Discussing local events is a great way to practice conversational Korean and connect with people. This guide provides essential vocabulary and phrases for chatting about a new craft fair happening downtown, a common topic for small talk in places like cafes.
Table Of Content
Core Expressions
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Expression: 수공예 장터
Pronunciation: su-gong-ye jang-teo
Meaning: Craft fair (literally ‘handmade crafts marketplace’) -
Expression: 플리마켓
Pronunciation: peul-li-ma-ket
Meaning: Flea market (often used interchangeably with craft fair for markets selling handmade goods, vintage items, etc.) -
Expression: 시내
Pronunciation: si-nae
Meaning: Downtown, city center
Starting the Conversation
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Expression: 혹시 시내에 새로 생긴 플리마켓 가보셨어요?
Pronunciation: hok-si si-nae-e sae-ro saeng-gin peul-li-ma-ket ga-bo-syeo-sseo-yo?
Meaning: Have you perhaps been to the new flea market/craft fair downtown? -
Expression: 이번 주말에 시내에서 수공예 장터가 열린대요.
Pronunciation: i-beon ju-mal-e si-nae-e-seo su-gong-ye jang-teo-ga yeol-lin-dae-yo.
Meaning: I heard a craft fair is opening downtown this weekend. -
Expression: 주말 계획 있으세요?
Pronunciation: ju-mal gye-hoek i-sseu-se-yo?
Meaning: Do you have any plans for the weekend? -
Expression: 요즘 시내에서 재미있는 행사 같은 거 하나요?
Pronunciation: yo-jeum si-nae-e-seo jae-mi-in-neun haeng-sa ga-teun geo ha-na-yo?
Meaning: Are there any interesting events or similar things happening downtown these days? -
Expression: 시내에 새로 생긴 행사 소식 들으셨어요?
Pronunciation: si-nae-e sae-ro saeng-gin haeng-sa so-sik deu-reu-syeo-sseo-yo?
Meaning: Did you hear the news about the new event downtown? -
Expression: 여기 근처에서 주말마다 플리마켓이 열려요.
Pronunciation: yeo-gi geun-cheo-e-seo ju-mal-ma-da peul-li-ma-ke-si yeol-lyeo-yo.
Meaning: A flea market opens near here every weekend. -
Expression: 날씨도 좋은데 밖에 나가고 싶네요.
Pronunciation: nal-ssi-do jo-eun-de bak-ke na-ga-go sip-ne-yo.
Meaning: The weather is nice, I feel like going out. (Can lead into talking about events) -
Expression: 혹시 추천할 만한 주말 활동 있어요?
Pronunciation: hok-si chu-cheon-hal man-han ju-mal hwal-dong i-sseo-yo?
Meaning: Do you happen to have any weekend activities you’d recommend? -
Expression: 이 근처에 볼거리 좀 있나요?
Pronunciation: i geun-cheo-e bol-geo-ri jom in-na-yo?
Meaning: Are there any interesting things to see around here?
Asking About the Fair
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Expression: 그 장터 어디서 열려요?
Pronunciation: geu jang-teo eo-di-seo yeol-lyeo-yo?
Meaning: Where is that fair held? -
Expression: 언제부터 언제까지 해요?
Pronunciation: eon-je-bu-teo eon-je-kka-ji hae-yo?
Meaning: From when until when is it open? -
Expression: 주로 어떤 물건들을 팔아요?
Pronunciation: ju-ro eo-tteon mul-geon-deu-reul pa-ra-yo?
Meaning: What kind of items do they mainly sell? -
Expression: 수공예품이 많아요?
Pronunciation: su-gong-ye-pum-i ma-na-yo?
Meaning: Are there many handmade goods? -
Expression: 입장료는 얼마예요? / 입장료 있어요?
Pronunciation: ip-jang-nyo-neun eol-ma-ye-yo? / ip-jang-nyo i-sseo-yo?
Meaning: How much is the entrance fee? / Is there an entrance fee? -
Expression: 주차는 가능한가요?
Pronunciation: ju-cha-neun ga-neung-han-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is parking available? -
Expression: 이번 주말에도 하나요?
Pronunciation: i-beon ju-mal-e-do ha-na-yo?
Meaning: Is it happening this weekend too? -
Expression: 사람이 많이 오나요?
Pronunciation: sa-ram-i ma-ni o-na-yo?
Meaning: Do many people come? / Is it crowded? -
Expression: 아이들과 가기에도 괜찮을까요?
