Watching ferries come and go can be a peaceful experience, but finding the right spot away from the crowds requires knowing the right questions to ask. This guide provides essential Korean phrases for tourists seeking a quiet location to observe ferries docking, helping you communicate your preferences effectively to locals.
Table Of Content
Core Expression
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Expression: 조용히 배 구경할 만한 곳 있을까요?
Pronunciation: jo-yong-hi bae gu-gyeong-hal man-han got iss-eul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Is there a quiet place worth watching the boats/ferries from?
Asking for Recommendations
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Expression: 실례합니다. 뭐 좀 여쭤볼게요.
Pronunciation: sil-lye-ham-ni-da. mwo jom yeo-jjwo-bol-ge-yo.
Meaning: Excuse me. I’d like to ask you something. -
Expression: 이 근처에 배 타는 곳이 어디예요?
Pronunciation: i geun-cheo-e bae ta-neun gos-i eo-di-ye-yo?
Meaning: Where is the place to board ferries around here? -
Expression: 여객선 터미널이 어디에 있나요?
Pronunciation: yeo-gaek-seon teo-mi-neol-i eo-di-e iss-na-yo?
Meaning: Where is the passenger ferry terminal? -
Expression: 배 들어오는 것을 볼 수 있는 좋은 장소가 있나요?
Pronunciation: bae deul-eo-o-neun geos-eul bol su iss-neun jo-eun jang-so-ga iss-na-yo?
Meaning: Is there a good place where I can see the ferries arriving? -
Expression: 어디로 가야 배를 잘 볼 수 있어요?
Pronunciation: eo-di-ro ga-ya bae-reul jal bol su iss-eo-yo?
Meaning: Where should I go to get a good view of the ferries? -
Expression: 혹시 추천해 주실 만한 장소가 있으신가요?
Pronunciation: hok-si chu-cheon-hae ju-sil man-han jang-so-ga iss-eu-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: Do you happen to have a place you could recommend? -
Expression: 여기서 가까운가요?
Pronunciation: yeo-gi-seo ga-kka-un-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is it close from here? -
Expression: 걸어서 갈 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: geol-eo-seo gal su iss-na-yo?
Meaning: Can I walk there? -
Expression: 어떻게 가는지 알려주실 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: eo-tteo-ke ga-neun-ji al-lyeo-ju-sil su iss-na-yo?
Meaning: Could you tell me how to get there?
Specifying Preferences
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Expression: 조용한 곳을 찾고 있어요.
Pronunciation: jo-yong-han gos-eul chat-go iss-eo-yo.
Meaning: I’m looking for a quiet place. -
Expression: 사람이 많지 않은 곳이면 좋겠어요.
Pronunciation: sa-ram-i man-chi an-eun gos-i-myeon jo-ke-sseo-yo.
Meaning: I’d prefer a place that isn’t too crowded. -
Expression: 경치가 좋은 곳을 원해요.
Pronunciation: gyeong-chi-ga jo-eun gos-eul won-hae-yo.
Meaning: I want a place with a good view. -
Expression: 배가 정박하는 것을 보고 싶어요.
Pronunciation: bae-ga jeong-bak-ha-neun geos-eul bo-go sip-eo-yo.
Meaning: I want to see the ferries docking. -
Expression: 사진 찍기 좋은 곳이면 좋겠어요.
Pronunciation: sa-jin jjik-gi jo-eun gos-i-myeon jo-ke-sseo-yo.
Meaning: It would be nice if it’s a good place for taking photos. -
Expression: 앉아서 쉴 수 있는 곳이 있나요?
Pronunciation: an-ja-seo swil su iss-neun gos-i iss-na-yo?
Meaning: Is there a place where I can sit and rest? -
Expression: 방해받지 않고 조용히 보고 싶어요.
Pronunciation: bang-hae-bat-ji an-ko jo-yong-hi bo-go sip-eo-yo.
Meaning: I want to watch quietly without being disturbed. -
Expression: 너무 시끄럽지 않은 곳으로요.
