Discovering hidden natural gems is a highlight of any trip. This guide provides essential Korean phrases for tourists wanting to ask their guide about secret lagoons or secluded spots near the beach, ensuring you can explore beyond the usual tourist trails in Korea.
Table Of Content
Core Inquiry
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Expression: 이 근처에 숨겨진 석호 같은 곳이 있나요?
Pronunciation: i geun-cheo-e sum-gyeo-jin seok-ho ga-teun got-i it-na-yo?
Meaning: Is there a place like a hidden lagoon near here?
Asking About Hidden Spots
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Expression: 이 해변 근처에 잘 알려지지 않은 아름다운 장소가 있습니까?
Pronunciation: i hae-byeon geun-cheo-e jal al-lyeo-ji-ji a-neun a-reum-da-un jang-so-ga it-seum-ni-kka?
Meaning: Is there a beautiful, lesser-known place near this beach? -
Expression: 가이드님, 혹시 비밀스러운 석호나 만을 아시나요?
Pronunciation: ga-i-deu-nim, hok-si bi-mil-seu-reo-un seok-ho-na man-eul a-si-na-yo?
Meaning: Guide, do you happen to know of any secret lagoons or bays? -
Expression: 사람들이 잘 모르는 숨겨진 장소를 찾고 있어요.
Pronunciation: sa-ram-deul-i jal mo-reu-neun sum-gyeo-jin jang-so-reul chat-go i-sseo-yo.
Meaning: I’m looking for a hidden place that people don’t know well. -
Expression: 여기에 숨겨진 보석 같은 곳이 있다고 들었어요.
Pronunciation: yeo-gi-e sum-gyeo-jin bo-seok ga-teun got-i it-da-go deul-eo-sseo-yo.
Meaning: I heard there’s a hidden gem-like place here. -
Expression: 현지인들만 아는 특별한 장소가 있을까요?
Pronunciation: hyeon-ji-in-deul-man a-neun teuk-byeol-han jang-so-ga i-sseul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Might there be a special place that only locals know about? -
Expression: 조용하고 한적한 석호를 추천해 주실 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: jo-yong-ha-go han-jeok-han seok-ho-reul chu-cheon-hae ju-sil su it-na-yo?
Meaning: Can you recommend a quiet and secluded lagoon? -
Expression: 관광객이 적은 숨겨진 해변이나 만이 있나요?
Pronunciation: gwan-gwang-gaek-i jeo-geun sum-gyeo-jin hae-byeon-i-na man-i it-na-yo?
Meaning: Is there a hidden beach or bay with few tourists? -
Expression: 그 숨겨진 장소에 대해 좀 더 알려주세요.
Pronunciation: geu sum-gyeo-jin jang-so-e dae-hae jom deo al-lyeo-ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please tell me more about that hidden place. -
Expression: 그런 곳이 실제로 존재하나요?
Pronunciation: geu-reon got-i sil-je-ro jon-jae-ha-na-yo?
Meaning: Does such a place actually exist?
Getting Directions and Access Information
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Expression: 그 숨겨진 석호는 어떻게 가나요?
Pronunciation: geu sum-gyeo-jin seok-ho-neun eo-tteo-ke ga-na-yo?
Meaning: How do I get to that hidden lagoon? -
Expression: 여기서 얼마나 멀리 떨어져 있나요?
Pronunciation: yeo-gi-seo eol-ma-na meol-li tteo-reo-jyeo it-na-yo?
Meaning: How far is it from here? -
Expression: 걸어서 갈 수 있는 거리인가요?
Pronunciation: geol-eo-seo gal su it-neun geo-ri-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is it within walking distance? -
Expression: 차나 보트가 필요한가요?
Pronunciation: cha-na bo-teu-ga pil-yo-han-ga-yo?
Meaning: Do I need a car or a boat? -
Expression: 거기까지 가는 길이 험한가요?
Pronunciation: geo-gi-kka-ji ga-neun gil-i heom-han-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is the path to get there rough? -
Expression: 혼자 가도 안전할까요?
Pronunciation: hon-ja ga-do an-jeon-hal-kka-yo?
Meaning: Is it safe to go alone? -
Expression: 가이드가 동행해야 하나요?