Pronunciation: a-i-deul-gwa ga-gi-e-do gwaen-cha-neul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Would it be okay to go with children? -
Expression: 먹거리도 파나요?
Pronunciation: meok-geo-ri-do pa-na-yo?
Meaning: Do they sell food too?
Describing the Fair
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Expression: 직접 만든 액세서리랑 소품들이 많아요.
Pronunciation: jik-jeop man-deun aek-se-seo-ri-rang so-pum-deu-ri ma-na-yo.
Meaning: There are many handmade accessories and props/items. -
Expression: 구경할 게 많아서 재미있어요.
Pronunciation: gu-gyeong-hal ge ma-na-seo jae-mi-i-sseo-yo.
Meaning: It’s fun because there’s a lot to look at. -
Expression: 분위기가 아주 활기차고 좋아요.
Pronunciation: bun-wi-gi-ga a-ju hwal-gi-cha-go jo-a-yo.
Meaning: The atmosphere is very lively and nice. -
Expression: 독특하고 예쁜 물건들이 많더라고요.
Pronunciation: dok-teu-ka-go ye-ppeun mul-geon-deu-ri man-teo-ra-go-yo.
Meaning: I noticed there were many unique and pretty items. -
Expression: 작은 공연이나 이벤트도 가끔 해요.
Pronunciation: ja-geun gong-yeon-i-na i-ben-teu-do ga-kkeum hae-yo.
Meaning: They sometimes have small performances or events too. -
Expression: 푸드 트럭도 몇 대 와 있어요.
Pronunciation: pu-deu teu-reok-do myeot dae wa i-sseo-yo.
Meaning: There are a few food trucks there too. -
Expression: 젊은 예술가들의 작품을 볼 수 있어요.
Pronunciation: jeol-meun ye-sul-ga-deu-rui jak-pum-eul bol su i-sseo-yo.
Meaning: You can see works by young artists. -
Expression: 생각보다 규모가 꽤 커요.
Pronunciation: saeng-gak-bo-da gyu-mo-ga kkwae keo-yo.
Meaning: It’s quite larger in scale than I thought. -
Expression: 아기자기한 물건들이 많아서 구경하는 재미가 쏠쏠해요.
Pronunciation: a-gi-ja-gi-han mul-geon-deu-ri ma-na-seo gu-gyeong-ha-neun jae-mi-ga ssol-ssol-hae-yo.
Meaning: There are many cute and charming items, so browsing is quite enjoyable. -
Expression: 현금만 받는 곳도 있으니 참고하세요.
Pronunciation: hyeon-geum-man ban-neun got-do i-sseu-ni cham-go-ha-se-yo.
Meaning: Keep in mind that some places only accept cash.
Expressing Interest and Making Plans
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Expression: 와, 재미있겠네요!
Pronunciation: wa, jae-mi-it-gen-ne-yo!
Meaning: Wow, that sounds fun! -
Expression: 저도 한번 가봐야겠어요.
Pronunciation: jeo-do han-beon ga-bwa-ya-ge-sseo-yo.
Meaning: I should go check it out too. -
Expression: 좋은 정보 감사합니다.
Pronunciation: jo-eun jeong-bo gam-sa-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Thank you for the good information. -
Expression: 시간 되면 한번 들러볼게요.
Pronunciation: si-gan doe-myeon han-beon deul-leo-bol-ge-yo.
Meaning: I’ll stop by once if I have time. -
Expression: 친구랑 같이 가봐야겠어요.
Pronunciation: chin-gu-rang ga-chi ga-bwa-ya-ge-sseo-yo.
Meaning: I should go with a friend. -
Expression: 혹시 같이 가실래요?
Pronunciation: hok-si ga-chi ga-sil-lae-yo?
Meaning: Would you perhaps like to go together? -
Expression: 꼭 가보고 싶네요.
Pronunciation: kkok ga-bo-go sip-ne-yo.
Meaning: I really want to go. -
Expression: 알려주셔서 고맙습니다.
Pronunciation: al-lyeo-ju-syeo-seo go-map-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Thank you for letting me know. -
Expression: 주말에 딱히 할 일 없었는데 잘됐네요.
Pronunciation: ju-mal-e ttak-hi hal il eop-seot-neun-de jal-dwaen-ne-yo.
Meaning: I didn’t have anything specific to do this weekend, so this is great. -
Expression: 다음에 가면 후기 알려주세요!
Pronunciation: da-eum-e ga-myeon hu-gi al-lyeo-ju-se-yo!
