Disagreements happen, even between couples planning enjoyable activities like hiking. This guide provides essential Korean phrases and vocabulary for discussing, debating, and ultimately deciding on a hiking trail when opinions differ. Learn how to express preferences, state disagreements, and work towards a compromise regarding your next outdoor adventure in Korea.
Table Of Content
Core Expression: Deciding the Trail
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Expression: 다음 등산 코스 정하기
Pronunciation: da-eum deung-san ko-seu jeong-ha-gi
Meaning: Deciding the next hiking course
Starting the Discussion
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Expression: 이번 주말에 등산 갈까?
Pronunciation: i-beon ju-mal-e deung-san gal-kka?
Meaning: Shall we go hiking this weekend? -
Expression: 다음 등산 어디로 갈지 정해야지.
Pronunciation: da-eum deung-san eo-di-ro gal-ji jeong-hae-ya-ji.
Meaning: We need to decide where to go for our next hike. -
Expression: 어떤 산에 가고 싶어?
Pronunciation: eo-tteon san-e ga-go sip-eo?
Meaning: Which mountain do you want to go to? -
Expression: 등산 코스 좀 찾아봤어?
Pronunciation: deung-san ko-seu jom cha-ja-bwat-sseo?
Meaning: Have you looked up some hiking trails? -
Expression: 날씨도 좋은데 등산 가자.
Pronunciation: nal-ssi-do jo-eun-de deung-san ga-ja.
Meaning: The weather is nice, let’s go hiking. -
Expression: 어디 새로운 코스 가볼까?
Pronunciation: eo-di sae-ro-un ko-seu ga-bol-kka?
Meaning: Shall we try a new course somewhere? -
Expression: 지난번에 갔던 산 말고 다른 데 가자.
Pronunciation: ji-nan-beon-e gat-tteon san mal-go da-reun de ga-ja.
Meaning: Let’s go somewhere other than the mountain we went to last time. -
Expression: 가고 싶은 코스 있어?
Pronunciation: ga-go sip-eun ko-seu i-sseo?
Meaning: Is there a course you want to go to? -
Expression: 이번에는 좀 쉬운 코스로 가자.
Pronunciation: i-beon-e-neun jom swi-un ko-seu-ro ga-ja.
Meaning: Let’s go for an easy course this time. -
Expression: 아니면 좀 도전적인 코스는 어때?
Pronunciation: a-ni-myeon jom do-jeon-jeo-gin ko-seu-neun eo-ttae?
Meaning: Or how about a more challenging course?
Expressing Preferences
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Expression: 나는 A 코스가 더 좋은 것 같아.
Pronunciation: na-neun ei ko-seu-ga deo jo-eun geot ga-ta.
Meaning: I think Course A seems better. -
Expression: B 코스는 경치가 정말 좋대.
Pronunciation: bi ko-seu-neun gyeong-chi-ga jeong-mal jot-tae.
Meaning: They say Course B has really great scenery. -
Expression: 나는 좀 더 쉬운 길로 가고 싶어.
Pronunciation: na-neun jom deo swi-un gil-lo ga-go sip-eo.
Meaning: I want to go on a slightly easier path. -
Expression: 이번에는 좀 힘든 코스 도전해 보고 싶어.
Pronunciation: i-beon-e-neun jom him-deun ko-seu do-jeon-hae bo-go sip-eo.
Meaning: This time, I want to try a challenging, difficult course. -
Expression: 거기는 사람이 너무 많을 것 같아.
Pronunciation: geo-gi-neun sa-ram-i neo-mu ma-neul geot ga-ta.
Meaning: I think there will be too many people there. -
Expression: 좀 더 조용한 곳으로 가자.
Pronunciation: jom deo jo-yong-han go-seu-ro ga-ja.
Meaning: Let’s go somewhere quieter. -
Expression: 나는 정상까지 가는 코스가 좋아.
Pronunciation: na-neun jeong-sang-kka-ji ga-neun ko-seu-ga jo-a.
