Finding your way around and learning about interesting places is key to enjoying your trip to Korea. This guide provides essential Korean phrases and vocabulary for asking about and understanding information related to tourist attractions, helping you navigate and explore with confidence.
Table Of Content
Core Expression
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Expression: 관광지 정보 얻기
Pronunciation: gwan-gwang-ji jeong-bo eot-gi
Meaning: Getting tourist attraction information
Asking for Information
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Expression: 관광 안내소가 어디에 있나요?
Pronunciation: gwan-gwang an-nae-so-ga eo-di-e it-na-yo?
Meaning: Where is the tourist information center? -
Expression: 이 근처에 유명한 관광지가 있나요?
Pronunciation: i geun-cheo-e yu-myeong-han gwan-gwang-ji-ga it-na-yo?
Meaning: Are there any famous tourist attractions near here? -
Expression: [장소 이름]에 어떻게 가나요?
Pronunciation: [jang-so i-reum]-e eo-tteo-ke ga-na-yo?
Meaning: How do I get to [Place Name]? -
Expression: 입장료가 얼마인가요?
Pronunciation: ip-jang-nyo-ga eol-ma-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: How much is the entrance fee? -
Expression: 영업시간이 어떻게 되나요?
Pronunciation: yeong-eop-si-gan-i eo-tteo-ke doe-na-yo?
Meaning: What are the operating hours? -
Expression: 여기서 멀어요?
Pronunciation: yeo-gi-seo meo-reo-yo?
Meaning: Is it far from here? -
Expression: 지도가 있나요?
Pronunciation: ji-do-ga it-na-yo?
Meaning: Do you have a map? -
Expression: 영어 안내 책자가 있나요?
Pronunciation: yeong-eo an-nae chaek-ja-ga it-na-yo?
Meaning: Do you have an English brochure? -
Expression: 추천해주실 만한 곳이 있나요?
Pronunciation: chu-cheon-hae-ju-sil man-han go-si it-na-yo?
Meaning: Is there any place you would recommend? -
Expression: 오늘 문 열었나요?
Pronunciation: o-neul mun yeo-reot-na-yo?
Meaning: Is it open today? -
Expression: 근처에 맛집 좀 알려주세요.
Pronunciation: geun-cheo-e mat-jip jom al-lyeo-ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please tell me about some good restaurants nearby. -
Expression: 이 주소를 한국어로 적어 주실 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: i ju-so-reul han-gu-geo-ro jeo-geo ju-sil su it-na-yo?
Meaning: Could you write this address in Korean for me?
Understanding Information
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Expression: 네, 알겠습니다.
Pronunciation: ne, al-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Yes, I understand. -
Expression: 죄송하지만, 잘 모르겠습니다.
Pronunciation: joe-song-ha-ji-man, jal mo-reu-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I’m sorry, but I don’t understand well. -
Expression: 다시 한번 말씀해 주시겠어요?
Pronunciation: da-si han-beon mal-sseum-hae ju-si-get-seo-yo?
Meaning: Could you please say that again? -
Expression: 좀 더 천천히 말씀해 주시겠어요?
Pronunciation: jom deo cheon-cheon-hi mal-sseum-hae ju-si-get-seo-yo?
Meaning: Could you please speak a bit more slowly? -
Expression: 여기에 적어 주실 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: yeo-gi-e jeo-geo ju-sil su it-na-yo?
Meaning: Could you write it down here? -
Expression: 이게 무슨 뜻인가요?
Pronunciation: i-ge mu-seun tteu-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: What does this mean? -
Expression: 확인해 보겠습니다.
Pronunciation: hwa-gin-hae bo-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I will check. / Let me check. -
Expression: 감사합니다.
Pronunciation: gam-sa-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Thank you. -
Expression: 도움이 많이 됐어요.
Pronunciation: do-u-mi ma-ni dwaet-seo-yo.
Meaning: That was very helpful. -
Expression: 영어로 설명해 주실 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: yeong-eo-ro seol-myeong-hae ju-sil su it-na-yo?