Pronunciation: neo-mu si-kkeu-reop-ji an-eun gos-eu-ro-yo.
Meaning: To a place that isn’t too noisy, please. -
Expression: 전망이 탁 트인 곳이 좋아요.
Pronunciation: jeon-mang-i tak teu-in gos-i jo-a-yo.
Meaning: I like places with wide-open views.
Understanding Directions and Responding
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Expression: 네, 알겠습니다.
Pronunciation: ne, al-ge-sseum-ni-da.
Meaning: Yes, I understand. -
Expression: 감사합니다.
Pronunciation: gam-sa-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Thank you. -
Expression: 정말 감사합니다.
Pronunciation: jeong-mal gam-sa-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Thank you very much. -
Expression: 저쪽으로 가면 되나요?
Pronunciation: jeo-jjok-eu-ro ga-myeon doe-na-yo?
Meaning: Should I go that way? -
Expression: 여기서 얼마나 걸려요?
Pronunciation: yeo-gi-seo eol-ma-na geol-lyeo-yo?
Meaning: How long does it take from here? -
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: 조금 더 천천히 말씀해 주시겠어요?
Pronunciation: jo-geum deo cheon-cheon-hi mal-sseum-hae ju-si-ge-sseo-yo?
Meaning: Could you please speak a little more slowly? -
Expression: 친절하게 알려주셔서 감사합니다.
Pronunciation: chin-jeol-ha-ge al-lyeo-ju-syeo-seo gam-sa-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Thank you for kindly letting me know. -
Expression: 도움 주셔서 감사합니다.
Pronunciation: do-um ju-syeo-seo gam-sa-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Thank you for your help.
Relevant Vocabulary
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Expression: 배
Pronunciation: bae
Meaning: Boat, Ferry, Ship -
Expression: 여객선
Pronunciation: yeo-gaek-seon
Meaning: Passenger ferry -
Expression: 항구
Pronunciation: hang-gu
Meaning: Port, Harbor -
Expression: 부두
Pronunciation: bu-du
Meaning: Dock, Pier, Wharf -
Expression: 선착장
Pronunciation: seon-chak-jang
Meaning: Dock, Landing place (for boats) -
Expression: 구경하다
Pronunciation: gu-gyeong-ha-da
Meaning: To watch, look around, sightsee -
Expression: 보다
Pronunciation: bo-da
Meaning: To see, watch, look at -
Expression: 조용하다
Pronunciation: jo-yong-ha-da
Meaning: To be quiet -
Expression: 경치
Pronunciation: gyeong-chi
Meaning: Scenery, View -
Expression: 도착하다
Pronunciation: do-cha-ka-da
Meaning: To arrive -
Expression: 출발하다
Pronunciation: chul-bal-ha-da
Meaning: To depart -
Expression: 정박하다
Pronunciation: jeong-bak-ha-da
Meaning: To dock, anchor
Cultural Tips
When approaching locals in Korea, always start with a polite greeting like 안녕하세요 (ahn-nyeong-ha-se-yo) or 실례합니다 (sil-lye-ham-ni-da – Excuse me). This shows respect and makes people more willing to help.
Koreans generally appreciate tourists showing interest in their country and are often happy to provide directions or recommendations. Don’t hesitate to ask, but be mindful if someone seems busy.
Using even basic Korean phrases like 감사합니다 (gam-sa-ham-ni-da – Thank you) goes a long way. Showing effort in using the local language is always appreciated.
Ferry terminals and ports can be busy places. While seeking a quiet spot, be aware of restricted areas or places where your presence might interfere with operations. Look for designated viewing areas or public parks nearby.
If a local takes the time to explain directions, listen attentively and give a clear sign of understanding or ask for clarification politely. A slight bow when saying thank you is also a common gesture of appreciation.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: A tourist (A) approaches a local resident (B) near a coastal area known for ferry traffic.
