Alumni reunions, or 동창회 (dong-chang-hoe), are significant social events in Korea, offering a chance to reconnect with old classmates. This guide provides essential Korean phrases and cultural insights to help you navigate your next Korean-style alumni reunion with confidence, whether you’re confirming attendance, catching up with friends, or participating in activities.
Table Of Content
Core Expression
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Expression: 동창회
Pronunciation: dong-chang-hoe
Meaning: Alumni reunion (literally “same window meeting,” referring to studying together)
Basic Greetings and Phrases
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Expression: 안녕하세요, 오랜만이에요.
Pronunciation: an-nyeong-ha-se-yo, o-raen-man-i-e-yo.
Meaning: Hello, it’s been a long time. -
Expression: 잘 지냈어요?
Pronunciation: jal ji-nae-sseo-yo?
Meaning: Have you been well? -
Expression: 만나서 반갑습니다.
Pronunciation: man-na-seo ban-gap-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: It’s nice to meet you (again). -
Expression: 하나도 안 변했네요.
Pronunciation: ha-na-do an byeon-haen-ne-yo.
Meaning: You haven’t changed at all. -
Expression: 정말 보고 싶었어요.
Pronunciation: jeong-mal bo-go sip-eo-sseo-yo.
Meaning: I really missed you / wanted to see you. -
Expression: 와 주셔서 감사합니다.
Pronunciation: wa ju-syeo-seo gam-sa-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Thank you for coming. (Often said by organizers) -
Expression: 초대해 주셔서 감사합니다.
Pronunciation: cho-dae-hae ju-syeo-seo gam-sa-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Thank you for inviting me. -
Expression: 저는 [이름]입니다. 기억나세요?
Pronunciation: jeo-neun [i-reum]-im-ni-da. gi-eok-na-se-yo?
Meaning: I am [Name]. Do you remember me? -
Expression: 네, 그럼요. [이름] 씨 맞죠?
Pronunciation: ne, geu-reom-yo. [i-reum] ssi mat-jyo?
Meaning: Yes, of course. You’re [Name], right? -
Expression: 이렇게 다시 만나니 정말 좋네요.
Pronunciation: i-reo-ke da-si man-na-ni jeong-mal jon-ne-yo.
Meaning: It’s really great to meet like this again.
Asking About the Reunion
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Expression: 동창회 언제예요?
Pronunciation: dong-chang-hoe eon-je-ye-yo?
Meaning: When is the alumni reunion? -
Expression: 동창회 어디서 해요?
Pronunciation: dong-chang-hoe eo-di-seo hae-yo?
Meaning: Where is the alumni reunion being held? -
Expression: 몇 시에 시작해요?
Pronunciation: myeot si-e si-jak-hae-yo?
Meaning: What time does it start? -
Expression: 회비는 얼마예요?
Pronunciation: hoe-bi-neun eol-ma-ye-yo?
Meaning: How much is the participation fee? -
Expression: 누가 오는지 아세요?
Pronunciation: nu-ga o-neun-ji a-se-yo?
Meaning: Do you know who is coming? -
Expression: 저도 참석할 거예요.
Pronunciation: jeo-do cham-seok-hal geo-ye-yo.
Meaning: I will attend too. -
Expression: 아직 확실하지 않아요.
Pronunciation: a-jik hwak-sil-ha-ji an-a-yo.
Meaning: I’m not sure yet. -
Expression: 혹시 못 갈 수도 있어요.
Pronunciation: hok-si mot gal su-do i-sseo-yo.
Meaning: I might not be able to go. -
Expression: 참석 여부를 알려줘야 하나요?
Pronunciation: cham-seok yeo-bu-reul al-lyeo-jwo-ya ha-na-yo?
Meaning: Do I need to RSVP? -
Expression: 늦게 가도 괜찮을까요?
Pronunciation: neut-ge ga-do gwaen-chan-eul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Is it okay if I arrive late? -
Expression: 장소가 어디인지 다시 한번 알려주시겠어요?
Pronunciation: jang-so-ga eo-di-in-ji da-si han-beon al-lyeo-ju-si-ge-sseo-yo?
Meaning: Could you tell me the location once more?
