Exploring the beautiful mountains and historical sites of Korea often comes with intriguing local legends and rumors. This guide provides essential Korean phrases for tourists who want to ask their guides about fascinating stories, specifically focusing on rumors of lost treasure hidden in the hills.
Table Of Content
Core Expression
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Expression: 잃어버린 보물 소문
Pronunciation: il-eo-beo-rin bo-mul so-mun
Meaning: Lost treasure rumor
Asking About the Rumor
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Expression: 여기 잃어버린 보물에 대한 소문이 있나요?
Pronunciation: yeo-gi il-eo-beo-rin bo-mul-e dae-han so-mun-i it-na-yo?
Meaning: Is there a rumor about lost treasure here? -
Expression: 이 산에 보물이 숨겨져 있다는 소문을 들었어요. 사실인가요?
Pronunciation: i san-e bo-mul-i sum-gyeo-jyeo it-da-neun so-mun-eul deul-eoss-eo-yo. sa-sil-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: I heard a rumor that treasure is hidden in this mountain. Is it true? -
Expression: 잃어버린 보물 전설에 대해 말씀해 주실 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: il-eo-beo-rin bo-mul jeon-seol-e dae-hae mal-sseum-hae ju-sil su it-na-yo?
Meaning: Can you tell me about the lost treasure legend? -
Expression: 그 보물 소문에 대해 무엇을 알고 계신가요?
Pronunciation: geu bo-mul so-mun-e dae-hae mu-eos-eul al-go gye-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: What do you know about that treasure rumor? -
Expression: 그냥 이야기인가요, 아니면 어느 정도 사실인가요?
Pronunciation: geu-nyang i-ya-gi-in-ga-yo, a-ni-myeon eo-neu jeong-do sa-sil-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is it just a story, or is there some truth to it? -
Expression: 누군가 그 보물을 찾아본 적이 있나요?
Pronunciation: nu-gun-ga geu bo-mul-eul chaj-a-bon jeog-i it-na-yo?
Meaning: Has anyone ever looked for that treasure? -
Expression: 그 소문은 어디서 시작되었나요?
Pronunciation: geu so-mun-eun eo-di-seo si-jak-doe-eot-na-yo?
Meaning: Where did that rumor start? -
Expression: 보물이 있다는 장소는 알려져 있나요?
Pronunciation: bo-mul-i it-da-neun jang-so-neun al-lyeo-jyeo it-na-yo?
Meaning: Is the location where the treasure is supposed to be known? -
Expression: 그 보물과 관련된 오래된 지도가 있나요?
Pronunciation: geu bo-mul-gwa gwan-lyeon-doen o-rae-doen ji-do-ga it-na-yo?
Meaning: Are there any old maps related to that treasure? -
Expression: 지역 주민들은 그 소문을 믿나요?
Pronunciation: ji-yeok ju-min-deul-eun geu so-mun-eul mit-na-yo?
Meaning: Do the local residents believe the rumor?
Describing What You Heard
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Expression: 숨겨진 금에 대한 이야기를 들었어요.
Pronunciation: sum-gyeo-jin geum-e dae-han i-ya-gi-reul deul-eoss-eo-yo.
Meaning: I heard a story about hidden gold. -
Expression: 여기에 오래된 유물이 묻혀 있다는 말을 들었어요.
Pronunciation: yeo-gi-e o-rae-doen yu-mul-i mud-hyeo it-da-neun mal-eul deul-eoss-eo-yo.
Meaning: I heard that ancient artifacts are buried here. -
Expression: 어떤 왕이 이 산에 보물을 숨겼다는 소문이 있어요.
Pronunciation: eo-tteon wang-i i san-e bo-mul-eul sum-gyeot-da-neun so-mun-i iss-eo-yo.
Meaning: There’s a rumor that a king hid his treasure in this mountain. -
Expression: 근처에 있는 오래된 절과 관련이 있나요?
Pronunciation: geun-cheo-e it-neun o-rae-doen jeol-gwa gwan-lyeon-i it-na-yo?
Meaning: Is it related to the old temple nearby? -
Expression: 영혼들이 그 보물을 지키고 있다고들 해요.