Meaning: Can you explain it in English? -
Expression: 버스 번호가 몇 번인가요?
Pronunciation: beo-seu beon-ho-ga myeot beon-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: What is the bus number? -
Expression: 지하철 몇 호선인가요?
Pronunciation: ji-ha-cheol myeot ho-seon-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: Which subway line is it?
Specific Information Requests
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Expression: 가이드 투어가 있나요?
Pronunciation: ga-i-deu tu-eo-ga it-na-yo?
Meaning: Is there a guided tour? -
Expression: 영어 가이드가 있나요?
Pronunciation: yeong-eo ga-i-deu-ga it-na-yo?
Meaning: Is there an English guide? -
Expression: 사진 촬영이 가능한가요?
Pronunciation: sa-jin chwal-yeong-i ga-neung-han-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is photography allowed? -
Expression: 와이파이 사용 가능한가요?
Pronunciation: wa-i-pa-i sa-yong ga-neung-han-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is Wi-Fi available? -
Expression: 휠체어 접근이 가능한가요?
Pronunciation: hwil-che-eo jeop-geun-i ga-neung-han-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is it wheelchair accessible? -
Expression: 아이들과 가기 좋은 곳인가요?
Pronunciation: a-i-deul-gwa ga-gi jo-eun go-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is it a good place to go with children? -
Expression: 보통 얼마나 걸리나요? (관람 시간)
Pronunciation: bo-tong eol-ma-na geol-li-na-yo? (gwal-lam si-gan)
Meaning: How long does it usually take? (Viewing time) -
Expression: 기념품 가게가 있나요?
Pronunciation: gi-nyeom-pum ga-ge-ga it-na-yo?
Meaning: Is there a souvenir shop? -
Expression: 할인 받을 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: ha-rin ba-deul su it-na-yo?
Meaning: Can I get a discount? -
Expression: 오늘 특별한 행사가 있나요?
Pronunciation: o-neul teuk-byeol-han haeng-sa-ga it-na-yo?
Meaning: Are there any special events today? -
Expression: 가장 가까운 화장실이 어디예요?
Pronunciation: ga-jang ga-kka-un hwa-jang-si-ri eo-di-ye-yo?
Meaning: Where is the nearest restroom? -
Expression: 짐을 맡길 수 있는 곳이 있나요?
Pronunciation: ji-meul mat-gil su it-neun go-si it-na-yo?
Meaning: Is there a place where I can leave my luggage?
Useful Vocabulary
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Expression: 관광 안내소
Pronunciation: gwan-gwang an-nae-so
Meaning: Tourist Information Center -
Expression: 지도
Pronunciation: ji-do
Meaning: Map -
Expression: 안내 책자 / 팸플릿
Pronunciation: an-nae chaek-ja / paem-peul-lit
Meaning: Brochure / Pamphlet -
Expression: 입장료
Pronunciation: ip-jang-nyo
Meaning: Entrance fee -
Expression: 영업시간 / 개장 시간
Pronunciation: yeong-eop-si-gan / gae-jang si-gan
Meaning: Operating hours / Opening hours -
Expression: 폐장 시간
Pronunciation: pye-jang si-gan
Meaning: Closing time -
Expression: 추천
Pronunciation: chu-cheon
Meaning: Recommendation -
Expression: 인기 있는
Pronunciation: in-gi it-neun
Meaning: Popular -
Expression: 유명한
Pronunciation: yu-myeong-han
Meaning: Famous -
Expression: 교통편
Pronunciation: gyo-tong-pyeon
Meaning: Transportation (means/options) -
Expression: 할인
Pronunciation: ha-rin
Meaning: Discount -
Expression: 예약
Pronunciation: ye-yak
Meaning: Reservation / Booking
Cultural Tips
Utilize Tourist Information Centers: Korea has excellent Tourist Information Centers (TICs) located in major tourist areas, airports, and train stations. Staff often speak multiple languages (including English) and can provide maps, brochures, and detailed information. Don’t hesitate to visit them!
