Asking About Korean Culture

Understanding and asking about culture is key to truly connecting with people and deepening your language learning journey in Korea. This guide provides essential Korean phrases for inquiring about various aspects of Korean culture, from daily customs to historical traditions, enabling respectful and meaningful conversations.

Core Expression

This phrase is a fundamental way to express your general interest in learning about Korean culture.

• Expression: 한국 문화에 대해 궁금해요.
  Pronunciation: Han-guk mun-hwa-e dae-hae gung-geum-hae-yo.
  Meaning: I’m curious about Korean culture.

Basic Questions about Culture

Use these foundational questions to inquire about general cultural elements or specific things you encounter.

• Expression: 이게 뭐예요?
  Pronunciation: I-ge mwo-ye-yo?
  Meaning: What is this?
• Expression: 저건 무슨 뜻이에요?
  Pronunciation: Jeo-geon mu-seun tteu-si-e-yo?
  Meaning: What does that mean?
• Expression: 이건 한국 문화와 관련이 있나요?
  Pronunciation: I-geon han-guk mun-hwa-wa gwal-lyeon-i in-na-yo?
  Meaning: Is this related to Korean culture?
• Expression: [문화 항목]이/가 뭐예요? (e.g., 김치)
  Pronunciation: [Mun-hwa hang-mok]-i/ga mwo-ye-yo? (e.g., Gim-chi)
  Meaning: What is [cultural item]? (e.g., Kimchi)
• Expression: 설명해 주실 수 있어요?
  Pronunciation: Seol-myeong-hae ju-sil su i-sseo-yo?
  Meaning: Could you explain it?
• Expression: 이것에 대해 더 알고 싶어요.
  Pronunciation: I-geo-se dae-hae deo al-go si-peo-yo.
  Meaning: I want to know more about this.
• Expression: 한국에서는 보통 어떻게 해요?
  Pronunciation: Han-gu-ge-seo-neun bo-tong eo-tteo-ke hae-yo?
  Meaning: How do people usually do it in Korea?
• Expression: 이럴 때는 어떻게 해야 돼요?
  Pronunciation: I-reol ttae-neun eo-tteo-ke hae-ya dwae-yo?
  Meaning: What should I do in this situation?
• Expression: 왜 그렇게 하는 거예요?
  Pronunciation: Wae geu-reo-ke ha-neun geo-ye-yo?
  Meaning: Why do people do it that way?
• Expression: 이 문화는 언제 시작됐어요?
  Pronunciation: I mun-hwa-neun eon-je si-jak-dwae-sseo-yo?
  Meaning: When did this culture/custom start?
• Expression: 특별한 의미가 있나요?
  Pronunciation: Teuk-byeol-han ui-mi-ga in-na-yo?
  Meaning: Does it have a special meaning?
• Expression: 어디서 볼 수 있어요? / 경험할 수 있어요?
  Pronunciation: Eo-di-seo bol su i-sseo-yo? / gyeong-heom-hal su i-sseo-yo?
  Meaning: Where can I see/experience this?

Questions about Customs and Etiquette

These questions help navigate social interactions and understand appropriate behavior in various situations.

