Finding those special, off-the-beaten-path locations is a rewarding part of travel. This guide provides essential Korean phrases for tourists asking locals about hidden trails, specifically those offering beautiful meadow views. Learn how to politely inquire, describe what you’re looking for, and understand the directions given.
Table Of Content
Core Concept: Hidden Trail with Meadow View
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Expression: 들판 전망이 좋은 숨겨진 오솔길
Pronunciation: deul-pan jeon-mang-i jo-eun sum-gyeo-jin o-sol-gil
Meaning: A hidden trail with a good meadow view (This phrase combines the key elements: 들판/deul-pan – meadow/field, 전망/jeon-mang – view, 좋은/jo-eun – good, 숨겨진/sum-gyeo-jin – hidden, 오솔길/o-sol-gil – trail/path)
Starting the Conversation Politely
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Expression: 실례합니다, 잠시 여쭤볼 것이 있습니다.
Pronunciation: sil-lye-ham-ni-da, jam-si yeo-jjwo-bol geo-si it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Excuse me, I have something to ask you briefly. -
Expression: 안녕하세요, 혹시 길 좀 여쭤봐도 될까요?
Pronunciation: an-nyeong-ha-se-yo, hok-si gil jom yeo-jjwo-bwa-do doel-kka-yo?
Meaning: Hello, could I possibly ask you for directions? -
Expression: 죄송하지만, 잠시 시간 괜찮으신가요?
Pronunciation: joe-song-ha-ji-man, jam-si si-gan gwaen-chan-eu-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: I’m sorry, but do you have a moment? -
Expression: 저는 이곳을 여행 중인 관광객입니다.
Pronunciation: jeo-neun i-go-seul yeo-haeng jung-in gwan-gwang-gaek-im-ni-da.
Meaning: I am a tourist traveling here. -
Expression: 이 근처 지리를 잘 몰라서요.
Pronunciation: i geun-cheo ji-ri-reul jal mol-la-seo-yo.
Meaning: I don’t know this area very well. -
Expression: 도움이 필요합니다.
Pronunciation: do-um-i pil-yo-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: I need help. -
Expression: 혹시 이 근처에 사시나요?
Pronunciation: hok-si i geun-cheo-e sa-si-na-yo?
Meaning: Do you perhaps live around here? -
Expression: 잠깐만 방해해도 될까요?
Pronunciation: jam-kkan-man bang-hae-hae-do doel-kka-yo?
Meaning: May I interrupt you for just a moment? -
Expression: 친절하게 도와주시면 감사하겠습니다.
Pronunciation: chin-jeol-ha-ge do-wa-ju-si-myeon gam-sa-ha-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I would appreciate it if you could kindly help me.
Describing the Desired Trail
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Expression: 저는 숨겨진 오솔길을 찾고 있어요.
Pronunciation: jeo-neun sum-gyeo-jin o-sol-gil-eul chat-go i-sseo-yo.
Meaning: I am looking for a hidden trail. -
Expression: 들판이 보이는 아름다운 길이 있다고 들었어요.
Pronunciation: deul-pan-i bo-i-neun a-reum-da-un gil-i it-da-go deu-reo-sseo-yo.
Meaning: I heard there is a beautiful path with a view of a meadow/field. -
Expression: 혹시 전망 좋은 곳 아세요?
Pronunciation: hok-si jeon-mang jo-eun got a-se-yo?
Meaning: Do you perhaps know a place with a good view? -
Expression: 사람들이 잘 모르는 조용한 길이었으면 좋겠어요.
Pronunciation: sa-ram-deul-i jal mo-reu-neun jo-yong-han gil-i-eot-seu-myeon jo-ket-sseo-yo.
Meaning: I hope it’s a quiet path that people don’t know well. -
Expression: 넓은 들판을 볼 수 있는 곳이 있나요?
Pronunciation: neol-beun deul-pan-eul bol su it-neun go-si in-na-yo?
Meaning: Is there a place where I can see a wide meadow/field? -
Expression: 경치가 아주 좋다고 들었습니다.
