Approaching a professor about research opportunities is a significant step in academic life, especially in Korea where hierarchy and formality are important. This guide provides essential Korean phrases and cultural insights for students wishing to inquire about participating in research projects, ensuring you communicate respectfully and effectively.
Table Of Content
Core Expression
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Expression: 교수님 연구에 참여하고 싶습니다.
Pronunciation: gyo-su-nim yeon-gu-e cham-yeo-ha-go sip-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Professor, I would like to participate in your research.
Initial Contact and Introduction
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Expression: 교수님, 안녕하세요. 저는 [학과] [이름]입니다.
Pronunciation: gyo-su-nim, an-nyeong-ha-se-yo. jeo-neun [hak-gwa] [i-reum]-im-ni-da.
Meaning: Hello, Professor. I am [Name] from the [Department] department. -
Expression: 잠시 시간 괜찮으신가요?
Pronunciation: jam-si si-gan gwaen-chan-eu-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: Do you have a moment? / Is this a good time? -
Expression: 교수님께 드릴 말씀이 있어서 찾아왔습니다.
Pronunciation: gyo-su-nim-kke deu-ril mal-sseum-i i-sseo-seo cha-ja-wat-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I came to see you because I have something to discuss. -
Expression: 이메일로 먼저 연락드렸던 [이름]입니다.
Pronunciation: i-me-il-lo meon-jeo yeol-lak-deu-ryeot-deon [i-reum]-im-ni-da.
Meaning: I am [Name], who contacted you via email earlier. -
Expression: 교수님 연구 분야에 대해 여쭤볼 것이 있습니다.
Pronunciation: gyo-su-nim yeon-gu bun-ya-e dae-hae yeo-jjeo-bol geo-si it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I have something to ask regarding your research field. -
Expression: 교수님 수업을 듣고 있는 [이름]입니다.
Pronunciation: gyo-su-nim su-eop-eul deut-go it-neun [i-reum]-im-ni-da.
Meaning: I am [Name], currently taking your class. -
Expression: 연구 관련해서 상담 드리고 싶습니다.
Pronunciation: yeon-gu gwal-lyeon-hae-seo sang-dam deu-ri-go sip-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I would like to consult with you regarding research. -
Expression: 혹시 지금 잠시 이야기 나눌 수 있을까요?
Pronunciation: hok-si ji-geum jam-si i-ya-gi na-nul su i-sseul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Would it be possible to talk for a moment now? -
Expression: 교수님 연구실에 방문해도 괜찮을지 여쭤봅니다.
Pronunciation: gyo-su-nim yeon-gu-sil-e bang-mun-hae-do gwaen-chan-eul-ji yeo-jjeo-bom-ni-da.
Meaning: I am asking if it would be alright to visit your research lab/office. -
Expression: 바쁘신 와중에 죄송합니다.
Pronunciation: ba-ppeu-sin wa-jung-e joe-song-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: I apologize for bothering you during your busy time.
Expressing Interest in Research
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Expression: 교수님의 [연구 주제] 연구에 깊은 관심을 가지고 있습니다.
Pronunciation: gyo-su-nim-ui [yeon-gu ju-je] yeon-gu-e gi-peun gwan-sim-eul ga-ji-go it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I have a deep interest in your research on [Research Topic]. -
Expression: 교수님께서 발표하신 논문을 인상 깊게 읽었습니다.
Pronunciation: gyo-su-nim-kke-seo bal-pyo-ha-sin non-mun-eul in-sang gip-ge il-geot-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I read the paper you published with great interest. -
Expression: 저는 [관련 분야] 분야에 대한 학문적 호기심이 많습니다.
Pronunciation: jeo-neun [gwal-lyeon bun-ya] bun-ya-e dae-han hak-mun-jeok ho-gi-sim-i man-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I have a lot of academic curiosity about the field of [Related Field]. -
Expression: 이 분야에 대해 더 깊이 배우고 연구에 기여하고 싶습니다.
Pronunciation: i bun-ya-e dae-hae deo gi-pi bae-u-go yeon-gu-e gi-yeo-ha-go sip-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I want to learn more deeply about this field and contribute to research. -
Expression: 교수님의 연구 방향이 제 관심사와 매우 잘 맞는다고 생각합니다.
