Discovering less-traveled paths can be a rewarding part of exploring Korea’s natural beauty. This guide provides essential Korean phrases for tourists asking locals about hidden hiking trails, particularly those offering beautiful forest views. Learn how to inquire about recommendations, describe the type of trail you’re seeking, and understand basic directions to find those serene spots off the beaten path.
Table Of Content
Core Concept: Hidden Forest Trail
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Expression: 숨겨진 숲길
Pronunciation: sum-gyeo-jin sup-gil
Meaning: Hidden forest trail (숨겨진 sum-gyeo-jin: hidden; 숲길 sup-gil: forest trail/path)
Asking for Recommendations
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Expression: 안녕하세요, 혹시 이 근처에 좋은 등산로나 산책로 아세요?
Pronunciation: an-nyeong-ha-se-yo, hok-si i geun-cheo-e jo-eun deung-san-no-na san-chaek-no a-se-yo?
Meaning: Hello, do you happen to know any good hiking trails or walking paths around here? -
Expression: 경치 좋은 숨겨진 길 좀 추천해 주실 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: gyeong-chi jo-eun sum-gyeo-jin gil jom chu-cheon-hae ju-sil su in-na-yo?
Meaning: Could you recommend a hidden path with a nice view? -
Expression: 사람들이 잘 모르는 조용한 숲길이 있을까요?
Pronunciation: sa-ram-deul-i jal mo-reu-neun jo-yong-han sup-gil-i i-sseul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Is there a quiet forest trail that people don’t know well? -
Expression: 현지인만 아는 특별한 산책 코스가 있나요?
Pronunciation: hyeon-ji-in-man a-neun teuk-byeol-han san-chaek ko-seu-ga in-na-yo?
Meaning: Is there a special walking course that only locals know? -
Expression: 이 주변에 가볼 만한 숨은 명소가 있습니까?
Pronunciation: i ju-byeon-e ga-bol man-han sum-eun myeong-so-ga it-seum-ni-kka?
Meaning: Are there any hidden spots worth visiting around here? -
Expression: 혹시 추천해 주실 만한 비경 트레일 코스가 있을까요?
Pronunciation: hok-si chu-cheon-hae ju-sil man-han bi-gyeong teu-re-il ko-seu-ga i-sseul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Do you happen to have any scenic, lesser-known trail courses you could recommend? -
Expression: 아름다운 숲길을 걷고 싶은데, 어디가 좋을까요?
Pronunciation: a-reum-da-un sup-gil-eul geot-go sip-eun-de, eo-di-ga jo-eul-kka-yo?
Meaning: I want to walk a beautiful forest path, where would be good? -
Expression: 관광객들이 잘 안 가는 길을 알고 싶어요.
Pronunciation: gwan-gwang-gaek-deul-i jal an ga-neun gil-eul al-go sip-eo-yo.
Meaning: I want to know about paths that tourists don’t often go to. -
Expression: 좋은 곳 아시면 알려주세요.
Pronunciation: jo-eun got a-si-myeon al-lyeo-ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please let me know if you know a good place.
Describing the Desired Trail
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Expression: 숲 경치가 좋은 곳을 찾고 있어요.
Pronunciation: sup gyeong-chi-ga jo-eun go-seul chat-go i-sseo-yo.
Meaning: I’m looking for a place with a good forest view. -
Expression: 조용하고 한적한 길이었으면 좋겠어요.
Pronunciation: jo-yong-ha-go han-jeok-han gil-i-eot-seu-myeon jo-ket-sseo-yo.
Meaning: I hope it’s a quiet and secluded path. -
Expression: 너무 어렵지 않은 길이면 좋겠습니다.
Pronunciation: neo-mu eo-ryeop-ji a-neun gil-i-myeon jo-ket-sseum-ni-da.
Meaning: I would prefer a trail that isn’t too difficult. -
Expression: 사람이 별로 없는 숨겨진 길을 가고 싶어요.
Pronunciation: sa-ram-i byeol-lo eom-neun sum-gyeo-jin gil-eul ga-go sip-eo-yo.