Pronunciation: gyeong-chi-ga a-ju jo-ta-go deu-reot-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I heard the scenery is very good. -
Expression: 산책하기 좋은 오솔길을 추천해 주실 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: san-chaek-ha-gi jo-eun o-sol-gil-eul chu-cheon-hae ju-sil su in-na-yo?
Meaning: Could you recommend a nice trail for walking? -
Expression: 자연을 느낄 수 있는 곳을 찾고 있습니다.
Pronunciation: ja-yeon-eul neu-kkil su it-neun go-seul chat-go it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I am looking for a place where I can feel nature. -
Expression: 혹시 이 근처에 그런 장소가 있을까요?
Pronunciation: hok-si i geun-cheo-e geu-reon jang-so-ga i-sseul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Is there possibly such a place near here? -
Expression: 사진 찍기 좋은 곳이면 더 좋고요.
Pronunciation: sa-jin jjik-gi jo-eun go-si-myeon deo jo-ko-yo.
Meaning: It would be even better if it’s a good place for taking pictures.
Asking for and Understanding Directions
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Expression: 그곳에 어떻게 가나요?
Pronunciation: geu-go-se eo-tteo-ke ga-na-yo?
Meaning: How do I get there? -
Expression: 여기서 먼가요?
Pronunciation: yeo-gi-seo meon-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is it far from here? -
Expression: 걸어서 갈 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: geo-reo-seo gal su in-na-yo?
Meaning: Can I walk there? -
Expression: 어느 쪽으로 가야 해요?
Pronunciation: eo-neu jjo-geu-ro ga-ya hae-yo?
Meaning: Which way should I go? -
Expression: 오른쪽 / 왼쪽
Pronunciation: o-reun-jjok / oen-jjok
Meaning: Right / Left -
Expression: 똑바로 가세요.
Pronunciation: ttok-ppa-ro ga-se-yo.
Meaning: Go straight. -
Expression: 다시 한번 설명해 주시겠어요?
Pronunciation: da-si han-beon seol-myeong-hae ju-si-ge-sseo-yo?
Meaning: Could you explain that again? -
Expression: 천천히 말씀해 주세요.
Pronunciation: cheon-cheon-hi mal-sseum-hae ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please speak slowly. -
Expression: 알겠습니다. 감사합니다!
Pronunciation: al-get-seum-ni-da. gam-sa-ham-ni-da!
Meaning: I understand. Thank you! -
Expression: 지도에 표시해 주실 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: ji-do-e pyo-si-hae ju-sil su in-na-yo?
Meaning: Could you mark it on the map? -
Expression: 대략 얼마나 걸릴까요?
Pronunciation: dae-ryak eol-ma-na geol-lil-kka-yo?
Meaning: Approximately how long will it take? -
Expression: 친절하게 알려주셔서 정말 감사합니다.
Pronunciation: chin-jeol-ha-ge al-lyeo-ju-syeo-seo jeong-mal gam-sa-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Thank you so much for kindly letting me know.
Korean Culture Notes
Approaching Locals: Koreans are generally helpful, especially towards tourists. Approaching someone politely with 실례합니다 (sil-lye-ham-ni-da – Excuse me) is always a good start. Older individuals or shopkeepers in less busy areas might be more likely to have time to chat and offer detailed directions.
Hiking Culture: Hiking (등산 – deung-san) is a very popular activity in Korea. Many Koreans are familiar with local trails. Asking about an 오솔길 (o-sol-gil – trail/path) is common, but specify “hidden” (숨겨진 – sum-gyeo-jin) if you want something less known.
Using Polite Language: Using formal endings like -요 (-yo) or -ㅂ니다/습니다 (-m-ni-da/-seum-ni-da) is crucial when speaking to strangers, especially those older than you. This shows respect and increases the likelihood of receiving friendly assistance.
Gestures: While asking for directions, using hand gestures can be helpful, but be mindful. Pointing directly at people is considered rude. Use an open hand gesture when indicating directions.