Leverage Technology: Most Koreans rely heavily on smartphone apps for navigation and information. Apps like Naver Map and Kakao Map are essential for finding directions (often more accurate than Google Maps in Korea), checking bus schedules, and finding nearby attractions or restaurants. Many attractions also have official websites, often with English language options.
Politeness Matters: When asking for information, especially from strangers or staff, using polite language (존댓말 – jon-daen-mal) is crucial. Phrases ending in -요 (-yo) or -ㅂ니다/습니다 (-m-ni-da / -seum-ni-da) are appropriate. Starting with “실례합니다” (sil-lye-ham-ni-da – Excuse me) is always a good idea.
Look for English Signage: Major tourist attractions, subway stations, and public facilities usually have signs in English alongside Korean. Pay attention to these signs as they can provide basic information like directions, names, and warnings.
Be Prepared for Crowds: Popular tourist spots can get very crowded, especially during peak seasons (spring, autumn) and weekends or holidays. Check for information about peak times if you prefer to avoid large crowds.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: A tourist (A) approaches a staff member (B) at a Tourist Information Center in Seoul.
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Expression: A: 실례합니다. 근처에 가볼 만한 궁궐이 있나요?
Pronunciation: sil-lye-ham-ni-da. geun-cheo-e ga-bol man-han gung-gwol-i it-na-yo?
Meaning: A: Excuse me. Are there any palaces worth visiting nearby? -
Expression: B: 네, 경복궁이 가장 가깝고 유명합니다. 걸어서 10분 정도 걸려요.
Pronunciation: ne, gyeong-bok-gung-i ga-jang ga-kkap-go yu-myeong-ham-ni-da. geo-reo-seo sip-bun jeong-do geol-lyeo-yo.
Meaning: B: Yes, Gyeongbokgung Palace is the closest and most famous. It’s about a 10-minute walk. -
Expression: A: 아, 그렇군요. 경복궁 입장료는 얼마인가요? 그리고 오늘 몇 시까지 하나요?
Pronunciation: a, geu-reo-kun-yo. gyeong-bok-gung ip-jang-nyo-neun eol-ma-in-ga-yo? geu-ri-go o-neul myeot si-kka-ji ha-na-yo?
Meaning: A: Oh, I see. How much is the entrance fee for Gyeongbokgung? And until what time is it open today? -
Expression: B: 성인 기준으로 3,000원입니다. 오늘은 오후 6시까지 운영하고, 입장 마감은 5시입니다. 여기 안내 책자 드릴까요?
Pronunciation: seong-in gi-jun-eu-ro sam-cheon-won-im-ni-da. o-neu-reun o-hu yeo-seot-si-kka-ji un-yeong-ha-go, ip-jang ma-ga-meun da-seot-si-im-ni-da. yeo-gi an-nae chaek-ja deu-ril-kka-yo?
Meaning: B: It’s 3,000 won for adults. Today it’s open until 6 PM, and last admission is at 5 PM. Would you like a brochure? -
Expression: A: 네, 영어로 된 것 부탁드립니다. 감사합니다!
Pronunciation: ne, yeong-eo-ro doen geot bu-tak-deu-rim-ni-da. gam-sa-ham-ni-da!
Meaning: A: Yes, an English one, please. Thank you! -
Expression: B: 네, 여기 있습니다. 즐거운 관람 되세요!
Pronunciation: ne, yeo-gi it-seum-ni-da. jeul-geo-un gwal-lam doe-se-yo!
Meaning: B: Yes, here you go. Enjoy your visit!
Practice Tips
Getting information is all about asking questions! Try practicing these phrases by yourself or with a study partner~ Role-play situations like asking for directions or inquiring about opening hours at an information desk. Use flashcards for vocabulary like 지도 (ji-do), 입장료 (ip-jang-nyo), and 추천 (chu-cheon). When you visit Korea, don’t be afraid to use these expressions at Tourist Information Centers or even ask locals politely. Every interaction is valuable practice! 화이팅 (hwa-i-ting – You can do it)!
