Finding the perfect hiking trail that also offers a great spot for a picnic requires specific vocabulary. This guide provides essential Korean phrases for hikers wanting to ask park rangers for recommendations, focusing on trails suitable for enjoying a meal outdoors amidst nature.
Table Of Content
Core Expression
-
Expression: 피크닉하기 좋은 등산로가 어디예요?
Pronunciation: pi-keu-nik-ha-gi jo-eun deung-san-ro-ga eo-di-ye-yo?
Meaning: Where is a hiking trail that’s good for a picnic?
Asking the Ranger
-
Expression: 저기요, 관리인님.
Pronunciation: jeo-gi-yo, gwan-ri-in-nim.
Meaning: Excuse me, Ranger. -
Expression: 실례합니다. 잠시 여쭤볼 것이 있습니다.
Pronunciation: sil-lye-ham-ni-da. jam-si yeo-jjwo-bol geo-si it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Excuse me. I have something to ask you briefly. -
Expression: 등산로 추천 좀 해주시겠어요?
Pronunciation: deung-san-ro chu-cheon jom hae-ju-si-ge-sseo-yo?
Meaning: Could you recommend a hiking trail? -
Expression: 피크닉하기 좋은 곳을 찾고 있어요.
Pronunciation: pi-keu-nik-ha-gi jo-eun go-seul chat-go i-sseo-yo.
Meaning: I’m looking for a good place for a picnic. -
Expression: 경치 좋고 피크닉 할 만한 장소가 있는 등산로가 있나요?
Pronunciation: gyeong-chi jo-ko pi-keu-nik hal man-han jang-so-ga it-neun deung-san-ro-ga in-na-yo?
Meaning: Is there a hiking trail with good scenery and a suitable place for a picnic? -
Expression: 이 등산로는 난이도가 어떻게 되나요?
Pronunciation: i deung-san-ro-neun nan-i-do-ga eo-tteo-ke doe-na-yo?
Meaning: What is the difficulty level of this trail? -
Expression: 정상까지 얼마나 걸릴까요?
Pronunciation: jeong-sang-kka-ji eol-ma-na geol-lil-kka-yo?
Meaning: How long will it take to reach the summit? -
Expression: 피크닉 장소까지는 시간이 얼마나 걸리나요?
Pronunciation: pi-keu-nik jang-so-kka-ji-neun si-gan-i eol-ma-na geol-li-na-yo?
Meaning: How long does it take to get to the picnic spot? -
Expression: 지도 좀 받을 수 있을까요?
Pronunciation: ji-do jom ba-deul su i-sseul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Could I get a map? -
Expression: 화장실은 어디에 있나요?
Pronunciation: hwa-jang-sil-eun eo-di-e in-na-yo?
Meaning: Where is the restroom? -
Expression: 식수대는 있나요?
Pronunciation: sik-su-dae-ga in-na-yo?
Meaning: Is there a drinking fountain (potable water source)?
Describing Picnic Spot Preferences
-
Expression: 평평한 장소가 필요해요.
Pronunciation: pyeong-pyeong-han jang-so-ga pil-yo-hae-yo.
Meaning: I need a flat place. -
Expression: 그늘진 곳이었으면 좋겠어요.
Pronunciation: geu-neul-jin go-si-eo-sseu-myeon jo-ke-sseo-yo.
Meaning: I’d prefer a shady spot. -
Expression: 전망이 좋은 곳을 원해요.
Pronunciation: jeon-mang-i jo-eun go-seul won-hae-yo.
Meaning: I want a place with a good view. -
Expression: 조용한 곳을 찾고 있어요.
Pronunciation: jo-yong-han go-seul chat-go i-sseo-yo.
Meaning: I’m looking for a quiet place. -
Expression: 너무 힘들지 않은 코스면 좋겠어요.
Pronunciation: neo-mu him-deul-ji a-neun ko-seu-myeon jo-ke-sseo-yo.
Meaning: I’d prefer a course that isn’t too difficult. -
Expression: 아이들과 함께 가기 좋은 곳인가요?