During the Reunion
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Expression: 요즘 어떻게 지내세요?
Pronunciation: yo-jeum eo-tteo-ke ji-nae-se-yo?
Meaning: How have you been lately? -
Expression: 무슨 일 하세요?
Pronunciation: mu-seun il ha-se-yo?
Meaning: What kind of work do you do? -
Expression: 결혼하셨어요?
Pronunciation: gyeol-hon-ha-syeo-sseo-yo?
Meaning: Are you married? -
Expression: 아이들은 잘 크고 있어요?
Pronunciation: a-i-deul-eun jal keu-go i-sseo-yo?
Meaning: Are your children growing up well? -
Expression: 우리 학교 다닐 때 생각나요?
Pronunciation: u-ri hak-gyo da-nil ttae saeng-gang-na-yo?
Meaning: Do you remember when we were in school? -
Expression: 그때 정말 재미있었죠.
Pronunciation: geu-ttae jeong-mal jae-mi-i-sseot-jyo.
Meaning: It was really fun back then, wasn’t it? -
Expression: [선생님 이름] 선생님은 잘 계신가요?
Pronunciation: [seon-saeng-nim i-reum] seon-saeng-nim-eun jal gye-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is teacher [Teacher’s Name] doing well? -
Expression: 연락처 좀 알려주시겠어요?
Pronunciation: yeol-lak-cheo jom al-lyeo-ju-si-ge-sseo-yo?
Meaning: Could you give me your contact information? -
Expression: 다음에 또 만나요.
Pronunciation: da-eum-e tto man-na-yo.
Meaning: Let’s meet again next time. -
Expression: 여기 음식 정말 맛있네요.
Pronunciation: yeo-gi eum-sik jeong-mal ma-sin-ne-yo.
Meaning: The food here is really delicious. -
Expression: 같이 사진 한 장 찍어요.
Pronunciation: ga-chi sa-jin han jang jji-geo-yo.
Meaning: Let’s take a picture together. -
Expression: 자주 연락하고 지내요.
Pronunciation: ja-ju yeol-lak-ha-go ji-nae-yo.
Meaning: Let’s keep in touch often.
Saying Goodbye
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Expression: 먼저 가보겠습니다.
Pronunciation: meon-jeo ga-bo-ge-sseum-ni-da.
Meaning: I’ll be leaving first. (Polite way to announce departure) -
Expression: 오늘 정말 즐거웠어요.
Pronunciation: o-neul jeong-mal jeul-geo-wo-sseo-yo.
Meaning: It was really fun today. -
Expression: 다음에 또 봬요.
Pronunciation: da-eum-e tto bwae-yo.
Meaning: See you next time. (Formal) -
Expression: 조심히 들어가세요.
Pronunciation: jo-sim-hi deu-reo-ga-se-yo.
Meaning: Get home safely. -
Expression: 연락할게요.
Pronunciation: yeol-lak-hal-ge-yo.
Meaning: I’ll contact you. -
Expression: 모두들 건강하세요.
Pronunciation: mo-du-deul geon-gang-ha-se-yo.
Meaning: Stay healthy, everyone. -
Expression: 다음 동창회 때 또 만나요.
Pronunciation: da-eum dong-chang-hoe ttae tto man-na-yo.
Meaning: Let’s meet again at the next reunion. -
Expression: 늦게까지 남아 죄송합니다.
Pronunciation: neut-ge-kka-ji nam-a joe-song-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Sorry for staying so late. (If you’re one of the last to leave) -
Expression: 덕분에 좋은 시간 보냈습니다.
Pronunciation: deok-bun-e jo-eun si-gan bo-nae-sseum-ni-da.
Meaning: Thanks to you (all), I had a great time. -
Expression: 안녕히 계세요.
Pronunciation: an-nyeong-hi gye-se-yo.
Meaning: Goodbye (to those who are staying).
Korean Culture Notes
Seniority Matters: Korean society places importance on age and seniority (선후배 관계 – seon-hu-bae gwan-gye). Even among classmates from the same year, those born earlier might be treated with slightly more deference. Expect respectful language (존댓말 – jon-daen-mal) towards older alumni and potentially more casual language (반말 – ban-mal) among close friends or towards younger alumni, though using formal language is always safe if unsure.