Roles:
A: Tourist looking for a quiet spot
B: Local resident
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Expression: A: 실례합니다. 잠시 뭐 좀 여쭤봐도 될까요?
Pronunciation: sil-lye-ham-ni-da. jam-si mwo jom yeo-jjwo-bwa-do doel-kka-yo?
Meaning: Excuse me. May I ask you something quickly? -
Expression: B: 네, 그럼요. 무엇을 도와드릴까요?
Pronunciation: ne, geu-reom-yo. mu-eos-eul do-wa-deu-ril-kka-yo?
Meaning: Yes, of course. How can I help you? -
Expression: A: 제가 배 구경하는 걸 좋아하는데요, 혹시 이 근처에 조용히 배 들어오는 걸 볼 수 있는 장소가 있을까요?
Pronunciation: je-ga bae gu-gyeong-ha-neun geol jo-a-ha-neun-de-yo, hok-si i geun-cheo-e jo-yong-hi bae deul-eo-o-neun geol bol su iss-neun jang-so-ga iss-eul-kka-yo?
Meaning: I enjoy watching ferries, and I was wondering if there’s perhaps a quiet place nearby where I can watch them arriving? -
Expression: B: 아, 배 구경이요. 네, 저쪽 언덕 위에 작은 공원이 하나 있어요. 거기가 조용하고 경치도 좋아요.
Pronunciation: a, bae gu-gyeong-i-yo. ne, jeo-jjok eon-deok wi-e ja-geun gong-won-i ha-na iss-eo-yo. geo-gi-ga jo-yong-ha-go gyeong-chi-do jo-a-yo.
Meaning: Ah, watching ferries. Yes, there’s a small park up on that hill over there. It’s quiet there and the view is good too. -
Expression: A: 언덕 위 공원이요? 여기서 많이 먼가요?
Pronunciation: eon-deok wi gong-won-i-yo? yeo-gi-seo ma-ni meon-ga-yo?
Meaning: A park on the hill? Is it very far from here? -
Expression: B: 아니요, 별로 안 멀어요. 걸어서 10분 정도면 갈 수 있어요. 이 길 따라 쭉 올라가시면 돼요.
Pronunciation: a-ni-yo, byeol-lo an meol-eo-yo. geol-eo-seo sip-bun jeong-do-myeon gal su iss-eo-yo. i gil tta-ra jjuk ol-la-ga-si-myeon dwae-yo.
Meaning: No, it’s not too far. You can get there in about 10 minutes walking. Just go straight up along this road. -
Expression: A: 아, 그렇군요! 정말 감사합니다. 친절하게 알려주셔서 고맙습니다.
Pronunciation: a, geu-reo-kun-yo! jeong-mal gam-sa-ham-ni-da. chin-jeol-ha-ge al-lyeo-ju-syeo-seo go-map-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Oh, I see! Thank you very much. Thank you for kindly letting me know. -
Expression: B: 별말씀을요. 좋은 시간 보내세요!
Pronunciation: byeol-mal-sseum-eul-yo. jo-eun si-gan bo-nae-se-yo!
Meaning: You’re welcome. Have a good time!
Practice Tips
Practice the core phrase “조용히 배 구경할 만한 곳 있을까요?” (jo-yong-hi bae gu-gyeong-hal man-han got iss-eul-kka-yo?) until it feels natural! This is your key question~
Try combining phrases. For example, start with “실례합니다” (sil-lye-ham-ni-da), ask the core question, and then add “경치가 좋은 곳이면 좋겠어요” (gyeong-chi-ga jo-eun gos-i-myeon jo-ke-sseo-yo).
Listen carefully to the pronunciation guides. Pay attention to the syllable breaks and practice saying them slowly at first, then gradually increase your speed. Recording yourself can help!
Don’t be afraid to use these phrases when you visit coastal cities or islands in Korea like Busan, Incheon, or Jeju! Real-life practice is the best way to improve. Good luck! 화이팅! (hwa-i-ting! – Fighting!/Good luck!)
