Discovering lesser-known spots is a rewarding part of travel. This guide provides essential Korean phrases for tourists asking locals about hidden trails or paths leading to beautiful scenic overlooks, helping you uncover Korea’s natural beauty beyond the usual tourist destinations.
Table Of Content
Core Expression: Hidden Overlook
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Expression: 숨겨진 전망대
Pronunciation: sum-gyeo-jin jeon-mang-dae
Meaning: Hidden observatory / scenic overlook (A viewpoint that isn’t widely known)
Asking for Directions to Hidden Spots
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Expression: 실례합니다. 말씀 좀 여쭙겠습니다.
Pronunciation: sil-lye-ham-ni-da. mal-sseum jom yeo-jjup-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Excuse me. May I ask you something? -
Expression: 이 근처에 숨겨진 전망대 가는 길 아세요?
Pronunciation: i geun-cheo-e sum-gyeo-jin jeon-mang-dae ga-neun gil a-se-yo?
Meaning: Do you know the way to a hidden scenic overlook near here? -
Expression: 혹시 경치 좋은 숨겨진 길이 있나요?
Pronunciation: hok-si gyeong-chi jo-eun sum-gyeo-jin gir-i it-na-yo?
Meaning: Is there perhaps a hidden trail with a good view? -
Expression: 사람들이 잘 모르는 경치 좋은 곳을 찾고 있어요.
Pronunciation: sa-ram-deur-i jal mo-reu-neun gyeong-chi jo-eun go-seul chat-go i-sseo-yo.
Meaning: I’m looking for a scenic place that people don’t know well. -
Expression: 이 산에 잘 알려지지 않은 등산로가 있습니까?
Pronunciation: i san-e jal al-lyeo-ji-ji a-neun deung-san-ro-ga it-seum-ni-kka?
Meaning: Is there a little-known hiking trail on this mountain? -
Expression: 숨겨진 전망대로 어떻게 가는지 알려주실 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: sum-gyeo-jin jeon-mang-dae-ro eo-tteo-ke ga-neun-ji al-lyeo-ju-sil su it-na-yo?
Meaning: Could you tell me how to get to the hidden overlook? -
Expression: 여기서 그 숨겨진 길 입구가 어디예요?
Pronunciation: yeo-gi-seo geu sum-gyeo-jin gil ip-gu-ga eo-di-ye-yo?
Meaning: Where is the entrance to that hidden trail from here? -
Expression: 현지인만 아는 좋은 경치 포인트가 있을까요?
Pronunciation: hyeon-ji-in-man a-neun jo-eun gyeong-chi po-in-teu-ga i-sseul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Might there be a good scenic point that only locals know? -
Expression: 저쪽으로 가면 숨겨진 길이 나온다고 들었어요. 맞나요?
Pronunciation: jeo-jjo-geu-ro ga-myeon sum-gyeo-jin gir-i na-on-da-go deu-reo-sseo-yo. mat-na-yo?
Meaning: I heard there’s a hidden trail if I go that way. Is that correct? -
Expression: 이 지도에 안 나오는 길을 찾고 있어요.
Pronunciation: i ji-do-e an na-o-neun gi-reul chat-go i-sseo-yo.
Meaning: I’m looking for a path that isn’t on this map.
Describing the Location You Seek
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Expression: 조용하고 경치 좋은 곳이 좋아요.
Pronunciation: jo-yong-ha-go gyeong-chi jo-eun go-si jo-a-yo.
Meaning: I like quiet places with good scenery. -
Expression: 산 정상에서 멋진 경치를 보고 싶어요.
Pronunciation: san jeong-sang-e-seo meot-jin gyeong-chi-reul bo-go si-peo-yo.
Meaning: I want to see a great view from the mountain top. -
Expression: 관광객이 별로 없는 곳이었으면 좋겠어요.
Pronunciation: gwan-gwang-gae-gi byeol-lo eom-neun go-si-eot-seu-myeon jo-ket-sseo-yo.
Meaning: I hope it’s a place without many tourists. -
Expression: 자연 그대로의 모습을 간직한 곳을 찾아요.
Pronunciation: ja-yeon geu-dae-ro-ui mo-seu-beul gan-ji-kan go-seul cha-ja-yo.
Meaning: I’m looking for a place that retains its natural appearance. -
Expression: 사진 찍기 좋은 숨겨진 장소가 있나요?
Pronunciation: sa-jin jjik-gi jo-eun sum-gyeo-jin jang-so-ga it-na-yo?
Meaning: Is there a hidden place that’s good for taking photos? -
Expression: 오솔길 같은 작은 길을 따라가고 싶어요.
Pronunciation: o-sol-gil ga-teun ja-geun gi-reul tta-ra-ga-go si-peo-yo.
Meaning: I want to follow a small path, like a trail. -
Expression: 전망이 탁 트인 곳이면 좋겠어요.
Pronunciation: jeon-mang-i tak teu-in go-si-myeon jo-ket-sseo-yo.
Meaning: It would be nice if it’s a place with a wide-open view. -
Expression: 찾기 조금 어려운 곳이라도 괜찮아요.