Drinking Culture: Alcohol often plays a significant role in Korean social gatherings, including alumni reunions. Expect rounds of drinks (술자리 – sul-ja-ri) and toasts. It’s polite to pour drinks for elders or seniors first and use two hands when pouring or receiving drinks. While participation is common, it’s acceptable to politely decline if you don’t drink.
Reminiscing and Catching Up: A large part of the reunion involves reminiscing about school days (학창 시절 – hak-chang si-jeol) and catching up on current lives. Be prepared to share updates about your career, family, and general well-being. Asking about others’ lives is also expected.
Group Activities: Reunions might involve planned activities like singing (노래방 – no-rae-bang), games, or even short trips for subsequent rounds (2차, 3차 – i-cha, sam-cha), moving to different venues like pubs or karaoke rooms.
Paying the Fee: There’s usually a participation fee (회비 – hoe-bi) collected beforehand or at the venue to cover food, drinks, and venue costs. The amount is typically announced in advance.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: Two former classmates, Minjun and Sora, meet at their high school alumni reunion.
Roles:
A: Minjun (민준)
B: Sora (소라)
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Expression: A: 어? 소라 아니야? 진짜 오랜만이다!
Pronunciation: eo? so-ra a-ni-ya? jin-jja o-raen-man-i-da!
Meaning: Huh? Isn’t that Sora? It’s really been a long time! -
Expression: B: 어머, 민준아! 너 하나도 안 변했네. 잘 지냈어?
Pronunciation: eo-meo, min-jun-a! neo ha-na-do an byeon-haen-ne. jal ji-nae-sseo?
Meaning: Oh my, Minjun! You haven’t changed at all. Have you been well? -
Expression: A: 응, 그냥 그럭저럭 지냈지. 너는? 요즘 뭐하고 지내?
Pronunciation: eung, geu-nyang geu-reok-jeo-reok ji-naet-ji. neo-neun? yo-jeum mwo-ha-go ji-nae?
Meaning: Yeah, I’ve been doing okay. How about you? What have you been up to lately? -
Expression: B: 나는 회사 다니고 있어. 디자인 쪽 일 해. 너는?
Pronunciation: na-neun hoe-sa da-ni-go i-sseo. di-ja-in jjok il hae. neo-neun?
Meaning: I’m working at a company. I work in design. And you? -
Expression: A: 나는 IT 회사에서 개발자로 일하고 있어. 우리 학교 다닐 때 생각난다. 그때 정말 재미있었는데.
Pronunciation: na-neun IT hoe-sa-e-seo gae-bal-ja-ro il-ha-go i-sseo. u-ri hak-gyo da-nil ttae saeng-gang-nan-da. geu-ttae jeong-mal jae-mi-i-sseon-neun-de.
Meaning: I’m working as a developer at an IT company. I remember our school days. It was really fun back then. -
Expression: B: 맞아. 특히 수학여행 갔을 때! 오늘 다른 친구들도 많이 왔더라. 같이 가서 인사하자.
Pronunciation: ma-ja. teu-ki su-hang-nyeo-haeng ga-sseul ttae! o-neul da-reun chin-gu-deul-do ma-ni wat-deo-ra. ga-chi ga-seo in-sa-ha-ja.
Meaning: Right. Especially when we went on the school trip! Many other friends came today too. Let’s go say hello together. -
Expression: A: 그래, 좋아! 연락처도 교환하고 자주 연락하자.
Pronunciation: geu-rae, jo-a! yeol-lak-cheo-do gyo-hwan-ha-go ja-ju yeol-lak-ha-ja.
Meaning: Okay, sounds good! Let’s exchange contact info too and keep in touch often.
Practice Tips
Attending a 동창회 is a fantastic opportunity to practice your Korean conversational skills in a natural setting! Try reviewing these phrases before you go~ Remember the importance of greetings and asking how people have been doing (잘 지냈어요?). Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification if you don’t understand something. Most importantly, relax, enjoy reconnecting with old friends, and use the chance to speak Korean! 화이팅! (hwa-i-ting! – Fighting!/Good luck!)