Pronunciation: a-i-deul-gwa ham-kke ga-gi jo-eun go-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is it a good place to go with children? -
Expression: 벤치나 테이블이 있는 곳이 있나요?
Pronunciation: ben-chi-na te-i-beul-i it-neun go-si in-na-yo?
Meaning: Is there a place with benches or tables? -
Expression: 물이 가까운 곳이면 좋겠어요.
Pronunciation: mul-i ga-kka-un go-si-myeon jo-ke-sseo-yo.
Meaning: It would be nice if it’s near water (like a stream or lake). -
Expression: 안전한 장소인가요?
Pronunciation: an-jeon-han jang-so-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is it a safe area? -
Expression: 쓰레기통이 근처에 있나요?
Pronunciation: sseu-re-gi-tong-i geun-cheo-e in-na-yo?
Meaning: Is there a trash can nearby?
Understanding Directions and Information
-
Expression: 이 길을 따라 쭉 가시면 됩니다.
Pronunciation: i gil-eul tta-ra jjuk ga-si-myeon doem-ni-da.
Meaning: You can just go straight along this path. -
Expression: 갈림길에서 오른쪽으로 가세요.
Pronunciation: gal-lim-gil-e-seo o-reun-jjok-eu-ro ga-se-yo.
Meaning: Go right at the fork. -
Expression: 표지판을 잘 보고 따라가세요.
Pronunciation: pyo-ji-pan-eul jal bo-go tta-ra-ga-se-yo.
Meaning: Look carefully at the signs and follow them. -
Expression: 약 30분 정도 걸으면 나와요.
Pronunciation: yak sam-sip-bun jeong-do geo-reu-myeon na-wa-yo.
Meaning: It will appear after walking for about 30 minutes. -
Expression: 정상 바로 아래에 넓은 공터가 있어요.
Pronunciation: jeong-sang ba-ro a-rae-e neol-beun gong-teo-ga i-sseo-yo.
Meaning: There’s a wide open space right below the summit. -
Expression: 계곡 옆에 좋은 자리가 있습니다.
Pronunciation: gye-gok yeo-pe jo-eun ja-ri-ga it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: There’s a good spot next to the valley stream. -
Expression: 지도에서 이 부분을 확인해 보세요.
Pronunciation: ji-do-e-seo i bu-bun-eul hwa-gin-hae bo-se-yo.
Meaning: Please check this part on the map. -
Expression: 죄송하지만, 다시 한번 설명해 주시겠어요?
Pronunciation: joe-song-ha-ji-man, da-si han-beon seol-myeong-hae ju-si-ge-sseo-yo?
Meaning: I’m sorry, but could you explain that again? -
Expression: 네, 알겠습니다. 감사합니다.
Pronunciation: ne, al-ge-sseum-ni-da. gam-sa-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Yes, I understand. Thank you. -
Expression: 주의해야 할 점이 있나요?
Pronunciation: ju-ui-hae-ya hal jeom-i in-na-yo?
Meaning: Is there anything I should be careful about? -
Expression: 친절한 설명 감사합니다.
Pronunciation: chin-jeol-han seol-myeong gam-sa-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Thank you for the kind explanation.
Cultural Tips
Hiking (등산 – deung-san) is an extremely popular activity in Korea, enjoyed by people of all ages. Mountains are easily accessible from most cities.
Picnicking often involves simple, portable foods like 김밥 (gim-bap – seaweed rice rolls) and fruit. Elaborate setups are less common on trails compared to designated picnic grounds.
Respect for nature is paramount. Always follow the “Leave No Trace” principle: pack out everything you pack in, including all trash. Stick to marked trails to protect vegetation.
Address park staff politely using titles like 관리인님 (gwan-ri-in-nim – Ranger/Manager) or 선생님 (seon-saeng-nim – Teacher, used as a general term of respect).
Korean national and provincial parks usually have well-marked trails and provide maps (지도 – ji-do) at visitor centers or entrances. Pay attention to signs indicating difficulty, distance, and estimated time.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: A hiker (A) approaches a park ranger (B) at the entrance of Bukhansan National Park in Seoul.