Meaning: Let me know how it was if you go!
Cultural Tips
Cafes in Korea are popular spots not just for coffee, but also for socializing, studying, and relaxing. Baristas often engage in light conversation with regular customers.
Flea markets (플리마켓 – peul-li-ma-ket) and craft fairs (수공예 장터 – su-gong-ye jang-teo) are increasingly popular weekend activities, especially among younger generations. They are seen as trendy places to find unique items and support local artists and creators.
Small talk about local events, weather, or weekend plans is common and a good way to practice Korean in a natural setting. Don’t hesitate to ask cafe staff or locals about interesting happenings nearby.
When visiting markets, while card payment is common in Korea, smaller vendors at temporary markets might prefer or only accept cash (현금 – hyeon-geum). It’s wise to carry some cash just in case.
These events often reflect local culture and trends, offering a glimpse into contemporary Korean lifestyle beyond typical tourist spots.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: A regular customer orders coffee, and the barista initiates a chat about a local event.
Roles: A: Barista, B: Customer
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Expression: A: 주문하신 아메리카노 나왔습니다. 혹시 이번 주말에 시내에서 열리는 수공예 장터 소식 들으셨어요?
Pronunciation: A: ju-mun-ha-sin a-me-ri-ka-no na-wat-seum-ni-da. hok-si i-beon ju-mal-e si-nae-e-seo yeol-li-neun su-gong-ye jang-teo so-sik deu-reu-syeo-sseo-yo?
Meaning: A: Here is the Americano you ordered. By any chance, have you heard about the craft fair opening downtown this weekend? -
Expression: B: 아, 정말요? 처음 들었어요. 어디서 하는데요?
Pronunciation: B: a, jeong-mal-lyo? cheo-eum deu-reo-sseo-yo. eo-di-seo ha-neun-de-yo?
Meaning: B: Oh, really? It’s the first I’ve heard of it. Where is it being held? -
Expression: A: 시청 앞 광장에서 토요일하고 일요일, 이틀 동안 열린대요. 직접 만든 예쁜 물건들이 많다고 하더라고요.
Pronunciation: A: si-cheong ap gwang-jang-e-seo to-yo-il-ha-go i-ryo-il, i-teul dong-an yeol-lin-dae-yo. jik-jeop man-deun ye-ppeun mul-geon-deu-ri man-ta-go ha-deo-ra-go-yo.
Meaning: A: They say it’s opening for two days, Saturday and Sunday, at the plaza in front of City Hall. I heard there are many pretty handmade items. -
Expression: B: 와, 재미있겠네요! 저 그런 구경하는 거 좋아하는데요. 시간 되면 한번 가봐야겠어요.
Pronunciation: B: wa, jae-mi-it-gen-ne-yo! jeo geu-reon gu-gyeong-ha-neun geo jo-a-ha-neun-de-yo. si-gan doe-myeon han-beon ga-bwa-ya-ge-sseo-yo.
Meaning: B: Wow, that sounds fun! I like browsing things like that. I should go check it out if I have time. -
Expression: A: 네, 시간 되시면 꼭 가보세요! 저도 작년에 갔었는데 꽤 괜찮았어요. 푸드 트럭도 오고요.
Pronunciation: A: ne, si-gan doe-si-myeon kkok ga-bo-se-yo! jeo-do jak-nyeon-e ga-sseot-neun-de kkwae gwaen-cha-na-sseo-yo. pu-deu teu-reok-do o-go-yo.
Meaning: A: Yes, definitely go if you have time! I went last year too, and it was quite good. Food trucks come too. -
Expression: B: 오, 좋은 정보 감사해요! 덕분에 주말 계획이 생겼네요.
Pronunciation: B: o, jo-eun jeong-bo gam-sa-hae-yo! deok-bun-e ju-mal gye-hoe-gi saeng-gyeon-ne-yo.
Meaning: B: Oh, thanks for the good information! Thanks to you, I have a plan for the weekend now.
Practice Tips
Try using these phrases the next time you’re at a cafe in Korea or chatting with Korean friends! Ask about local events or share information about something interesting happening nearby~ It’s a fantastic way to practice speaking and learn more about the local scene!
Listen for words like 행사 (haeng-sa – event), 플리마켓 (peul-li-ma-ket – flea market), or 장터 (jang-teo – market) in conversations around you. You can also practice by describing a craft fair or market you’ve visited before, using the descriptive phrases learned today. Have fun practicing!