Meaning: I want to go on a hidden path with few people. -
Expression: 자연을 느낄 수 있는 곳이면 좋겠어요.
Pronunciation: ja-yeon-eul neu-kkil su in-neun go-si-myeon jo-ket-sseo-yo.
Meaning: I’d like it to be a place where I can feel nature. -
Expression: 울창한 숲 속을 걷고 싶습니다.
Pronunciation: ul-chang-han sup so-geul geot-go sip-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I want to walk through a dense forest. -
Expression: 전망 좋은 곳으로 이어지는 길이 있나요?
Pronunciation: jeon-mang jo-eun go-seu-ro i-eo-ji-neun gil-i in-na-yo?
Meaning: Is there a path that leads to a place with a good view? -
Expression: 사진 찍기 좋은 숲길을 찾아요.
Pronunciation: sa-jin jjik-gi jo-eun sup-gil-eul cha-ja-yo.
Meaning: I’m looking for a forest trail that’s good for taking pictures. -
Expression: 짧은 산책 코스도 괜찮아요.
Pronunciation: jjal-beun san-chaek ko-seu-do gwaen-cha-na-yo.
Meaning: A short walking course is fine too.
Understanding Directions and Details
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Expression: 거기는 어떻게 가나요?
Pronunciation: geo-gi-neun eo-tteo-ke ga-na-yo?
Meaning: How do I get there? -
Expression: 여기서 먼가요?
Pronunciation: yeo-gi-seo meon-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is it far from here? -
Expression: 입구가 어디에 있어요?
Pronunciation: ip-gu-ga eo-di-e i-sseo-yo?
Meaning: Where is the entrance? -
Expression: 얼마나 걸릴까요?
Pronunciation: eol-ma-na geol-lil-kka-yo?
Meaning: How long will it take (to walk)? -
Expression: 지도에 표시해 주실 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: ji-do-e pyo-si-hae ju-sil su in-na-yo?
Meaning: Could you mark it on the map? -
Expression: 그 길은 찾기 쉬운가요?
Pronunciation: geu gil-eun chat-gi swi-un-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is that path easy to find? -
Expression: 특별히 조심해야 할 것이 있나요?
Pronunciation: teuk-byeol-hi jo-sim-hae-ya hal geo-si in-na-yo?
Meaning: Is there anything I should be particularly careful about? -
Expression: 대중교통으로 갈 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: dae-jung-gyo-tong-eu-ro gal su in-na-yo?
Meaning: Can I get there by public transportation? -
Expression: 근처에 표지판이 있나요?
Pronunciation: geun-cheo-e pyo-ji-pan-i in-na-yo?
Meaning: Are there any signs nearby? -
Expression: 다시 한번 설명해 주시겠어요?
Pronunciation: da-si han-beon seol-myeong-hae ju-si-ge-sseo-yo?
Meaning: Could you explain that again?
Cultural Tips
Hiking (등산, deung-san) is a very popular activity in Korea, and many locals are knowledgeable about trails. Don’t hesitate to ask, but always approach politely, perhaps starting with a bow and 안녕하세요 (ahn-nyeong-ha-se-yo).
When asking for “hidden” trails, be aware that locals might interpret this as trails that are less maintained or potentially more challenging. Clarify if you prefer an easy walk (쉬운 산책길, swi-un san-chaek-gil).
Koreans often appreciate nature deeply. Expressing your desire to see beautiful scenery (아름다운 경치, a-reum-da-un gyeong-chi) or enjoy the forest (숲을 즐기다, sup-eul jeul-gi-da) can be a good way to connect.
Using map apps like Naver Maps or Kakao Maps is common. If a local points you to a trail, asking them to show you on your map app (지도 앱에서 보여주세요, ji-do ae-be-seo bo-yeo-ju-se-yo) can be very helpful.
Always express gratitude after receiving help. A simple 감사합니다 (gam-sa-ham-ni-da) or 도와주셔서 감사합니다 (do-wa-ju-syeo-seo gam-sa-ham-ni-da) goes a long way.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: A tourist approaches a local resident near the entrance of a popular mountain park.