Pronunciation: yeong-hon-deul-i geu bo-mul-eul ji-ki-go it-da-go-deul hae-yo.
Meaning: They say spirits guard the treasure. -
Expression: 인터넷에서 보물 지도에 대해 읽었어요.
Pronunciation: in-teo-net-e-seo bo-mul ji-do-e dae-hae ilg-eoss-eo-yo.
Meaning: I read online about a treasure map. -
Expression: 아주 오래된 전설이라고 들었어요.
Pronunciation: a-ju o-rae-doen jeon-seol-i-ra-go deul-eoss-eo-yo.
Meaning: I heard it’s a very old legend. -
Expression: 그 이야기는 유명한 역사적 인물과 관련이 있어요.
Pronunciation: geu i-ya-gi-neun yu-myeong-han yeok-sa-jeok in-mul-gwa gwan-lyeon-i iss-eo-yo.
Meaning: The story involves a famous historical figure. -
Expression: 사람들은 그걸 찾으면 불운이 따른다고 말해요.
Pronunciation: sa-ram-deul-eun geu-geol chaj-eu-myeon bul-un-i tta-reun-da-go mal-hae-yo.
Meaning: People say finding it brings bad luck. -
Expression: 그 소문의 자세한 내용이 궁금해요.
Pronunciation: geu so-mun-ui ja-se-han nae-yong-i gung-geum-hae-yo.
Meaning: I’m curious about the details of the rumor.
Guide’s Potential Responses
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Expression: 네, 이 지역의 유명한 전설이에요.
Pronunciation: ne, i ji-yeog-ui yu-myeong-han jeon-seol-i-e-yo.
Meaning: Yes, that’s a famous local legend. -
Expression: 그냥 오래된 이야기일 뿐이에요.
Pronunciation: geu-nyang o-rae-doen i-ya-gi-il ppun-i-e-yo.
Meaning: It’s just an old tale. -
Expression: 사실인지는 아무도 확실히 몰라요.
Pronunciation: sa-sil-in-ji-neun a-mu-do hwak-sil-hi mol-la-yo.
Meaning: No one knows for sure if it’s true. -
Expression: 많은 사람들이 찾아봤지만 아무것도 찾지 못했어요.
Pronunciation: man-eun sa-ram-deul-i chaj-a-bwatt-ji-man a-mu-geot-do chaj-ji mot-haess-eo-yo.
Meaning: Many people have searched, but found nothing. -
Expression: 누구에게 듣느냐에 따라 이야기가 달라져요.
Pronunciation: nu-gu-e-ge deut-neu-nya-e tta-ra i-ya-gi-ga dal-la-jyeo-yo.
Meaning: The story changes depending on who you ask. -
Expression: 관광객들에게 들려주기 재미있는 이야기죠.
Pronunciation: gwan-gwang-gaek-deul-e-ge deul-lyeo-ju-gi jae-mi-it-neun i-ya-gi-jyo.
Meaning: It’s a fun story to tell tourists. -
Expression: 정확한 위치는 알려지지 않았어요.
Pronunciation: jeong-hwak-han wi-chi-neun al-lyeo-ji-ji an-ass-eo-yo.
Meaning: The exact location is unknown. -
Expression: 일부 역사 기록에 비슷한 내용이 언급되기는 해요.
Pronunciation: il-bu yeok-sa gi-rog-e bi-seut-han nae-yong-i eon-geup-doe-gi-neun hae-yo.
Meaning: Some historical records mention something similar. -
Expression: 조심하세요, 그 근처 지형이 험해요.
Pronunciation: jo-sim-ha-se-yo, geu geun-cheo ji-hyeong-i heom-hae-yo.
Meaning: Be careful, the terrain around there is dangerous. -
Expression: 이 지역에 신비감을 더해주는 이야기죠.
Pronunciation: i ji-yeog-e sin-bi-gam-eul deo-hae-ju-neun i-ya-gi-jyo.
Meaning: It adds a bit of mystery to the area. -
Expression: 전체 이야기를 들어보시겠어요?
Pronunciation: jeon-che i-ya-gi-reul deul-eo-bo-si-gess-eo-yo?
Meaning: Would you like to hear the full story?