Roles: A = Hiker, B = Park Ranger (관리인 – gwan-ri-in)
-
Expression: A: 저기요, 관리인님. 잠시 여쭤볼 게 있습니다.
Pronunciation: A: jeo-gi-yo, gwan-ri-in-nim. jam-si yeo-jjwo-bol ge it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: A: Excuse me, Ranger. I have something to ask you briefly. -
Expression: B: 네, 무엇을 도와드릴까요?
Pronunciation: B: ne, mu-eo-seul do-wa-deu-ril-kka-yo?
Meaning: B: Yes, how may I help you? -
Expression: A: 오늘 등산을 하려고 하는데, 경치도 좋고 중간에 피크닉하기 좋은 장소가 있는 코스를 추천해 주실 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: A: o-neul deung-san-eul ha-ryeo-go ha-neun-de, gyeong-chi-do jo-ko jung-gan-e pi-keu-nik-ha-gi jo-eun jang-so-ga it-neun ko-seu-reul chu-cheon-hae ju-sil su in-na-yo?
Meaning: A: I plan to hike today, could you recommend a course with good scenery and a nice spot for a picnic along the way? -
Expression: B: 아, 네. 그러면 대남문 코스가 좋겠네요. 비교적 완만하고, 중간쯤에 넓고 평평한 휴식 공간이 있어서 피크닉하기에 좋습니다. 전망도 괜찮고요.
Pronunciation: B: a, ne. geu-reo-myeon dae-nam-mun ko-seu-ga jo-ken-ne-yo. bi-gyo-jeok wan-man-ha-go, jung-gan-jjeum-e neol-go pyeong-pyeong-han hyu-sik gong-gan-i i-sseo-seo pi-keu-nik-ha-gi-e jo-seum-ni-da. jeon-mang-do gwaen-chan-go-yo.
Meaning: B: Ah, yes. In that case, the Daenammun Gate course would be good. It’s relatively gentle, and about halfway there’s a wide, flat resting area that’s good for picnics. The view is decent too. -
Expression: A: 그 피크닉 장소까지는 얼마나 걸릴까요?
Pronunciation: A: geu pi-keu-nik jang-so-kka-ji-neun eol-ma-na geol-lil-kka-yo?
Meaning: A: How long will it take to get to that picnic spot? -
Expression: B: 여기서부터 천천히 걸으시면 약 1시간 정도 걸립니다. 지도 드릴까요? 여기 표시해 드릴게요.
Pronunciation: B: yeo-gi-seo-bu-teo cheon-cheon-hi geo-reu-si-myeon yak han-si-gan jeong-do geol-lim-ni-da. ji-do deu-ril-kka-yo? yeo-gi pyo-si-hae deu-ril-ge-yo.
Meaning: B: If you walk slowly from here, it takes about 1 hour. Shall I give you a map? I’ll mark it here for you. -
Expression: A: 네, 감사합니다! 정말 도움이 많이 됐어요.
Pronunciation: A: ne, gam-sa-ham-ni-da! jeong-mal do-um-i ma-ni dwae-sseo-yo.
Meaning: A: Yes, thank you! That was very helpful. -
Expression: B: 안전하고 즐거운 산행 되세요! 쓰레기는 꼭 되가져가시고요.
Pronunciation: B: an-jeon-ha-go jeul-geo-un san-haeng doe-se-yo! sseu-re-gi-neun kkok doe-ga-jyeo-ga-si-go-yo.
Meaning: B: Have a safe and enjoyable hike! And please make sure to take your trash back with you.
Practice Tips
Review these phrases regularly to become comfortable using them~ Pay close attention to the pronunciation, especially the syllable breaks! Practice saying them out loud.
Imagine you’re at a Korean national park and role-play the conversation with a friend or by yourself. Try asking about different types of trails or picnic spot features!
The best way to master these expressions is to use them in a real situation. Next time you go hiking in Korea, try asking a ranger for recommendations using these phrases. Good luck and happy hiking! 화이팅! (hwa-i-ting! – Fighting!/Good luck!)
