Finding a peaceful spot to enjoy the ocean view is a wonderful experience when traveling. This guide provides essential Korean phrases for tourists asking locals how to find a quiet bench specifically for watching the waves, helping you locate that perfect serene location by the sea in Korea.
Table Of Content
Essential Phrase
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Expression: 파도 구경하기 좋은 조용한 벤치 어디 있어요?
Pronunciation: pa-do gu-gyeong-ha-gi jo-eun jo-yong-han ben-chi eo-di i-sseo-yo?
Meaning: Where is a quiet bench that’s good for watching the waves?
Asking for Directions
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Expression: 실례합니다.
Pronunciation: sil-lye-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Excuse me. -
Expression: 말씀 좀 여쭐게요.
Pronunciation: mal-sseum jom yeo-jjul-ge-yo.
Meaning: May I ask you something? -
Expression: 이 근처에 벤치 있어요?
Pronunciation: i geun-cheo-e ben-chi i-sseo-yo?
Meaning: Is there a bench near here? -
Expression: 바닷가 근처에 앉을 만한 곳이 있나요?
Pronunciation: ba-dat-ga geun-cheo-e an-jeul man-han go-si in-na-yo?
Meaning: Is there a place to sit near the beach? -
Expression: 조용한 곳을 찾고 있어요.
Pronunciation: jo-yong-han go-seul chat-go i-sseo-yo.
Meaning: I’m looking for a quiet place. -
Expression: 파도를 볼 수 있는 곳이 어디예요?
Pronunciation: pa-do-reul bol su it-neun go-si eo-di-ye-yo?
Meaning: Where is a place where I can see the waves? -
Expression: 혹시 좋은 장소 아세요?
Pronunciation: hok-si jo-eun jang-so a-se-yo?
Meaning: Do you happen to know a good spot? -
Expression: 길 좀 가르쳐 주시겠어요?
Pronunciation: gil jom ga-reu-cheo ju-si-ge-sseo-yo?
Meaning: Could you show me the way? -
Expression: 저쪽으로 가면 되나요?
Pronunciation: jeo-jjo-geu-ro ga-myeon doe-na-yo?
Meaning: Should I go that way? -
Expression: 여기서 멀어요?
Pronunciation: yeo-gi-seo meo-reo-yo?
Meaning: Is it far from here? -
Expression: 걸어서 갈 수 있어요?
Pronunciation: geo-reo-seo gal su i-sseo-yo?
Meaning: Can I walk there?
Describing What You’re Looking For
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Expression: 조용한 벤치를 찾고 있어요.
Pronunciation: jo-yong-han ben-chi-reul chat-go i-sseo-yo.
Meaning: I’m looking for a quiet bench. -
Expression: 파도 소리를 듣고 싶어요.
Pronunciation: pa-do so-ri-reul deut-go si-peo-yo.
Meaning: I want to listen to the sound of the waves. -
Expression: 경치가 좋은 곳이면 좋겠어요.
Pronunciation: gyeong-chi-ga jo-eun go-si-myeon jo-ke-sseo-yo.
Meaning: I would like a place with a good view. -
Expression: 사람이 많지 않은 곳이 좋아요.
Pronunciation: sa-ram-i man-chi a-neun go-si jo-a-yo.
Meaning: I prefer a place that isn’t crowded. -
Expression: 바다가 잘 보이는 곳이요.
Pronunciation: ba-da-ga jal bo-i-neun go-si-yo.
Meaning: A place where the sea is clearly visible. -
Expression: 좀 쉬고 싶어서요.
Pronunciation: jom swi-go si-peo-seo-yo.
Meaning: Because I want to rest a bit. -
Expression: 조용히 바다를 보고 싶어요.
Pronunciation: jo-yong-hi ba-da-reul bo-go si-peo-yo.
Meaning: I want to watch the sea quietly. -
Expression: 편안하게 앉을 수 있는 곳이 있을까요?
Pronunciation: pyeon-an-ha-ge an-jeul su it-neun go-si i-sseul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Is there a place where I can sit comfortably? -
Expression: 해변 근처면 좋겠어요.
Pronunciation: hae-byeon geun-cheo-myeon jo-ke-sseo-yo.
Meaning: It would be nice if it’s near the beach. -
Expression: 방해받지 않는 곳을 원해요.
Pronunciation: bang-hae-bat-ji an-neun go-seul won-hae-yo.
Meaning: I want a place where I won’t be disturbed.
Understanding Directions
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Expression: 네, 알겠습니다.
Pronunciation: ne, al-ge-sseum-ni-da.
Meaning: Yes, I understand. -
Expression: 똑바로 가세요.
Pronunciation: ttok-ppa-ro ga-se-yo.
Meaning: Go straight. -
Expression: 오른쪽으로 도세요.
Pronunciation: o-reun-jjo-geu-ro do-se-yo.
Meaning: Turn right. -
Expression: 왼쪽으로 가세요.
Pronunciation: oen-jjo-geu-ro ga-se-yo.
Meaning: Go left / Turn left. -
Expression: 저쪽에 있어요.
Pronunciation: jeo-jjo-ge i-sseo-yo.
Meaning: It’s over there. -
Expression: 가까워요.