Pronunciation: ga-i-deu-ga dong-haeng-hae-ya ha-na-yo?
Meaning: Does a guide need to accompany me? -
Expression: 입장료나 허가가 필요한가요?
Pronunciation: ip-jang-nyo-na heo-ga-ga pil-yo-han-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is there an entrance fee or permit required? -
Expression: 찾기 쉬운 곳인가요, 아니면 어려운 곳인가요?
Pronunciation: chat-gi swi-un got-in-ga-yo, a-ni-myeon eo-ryeo-un got-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is it an easy place to find, or difficult? -
Expression: 정확한 위치를 지도에 표시해 주실 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: jeong-hwak-han wi-chi-reul ji-do-e pyo-si-hae ju-sil su it-na-yo?
Meaning: Can you mark the exact location on a map?
Describing the Location
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Expression: 그곳은 어떤 모습인가요?
Pronunciation: geu-got-eun eo-tteon mo-seub-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: What does that place look like? -
Expression: 물이 맑고 깨끗한가요?
Pronunciation: mul-i mak-go kkae-kkeu-tan-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is the water clear and clean? -
Expression: 수영하기에 좋은 곳인가요?
Pronunciation: su-yeong-ha-gi-e jo-eun got-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is it a good place for swimming? -
Expression: 경치가 아주 아름답다고 들었어요.
Pronunciation: gyeong-chi-ga a-ju a-reum-dap-da-go deul-eo-sseo-yo.
Meaning: I heard the scenery is very beautiful. -
Expression: 정말 숨겨진 낙원 같은 곳이에요.
Pronunciation: jeong-mal sum-gyeo-jin nak-won ga-teun go-si-e-yo.
Meaning: It’s truly like a hidden paradise. (Guide might say this) -
Expression: 가는 길이 좀 힘들지만, 도착하면 보람이 있을 거예요.
Pronunciation: ga-neun gil-i jom him-deul-ji-man, do-chak-ha-myeon bo-ram-i i-sseul geo-ye-yo.
Meaning: The path is a bit tough, but it will be rewarding when you arrive. (Guide might say this) -
Expression: 밀물과 썰물 시간을 확인해야 하나요?
Pronunciation: mil-mul-gwa sseol-mul si-gan-eul hwak-in-hae-ya ha-na-yo?
Meaning: Do I need to check the tide times? -
Expression: 주변에 편의시설이 있나요? (화장실, 가게 등)
Pronunciation: ju-byeon-e pyeon-ui-si-seol-i it-na-yo? (hwa-jang-sil, ga-ge deung)
Meaning: Are there any facilities nearby? (Restrooms, shops, etc.) -
Expression: 사진 찍기 좋은 곳인가요?
Pronunciation: sa-jin jjik-gi jo-eun got-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is it a good place for taking photos? -
Expression: 특별히 조심해야 할 점이 있나요?
Pronunciation: teuk-byeol-hi jo-sim-hae-ya hal jeom-i it-na-yo?
Meaning: Is there anything specific I should be careful about?
Korean Culture Notes
When asking about hidden spots, remember that guides might be protective of truly secret locations to preserve their natural state or ensure safety. Approach the topic respectfully.
Koreans appreciate nature deeply. If you visit such a place, demonstrate respect by not leaving any trash (쓰레기를 되가져가세요 – sseu-re-gi-reul doe-ga-jyeo-ga-se-yo – Please take your trash back with you) and avoiding damage to the environment.
Guides (가이드 – ga-i-deu) or local experts (현지 전문가 – hyeon-ji jeon-mun-ga) often have invaluable knowledge. Trust their advice regarding safety, accessibility, and the best times to visit.
Some natural areas, especially near coastlines or borders, might have restricted access for military or conservation reasons. Be understanding if a guide tells you a certain area is off-limits.
Expressing genuine interest (정말 가보고 싶어요 – jeong-mal ga-bo-go si-peo-yo – I really want to go see it) can sometimes encourage a guide to share more information, but avoid being overly pushy if they seem hesitant.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: A tourist (A) is talking to their local guide (B) near a beach in Jeju Island.