Pronunciation: gyo-su-nim-ui yeon-gu bang-hyang-i je gwan-sim-sa-wa mae-u jal mat-neun-da-go saeng-gak-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: I believe your research direction aligns very well with my interests. -
Expression: 학부 연구생으로서 경험을 쌓고 싶습니다.
Pronunciation: hak-bu yeon-gu-saeng-eu-ro-seo gyeong-heom-eul ssa-ko sip-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I would like to gain experience as an undergraduate researcher. -
Expression: 대학원 진학을 염두에 두고 연구 경험을 쌓고 싶습니다.
Pronunciation: dae-hak-won jin-hak-eul yeom-du-e du-go yeon-gu gyeong-heom-eul ssa-ko sip-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I want to gain research experience with graduate school in mind. -
Expression: 교수님의 지도 하에 연구를 배우고 싶습니다.
Pronunciation: gyo-su-nim-ui ji-do ha-e yeon-gu-reul bae-u-go sip-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I would like to learn research under your guidance. -
Expression: 특히 [특정 연구 내용] 부분에 흥미를 느꼈습니다.
Pronunciation: teuk-hi [teuk-jeong yeon-gu nae-yong] bu-bun-e heung-mi-reul neu-kkyeot-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I was particularly interested in the [Specific Research Content] part. -
Expression: 연구실 생활을 통해 많은 것을 배우고 싶습니다.
Pronunciation: yeon-gu-sil saeng-hwal-eul tong-hae ma-neun geo-seul bae-u-go sip-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I want to learn a lot through lab life.
Asking About Opportunities
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Expression: 혹시 교수님 연구실에서 학부 연구생을 모집하고 계신가요?
Pronunciation: hok-si gyo-su-nim yeon-gu-sil-e-seo hak-bu yeon-gu-saeng-eul mo-jip-ha-go gye-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: Are you perhaps recruiting undergraduate researchers in your lab? -
Expression: 제가 참여할 수 있는 연구 프로젝트가 있을까요?
Pronunciation: je-ga cham-yeo-hal su it-neun yeon-gu peu-ro-jek-teu-ga i-sseul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Are there any research projects I could participate in? -
Expression: 연구실 인턴이나 연구 보조원으로 활동할 기회가 있는지 궁금합니다.
Pronunciation: yeon-gu-sil in-teon-i-na yeon-gu bo-jo-won-eu-ro hwal-dong-hal gi-hoe-ga it-neun-ji gung-geum-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: I am wondering if there are opportunities to work as a lab intern or research assistant. -
Expression: 연구 참여 기회가 있다면 어떤 조건이 필요한가요?
Pronunciation: yeon-gu cham-yeo gi-hoe-ga it-da-myeon eo-tteon jo-geon-i pil-yo-han-ga-yo?
Meaning: If there are research participation opportunities, what are the requirements? -
Expression: 현재 연구실에 공석이 있는지 여쭤봐도 될까요?
Pronunciation: hyeon-jae yeon-gu-sil-e gong-seog-i it-neun-ji yeo-jjeo-bwa-do doel-kka-yo?
Meaning: May I ask if there are currently any openings in the lab? -
Expression: 연구 참여를 위해 어떤 준비를 해야 할까요?
Pronunciation: yeon-gu cham-yeo-reul wi-hae eo-tteon jun-bi-reul hae-ya hal-kka-yo?
Meaning: What preparations should I make to participate in the research? -
Expression: 연구실 지원 절차에 대해 알려주실 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: yeon-gu-sil ji-won jeol-cha-e dae-hae al-lyeo-ju-sil su in-na-yo?
Meaning: Could you inform me about the lab application process? -
Expression: 다음 학기부터 연구에 참여할 수 있을지 궁금합니다.
Pronunciation: da-eum hak-gi-bu-teo yeon-gu-e cham-yeo-hal su i-sseul-ji gung-geum-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: I am wondering if I could participate in research starting next semester. -
Expression: 연구실 멤버들과 함께 배울 기회를 갖고 싶습니다.
Pronunciation: yeon-gu-sil mem-beo-deul-gwa ham-kke bae-ul gi-hoe-reul gat-go sip-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I would like to have the opportunity to learn together with the lab members. -
Expression: 교수님 연구실의 연구 활동에 대해 더 자세히 알고 싶습니다.