• Expression: 식사 예절에 대해 알려주세요.
  Pronunciation: Sik-sa ye-jeo-re dae-hae al-lyeo-ju-se-yo.
  Meaning: Please tell me about dining etiquette.
• Expression: 어른들께는 어떻게 인사해야 하나요?
  Pronunciation: Eo-reun-deul-kke-neun eo-tteo-ke in-sa-hae-ya ha-na-yo?
  Meaning: How should I greet elders?
• Expression: 선물을 줄 때 주의할 점이 있나요?
  Pronunciation: Seon-mu-reul jul ttae ju-ui-hal jeo-mi in-na-yo?
  Meaning: Are there things to be careful about when giving gifts?
• Expression: 한국의 ‘빨리빨리’ 문화는 뭐예요?
  Pronunciation: Han-gu-ge ‘ppal-li-ppal-li’ mun-hwa-neun mwo-ye-yo?
  Meaning: What is Korea’s ‘ppalli-ppalli’ (hurry hurry) culture?
• Expression: 회식 문화에 대해 궁금해요.
  Pronunciation: Hoe-sik mun-hwa-e dae-hae gung-geum-hae-yo.
  Meaning: I’m curious about the company dinner (hoesik) culture.
• Expression: 명절에는 보통 무엇을 하나요?
  Pronunciation: Myeong-jeo-re-neun bo-tong mu-eo-seul ha-na-yo?
  Meaning: What do people usually do during holidays?
• Expression: 존댓말은 언제 사용해야 해요?
  Pronunciation: Jon-daen-ma-reun eon-je sa-yong-hae-ya hae-yo?
  Meaning: When should I use formal language (jondaetmal)?
• Expression: 눈치 문화라는 게 있다던데, 뭐예요?
  Pronunciation: Nun-chi mun-hwa-ra-neun ge it-tta-deon-de, mwo-ye-yo?
  Meaning: I heard there’s something called ‘nunchi’ culture, what is it?
• Expression: 대중교통에서 지켜야 할 예절이 있나요?
  Pronunciation: Dae-jung-gyo-tong-e-seo ji-kyeo-ya hal ye-jeo-ri in-na-yo?
  Meaning: Is there any etiquette to follow on public transportation?
• Expression: 결혼식이나 장례식 예절은 어떻게 다른가요?
  Pronunciation: Gyeo-ron-si-gi-na jang-nye-sik ye-jeo-reun eo-tteo-ke da-reun-ga-yo?
  Meaning: How is the etiquette different for weddings and funerals?
• Expression: 한국 사람들은 처음 만났을 때 보통 뭘 물어봐요?
  Pronunciation: Han-guk sa-ram-deu-reun cheo-eum man-na-sseul ttae bo-tong mwol mu-reo-bwa-yo?
  Meaning: What do Korean people usually ask when they first meet someone?

Questions about Traditions and History

Use these phrases to inquire about historical context, traditional practices, holidays, and cultural heritage.

• Expression: 한국의 주요 명절은 무엇인가요?
  Pronunciation: Han-gu-ge ju-yo myeong-jeo-reun mu-eo-sin-ga-yo?
  Meaning: What are the major traditional holidays in Korea?
• Expression: 추석/설날에는 무엇을 하나요?
  Pronunciation: Chu-seok/Seol-la-re-neun mu-eo-seul ha-na-yo?
  Meaning: What do people do on Chuseok/Seollal?
• Expression: 한복은 언제 입어요?
  Pronunciation: Han-bo-geun eon-je i-beo-yo?
  Meaning: When do people wear Hanbok?
• Expression: 한국의 역사적인 장소를 추천해 주시겠어요?
  Pronunciation: Han-gu-ge yeok-sa-jeo-gin jang-so-reul chu-cheon-hae ju-si-ge-sseo-yo?
  Meaning: Could you recommend some historical places in Korea?
• Expression: 이 음식의 유래가 뭐예요?
  Pronunciation: I eum-si-ge yu-rae-ga mwo-ye-yo?
  Meaning: What is the origin of this food?
• Expression: 한국 전통 음악/무용에 대해 알고 싶어요.
  Pronunciation: Han-guk jeon-tong eu-mak/mu-yong-e dae-hae al-go si-peo-yo.
  Meaning: I want to know about traditional Korean music/dance.
• Expression: 한국 전쟁에 대해 설명해 주실 수 있나요?
  Pronunciation: Han-guk jeon-jaeng-e dae-hae seol-myeong-hae ju-sil su in-na-yo?
  Meaning: Could you explain about the Korean War?
• Expression: 조선 시대는 어떤 시대였어요?
  Pronunciation: Jo-seon si-dae-neun eo-tteon si-dae-yeo-sseo-yo?
  Meaning: What kind of era was the Joseon Dynasty?
• Expression: 한국의 전통 가옥을 뭐라고 불러요?
  Pronunciation: Han-gu-ge jeon-tong ga-o-geul mwo-ra-go bul-leo-yo?
  Meaning: What are traditional Korean houses called?
• Expression: 세종대왕은 어떤 분이셨어요?
  Pronunciation: Se-jong-dae-wang-eun eo-tteon bu-ni-syeo-sseo-yo?
  Meaning: What kind of person was King Sejong the Great?
• Expression: 한국의 건국 신화에 대해 이야기해 주세요.
  Pronunciation: Han-gu-ge geon-guk sin-hwa-e dae-hae i-ya-gi-hae ju-se-yo.
  Meaning: Please tell me about Korea’s founding myth.