Cultural Tips
Korea boasts a rich tapestry of local legends (전설 – jeon-seol) and folk tales (민담 – min-dam), often deeply connected to specific geographical features like mountains (산 – san), rivers (강 – gang), or temples (절 – jeol). These stories are an integral part of Korean culture and identity.
Guides often enjoy sharing these local narratives with interested visitors. Expressing genuine curiosity (호기심 – ho-gi-sim) is usually welcomed. However, it’s wise to approach topics like lost treasure with respect, understanding the difference between folklore and historical fact, and avoiding any impression of greed.
Mountains hold particular significance in Korean culture, often seen as sacred spaces or the settings for important historical events and legends. Many famous tales involve mountains, hermits, or mythical creatures residing there.
Remember that even if a legend points to a specific area, it might be part of a national park, private property, or a protected cultural heritage site. Always follow your guide’s instructions and respect local regulations and signage.
Engaging with these stories is a wonderful way to connect more deeply with the places you visit in Korea. Listening attentively and asking thoughtful questions can enrich your travel experience and show respect for local culture.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: A tourist (A) is hiking with a local guide (B) in Jirisan National Park.
Roles: A = Tourist, B = Guide
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Expression: A: 가이드님, 이 근처 산에 숨겨진 보물에 대한 소문을 들었어요. 혹시 아시는 이야기인가요?
Pronunciation: ga-i-deu-nim, i geun-cheo san-e sum-gyeo-jin bo-mul-e dae-han so-mun-eul deul-eoss-eo-yo. hok-si a-si-neun i-ya-gi-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: Guide, I heard a rumor about hidden treasure in the mountains around here. Is that a story you know? -
Expression: B: 아, 그 잃어버린 보물 이야기요? 네, 여기 전해 내려오는 오래된 전설 중 하나예요. 하지만 실제로 찾은 사람은 없다고 하죠.
Pronunciation: a, geu il-eo-beo-rin bo-mul i-ya-gi-yo? ne, yeo-gi jeon-hae nae-ryeo-o-neun o-rae-doen jeon-seol jung ha-na-ye-yo. ha-ji-man sil-je-ro chaj-eun sa-ram-eun eop-da-go ha-jyo.
Meaning: Ah, the lost treasure story? Yes, it’s one of the old legends passed down here. But they say no one has actually found it. -
Expression: A: 정말 흥미롭네요! 어떤 종류의 보물이라고 하나요?
Pronunciation: jeong-mal heung-mi-rop-ne-yo! eo-tteon jong-nyu-ui bo-mul-i-ra-go ha-na-yo?
Meaning: That’s really interesting! What kind of treasure is it said to be? -
Expression: B: 전설에 따르면, 옛날 전쟁 때 피난 온 왕족이 숨겨둔 금은보화라고 해요. 그냥 재미로 듣는 이야기로 생각하시는 게 좋아요.
Pronunciation: jeon-seol-e tta-reu-myeon, yet-nal jeon-jaeng ttae pi-nan on wang-jog-i sum-gyeo-dun geum-eun-bo-hwa-ra-go hae-yo. geu-nyang jae-mi-ro deut-neun i-ya-gi-ro saeng-gak-ha-si-neun ge jo-a-yo.
Meaning: According to the legend, it’s gold and jewels hidden by royalty who fled during an old war. It’s best to think of it as just an entertaining story. -
Expression: A: 네, 알겠습니다. 그래도 재미있는 이야기네요. 알려주셔서 감사합니다!
Pronunciation: ne, al-get-seum-ni-da. geu-rae-do jae-mi-it-neun i-ya-gi-ne-yo. al-lyeo-ju-syeo-seo gam-sa-ham-ni-da!
Meaning: Yes, I understand. Still, it’s a fun story. Thank you for telling me!
Practice Tips
Practice makes perfect~! Try role-playing the conversation example with a friend or language partner. Imagine you are the tourist asking your guide about a local legend you heard.
Listen to Korean folk tales or read about local legends online. This will help you become familiar with common themes and vocabulary related to stories and rumors. Pay attention to how locations are described!
Don’t be afraid to use these phrases if you genuinely hear an interesting rumor during your travels in Korea. Showing polite interest in local stories can lead to fascinating conversations and a deeper appreciation of the culture! Good luck~!