Expressing Gratitude: Always thank the person sincerely for their help using 감사합니다 (gam-sa-ham-ni-da – Thank you). A slight bow often accompanies verbal thanks.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: A tourist (A) wants to find a hidden trail with a nice meadow view and asks a local resident (B) for help.
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Expression: A: 실례합니다. 잠시 여쭤볼 것이 있는데요. 저는 관광객인데, 혹시 이 근처에 들판 전망이 좋은 숨겨진 오솔길이 있을까요?
Pronunciation: sil-lye-ham-ni-da. jam-si yeo-jjwo-bol geo-si in-neun-de-yo. jeo-neun gwan-gwang-gaek-in-de, hok-si i geun-cheo-e deul-pan jeon-mang-i jo-eun sum-gyeo-jin o-sol-gil-i i-sseul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Excuse me. I have something to ask briefly. I’m a tourist, and I was wondering if there might be a hidden trail with a good meadow view near here? -
Expression: B: 아, 네. 들판 전망이 좋은 길이요? 음… 사람들이 잘 모르는 길이 하나 있긴 한데, 조금 걸으셔야 해요.
Pronunciation: a, ne. deul-pan jeon-mang-i jo-eun gil-i-yo? eum… sa-ram-deul-i jal mo-reu-neun gil-i ha-na it-gin han-de, jo-geum geo-reu-syeo-ya hae-yo.
Meaning: Ah, yes. A path with a good meadow view? Hmm… There is one path that people don’t know well, but you’ll have to walk a bit. -
Expression: A: 괜찮아요! 혹시 어떻게 가는지 알려주실 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: gwaen-chan-a-yo! hok-si eo-tteo-ke ga-neun-ji al-lyeo-ju-sil su in-na-yo?
Meaning: That’s okay! Could you possibly tell me how to get there? -
Expression: B: 네. 이 길로 쭉 가시다가 첫 번째 사거리에서 오른쪽으로 가세요. 그리고 약 10분 정도 더 가면 작은 다리가 나와요. 그 다리 바로 전에 왼쪽으로 난 좁은 길이 보일 거예요. 거기가 입구예요.
Pronunciation: ne. i gil-lo jjuk ga-si-da-ga cheot beon-jjae sa-geo-ri-e-seo o-reun-jjo-geu-ro ga-se-yo. geu-ri-go yak sip-bun jeong-do deo ga-myeon ja-geun da-ri-ga na-wa-yo. geu da-ri ba-ro jeon-e oen-jjo-geu-ro nan jo-beun gil-i bo-il geo-ye-yo. geo-gi-ga ip-gu-ye-yo.
Meaning: Yes. Go straight down this road, and at the first intersection, turn right. Then, if you go about 10 more minutes, a small bridge will appear. Just before that bridge, you’ll see a narrow path going to the left. That’s the entrance. -
Expression: A: 아, 네! 다리 전에 왼쪽 좁은 길이요. 알겠습니다. 정말 감사합니다!
Pronunciation: a, ne! da-ri jeon-e oen-jjok jo-beun gil-i-yo. al-get-seum-ni-da. jeong-mal gam-sa-ham-ni-da!
Meaning: Ah, yes! The narrow left path before the bridge. I understand. Thank you so much! -
Expression: B: 별말씀을요. 경치 좋으니까 꼭 가보세요. 조심히 다녀오세요!
Pronunciation: byeol-mal-sseu-meul-lyo. gyeong-chi jo-eu-ni-kka kkok ga-bo-se-yo. jo-sim-hi da-nyeo-o-se-yo!
Meaning: You’re welcome. The view is great, so definitely go check it out. Be careful!
Practice Tips
Memorizing these phrases is the first step! Try practicing them out loud, focusing on the pronunciation~ You can role-play with a friend or even practice asking yourself in the mirror. When you’re in Korea, don’t be afraid to try asking locals! Even if your pronunciation isn’t perfect, showing effort and using polite language goes a long way. Start by asking for simple directions and gradually try more complex requests like finding a specific type of trail. Good luck exploring! Fighting!