Pronunciation: ga-kka-wo-yo.
Meaning: It’s close. -
Expression: 조금 멀어요.
Pronunciation: jo-geum meo-reo-yo.
Meaning: It’s a little far. -
Expression: 다시 한번 말씀해 주시겠어요?
Pronunciation: da-si han-beon mal-sseum-hae ju-si-ge-sseo-yo?
Meaning: Could you please say that again? -
Expression: 천천히 말씀해 주세요.
Pronunciation: cheon-cheon-hi mal-sseum-hae ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please speak slowly. -
Expression: 도와주셔서 감사합니다.
Pronunciation: do-wa-ju-syeo-seo gam-sa-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Thank you for your help. -
Expression: 정말 고맙습니다.
Pronunciation: jeong-mal go-map-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Thank you very much.
Cultural Tips
When approaching someone in Korea to ask for directions, always start with a polite greeting like 실례합니다 (sil-lye-ham-ni-da – Excuse me). This shows respect and makes the interaction smoother.
Koreans often appreciate specificity. Clearly stating you want a “quiet” (조용한 – jo-yong-han) bench for “watching waves” (파도 구경하기 좋은 – pa-do gu-gyeong-ha-gi jo-eun) helps them give you better recommendations.
Gestures are common when giving directions. Pay attention to hand signals pointing the way, often accompanied by verbal instructions like 이쪽 (i-jjok – this way) or 저쪽 (jeo-jjok – that way).
Expressing gratitude is very important. Always end the conversation with a sincere 감사합니다 (gam-sa-ham-ni-da – Thank you) or 고맙습니다 (go-map-seum-ni-da – Thank you).
Many coastal areas in Korea have well-maintained walking paths or parks with benches. Locals often know the best hidden spots away from the main tourist crowds, so don’t hesitate to ask politely.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: A tourist (A) approaches a local resident (B) walking along a coastal path.
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Expression: A: 실례합니다. 말씀 좀 여쭐게요.
Pronunciation: sil-lye-ham-ni-da. mal-sseum jom yeo-jjul-ge-yo.
Meaning: Excuse me. May I ask you something? -
Expression: B: 네, 말씀하세요.
Pronunciation: ne, mal-sseum-ha-se-yo.
Meaning: Yes, go ahead. -
Expression: A: 제가 조용히 파도를 구경하고 싶은데요, 혹시 이 근처에 앉기 좋은 조용한 벤치 아세요?
Pronunciation: je-ga jo-yong-hi pa-do-reul gu-gyeong-ha-go si-peun-de-yo, hok-si i geun-cheo-e an-gi jo-eun jo-yong-han ben-chi a-se-yo?
Meaning: I’d like to watch the waves quietly, do you happen to know of a good, quiet bench nearby to sit on? -
Expression: B: 아, 네. 조용한 곳이요… 저쪽으로 조금만 걸어가시면 작은 공원이 나와요. 거기 벤치가 몇 개 있는데, 보통 한적해요. 바다도 잘 보이고요.
Pronunciation: a, ne. jo-yong-han go-si-yo… jeo-jjo-geu-ro jo-geum-man geo-reo-ga-si-myeon ja-geun gong-won-i na-wa-yo. geo-gi ben-chi-ga myeot gae it-neun-de, bo-tong han-jeo-kae-yo. ba-da-do jal bo-i-go-yo.
Meaning: Ah, yes. A quiet place… If you walk just a little bit that way, there’s a small park. There are a few benches there, and it’s usually quiet. You get a good view of the sea too. -
Expression: A: 아, 정말요? 여기서 많이 먼가요?
Pronunciation: a, jeong-mal-lyo? yeo-gi-seo ma-ni meon-ga-yo?
Meaning: Oh, really? Is it very far from here? -
Expression: B: 아니요, 가까워요. 걸어서 5분 정도면 가요. 이 길 따라 쭉 가시면 바로 보여요.
Pronunciation: a-ni-yo, ga-kka-wo-yo. geo-reo-seo o-bun jeong-do-myeon ga-yo. i gil tta-ra jjuk ga-si-myeon ba-ro bo-yeo-yo.
Meaning: No, it’s close. It takes about 5 minutes walking. Just follow this path straight, and you’ll see it right away. -
Expression: A: 네, 알겠습니다! 정말 감사합니다!
Pronunciation: ne, al-ge-sseum-ni-da! jeong-mal gam-sa-ham-ni-da!
Meaning: Yes, I understand! Thank you so much! -
Expression: B: 별말씀을요. 좋은 시간 보내세요.
Pronunciation: byeol-mal-sseu-meul-lyo. jo-eun si-gan bo-nae-se-yo.
Meaning: You’re welcome. Have a nice time.
Practice Tips
Practice makes perfect~! Try role-playing the conversation with a friend or language partner. Imagine you’re really by the sea in Korea and need to find that perfect spot.
Listen to the pronunciation carefully and repeat the phrases out loud. Pay attention to the syllable breaks! Recording yourself can also help you identify areas for improvement.
If you visit Korea, don’t be afraid to use these phrases! Even if your pronunciation isn’t perfect, people will usually appreciate the effort and try to help you. Finding that quiet bench will be a rewarding experience! Good luck~!