Expressing Interest and Understanding

Show your engagement and appreciation during conversations about culture with these expressions.

• Expression: 아, 그렇군요!
  Pronunciation: A, geu-reo-kun-yo!
  Meaning: Oh, I see! / Oh, is that so!
• Expression: 정말 흥미롭네요.
  Pronunciation: Jeong-mal heung-mi-rom-ne-yo.
  Meaning: That’s really interesting.
• Expression: 몰랐어요. 알려주셔서 감사합니다.
  Pronunciation: Mol-la-sseo-yo. Al-lyeo-ju-syeo-seo gam-sa-ham-ni-da.
  Meaning: I didn’t know that. Thank you for telling me.
• Expression: 신기하네요!
  Pronunciation: Sin-gi-ha-ne-yo!
  Meaning: That’s fascinating/amazing!
• Expression: 이해했어요.
  Pronunciation: I-hae-hae-sseo-yo.
  Meaning: I understand.
• Expression: 다시 한번 설명해 주시겠어요?
  Pronunciation: Da-si han-beon seol-myeong-hae ju-si-ge-sseo-yo?
  Meaning: Could you explain that again?
• Expression: 그건 무슨 뜻인지 잘 모르겠어요.
  Pronunciation: Geu-geon mu-seun tteu-sin-ji jal mo-reu-ge-sseo-yo.
  Meaning: I’m not sure what that means.
• Expression: 한국 문화에 대해 배우는 것이 즐거워요.
  Pronunciation: Han-guk mun-hwa-e dae-hae bae-u-neun geo-si jeul-geo-wo-yo.
  Meaning: I enjoy learning about Korean culture.
• Expression: 좋은 정보 감사합니다.
  Pronunciation: Jo-eun jeong-bo gam-sa-ham-ni-da.
  Meaning: Thank you for the good information.
• Expression: 덕분에 많이 배웠어요.
  Pronunciation: Deok-bu-ne ma-ni bae-wo-sseo-yo.
  Meaning: Thanks to you, I learned a lot.
• Expression: 다음에 또 물어봐도 될까요?
  Pronunciation: Da-eu-me tto mu-reo-bwa-do doel-kka-yo?
  Meaning: May I ask you again next time?

Korean Culture Notes

Keep these points in mind when asking about Korean culture to ensure respectful and positive interactions.

• Show Genuine Interest: Koreans generally appreciate foreigners showing interest in their culture. Ask questions with sincerity and listen attentively.
• Be Mindful of Sensitive Topics: While history is important, be cautious when asking about sensitive historical events or political issues unless you have a close relationship with the person. Start with lighter topics like food, holidays, or daily customs.
• Use Polite Language (존댓말 – Jondaetmal): Especially when asking someone you don’t know well or someone older, always use polite language forms (e.g., ending sentences with -요/-ㅂ니다). This shows respect.
• Acknowledge Nuances: Korean culture has concepts like ‘정 (Jeong – emotional connection/attachment)’ and ‘눈치 (Nunchi – the ability to read a situation/mood)’ which can be complex. Acknowledge that you might not fully grasp everything immediately.
• Reciprocity: Be prepared to share about your own culture too! Cultural exchange is often a two-way street and fosters better understanding.

Real Conversation Example

This conversation shows how you might ask a Korean friend about a specific cultural holiday.