Meaning: I like courses that go all the way to the summit. -
Expression: 왕복 3시간 정도 코스가 적당할 것 같아.
Pronunciation: wang-bok se-si-gan jeong-do ko-seu-ga jeok-ttang-hal geot ga-ta.
Meaning: I think a round trip of about 3 hours would be suitable. -
Expression: 전에 갔던 그 코스가 제일 좋았어.
Pronunciation: jeon-e gat-tteon geu ko-seu-ga je-il jo-at-sseo.
Meaning: That course we went to before was the best. -
Expression: 나는 계곡이 있는 코스를 선호해.
Pronunciation: na-neun gye-go-gi it-neun ko-seu-reul seon-ho-hae.
Meaning: I prefer courses that have a valley.
Disagreeing and Arguing Points
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Expression: 글쎄, 나는 그 코스는 별로인데.
Pronunciation: geul-sse, na-neun geu ko-seu-neun byeol-lo-in-de.
Meaning: Well, I’m not really keen on that course. -
Expression: 거기는 너무 힘들잖아!
Pronunciation: geo-gi-neun neo-mu him-deul-ja-na!
Meaning: That place is too difficult! -
Expression: 당신은 항상 힘든 코스만 고르더라.
Pronunciation: dang-si-neun hang-sang him-deun ko-seu-man go-reu-deo-ra.
Meaning: You always pick only the difficult courses. -
Expression: 내 의견은 전혀 고려 안 하는구나.
Pronunciation: nae ui-gyeon-eun jeon-hyeo go-ryeo an ha-neun-gu-na.
Meaning: You’re not considering my opinion at all. -
Expression: 그 코스는 지난번에 가봤잖아. 다른 데 가자.
Pronunciation: geu ko-seu-neun ji-nan-beon-e ga-bwat-ja-na. da-reun de ga-ja.
Meaning: We went to that course last time. Let’s go somewhere else. -
Expression: 왜 항상 당신 마음대로 하려고 해?
Pronunciation: wae hang-sang dang-sin ma-eum-dae-ro ha-ryeo-go hae?
Meaning: Why do you always try to do things your way? -
Expression: 그렇게 말하지 마. 같이 정하는 거잖아.
Pronunciation: geu-reo-ke mal-ha-ji ma. ga-chi jeong-ha-neun geo-ja-na.
Meaning: Don’t say that. We’re deciding together. -
Expression: 나는 그 코스가 지루할 것 같아.
Pronunciation: na-neun geu ko-seu-ga ji-ru-hal geot ga-ta.
Meaning: I think that course will be boring. -
Expression: 좀 더 생각해 보자. 꼭 거기로 가야 해?
Pronunciation: jom deo saeng-ga-kae bo-ja. kkok geo-gi-ro ga-ya hae?
Meaning: Let’s think about it more. Do we absolutely have to go there? -
Expression: 내 말 좀 들어봐. 그 코스는 위험할 수도 있어.
Pronunciation: nae mal jom deu-reo-bwa. geu ko-seu-neun wi-heom-hal su-do i-sseo.
Meaning: Listen to me. That course could be dangerous. -
Expression: 서로 조금씩 양보하자.
Pronunciation: seo-ro jo-geum-ssik yang-bo-ha-ja.
Meaning: Let’s each compromise a little.
Suggesting Compromises
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Expression: 그럼 중간 난이도 코스는 어때?
Pronunciation: geu-reom jung-gan na-ni-do ko-seu-neun eo-ttae?
Meaning: Then how about a medium-difficulty course? -
Expression: 이번엔 당신이 원하는 곳 가고, 다음엔 내가 원하는 곳 가자.
Pronunciation: i-beon-en dang-sin-i won-ha-neun got ga-go, da-eum-en nae-ga won-ha-neun got ga-ja.
Meaning: Let’s go where you want this time, and next time, let’s go where I want. -
Expression: 두 코스 다 장단점이 있으니 다시 생각해 보자.
Pronunciation: du ko-seu da jang-dan-jeom-i i-sseu-ni da-si saeng-ga-kae bo-ja.
