Accessing specific historical materials like rare photographs in archives requires clear communication. This guide provides essential Korean phrases for students needing to inquire about and potentially view rare photos held in a library or institutional archive, ensuring a smooth interaction with the librarian or archivist.
Table Of Content
Core Inquiry Phrase
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Expression: 아카이브에 있는 희귀 사진에 대해 문의하고 싶습니다.
Pronunciation: a-ka-i-beu-e it-neun hwi-gwi sa-jin-e dae-hae mun-ui-ha-go sip-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I would like to inquire about a rare photo in the archives.
Basic Inquiry Phrases
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Expression: 안녕하세요, 자료실 담당자분이신가요?
Pronunciation: an-nyeong-ha-se-yo, ja-ryo-sil dam-dang-ja-bun-i-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: Hello, are you the person in charge of the archives/reference room? -
Expression: 사진 자료를 좀 찾고 있는데요.
Pronunciation: sa-jin ja-ryo-reul jom chat-go it-neun-de-yo.
Meaning: I’m looking for some photographic materials. -
Expression: 혹시 특정 사진을 볼 수 있는지 여쭤보고 싶습니다.
Pronunciation: hok-si teuk-jeong sa-jin-eul bol su it-neun-ji yeo-jjwo-bo-go sip-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I’d like to ask if it’s possible to see a specific photograph. -
Expression: 이 사진 자료가 어디에 보관되어 있나요?
Pronunciation: i sa-jin ja-ryo-ga eo-di-e bo-gwan-doe-eo it-na-yo?
Meaning: Where is this photographic material stored? -
Expression: 아카이브 자료 열람 절차가 어떻게 되나요?
Pronunciation: a-ka-i-beu ja-ryo yeol-lam jeol-cha-ga eo-tteo-ke doe-na-yo?
Meaning: What is the procedure for viewing archive materials? -
Expression: 제가 찾고 있는 사진이 있는지 확인해 주실 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: je-ga chat-go it-neun sa-jin-i it-neun-ji hwa-gin-hae ju-sil su it-na-yo?
Meaning: Could you please check if you have the photo I’m looking for? -
Expression: 이 주제와 관련된 사진 자료가 있습니까?
Pronunciation: i ju-je-wa gwan-lyeon-doen sa-jin ja-ryo-ga it-seum-ni-kka?
Meaning: Are there photographic materials related to this topic? -
Expression: 연구 목적으로 사진을 보고 싶습니다.
Pronunciation: yeon-gu mok-jeok-eu-ro sa-jin-eul bo-go sip-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I want to see the photo for research purposes. -
Expression: 도움을 주시면 감사하겠습니다.
Pronunciation: do-um-eul ju-si-myeon gam-sa-ha-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I would appreciate your help. -
Expression: 사진 열람 신청서를 작성해야 하나요?
Pronunciation: sa-jin yeol-lam sin-cheong-seo-reul jak-seong-hae-ya ha-na-yo?
Meaning: Do I need to fill out a request form to view the photo? -
Expression: 이용 시간이 어떻게 되나요?
Pronunciation: i-yong si-gan-i eo-tteo-ke doe-na-yo?
Meaning: What are the operating hours? -
Expression: 사전 예약이 필요한가요?
Pronunciation: sa-jeon ye-yak-i pil-yo-han-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is an advance reservation required?
Describing the Photo
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Expression: 제가 찾는 사진은 [년도]년경에 촬영된 것입니다.
Pronunciation: je-ga chat-neun sa-jin-eun [nyeon-do]-nyeon-gyeong-e chwal-yeong-doen geo-sim-ni-da.
Meaning: The photo I’m looking for was taken around [Year]. -
Expression: 그 사진은 [장소]에서 찍힌 것으로 알고 있습니다.
Pronunciation: geu sa-jin-eun [jang-so]-e-seo jj-ik-hin geo-seu-ro al-go it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I believe that photo was taken at [Place]. -
Expression: 사진에는 [인물/사물]이(가) 나옵니다.
