Hiking is a beloved pastime in Korea, offering stunning views and a great way to stay active. This guide provides essential Korean vocabulary and phrases for discussing and participating in mountain hiking (등산 – deung-san). Learn how to talk about preparing for a hike, navigate trails, describe your experience, and understand related cultural nuances.
Table Of Content
Core Expression
- Expression: 등산하다 (deung-san-ha-da)
Pronunciation: deung-san-ha-da
Meaning: To hike; to climb a mountain
Preparing for the Hike
-
Expression: 등산 갈 준비됐어요?
Pronunciation: deung-san gal jun-bi-dwaess-eo-yo?
Meaning: Are you ready to go hiking? -
Expression: 등산화 신어야 해요.
Pronunciation: deung-san-hwa sin-eo-ya hae-yo.
Meaning: You need to wear hiking boots. -
Expression: 배낭에 뭘 챙겨야 할까요?
Pronunciation: bae-nang-e mwol chaeng-gyeo-ya hal-kka-yo?
Meaning: What should I pack in my backpack? -
Expression: 물이랑 간식을 꼭 챙기세요.
Pronunciation: mul-i-rang gan-sik-eul kkok chaeng-gi-se-yo.
Meaning: Make sure to pack water and snacks. -
Expression: 등산 스틱이 있으면 좋아요.
Pronunciation: deung-san seu-tik-i iss-eu-myeon jo-a-yo.
Meaning: It’s good to have hiking poles. -
Expression: 날씨 예보 확인했어요?
Pronunciation: nal-ssi ye-bo hwa-gin-haess-eo-yo?
Meaning: Did you check the weather forecast? -
Expression: 오늘은 날씨가 등산하기 좋네요.
Pronunciation: o-neu-reun nal-ssi-ga deung-san-ha-gi jon-ne-yo.
Meaning: The weather is great for hiking today. -
Expression: 등산복 편한 걸로 입으세요.
Pronunciation: deung-san-bok pyeon-han geol-lo ip-eu-se-yo.
Meaning: Wear comfortable hiking clothes. -
Expression: 지도랑 나침반도 필요해요?
Pronunciation: ji-do-rang na-chim-ban-do pil-yo-hae-yo?
Meaning: Do we need a map and compass too? -
Expression: 선크림 바르는 거 잊지 마세요.
Pronunciation: seon-keu-rim ba-reu-neun geo it-ji ma-se-yo.
Meaning: Don’t forget to put on sunscreen. -
Expression: 아침 일찍 출발하는 게 좋아요.
Pronunciation: a-chim il-jjik chul-bal-ha-neun ge jo-a-yo.
Meaning: It’s better to leave early in the morning. -
Expression: 등산 계획을 세웠어요.
Pronunciation: deung-san gye-hoek-eul se-woss-eo-yo.
Meaning: I made a hiking plan.
On the Trail
-
Expression: 이 길이 맞아요?
Pronunciation: i gil-i maj-a-yo?
Meaning: Is this the right path? -
Expression: 정상까지 얼마나 걸려요?
Pronunciation: jeong-sang-kka-ji eol-ma-na geol-lyeo-yo?
Meaning: How long does it take to reach the summit? -
Expression: 잠깐 쉬었다 갈까요?
Pronunciation: jam-kkan swi-eot-da gal-kka-yo?
Meaning: Shall we take a short break? -
Expression: 경치가 정말 아름다워요.
Pronunciation: gyeong-chi-ga jeong-mal a-reum-da-wo-yo.
Meaning: The scenery is really beautiful. -
Expression: 숨이 차네요.
Pronunciation: sum-i cha-ne-yo.
Meaning: I’m out of breath. -
Expression: 조금만 더 가면 돼요.
Pronunciation: jo-geum-man deo ga-myeon dwae-yo.
Meaning: We just need to go a little further. -
Expression: 길이 가팔라요. 조심하세요.
Pronunciation: gil-i ga-pal-la-yo. jo-sim-ha-se-yo.
Meaning: The path is steep. Be careful. -
Expression: 여기 약수터가 있네요.
Pronunciation: yeo-gi yak-su-teo-ga in-ne-yo.
Meaning: There’s a mineral spring here. -
Expression: 다른 등산객들에게 인사해요.
Pronunciation: da-reun deung-san-gaek-deul-e-ge in-sa-hae-yo.
Meaning: Let’s greet the other hikers. -
Expression: 하산하는 길이 더 힘들어요.
Pronunciation: ha-san-ha-neun gil-i deo him-deul-eo-yo.
Meaning: The way down is harder. -
Expression: 표지판을 잘 따라가세요.
Pronunciation: pyo-ji-pan-eul jal tta-ra-ga-se-yo.
Meaning: Follow the signs carefully. -
Expression: 발목을 삔 것 같아요.
Pronunciation: bal-mok-eul ppin geot gat-a-yo.