Meaning: Both courses have pros and cons, so let’s reconsider. -
Expression: 아예 새로운 제3의 장소를 찾아볼까?
Pronunciation: a-ye sae-ro-un je-sam-ui jang-so-reul cha-ja-bol-kka?
Meaning: Shall we look for a completely new, third option? -
Expression: 가위바위보로 정할까?
Pronunciation: ga-wi-ba-wi-bo-ro jeong-hal-kka?
Meaning: Shall we decide with rock-paper-scissors? -
Expression: 그래, 당신 말대로 그 코스로 가자. 대신 다음번엔 내 의견 따르기야.
Pronunciation: geu-rae, dang-sin mal-dae-ro geu ko-seu-ro ga-ja. dae-sin da-eum-beon-en nae ui-gyeon tta-reu-gi-ya.
Meaning: Okay, let’s go to that course as you suggested. But next time, you have to follow my opinion. -
Expression: 서로 원하는 걸 절충해서 정하자.
Pronunciation: seo-ro won-ha-neun geol jeol-chung-hae-seo jeong-ha-ja.
Meaning: Let’s compromise on what we each want and decide. -
Expression: 그럼 쉬운 코스로 시작해서, 체력 되면 더 올라가 볼까?
Pronunciation: geu-reom swi-un ko-seu-ro si-ja-kae-seo, che-ryeok doe-myeon deo ol-la-ga bol-kka?
Meaning: Then how about we start with an easy course, and if we have the stamina, climb further? -
Expression: 좋아, 그럼 이번엔 양보할게.
Pronunciation: jo-a, geu-reom i-beon-en yang-bo-hal-ge.
Meaning: Okay, I’ll concede this time. -
Expression: 결정했어! C 코스로 가자.
Pronunciation: gyeol-jeong-hae-sseo! ssi ko-seu-ro ga-ja.
Meaning: It’s decided! Let’s go to Course C.
Korean Culture Notes
Hiking (등산 – deung-san) is an extremely popular activity in Korea, enjoyed by people of all ages. Mountains cover a large portion of the country, offering numerous trails.
When disagreeing, Koreans often prefer indirect communication to avoid direct confrontation, especially in personal relationships. Using softer language or suggesting alternatives is common before resorting to strong disagreement.
The concept of 눈치 (nunchi – noon-chi), or sensing the mood and unspoken thoughts of others, plays a role. Partners might try to gauge each other’s true preferences or fatigue levels before pushing their own choice too hard.
Compromise (타협 – ta-hyeop or 절충 – jeol-chung) is valued. Taking turns choosing activities or finding a middle ground is a common way to resolve disagreements between couples.
Sharing food and drinks during the hike is a significant part of the experience. Often, couples will pack 김밥 (gimbap) or other snacks to enjoy together at the summit or a resting spot.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: A couple, Minjun and Sora, are planning a weekend hike but disagree on the trail.
Characters:
- A: Minjun (Wants a challenging hike)
- B: Sora (Prefers an easier, scenic route)
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Expression: A: 소라야, 이번 주말에 북한산 백운대 코스 어때? 정상 경치가 끝내준대!
Pronunciation: So-ra-ya, i-beon ju-mal-e bu-kan-san bae-gun-dae ko-seu eo-ttae? jeong-sang gyeong-chi-ga kkeun-nae-jun-dae!
Meaning: Sora, how about the Baegundae course on Bukhansan this weekend? They say the view from the summit is amazing! -
Expression: B: 백운대? 거기는 너무 힘들잖아. 지난번에 갔을 때 거의 기절할 뻔했어. 나는 좀 쉬운 데 가고 싶은데.
Pronunciation: Bae-gun-dae? geo-gi-neun neo-mu him-deul-ja-na. ji-nan-beon-e ga-sseul ttae geo-ui gi-jeol-hal ppeon-hae-sseo. na-neun jom swi-un de ga-go si-peun-de.
Meaning: Baegundae? That place is too hard. I almost fainted when we went last time. I want to go somewhere a bit easier. -
Expression: A: 에이, 그래도 정상 찍는 맛이 있지! 당신 운동 부족이라 그래. 이번엔 내가 도와줄게.