Pronunciation: gyo-su-nim yeon-gu-sil-ui yeon-gu hwal-dong-e dae-hae deo ja-se-hi al-go sip-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I would like to know more details about the research activities in your lab.
Discussing Qualifications and Next Steps
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Expression: 제 성적 증명서와 이력서를 준비했습니다.
Pronunciation: je seong-jeok jeung-myeong-seo-wa i-ryeok-seo-reul jun-bi-haet-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I have prepared my academic transcript and resume. -
Expression: 저는 [관련 기술/경험] 경험이 있습니다.
Pronunciation: jeo-neun [gwal-lyeon gi-sul/gyeong-heom] gyeong-heom-i it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I have experience in [Relevant Skill/Experience]. -
Expression: 연구에 필요한 기본적인 지식은 갖추고 있습니다.
Pronunciation: yeon-gu-e pil-yo-han gi-bon-jeog-in ji-sik-eun gat-chu-go it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I have the basic knowledge required for the research. -
Expression: 성실하게 배우고 기여할 자신이 있습니다.
Pronunciation: seong-sil-ha-ge bae-u-go gi-yeo-hal ja-sin-i it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I am confident that I can learn diligently and contribute. -
Expression: 혹시 면담이나 추가적인 절차가 필요할까요?
Pronunciation: hok-si myeon-dam-i-na chu-ga-jeog-in jeol-cha-ga pil-yo-hal-kka-yo?
Meaning: Is an interview or any additional procedure required? -
Expression: 언제 다시 연락드리면 될까요?
Pronunciation: eon-je da-si yeol-lak-deu-ri-myeon doel-kka-yo?
Meaning: When would be a good time to contact you again? -
Expression: 필요한 서류가 있다면 알려주십시오.
Pronunciation: pil-yo-han seo-ryu-ga it-da-myeon al-lyeo-ju-sip-si-o.
Meaning: Please let me know if there are any necessary documents. -
Expression: 교수님의 답변을 기다리겠습니다.
Pronunciation: gyo-su-nim-ui dap-byeon-eul gi-da-ri-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I will await your response, Professor. -
Expression: 시간 내주셔서 감사합니다.
Pronunciation: si-gan nae-ju-syeo-seo gam-sa-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Thank you for your time. -
Expression: 긍정적으로 검토해주시면 감사하겠습니다.
Pronunciation: geung-jeong-jeog-eu-ro geom-to-hae-ju-si-myeon gam-sa-ha-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I would appreciate it if you would consider my request favorably.
Korean Culture Notes (Academic Etiquette)
Addressing Professors: Always use the title 교수님 (gyo-su-nim) when addressing or referring to a professor. Adding 님 (-nim) shows respect. Avoid using their name alone or informal titles.
Formality in Language: Use formal Korean speech levels (like the -ㅂ니다/-습니다 [-m-ni-da/-seum-ni-da] ending) when speaking to professors. This demonstrates respect and professionalism.
Preparation is Key: Before approaching a professor, research their work thoroughly. Mentioning specific papers or research areas shows genuine interest and preparation, which is highly valued.
Punctuality and Respect for Time: If meeting in person, be punctual. Whether contacting via email or in person, be mindful of the professor’s busy schedule. Keep your inquiry concise and clear.
Follow-Up: After meeting or emailing, sending a brief thank-you email (감사 이메일 – gam-sa i-me-il) is a polite gesture that reinforces your interest and professionalism.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: A student (학생 – Hak-saeng) visits a professor (교수님 – Gyo-su-nim) during office hours to inquire about research opportunities.
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Expression: 학생 (A): 교수님, 안녕하세요. 저는 컴퓨터공학과 3학년 김민지입니다. 혹시 지금 잠시 시간 괜찮으신가요?
Pronunciation: gyo-su-nim, an-nyeong-ha-se-yo. jeo-neun keom-pyu-teo-gong-hak-gwa sam-hak-nyeon gim-min-ji-im-ni-da. hok-si ji-geum jam-si si-gan gwaen-chan-eu-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: A: Hello, Professor. I am Kim Minji, a third-year student in Computer Science. Do you perhaps have a moment now? -
Expression: 교수님 (B): 네, 김민지 학생. 들어오세요. 무슨 일이죠?
Pronunciation: ne, gim-min-ji hak-saeng. deu-reo-o-se-yo. mu-seun i-ri-jyo?