Situation: Alex (a foreigner) is curious about the upcoming Chuseok holiday and asks their Korean friend, Minji. Roles: A: Alex (Learner), B: Minji (Native Speaker)

• Expression: A: 민지 씨, 곧 추석인데, 추석은 어떤 명절이에요?
  Pronunciation: Min-ji ssi, got Chu-seo-gin-de, Chu-seo-geun eo-tteon myeong-jeo-ri-e-yo?
  Meaning: Minji, Chuseok is coming soon, what kind of holiday is Chuseok?
• Expression: B: 아, 추석은 한국의 가장 큰 명절 중 하나예요. 가족들이 다 같이 모여서 맛있는 음식을 먹고 조상님께 차례를 지내요.
  Pronunciation: A, Chu-seo-geun han-gu-ge ga-jang keun myeong-jeol jung ha-na-ye-yo. Ga-jok-deu-ri da ga-chi mo-yeo-seo ma-sin-neun eum-si-geul meok-go jo-sang-nim-kke cha-rye-reul ji-nae-yo.
  Meaning: Ah, Chuseok is one of Korea’s biggest holidays. Families gather together, eat delicious food, and perform ancestral rites (Charye).
• Expression: A: 차례요? 그건 뭐예요?
  Pronunciation: Cha-rye-yo? Geu-geon mwo-ye-yo?
  Meaning: Charye? What is that?
• Expression: B: 조상님들께 감사하는 마음으로 음식을 차려놓고 절을 하는 의식이에요.
  Pronunciation: Jo-sang-nim-deul-kke gam-sa-ha-neun ma-eu-meu-ro eum-si-geul cha-ryeo-no-ko jeo-reul ha-neun ui-si-gi-e-yo.
  Meaning: It’s a ritual where we set out food and bow to show gratitude to our ancestors.
• Expression: A: 와, 정말 흥미롭네요! 추석에 특별히 먹는 음식이 있어요?
  Pronunciation: Wa, jeong-mal heung-mi-rom-ne-yo! Chu-seo-ge teuk-byeol-hi meong-neun eum-si-gi i-sseo-yo?
  Meaning: Wow, that’s really interesting! Is there any special food eaten during Chuseok?
• Expression: B: 네, 송편이라고 떡을 만들어서 먹어요. 반달 모양인데, 예쁘게 만들면 예쁜 딸을 낳는다는 이야기도 있어요.
  Pronunciation: Ne, Song-pyeon-i-ra-go tteo-geul man-deu-reo-seo meo-geo-yo. Ban-dal mo-yang-in-de, ye-ppeu-ge man-deul-myeon ye-ppeun tta-reul na-neun-da-neun i-ya-gi-do i-sseo-yo.
  Meaning: Yes, we make and eat rice cakes called Songpyeon. They are half-moon shaped, and there’s a saying that if you make them beautifully, you’ll have a beautiful daughter.
• Expression: A: 그렇군요! 설명해 주셔서 감사합니다. 덕분에 추석에 대해 많이 배웠어요.
  Pronunciation: Geu-reo-kun-yo! Seol-myeong-hae ju-syeo-seo gam-sa-ham-ni-da. Deok-bu-ne Chu-seo-ge dae-hae ma-ni bae-wo-sseo-yo.
  Meaning: I see! Thank you for explaining. Thanks to you, I learned a lot about Chuseok.
• Expression: B: 별말씀을요. 궁금한 거 있으면 언제든지 물어보세요.
  Pronunciation: Byeol-mal-sseu-meul-lyo. Gung-geum-han geo i-sseu-myeon eon-je-deun-ji mu-reo-bo-se-yo.
  Meaning: Don’t mention it. If you have any questions, feel free to ask anytime.

Practice Tips

Don’t be shy about asking questions! Koreans often appreciate foreigners taking an interest in their culture~ Try using these phrases when you see something unfamiliar or when talking to Korean friends or language partners. Watching Korean dramas or movies and noting down cultural points you’re curious about can also give you great topics to ask about later! Remember to always be respectful and open-minded. Happy learning!