Pronunciation: E-i, geu-rae-do jeong-sang jjing-neun ma-si it-ji! dang-sin un-dong bu-jo-gi-ra geu-rae. i-beon-en nae-ga do-wa-jul-ge.
Meaning: Aw, but there’s satisfaction in reaching the summit! It’s because you lack exercise. I’ll help you this time. -
Expression: B: 왜 항상 당신 가고 싶은 힘든 코스만 고집해? 내 의견은 안 중요해? 나는 그냥 예쁜 길 걷고 싶다고.
Pronunciation: wae hang-sang dang-sin ga-go si-peun him-deun ko-seu-man go-ji-pae? nae ui-gyeon-eun an jung-yo-hae? na-neun geu-nyang ye-ppeun gil geot-go sip-tta-go.
Meaning: Why do you always insist on the difficult courses you want to go on? Isn’t my opinion important? I just want to walk on a pretty path. -
Expression: A: 아니, 그게 아니라… 알았어, 알았어. 그럼 당신이 원하는 쉬운 코스 하나랑 내가 가고 싶은 코스 중간쯤 되는 곳 찾아보자.
Pronunciation: a-ni, geu-ge a-ni-ra… a-rat-sseo, a-rat-sseo. geu-reom dang-sin-i won-ha-neun swi-un ko-seu ha-na-rang nae-ga ga-go si-peun ko-seu jung-gan-jjeum doe-neun got cha-ja-bo-ja.
Meaning: No, it’s not that… Okay, okay. Then let’s look for a place that’s somewhere between the easy course you want and the course I want to go to. -
Expression: B: 좋아. 그럼 관악산 연주대 말고 그냥 둘레길 쪽은 어때? 거기도 경치 좋고 걷기 편하대.
Pronunciation: jo-a. geu-reom gwa-nak-san yeon-ju-dae mal-go geu-nyang dul-le-gil jjo-geun eo-ttae? geo-gi-do gyeong-chi jo-ko geot-gi pyeon-ha-dae.
Meaning: Okay. Then instead of Yeonjudae on Gwanaksan, how about just the Dulle-gil trail area? They say the scenery is nice there too and it’s easy to walk. -
Expression: A: 관악산 둘레길? 음… 거긴 너무 쉬운데… 하지만 당신이 원한다면. 좋아, 그럼 이번엔 거기로 가자. 대신 다음번엔 백운대 가는 거다!
Pronunciation: gwa-nak-san dul-le-gil? eum… geo-gin neo-mu swi-un-de… ha-ji-man dang-sin-i won-han-da-myeon. jo-a, geu-reom i-beon-en geo-gi-ro ga-ja. dae-sin da-eum-beon-en bae-gun-dae ga-neun geo-da!
Meaning: Gwanaksan Dulle-gil? Hmm… that’s too easy… but if you want to. Okay, let’s go there this time then. But next time, we’re going to Baegundae! -
Expression: B: 알았어! 약속! 그럼 맛있는 김밥 싸갈게~
Pronunciation: a-rat-sseo! yak-sok! geu-reom ma-sit-neun gim-bap ssa-gal-ge~
Meaning: Okay! Promise! Then I’ll pack delicious gimbap~
Practice Tips
Try role-playing this kind of discussion with a friend or language partner! Take turns being the one who wants an easy trail versus a challenging one. Use the phrases for expressing preference, disagreeing, and compromising~
Look up actual hiking trails in Korea (like on Naver Maps or Kakao Maps) and practice discussing their pros and cons using the vocabulary learned. Think about difficulty, scenery, length, and accessibility!
Listen to Korean dramas or variety shows where characters go hiking or make plans. Pay attention to how they discuss options and handle disagreements. You’ll hear these expressions used naturally!
Remember, even arguments can be good language practice! Don’t be afraid to express your opinion (politely!) and work towards a solution using these phrases. 화이팅 (hwa-i-ting – fighting)!