Pronunciation: sa-jin-e-neun [in-mul/sa-mul]-i(-ga) na-om-ni-da.
Meaning: The photo features [Person/Object]. -
Expression: 혹시 [이벤트 이름] 관련 사진인가요?
Pronunciation: hok-si [i-ben-teu i-reum] gwan-lyeon sa-jin-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is it possibly a photo related to the [Event Name]? -
Expression: 흑백 사진으로 알고 있습니다.
Pronunciation: heuk-baek sa-jin-eu-ro al-go it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I understand it’s a black and white photo. -
Expression: 이 사진의 관리 번호나 제목을 아시나요?
Pronunciation: i sa-jin-ui gwan-ri beon-ho-na je-mok-eul a-si-na-yo?
Meaning: Do you know the reference number or title of this photo? -
Expression: 어떤 컬렉션에 포함되어 있을까요?
Pronunciation: eo-tteon keol-lek-syeon-e po-ham-doe-eo it-seul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Which collection might it be part of? -
Expression: 이전에 이 사진을 본 적이 있다는 기록이 있나요?
Pronunciation: i-jeon-e i sa-jin-eul bon jeok-i it-da-neun gi-rok-i it-na-yo?
Meaning: Is there a record that this photo has been viewed before? -
Expression: 사진 작가 이름이 혹시 기록되어 있나요?
Pronunciation: sa-jin jak-ga i-reum-i hok-si gi-rok-doe-eo it-na-yo?
Meaning: Is the photographer’s name possibly recorded? -
Expression: 사진의 대략적인 크기를 알 수 있을까요?
Pronunciation: sa-jin-ui dae-ryak-jeok-in keu-gi-reul al su it-seul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Can I know the approximate size of the photo?
Archive Access and Rules
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Expression: 이 사진을 직접 볼 수 있을까요?
Pronunciation: i sa-jin-eul jik-jeop bol su it-seul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Can I see this photo in person? -
Expression: 열람 시 주의사항이 있나요?
Pronunciation: yeol-lam si ju-ui-sa-hang-i it-na-yo?
Meaning: Are there any precautions to take when viewing? -
Expression: 사진을 만져도 되나요? 아니면 장갑을 껴야 하나요?
Pronunciation: sa-jin-eul man-jyeo-do doe-na-yo? a-ni-myeon jang-gap-eul kkyeo-ya ha-na-yo?
Meaning: Can I touch the photo? Or should I wear gloves? -
Expression: 사진 촬영이나 복사가 가능한가요?
Pronunciation: sa-jin chwal-yeong-i-na bok-sa-ga ga-neung-han-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is photography or copying allowed? -
Expression: 디지털 사본을 요청할 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: di-ji-teol sa-bon-eul yo-cheong-hal su it-na-yo?
Meaning: Can I request a digital copy? -
Expression: 열람실에서만 볼 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: yeol-lam-sil-e-seo-man bol su it-na-yo?
Meaning: Can it only be viewed in the reading room? -
Expression: 이용 자격 제한이 있습니까?
Pronunciation: i-yong ja-gyeok je-han-i it-seum-ni-kka?
Meaning: Are there any eligibility restrictions for use? -
Expression: 자료 보호 규정을 설명해 주시겠어요?
Pronunciation: ja-ryo bo-ho gyu-jeong-eul seol-myeong-hae ju-si-ge-sseo-yo?
Meaning: Could you explain the material protection regulations? -
Expression: 열람 가능한 시간이 정해져 있나요?
Pronunciation: yeol-lam ga-neung-han si-gan-i jeong-hae-jyeo it-na-yo?
Meaning: Are there specific times available for viewing? -
Expression: 신분증을 제시해야 하나요?
Pronunciation: sin-bun-jjeung-eul je-si-hae-ya ha-na-yo?
Meaning: Do I need to present identification?
Librarian’s Potential Responses
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Expression: 네, 어떤 사진을 찾으시나요?
Pronunciation: ne, eo-tteon sa-jin-eul cha-jeu-si-na-yo?