Meaning: I think I sprained my ankle.
Describing the Experience
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Expression: 등산 정말 재미있었어요.
Pronunciation: deung-san jeong-mal jae-mi-iss-eoss-eo-yo.
Meaning: Hiking was really fun. -
Expression: 정상에서 본 경치가 최고였어요.
Pronunciation: jeong-sang-e-seo bon gyeong-chi-ga choe-go-yeoss-eo-yo.
Meaning: The view from the summit was the best. -
Expression: 공기가 정말 맑고 상쾌했어요.
Pronunciation: gong-gi-ga jeong-mal mak-go sang-kwae-haess-eo-yo.
Meaning: The air was really clear and refreshing. -
Expression: 생각보다 힘들었어요.
Pronunciation: saeng-gak-bo-da him-deul-eoss-eo-yo.
Meaning: It was harder than I thought. -
Expression: 다리가 좀 아프네요.
Pronunciation: da-ri-ga jom a-peu-ne-yo.
Meaning: My legs are a bit sore. -
Expression: 다음에 또 같이 등산 가요.
Pronunciation: da-eum-e tto ga-chi deung-san ga-yo.
Meaning: Let’s go hiking together again next time. -
Expression: 멋진 사진 많이 찍었어요.
Pronunciation: meot-jin sa-jin ma-ni jjik-eoss-eo-yo.
Meaning: I took a lot of great photos. -
Expression: 등산 후에 먹는 음식이 꿀맛이에요.
Pronunciation: deung-san hu-e meok-neun eum-sik-i kkul-mat-i-e-yo.
Meaning: Food tastes amazing after hiking (lit. tastes like honey). -
Expression: 성취감이 느껴져요.
Pronunciation: seong-chwi-gam-i neu-kkyeo-jyeo-yo.
Meaning: I feel a sense of accomplishment. -
Expression: 등산 코스가 다양해서 좋았어요.
Pronunciation: deung-san ko-seu-ga da-yang-hae-seo jo-ass-eo-yo.
Meaning: It was good that there were various hiking courses. -
Expression: 자연 속에서 힐링했어요.
Pronunciation: ja-yeon sok-e-seo hil-ling-haess-eo-yo.
Meaning: I healed/relaxed in nature. -
Expression: 주말마다 등산하고 싶어요.
Pronunciation: ju-mal-ma-da deung-san-ha-go sip-eo-yo.
Meaning: I want to go hiking every weekend.
Safety and Etiquette
-
Expression: 길을 잃어버린 것 같아요.
Pronunciation: gil-eul il-eo-beo-rin geot gat-a-yo.
Meaning: I think I’m lost. -
Expression: 도움이 필요해요.
Pronunciation: do-um-i pil-yo-hae-yo.
Meaning: I need help. -
Expression: 비상 연락처가 어디에 있어요?
Pronunciation: bi-sang yeol-lak-cheo-ga eo-di-e iss-eo-yo?
Meaning: Where is the emergency contact information? -
Expression: 쓰레기는 꼭 되가져가세요.
Pronunciation: sseu-re-gi-neun kkok doe-ga-jyeo-ga-se-yo.
Meaning: Please make sure to take your trash back with you. -
Expression: 지정된 등산로로만 다니세요.
Pronunciation: ji-jeong-doen deung-san-ro-ro-man da-ni-se-yo.
Meaning: Please only use the designated hiking trails. -
Expression: 야생 동물을 조심하세요.
Pronunciation: ya-saeng dong-mul-eul jo-sim-ha-se-yo.
Meaning: Be careful of wild animals. -
Expression: 산불 조심 기간입니다.
Pronunciation: san-bul jo-sim gi-gan-im-ni-da.
Meaning: It’s the forest fire prevention period. -
Expression: 취사 행위는 금지되어 있습니다.
Pronunciation: chwi-sa haeng-wi-neun geum-ji-doe-eo iss-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Cooking is prohibited. -
Expression: 큰 소리로 떠들지 마세요.
Pronunciation: keun so-ri-ro tteo-deul-ji ma-se-yo.
Meaning: Please don’t talk loudly. -
Expression: 다른 등산객을 배려해주세요.
Pronunciation: da-reun deung-san-gaek-eul bae-ryeo-hae-ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please be considerate of other hikers. -
Expression: 하산 시에는 올라오는 사람에게 길을 양보해주세요.
Pronunciation: ha-san si-e-neun ol-la-o-neun sa-ram-e-ge gil-eul yang-bo-hae-ju-se-yo.
Meaning: When descending, please yield the path to those ascending. -
Expression: 안전 장비를 꼭 착용하세요.
Pronunciation: an-jeon jang-bi-reul kkok chak-yong-ha-se-yo.
Meaning: Make sure to wear safety gear.