Pronunciation: chat-gi jo-geum eo-ryeo-un go-si-ra-do gwaen-cha-na-yo.
Meaning: It’s okay even if it’s a place that’s a bit hard to find. -
Expression: 아름다운 풍경을 볼 수 있는 비밀 장소를 원해요.
Pronunciation: a-reum-da-un pung-gyeong-eul bol su i-neun bi-mil jang-so-reul won-hae-yo.
Meaning: I want a secret spot where I can see beautiful scenery. -
Expression: 인적이 드문 길을 걷고 싶습니다.
Pronunciation: in-jeo-gi deu-mun gi-reul geot-go sip-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I want to walk a path where there are few people.
Understanding Directions Given
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Expression: 네, 알겠습니다.
Pronunciation: ne, al-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Yes, I understand. -
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: 다시 한번 설명해 주실 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: da-si han-beon seol-myeong-hae ju-sil su it-na-yo?
Meaning: Could you explain that again? -
Expression: 오른쪽으로 가라는 말씀이시죠?
Pronunciation: o-reun-jjo-geu-ro ga-ra-neun mal-sseu-mi-si-jyo?
Meaning: You mean I should go to the right? -
Expression: 왼쪽으로 꺾으면 되나요?
Pronunciation: oen-jjo-geu-ro kkeok-geu-myeon doe-na-yo?
Meaning: Should I turn left? -
Expression: 쭉 직진하면 되는 건가요?
Pronunciation: jjuk jik-jin-ha-myeon doe-neun geon-ga-yo?
Meaning: Should I just go straight? -
Expression: 여기서 얼마나 걸리나요?
Pronunciation: yeo-gi-seo eol-ma-na geol-li-na-yo?
Meaning: How long does it take from here? -
Expression: 혹시 지도에 표시해 주실 수 있으세요?
Pronunciation: hok-si ji-do-e pyo-si-hae ju-sil su i-sseu-se-yo?
Meaning: Could you possibly mark it on the map? -
Expression: 그 길이 찾기 어렵나요?
Pronunciation: geu gir-i chat-gi eo-ryeom-na-yo?
Meaning: Is that path difficult to find? -
Expression: 표지판이 있나요?
Pronunciation: pyo-ji-pan-i it-na-yo?
Meaning: Are there any signs? -
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.
Useful Vocabulary
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Expression: 길
Pronunciation: gil
Meaning: Road, path, trail, way -
Expression: 등산로
Pronunciation: deung-san-ro
Meaning: Hiking trail -
Expression: 오솔길
Pronunciation: o-sol-gil
Meaning: Small path, trail, footpath -
Expression: 전망대
Pronunciation: jeon-mang-dae
Meaning: Observatory, viewpoint, overlook -
Expression: 경치 / 풍경
Pronunciation: gyeong-chi / pung-gyeong
Meaning: Scenery, view -
Expression: 숨겨진
Pronunciation: sum-gyeo-jin
Meaning: Hidden -
Expression: 알려지지 않은
Pronunciation: al-lyeo-ji-ji a-neun
Meaning: Unknown, little-known -
Expression: 조용한
Pronunciation: jo-yong-han
Meaning: Quiet -
Expression: 아름다운
Pronunciation: a-reum-da-un
Meaning: Beautiful -
Expression: 입구
Pronunciation: ip-gu
Meaning: Entrance -
Expression: 현지인
Pronunciation: hyeon-ji-in
Meaning: Local person -
Expression: 지도
Pronunciation: ji-do
Meaning: Map
Korean Culture Notes
Politeness is Key: When approaching a local, always start with a polite greeting like 실례합니다 (sil-lye-ham-ni-da – Excuse me). Use formal language endings like -요 (-yo) or -ㅂ니다/습니다 (-m-ni-da / -seum-ni-da) throughout the conversation. This shows respect, especially when asking for a favor like directions.
Be Specific but Understanding: While you’re looking for a “hidden” spot, be prepared that not everyone might know such places, or they might be hesitant to share very secluded locations. Clearly stating you want a “scenic view” (경치 좋은 곳 – gyeong-chi jo-eun got) or a “less crowded trail” (사람 적은 등산로 – sa-ram jeo-geun deung-san-ro) might yield better results.
Using Maps or Photos: If you have a general area in mind, showing it on a map (digital or paper) can be very helpful. Pointing towards a mountain or area while asking can also clarify your question. If you saw a photo of the kind of view you seek, showing it might help the local understand what you’re looking for.
Expressing Gratitude: Koreans appreciate politeness. After receiving directions, always express your thanks clearly with 감사합니다 (gam-sa-ham-ni-da) or 정말 감사합니다 (jeong-mal gam-sa-ham-ni-da – Thank you very much). A slight bow often accompanies verbal thanks.
Accepting “I Don’t Know”: If the person doesn’t know, they might say 잘 모르겠는데요 (jal mo-reu-gen-neun-de-yo – I’m not sure). Thank them anyway for their time and try asking someone else. Don’t press the issue, as they genuinely might not know.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: A tourist (A) approaches an older local resident (B) near the entrance of a popular mountain park, hoping to find a less-traveled path to a viewpoint.