Meaning: Yes, what photo are you looking for? -
Expression: 잠시만요, 해당 자료가 있는지 확인해 보겠습니다.
Pronunciation: jam-si-man-yo, hae-dang ja-ryo-ga it-neun-ji hwa-gin-hae bo-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Just a moment, I will check if we have that material. -
Expression: 네, 그 사진은 저희 아카이브에 보관되어 있습니다.
Pronunciation: ne, geu sa-jin-eun jeo-hui a-ka-i-beu-e bo-gwan-doe-eo it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Yes, that photo is stored in our archive. -
Expression: 죄송하지만, 찾으시는 사진은 없는 것 같습니다.
Pronunciation: joe-song-ha-ji-man, cha-jeu-si-neun sa-jin-eun eop-neun geot gat-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I’m sorry, but it seems we don’t have the photo you’re looking for. -
Expression: 이 사진은 희귀 자료라 열람 절차가 조금 복잡합니다.
Pronunciation: i sa-jin-eun hwi-gwi ja-ryo-ra yeol-lam jeol-cha-ga jo-geum bok-jap-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: This photo is a rare item, so the viewing procedure is a bit complex. -
Expression: 먼저 열람 신청서를 작성해 주셔야 합니다.
Pronunciation: meon-jeo yeol-lam sin-cheong-seo-reul jak-seong-hae ju-syeo-ya ham-ni-da.
Meaning: First, you need to fill out a viewing request form. -
Expression: 자료 보호를 위해 장갑을 착용해 주십시오.
Pronunciation: ja-ryo bo-ho-reul wi-hae jang-gap-eul chak-yong-hae ju-sip-si-o.
Meaning: Please wear gloves to protect the material. -
Expression: 사진 촬영은 금지되어 있습니다. 필기는 가능합니다.
Pronunciation: sa-jin chwal-yeong-eun geum-ji-doe-eo it-seum-ni-da. pil-gi-neun ga-neung-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Photography is prohibited. Taking notes is allowed. -
Expression: 열람은 지정된 열람실에서만 가능합니다.
Pronunciation: yeol-lam-eun ji-jeong-doen yeol-lam-sil-e-seo-man ga-neung-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Viewing is only possible in the designated reading room. -
Expression: 필요하시면 디지털 사본 신청 절차를 안내해 드릴까요?
Pronunciation: pil-yo-ha-si-myeon di-ji-teol sa-bon sin-cheong jeol-cha-reul an-nae-hae deu-ril-kka-yo?
Meaning: If needed, shall I guide you through the digital copy request procedure? -
Expression: 신분증 확인 후 자료를 준비해 드리겠습니다.
Pronunciation: sin-bun-jjeung hwa-gin hu ja-ryo-reul jun-bi-hae deu-ri-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: After confirming your ID, I will prepare the material for you.
Korean Culture Notes
When visiting libraries or archives in Korea, politeness is key. Always address librarians or staff respectfully using formal language (존댓말 – jon-daen-mal).
Archival materials, especially rare photos, are treated with great care. Expect strict rules regarding handling (like wearing gloves), photography, and food/drink. Adhere closely to all instructions given by the staff.
Be specific about your request. Providing details like approximate dates, locations, subjects, or collection names (if known) helps the librarian locate the material more efficiently.
Understand that access might require appointments or filling out forms, especially for rare or sensitive materials. Be prepared for these procedures and allow ample time.
Expressing gratitude (감사합니다 – gam-sa-ham-ni-da) after receiving assistance is always appreciated and shows respect for the librarian’s effort.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: A university student (A) approaches the archive librarian (B) to inquire about a specific historical photograph for their thesis research.
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Expression: A: 안녕하세요, 아카이브 담당자분이신가요? 희귀 사진 자료 관련해서 문의드릴 것이 있습니다.