Roles: A = Tourist, B = Local Resident
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Expression: A: 안녕하세요. 실례지만 뭐 좀 여쭤봐도 될까요?
Pronunciation: an-nyeong-ha-se-yo. sil-lye-ji-man mwo jom yeo-jjwo-bwa-do doel-kka-yo?
Meaning: A: Hello. Excuse me, may I ask you something? -
Expression: B: 네, 그럼요. 뭐 궁금하신 거 있으세요?
Pronunciation: ne, geu-reom-nyo. mwo gung-geum-ha-sin geo i-sseu-se-yo?
Meaning: B: Yes, of course. What are you curious about? -
Expression: A: 제가 관광객인데, 혹시 이 근처에 사람들이 잘 모르는 조용한 숲길이 있을까요? 숲 경치가 좋은 곳으로 가고 싶어요.
Pronunciation: je-ga gwan-gwang-gae-gin-de, hok-si i geun-cheo-e sa-ram-deul-i jal mo-reu-neun jo-yong-han sup-gil-i i-sseul-kka-yo? sup gyeong-chi-ga jo-eun go-seu-ro ga-go sip-eo-yo.
Meaning: A: I’m a tourist, and I was wondering if there might be a quiet forest trail around here that people don’t know well? I’d like to go somewhere with a nice forest view. -
Expression: B: 아, 조용한 숲길이요… 네, 있어요. 이 공원 뒤쪽으로 가면 작은 오솔길이 하나 있는데, 거기가 정말 한적하고 나무가 많아요.
Pronunciation: a, jo-yong-han sup-gil-i-yo… ne, i-sseo-yo. i gong-won dwit-jjok-eu-ro ga-myeon ja-geun o-sol-gil-i ha-na it-neun-de, geo-gi-ga jeong-mal han-jeok-ha-go na-mu-ga ma-na-yo.
Meaning: B: Ah, a quiet forest path… Yes, there is one. If you go towards the back of this park, there’s a small trail. It’s really peaceful and has lots of trees. -
Expression: A: 와, 정말요? 거기는 어떻게 가야 하나요? 찾기 어렵나요?
Pronunciation: wa, jeong-mal-lyo? geo-gi-neun eo-tteo-ke ga-ya ha-na-yo? chat-gi eo-ryeom-na-yo?
Meaning: A: Wow, really? How do I get there? Is it hard to find? -
Expression: B: 저기 보이는 약수터 아시죠? 그 약수터 지나서 오른쪽으로 샛길이 있어요. 표지판은 없지만, 길은 뚜렷해요. 한 30분 정도 걸으면 멋진 숲이 나올 거예요.
Pronunciation: jeo-gi bo-i-neun yak-su-teo a-si-jyo? geu yak-su-teo ji-na-seo o-reun-jjok-eu-ro saet-gil-i i-sseo-yo. pyo-ji-pan-eun eop-ji-man, gil-eun ttu-ryeot-hae-yo. han sam-sip-bun jeong-do geol-eu-myeon meot-jin sup-i na-ol geo-ye-yo.
Meaning: B: You see that mineral spring over there? Go past the spring, and there’s a side path to the right. There’s no sign, but the path is clear. If you walk for about 30 minutes, you’ll reach a wonderful forest. -
Expression: A: 아, 네! 알겠습니다. 정말 감사합니다!
Pronunciation: a, ne! al-get-sseum-ni-da. jeong-mal gam-sa-ham-ni-da!
Meaning: A: Ah, yes! I understand. Thank you so much! -
Expression: B: 별말씀을요. 조심히 다녀오세요!
Pronunciation: byeol-mal-sseum-eul-lyo. jo-sim-hi da-nyeo-o-se-yo!
Meaning: B: You’re welcome. Be careful and enjoy your walk!
Practice Tips
Practice makes perfect~! Try saying these phrases aloud, focusing on the pronunciation for each syllable. Listen to native speakers if possible, perhaps through videos about hiking in Korea. Role-play the conversation example with a friend or language partner. When you visit Korea, don’t be afraid to politely approach a local and try asking for a recommendation using these expressions. Finding that hidden gem of a trail will be worth the effort! Good luck~!