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Expression: A: 실례합니다. 어르신, 말씀 좀 여쭤봐도 될까요?
Pronunciation: sil-lye-ham-ni-da. eo-reu-sin, mal-sseum jom yeo-jjwo-bwa-do doel-kka-yo?
Meaning: Excuse me, elder. May I ask you something? -
Expression: B: 네, 그럼요. 뭐 궁금한 거 있으세요?
Pronunciation: ne, geu-reom-yo. mwo gung-geum-han geo i-sseu-se-yo?
Meaning: Yes, of course. What are you curious about? -
Expression: A: 제가 이 산에서 사람들이 잘 모르는, 경치 좋은 숨겨진 전망대를 찾고 있는데요. 혹시 아시는 곳이 있을까요?
Pronunciation: je-ga i san-e-seo sa-ram-deur-i jal mo-reu-neun, gyeong-chi jo-eun sum-gyeo-jin jeon-mang-dae-reul chat-go i-neun-de-yo. hok-si a-si-neun go-si i-sseul-kka-yo?
Meaning: I’m looking for a hidden scenic overlook on this mountain that people don’t know well. Do you happen to know of such a place? -
Expression: B: 허허, 숨겨진 곳이라… 글쎄요. 저 위쪽 주 등산로 말고 옆으로 빠지는 작은 오솔길이 하나 있긴 한데…
Pronunciation: heo-heo, sum-gyeo-jin go-si-ra… geul-sse-yo. jeo wi-jjok ju deung-san-ro mal-go yeo-peu-ro ppa-ji-neun ja-geun o-sol-gir-i ha-na it-gin han-de…
Meaning: Haha, a hidden place… hmm. Well, besides the main trail up there, there is a small side path that branches off… -
Expression: A: 아, 정말요? 그 길로 가면 좋은 경치를 볼 수 있나요? 찾기 어렵습니까?
Pronunciation: a, jeong-mal-lyo? geu gil-lo ga-myeon jo-eun gyeong-chi-reul bol su it-na-yo? chat-gi eo-ryeop-seum-ni-kka?
Meaning: Oh, really? Can I see a good view if I go that way? Is it difficult to find? -
Expression: B: 네, 거기가 사람이 별로 없고 조용해요. 경치도 아주 좋고. 찾기 조금 헷갈릴 수 있는데, 저기 보이는 큰 소나무 있죠? 그 뒤로 난 작은 길로 30분 정도 쭉 올라가면 나와요. 표지판은 없어요.
Pronunciation: ne, geo-gi-ga sa-ram-i byeol-lo eop-go jo-yong-hae-yo. gyeong-chi-do a-ju jo-ko. chat-gi jo-geum het-gal-lil su i-neun-de, jeo-gi bo-i-neun keun so-na-mu it-jyo? geu dwi-ro nan ja-geun gil-lo sam-sip-bun jeong-do jjuk ol-la-ga-myeon na-wa-yo. pyo-ji-pa-neun eop-seo-yo.
Meaning: Yes, there aren’t many people there and it’s quiet. The view is also very good. It might be a little confusing to find, but you see that big pine tree over there? If you go straight up the small path behind it for about 30 minutes, you’ll find it. There are no signs. -
Expression: A: 아, 네! 큰 소나무 뒤 작은 길이요. 정말 감사합니다! 덕분에 좋은 곳을 알게 됐네요.
Pronunciation: a, ne! keun so-na-mu dwi ja-geun gir-i-yo. jeong-mal gam-sa-ham-ni-da! deok-bun-e jo-eun go-seul al-ge dwaen-ne-yo.
Meaning: Ah, yes! The small path behind the big pine tree. Thank you so much! Thanks to you, I’ve learned about a great place. -
Expression: B: 별말씀을요. 조심해서 잘 다녀오세요.
Pronunciation: byeol-mal-sseu-meul-lyo. jo-sim-hae-seo jal da-nyeo-o-se-yo.
Meaning: Don’t mention it. Be careful and have a good trip (up and back).
Practice Tips
Okay, ready to find those secret spots?~ Start by practicing the core phrases for asking about hidden trails and overlooks. Try saying “숨겨진 전망대 가는 길 아세요?” (sum-gyeo-jin jeon-mang-dae ga-neun gil a-se-yo?) out loud! Get comfortable with the pronunciation.
Next, role-play! Imagine you’re approaching someone. Practice the initial greeting “실례합니다” (sil-lye-ham-ni-da) and then asking your main question. Also, practice understanding potential answers like “오른쪽으로 가세요” (o-reun-jjo-geu-ro ga-se-yo – Go right) or “쭉 가세요” (jjuk ga-se-yo – Go straight).
If you’re in Korea, try using these phrases near hiking areas or parks! Even if you just ask about the main trail first to build confidence, it’s great practice. Remember to be polite and always say “감사합니다!” (gam-sa-ham-ni-da!). Finding those hidden gems takes a little effort, but using these phrases will definitely help you on your adventure! 화이팅! (hwa-i-ting! – Fighting!/Good luck!)
