rough. The water is really clear and clean. -
Expression: A: 그렇군요. 정말 가보고 싶네요! 알려주셔서 감사합니다.
Pronunciation: A: geu-reo-kun-yo. jeong-mal ga-bo-go sip-ne-yo! al-lyeo-ju-syeo-seo gam-sa-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: A: I see. I really want to go see it! Thank you for letting me know. -
Expression: B: 네, 관심 있으시면 나중에 제가 가는 길을 자세히 알려드릴게요. 안전하게 다녀오시는 게 중요하니까요.
Pronunciation: B: ne, gwan-sim iss-eu-si-myeon na-jung-e je-ga ga-neun gir-eul ja-se-hi al-lyeo-deu-ril-ge-yo. an-jeon-ha-ge da-nyeo-o-si-neun ge jung-yo-ha-ni-kka-yo.
Meaning: B: Yes, if you’re interested, I can tell you the way in detail later. It’s important to go and come back safely.
Practice Tips
Practice asking about hidden spots using the phrases above! Try substituting 숨겨진 샘 (sum-gyeo-jin saem) with other features like 작은 폭포 (jag-eun pok-po – small waterfall) or 조용한 해변 (jo-yong-han hae-byeon – quiet beach)~
Listen carefully to how native speakers describe locations. Pay attention to direction words and descriptions of the terrain. You can practice this by watching Korean travel vlogs or documentaries!
Role-play the conversation example with a friend or language partner. Take turns being the tourist and the guide. This will help you get comfortable using the phrases in a conversational context. Good luck exploring!~
