Choosing the perfect snorkeling spot during a beach vacation often involves some discussion. This guide provides essential Korean phrases for couples or friends debating which reef offers the best underwater experience. Learn how to express preferences, describe conditions, voice concerns, and ultimately decide where to explore the marine life together.
Table Of Content
Core Expression
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Expression: 어느 산호초에서 스노클링할까요?
Pronunciation: eo-neu san-ho-cho-e-seo seu-no-keul-ling-hal-kka-yo?
Meaning: Which reef should we snorkel at?
Choosing a Spot
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Expression: 여기랑 저기 중에 어디가 더 좋아요?
Pronunciation: yeo-gi-rang jeo-gi jung-e eo-di-ga deo jo-a-yo?
Meaning: Between here and there, which place is better? -
Expression: A 산호초는 어때요?
Pronunciation: ei san-ho-cho-neun eo-ttae-yo?
Meaning: How about Reef A? -
Expression: B 산호초가 더 가깝지 않아요?
Pronunciation: bi san-ho-cho-ga deo ga-kkap-ji an-a-yo?
Meaning: Isn’t Reef B closer? -
Expression: 어디가 물고기가 더 많다고 했죠?
Pronunciation: eo-di-ga mul-go-gi-ga deo man-ta-go haet-jyo?
Meaning: Where did they say there are more fish? -
Expression: 가이드가 추천한 곳으로 갈까요?
Pronunciation: ga-i-deu-ga chu-cheon-han go-seu-ro gal-kka-yo?
Meaning: Shall we go to the place the guide recommended? -
Expression: 두 곳 다 가볼 수는 없을까요?
Pronunciation: du got da ga-bol su-neun eop-seul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Can’t we possibly visit both places? -
Expression: 어디가 초보자에게 더 적합해요?
Pronunciation: eo-di-ga cho-bo-ja-e-ge deo jeok-ha-pae-yo?
Meaning: Which place is more suitable for beginners? -
Expression: 다른 사람들은 보통 어디로 가요?
Pronunciation: da-reun sa-ram-deu-reun bo-tong eo-di-ro ga-yo?
Meaning: Where do other people usually go? -
Expression: 이쪽 산호초는 어떨 것 같아요?
Pronunciation: i-jjok san-ho-cho-neun eo-tteol geot ga-ta-yo?
Meaning: What do you think about this reef over here? -
Expression: 리뷰를 한번 찾아볼까요?
Pronunciation: ri-byu-reul han-beon cha-ja-bol-kka-yo?
Meaning: Shall we look up some reviews?
Describing the Reef
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Expression: 여기는 산호가 정말 예쁘대요.
Pronunciation: yeo-gi-neun san-ho-ga jeong-mal ye-ppeu-dae-yo.
Meaning: They say the coral here is really pretty. -
Expression: 저쪽은 물고기 종류가 다양하대요.
Pronunciation: jeo-jjok-eun mul-go-gi jong-nyu-ga da-yang-ha-dae-yo.
Meaning: They say that place has a diverse variety of fish. -
Expression: 물이 얼마나 맑아요?
Pronunciation: mu-ri eol-ma-na mal-ga-yo?
Meaning: How clear is the water? -
Expression: 수심이 깊어요? 얕아요?
Pronunciation: su-si-mi gi-peo-yo? ya-ta-yo?
Meaning: Is the water depth deep? Or shallow? -
Expression: 거북이도 볼 수 있을까요?
Pronunciation: geo-bu-gi-do bol su it-seul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Might we be able to see turtles too? -
Expression: 파도가 세지 않아요?
Pronunciation: pa-do-ga se-ji an-a-yo?
Meaning: Aren’t the waves strong? -
Expression: 해파리가 많지는 않겠죠?
Pronunciation: hae-pa-ri-ga man-chi-neun an-ket-jyo?
Meaning: There aren’t many jellyfish, right? -
Expression: 바닥이 모래예요, 아니면 돌이에요?
Pronunciation: ba-da-gi mo-rae-ye-yo, a-ni-myeon do-ri-e-yo?
Meaning: Is the bottom sandy or rocky? -
Expression: 사진에서 본 것만큼 멋있을까요?
Pronunciation: sa-jin-e-seo bon geot-man-keum meo-sit-seul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Will it be as cool as what we saw in the pictures? -
Expression: 여기는 시야가 좋다고 들었어요.
Pronunciation: yeo-gi-neun si-ya-ga jo-ta-go deu-reo-sseo-yo.
Meaning: I heard the visibility is good here.
Expressing Concerns and Preferences
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Expression: 저는 좀 더 쉬운 곳이 좋아요.
Pronunciation: jeo-neun jom deo swi-un go-si jo-a-yo.