Pronunciation: an-nyeong-ha-se-yo, a-ka-i-beu dam-dang-ja-bun-i-sin-ga-yo? hwi-gwi sa-jin ja-ryo gwan-lyeon-hae-seo mun-ui-deu-ril geo-si it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Hello, are you the archivist? I have an inquiry regarding rare photo materials. -
Expression: B: 네, 맞습니다. 무엇을 도와드릴까요? 어떤 사진을 찾으시나요?
Pronunciation: ne, mat-seum-ni-da. mu-eo-seul do-wa-deu-ril-kka-yo? eo-tteon sa-jin-eul cha-jeu-si-na-yo?
Meaning: Yes, that’s correct. How may I help you? What photo are you looking for? -
Expression: A: 1950년대 서울 시청 앞 광장 시위 사진을 찾고 있습니다. 혹시 관련 자료가 있을까요? 제 논문에 필요해서요.
Pronunciation: cheon-gu-baek-o-sim-nyeon-dae seo-ul si-cheong ap gwang-jang si-wi sa-jin-eul chat-go it-seum-ni-da. hok-si gwan-lyeon ja-ryo-ga it-seul-kka-yo? je non-mun-e pil-yo-hae-seo-yo.
Meaning: I’m looking for photos of protests in front of Seoul City Hall Plaza from the 1950s. Do you possibly have related materials? It’s for my thesis. -
Expression: B: 아, 네. 그 시기 사진들이 몇 점 있습니다. 잠시만 기다려 주시면 목록을 확인해 보겠습니다… 네, 관련 사진 몇 장이 있네요. 희귀 자료라 열람 신청이 필요합니다.
Pronunciation: a, ne. geu si-gi sa-jin-deul-i myeot jeom it-seum-ni-da. jam-si-man gi-da-ryeo ju-si-myeon mong-nok-eul hwa-gin-hae bo-get-seum-ni-da… ne, gwan-lyeon sa-jin myeot jang-i it-ne-yo. hwi-gwi ja-ryo-ra yeol-lam sin-cheong-i pil-yo-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Ah, yes. We have several photos from that period. Please wait a moment while I check the catalog… Yes, we have a few related photos. As they are rare materials, a viewing request is required. -
Expression: A: 알겠습니다. 신청서를 작성하겠습니다. 사진을 직접 볼 수 있나요? 그리고 열람 시 주의사항이 있을까요?
Pronunciation: al-get-seum-ni-da. sin-cheong-seo-reul jak-seong-ha-get-seum-ni-da. sa-jin-eul jik-jeop bol su it-na-yo? geu-ri-go yeol-lam si ju-ui-sa-hang-i it-seul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Understood. I will fill out the request form. Can I view the photos in person? And are there any precautions for viewing? -
Expression: B: 네, 신청서 승인 후 지정된 열람실에서 보실 수 있습니다. 자료 보호를 위해 장갑을 끼셔야 하고, 사진 촬영은 안 됩니다. 필기는 가능합니다.
Pronunciation: ne, sin-cheong-seo seung-in hu ji-jeong-doen yeol-lam-sil-e-seo bo-sil su it-seum-ni-da. ja-ryo bo-ho-reul wi-hae jang-gap-eul kki-syeo-ya ha-go, sa-jin chwal-yeong-eun an doem-ni-da. pil-gi-neun ga-neung-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Yes, after the form is approved, you can view them in the designated reading room. You must wear gloves for material protection, and photography is not allowed. Taking notes is permitted. -
Expression: A: 네, 잘 알겠습니다. 도와주셔서 감사합니다!
Pronunciation: ne, jal al-get-seum-ni-da. do-wa-ju-syeo-seo gam-sa-ham-ni-da!
Meaning: Yes, I understand perfectly. Thank you for your help!
Practice Tips
Practice these phrases aloud, focusing on the correct pronunciation and intonation! Try role-playing the conversation with a friend or language partner~ Imagine you are really in an archive asking about a specific photo.
Prepare details about a fictional (or real) photo you might want to find – think about the year, place, subject, etc. This makes practice more realistic! Remember to use formal language and be polite when interacting with library or archive staff in Korea. Good luck with your research!