Characters:
- A: Tourist
- B: Local Guide
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Expression: A: 가이드님, 이 근처에 혹시 사람들이 잘 모르는 숨겨진 석호 같은 곳이 있나요?
Pronunciation: A: ga-i-deu-nim, i geun-cheo-e hok-si sa-ram-deul-i jal mo-reu-neun sum-gyeo-jin seok-ho ga-teun got-i it-na-yo?
Meaning: A: Guide, is there perhaps a hidden lagoon-like place near here that people don’t know well? -
Expression: B: 아, 네. 있긴 한데, 가는 길이 조금 험해요. ‘용눈이굴’이라고 불리는 작은 만이 있어요.
Pronunciation: B: a, ne. it-gin han-de, ga-neun gil-i jo-geum heom-hae-yo. ‘yong-nun-i-gul’-i-ra-go bul-li-neun ja-geun man-i i-sseo-yo.
Meaning: B: Ah, yes. There is one, but the path to get there is a bit rough. There’s a small bay called ‘Yongnunigul’ (Dragon’s Eye Cave/Inlet). -
Expression: A: 정말요? 얼마나 멀어요? 걸어갈 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: A: jeong-mal-yo? eol-ma-na meol-eo-yo? geol-eo-gal su it-na-yo?
Meaning: A: Really? How far is it? Can I walk there? -
Expression: B: 여기서 걸어서 약 30분 정도 걸리는데, 해안 절벽을 따라가야 해서 조금 위험할 수 있어요. 혼자 가시는 건 추천하지 않아요.
Pronunciation: B: yeo-gi-seo geol-eo-seo yak sam-sip-bun jeong-do geol-li-neun-de, hae-an jeol-byeok-eul tta-ra-ga-ya hae-seo jo-geum wi-heom-hal su i-sseo-yo. hon-ja ga-si-neun geon chu-cheon-ha-ji a-na-yo.
Meaning: B: It takes about 30 minutes walking from here, but you have to follow the coastal cliff, so it can be a bit dangerous. I don’t recommend going alone. -
Expression: A: 그렇군요. 그럼 가이드님과 함께 갈 수 있을까요? 그곳은 수영하기 좋은가요?
Pronunciation: A: geu-reo-ku-nyo. geu-reom ga-i-deu-nim-gwa ham-kke gal su i-sseul-kka-yo? geu-got-eun su-yeong-ha-gi jo-eun-ga-yo?
Meaning: A: I see. Then could I go with you, Guide? Is it a good place for swimming? -
Expression: B: 네, 원하시면 제가 안내해 드릴 수 있어요. 물은 아주 맑지만, 파도가 좀 있을 수 있으니 조심해야 해요. 정말 아름다운 곳이긴 합니다.
Pronunciation: B: ne, won-ha-si-myeon je-ga an-nae-hae deu-ril su i-sseo-yo. mul-eun a-ju mak-ji-man, pa-do-ga jom i-sseul su i-sseu-ni jo-sim-hae-ya hae-yo. jeong-mal a-reum-da-un go-si-gin ham-ni-da.
Meaning: B: Yes, if you wish, I can guide you. The water is very clear, but there can be some waves, so you need to be careful. It is indeed a very beautiful place.
Practice Tips
Practice asking the core question “이 근처에 숨겨진 석호 같은 곳이 있나요?” (i geun-cheo-e sum-gyeo-jin seok-ho ga-teun got-i it-na-yo?) until it feels natural! Try varying it slightly, perhaps asking about a “비밀 해변” (bi-mil hae-byeon – secret beach) or “조용한 만” (jo-yong-han man – quiet bay).
Listen carefully to the guide’s response, especially words related to difficulty (험하다 – heom-ha-da – rough/험난하다 – heom-nan-ha-da – arduous), distance (멀다 – meol-da – far / 가깝다 – ga-kkap-da – close), and safety (안전하다 – an-jeon-ha-da – safe / 위험하다 – wi-heom-ha-da – dangerous). These are key to understanding if the trip is feasible for you~!
Role-play the conversation example with a friend or language partner. Take turns being the tourist and the guide. This helps you practice both asking and potentially understanding the answers. Good luck exploring!