Meaning: I prefer a slightly easier spot. -
Expression: 거기는 사람이 너무 많을 것 같아요.
Pronunciation: geo-gi-neun sa-ra-mi neo-mu ma-neul geot ga-ta-yo.
Meaning: I think there will be too many people there. -
Expression: 안전한 곳으로 가고 싶어요.
Pronunciation: an-jeon-han go-seu-ro ga-go si-peo-yo.
Meaning: I want to go somewhere safe. -
Expression: 물살이 셀까 봐 걱정돼요.
Pronunciation: mul-ssa-ri sel-kka bwa geok-jeong-dwae-yo.
Meaning: I’m worried the current might be strong. -
Expression: 저는 알록달록한 물고기를 보고 싶어요.
Pronunciation: jeo-neun al-lok-dal-lo-kan mul-go-gi-reul bo-go si-peo-yo.
Meaning: I want to see colorful fish. -
Expression: 조용한 곳에서 스노클링하고 싶어요.
Pronunciation: jo-yong-han go-se-seo seu-no-keul-ling-ha-go si-peo-yo.
Meaning: I want to snorkel in a quiet place. -
Expression: 배를 타고 나가야 하는 곳은 좀 부담스러워요.
Pronunciation: bae-reul ta-go na-ga-ya ha-neun go-seun jom bu-dam-seu-reo-wo-yo.
Meaning: Places where you have to go out by boat feel a bit burdensome. -
Expression: 당신은 어디가 더 마음에 들어요?
Pronunciation: dang-si-neun eo-di-ga deo ma-eu-me deu-reo-yo?
Meaning: Which place do you like more? -
Expression: 저는 아무 데나 괜찮아요.
Pronunciation: jeo-neun a-mu de-na gwaen-chan-a-yo.
Meaning: Anywhere is fine with me. -
Expression: 너무 멀리 가는 건 힘들 것 같아요.
Pronunciation: neo-mu meol-li ga-neun geon him-deul geot ga-ta-yo.
Meaning: I think going too far out will be tiring.
Making a Decision
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Expression: 그럼 A 산호초로 결정할까요?
Pronunciation: geu-reom ei san-ho-cho-ro gyeol-jeong-hal-kka-yo?
Meaning: Then, shall we decide on Reef A? -
Expression: 좋아요, 거기로 가요.
Pronunciation: jo-a-yo, geo-gi-ro ga-yo.
Meaning: Okay, let’s go there. -
Expression: 당신 의견을 따를게요.
Pronunciation: dang-sin ui-gyeo-neul tta-reul-ge-yo.
Meaning: I’ll follow your opinion. -
Expression: 먼저 B 산호초에 가보고, 괜찮으면 거기서 해요.
Pronunciation: meon-jeo bi san-ho-cho-e ga-bo-go, gwaen-chan-eu-myeon geo-gi-seo hae-yo.
Meaning: Let’s go check out Reef B first, and if it’s okay, let’s do it there. -
Expression: 둘 다 장단점이 있네요.
Pronunciation: dul da jang-dan-jeo-mi it-ne-yo.
Meaning: Both have their pros and cons. -
Expression: 결정하기 어렵네요.
Pronunciation: gyeol-jeong-ha-gi eo-ryeom-ne-yo.
Meaning: It’s difficult to decide. -
Expression: 가위바위보로 정할까요?
Pronunciation: ga-wi-ba-wi-bo-ro jeong-hal-kka-yo?
Meaning: Shall we decide with rock-paper-scissors? -
Expression: 이번에는 당신이 원하는 곳으로 가요.
Pronunciation: i-beo-ne-neun dang-si-ni won-ha-neun go-seu-ro ga-yo.
Meaning: This time, let’s go where you want to go. -
Expression: 그래요, B 산호초가 더 끌리네요.
Pronunciation: geu-rae-yo, bi san-ho-cho-ga deo kkeul-li-ne-yo.
Meaning: Okay, Reef B seems more appealing. -
Expression: 결정했어요! 여기로 가요.
Pronunciation: gyeol-jeong-hae-sseo-yo! yeo-gi-ro ga-yo.
Meaning: I’ve decided! Let’s go here.
Cultural Tips
When enjoying marine activities in Korea, remember that safety is paramount. Always check weather and sea conditions before heading out. Many popular beaches have designated swimming areas and lifeguards during peak season; it’s wise to stay within these zones, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the currents.
Respecting marine life is crucial. Avoid touching coral reefs or disturbing sea creatures. Korea has regulations to protect its marine ecosystems, and causing damage can lead to fines. Take only pictures and leave only bubbles!