Korean Culture Notes
- Hiking as a Social Activity: Hiking (등산 – deung-san) is incredibly popular in Korea, often enjoyed in groups with friends, family, or hiking clubs (산악회 – san-ak-hoe). It’s common to share food and drinks (like makgeolli) at the summit or during breaks.
- Hiking Fashion: Koreans often wear brightly colored, high-tech hiking gear from head to toe, even for relatively easy trails. This reflects both practicality and a sense of fashion associated with the activity.
- Trail Food: Packing kimbap (김밥), fruit, hard-boiled eggs, and snacks is standard. Sharing food with fellow hikers, even strangers, can be part of the friendly trail culture. Some popular spots near mountains specialize in post-hike meals like pajeon (파전 – green onion pancake) and dotorimuk (도토리묵 – acorn jelly salad).
- Mountain Shrines and Temples: Many Korean mountains host Buddhist temples (절 – jeol) or traditional shrines (사당 – sa-dang) along the trails, offering cultural points of interest and places for rest or reflection.
- Trail Etiquette: Greeting fellow hikers with a simple “안녕하세요” (an-nyeong-ha-se-yo) is common. It’s also crucial to follow “Leave No Trace” principles, carrying out all trash and staying on marked paths to protect the natural environment.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: Two friends are discussing their recent hike.
Roles:
* A: Min-jun (민준)
* B: Su-jin (수진)
-
Expression: A: 수진 씨, 지난 주말에 북한산 등산 어땠어요?
Pronunciation: su-jin ssi, ji-nan ju-mal-e buk-han-san deung-san eo-ttaess-eo-yo?
Meaning: Su-jin, how was the hike at Bukhansan last weekend? -
Expression: B: 아, 민준 씨! 정말 좋았어요. 날씨도 완벽했고 경치가 끝내줬어요.
Pronunciation: a, min-jun ssi! jeong-mal jo-ass-eo-yo. nal-ssi-do wan-byeok-haet-go gyeong-chi-ga kkeut-nae-jwoss-eo-yo.
Meaning: Oh, Min-jun! It was really great. The weather was perfect and the scenery was amazing. -
Expression: A: 그렇죠? 저도 북한산 정말 좋아해요. 어느 코스로 다녀왔어요?
Pronunciation: geu-reo-cho? jeo-do buk-han-san jeong-mal jo-a-hae-yo. eo-neu ko-seu-ro da-nyeo-wass-eo-yo?
Meaning: Right? I really like Bukhansan too. Which course did you take? -
Expression: B: 백운대 코스로 올라갔다 왔어요. 조금 힘들긴 했는데, 정상에 도착했을 때 성취감이 엄청났어요!
Pronunciation: bae-gun-dae ko-seu-ro ol-la-gat-da wass-eo-yo. jo-geum him-deul-gin haet-neun-de, jeong-sang-e do-chak-haess-eul ttae seong-chwi-gam-i eom-cheong-nass-eo-yo!
Meaning: We went up the Baegundae course. It was a bit tough, but the sense of accomplishment when we reached the summit was huge! -
Expression: A: 와, 백운대! 대단하네요. 저는 보통 숨은벽 능선 코스를 좋아해요. 경치가 정말 멋지거든요.
Pronunciation: wa, bae-gun-dae! dae-dan-ha-ne-yo. jeo-neun bo-tong sum-eun-byeok neung-seon ko-seu-reul jo-a-hae-yo. gyeong-chi-ga jeong-mal meot-ji-geo-deun-yo.
Meaning: Wow, Baegundae! That’s impressive. I usually prefer the Sumeunbyeok Ridge course. The scenery is really fantastic there. -
Expression: B: 다음에는 그 코스도 한번 가봐야겠네요. 등산 후에 먹은 파전이랑 막걸리도 정말 맛있었어요~
Pronunciation: da-eum-e-neun geu ko-seu-do han-beon ga-bwa-ya-gen-ne-yo. deung-san hu-e meog-eun pa-jeon-i-rang mak-geol-li-do jeong-mal mas-iss-eoss-eo-yo~
Meaning: I should try that course next time. The pajeon and makgeolli we had after the hike were also really delicious~ -
Expression: A: 크~ 등산 후엔 그게 최고죠! 다음에 기회 되면 같이 가요!
Pronunciation: keu~ deung-san hu-en geu-ge choe-go-jyo! da-eum-e gi-hoe doe-myeon ga-chi ga-yo!
Meaning: Ahh~ That’s the best part after hiking! Let’s go together next time if we get the chance!
Practice Tips
Now you have a great set of phrases for talking about hiking in Korean! Try using them when planning a hike with Korean friends or describing your experiences~ Practice saying the phrases out loud, focusing on the pronunciation. Maybe even plan a virtual hike discussion in Korean! The more you use these expressions, the more natural they’ll become. Happy hiking! 화이팅! (hwa-i-ting! – Fighting!/You can do it!)