Meaning: B: Yes, student Kim Minji. Come in. What can I help you with? -
Expression: 학생 (A): 교수님의 인공지능 관련 연구에 깊은 관심을 가지고 있습니다. 특히 최근 발표하신 자연어 처리 논문을 인상 깊게 읽었습니다.
Pronunciation: gyo-su-nim-ui in-gong-ji-neung gwal-lyeon yeon-gu-e gi-peun gwan-sim-eul ga-ji-go it-seum-ni-da. teuk-hi choe-geun bal-pyo-ha-sin ja-yeon-eo cheo-ri non-mun-eul in-sang gip-ge il-geot-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: A: I have a deep interest in your research related to Artificial Intelligence. I was particularly impressed by the natural language processing paper you recently published. -
Expression: 교수님 (B): 아, 그래요? 관심 가져줘서 고맙군요.
Pronunciation: a, geu-rae-yo? gwan-sim ga-jyeo-jwoseo go-map-gun-yo.
Meaning: B: Oh, really? Thank you for your interest. -
Expression: 학생 (A): 그래서 혹시 교수님 연구실에서 학부 연구생으로 참여할 기회가 있는지 여쭤보고 싶어서 찾아왔습니다.
Pronunciation: geu-rae-seo hok-si gyo-su-nim yeon-gu-sil-e-seo hak-bu yeon-gu-saeng-eu-ro cham-yeo-hal gi-hoe-ga it-neun-ji yeo-jjeo-bo-go si-peo-seo cha-ja-wat-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: A: That’s why I came to ask if there might be an opportunity to participate as an undergraduate researcher in your lab. -
Expression: 교수님 (B): 마침 다음 학기부터 새로운 프로젝트를 시작할 계획이 있어서 연구생을 몇 명 더 뽑을까 생각 중이었어요. 관련 과목 성적은 어떤가요?
Pronunciation: ma-chim da-eum hak-gi-bu-teo sae-ro-un peu-ro-jek-teu-reul si-jak-hal gye-hoek-i i-sseo-seo yeon-gu-saeng-eul myeot myeong deo ppo-beul-kka saeng-gak jung-i-eot-seo-yo. gwal-lyeon gwa-mok seong-jeog-eun eo-tteon-ga-yo?
Meaning: B: As it happens, I was thinking about recruiting a few more researchers as we plan to start a new project next semester. How are your grades in related courses? -
Expression: 학생 (A): 네, 관련 과목들은 대부분 A학점을 받았습니다. 성적 증명서와 간단한 이력서를 준비해 왔습니다.
Pronunciation: ne, gwal-lyeon gwa-mok-deul-eun dae-bu-bun ei-hak-jeom-eul ba-dat-seum-ni-da. seong-jeok jeung-myeong-seo-wa gan-dan-han i-ryeok-seo-reul jun-bi-hae wat-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: A: Yes, I received mostly A grades in the relevant courses. I’ve brought my transcript and a brief resume. -
Expression: 교수님 (B): 좋습니다. 서류는 여기 두고 가세요. 검토해보고 다음 주 중에 이메일로 연락 주겠습니다.
Pronunciation: jo-seum-ni-da. seo-ryu-neun yeo-gi du-go ga-se-yo. geom-to-hae-bo-go da-eum ju jung-e i-me-il-lo yeol-lak ju-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: B: Good. Leave the documents here. I will review them and contact you via email sometime next week. -
Expression: 학생 (A): 네, 알겠습니다. 바쁘신데 시간 내주셔서 정말 감사합니다, 교수님!
Pronunciation: ne, al-get-seum-ni-da. ba-ppeu-sin-de si-gan nae-ju-syeo-seo jeong-mal gam-sa-ham-ni-da, gyo-su-nim!
Meaning: A: Yes, I understand. Thank you so much for your time despite your busy schedule, Professor!
Practice Tips
Mastering these phrases requires practice! Try role-playing the conversation with a friend or language partner~ Focus on using the formal -ㅂ니다/-습니다 endings correctly. Before contacting a real professor, research their work and prepare specific questions about their research. You can also write out your inquiry first, checking the formality and politeness. Remember, showing genuine interest and respect is key in Korean academic culture. Good luck! 파이팅! (pa-i-ting! – Fighting!/Good luck!)