While snorkeling is popular, be aware of other water activities like jet skis or banana boats, especially at crowded beaches. Maintain awareness of your surroundings to avoid collisions. Some more remote or rocky coastlines might require caution due to sharp rocks or sudden changes in depth.
Koreans often value preparedness. You’ll see many locals bringing extensive gear like full-body rash guards (래시가드 – rae-si-ga-deu), water shoes (아쿠아슈즈 – a-ku-a-syu-jeu), and even small tents or shade structures for the beach. Consider packing appropriate sun protection and footwear.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: A couple, Minjun (A) and Sora (B), are standing on a beach, looking at information about two nearby snorkeling reefs, ‘Blue Coral Point’ (푸른 산호 포인트 – pu-reun san-ho po-in-teu) and ‘Turtle Bay’ (거북이 만 – geo-bu-gi man).
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Expression: A: 소라 씨, 푸른 산호 포인트랑 거북이 만 중에 어디서 스노클링할까요?
Pronunciation: so-ra ssi, pu-reun san-ho po-in-teu-rang geo-bu-gi man jung-e eo-di-seo seu-no-keul-ling-hal-kka-yo?
Meaning: Sora, between Blue Coral Point and Turtle Bay, where should we snorkel? -
Expression: B: 음… 푸른 산호 포인트는 산호가 정말 예쁘다고 들었어요. 근데 거북이 만에서는 거북이를 볼 수도 있대요!
Pronunciation: eum… pu-reun san-ho po-in-teu-neun san-ho-ga jeong-mal ye-ppeu-da-go deu-reo-sseo-yo. geun-de geo-bu-gi man-e-seo-neun geo-bu-gi-reul bol su-do it-dae-yo!
Meaning: Hmm… I heard the coral at Blue Coral Point is really pretty. But they say you might see turtles at Turtle Bay! -
Expression: A: 거북이요? 와, 정말 보고 싶네요. 거기는 물이 깊어요? 저는 너무 깊은 곳은 좀 무서워요.
Pronunciation: geo-bu-gi-yo? wa, jeong-mal bo-go sim-ne-yo. geo-gi-neun mu-ri gi-peo-yo? jeo-neun neo-mu gi-peun go-seun jom mu-seo-wo-yo.
Meaning: Turtles? Wow, I really want to see them. Is the water deep there? I’m a bit scared of places that are too deep. -
Expression: B: 안내 책자를 보니까, 거북이 만은 비교적 얕고 물살도 약해서 초보자에게 좋대요. 푸른 산호 포인트는 조금 더 멀리 나가야 하고요.
Pronunciation: an-nae chaek-ja-reul bo-ni-kka, geo-bu-gi ma-neun bi-gyo-jeok yat-go mul-ssal-do yak-hae-seo cho-bo-ja-e-ge jo-tae-yo. pu-reun san-ho po-in-teu-neun jo-geum deo meol-li na-ga-ya ha-go-yo.
Meaning: Looking at the brochure, it says Turtle Bay is relatively shallow and the current is weak, so it’s good for beginners. Blue Coral Point requires going out a bit further. -
Expression: A: 아, 그럼 거북이 만이 더 좋겠네요. 안전한 게 최고죠. 예쁜 산호도 좋지만, 거북이를 볼 수 있다면 더 특별할 것 같아요!
Pronunciation: a, geu-reom geo-bu-gi ma-ni deo jo-ket-ne-yo. an-jeon-han ge choe-go-jyo. ye-ppeun san-ho-do jo-chi-man, geo-bu-gi-reul bol su it-da-myeon deo teuk-byeol-hal geot ga-ta-yo!
Meaning: Ah, then Turtle Bay sounds better. Safety first, right? Pretty coral is nice, but if we can see turtles, I think that would be more special! -
Expression: B: 좋아요! 그럼 거북이 만으로 결정해요! 스노클링 장비 빌리러 가요!
Pronunciation: jo-a-yo! geu-reom geo-bu-gi ma-neu-ro gyeol-jeong-hae-yo! seu-no-keul-ling jang-bi bil-li-reo ga-yo!
Meaning: Okay! Then let’s decide on Turtle Bay! Let’s go rent the snorkeling gear!
Practice Tips
Discussing options and making decisions is a common part of any trip! Try role-playing this scenario with a friend or study partner~ Imagine you’re planning your own beach day and use these phrases to debate different activities or locations. You can also look up real snorkeling spots in Korea (like Jeju Island or the East Sea coast) and practice describing them using the vocabulary you learned!
Listen to how native speakers discuss plans or preferences in Korean dramas or travel vlogs. Pay attention to the intonation they use when asking questions or expressing excitement. The more you practice, the more natural your conversations will become. Have fun planning your next underwater adventure! Fighting! (화이팅! hwa-i-ting!)
