Joining a local library is a fantastic way to access resources and integrate into the community when in Korea. This guide provides the essential Korean phrases you’ll need to navigate the library membership registration process smoothly. Learn how to ask about registration, provide your information, and inquire about library services.
Table Of Content
Core Expression
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Expression: 도서관 회원 가입하기
Pronunciation: do-seo-gwan hwe-won ga-ip-ha-gi
Meaning: Registering for a library membership (literally: library member joining)
Basic Registration Phrases
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Expression: 회원 가입하고 싶어요.
Pronunciation: hwe-won ga-ip-ha-go sip-eo-yo.
Meaning: I want to register for a membership. -
Expression: 여기서 회원 가입할 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: yeo-gi-seo hwe-won ga-ip-hal su in-na-yo?
Meaning: Can I register for a membership here? -
Expression: 회원 가입 신청서는 어디에 있나요?
Pronunciation: hwe-won ga-ip sin-cheong-seo-neun eo-di-e in-na-yo?
Meaning: Where is the membership application form? -
Expression: 회원 가입 절차가 어떻게 되나요?
Pronunciation: hwe-won ga-ip jeol-cha-ga eo-tteo-ke doe-na-yo?
Meaning: What is the membership registration procedure? -
Expression: 외국인도 회원 가입이 가능한가요?
Pronunciation: oe-gu-gin-do hwe-won ga-i-bi ga-neung-han-ga-yo?
Meaning: Can foreigners also register for a membership? -
Expression: 회원 가입에 필요한 서류가 있나요?
Pronunciation: hwe-won ga-i-be pi-ryo-han seo-ryu-ga in-na-yo?
Meaning: Are there any documents required for membership registration? -
Expression: 신분증이 필요해요?
Pronunciation: sin-bun-jjeung-i pi-ryo-hae-yo?
Meaning: Do I need an ID card? -
Expression: 회원증은 언제 받을 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: hwe-won-jjeung-eun eon-je ba-deul su in-na-yo?
Meaning: When can I receive the membership card? -
Expression: 회비가 있나요?
Pronunciation: hwe-bi-ga in-na-yo?
Meaning: Is there a membership fee? -
Expression: 신청서를 작성해 주세요.
Pronunciation: sin-cheong-seo-reul jak-seong-hae ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please fill out the application form. -
Expression: 여기에 서명해 주세요.
Pronunciation: yeo-gi-e seo-myeong-hae ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please sign here. -
Expression: 가입이 완료되었습니다.
Pronunciation: ga-i-bi wan-ryo-doe-eot-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Registration is complete.
Providing Personal Information
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Expression: 이름이 어떻게 되세요?
Pronunciation: i-reum-i eo-tteo-ke doe-se-yo?
Meaning: What is your name? -
Expression: 제 이름은 [Your Name]입니다.
Pronunciation: je i-reum-eun [Your Name]-im-ni-da.
Meaning: My name is [Your Name]. -
Expression: 주소를 적어 주세요.
Pronunciation: ju-so-reul jeo-geo ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please write down your address. -
Expression: 제 주소는 [Your Address]입니다.
Pronunciation: je ju-so-neun [Your Address]-im-ni-da.
Meaning: My address is [Your Address]. -
Expression: 연락처를 알려주세요.
Pronunciation: yeol-lak-cheo-reul al-lyeo-ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please tell me your contact number. -
Expression: 제 전화번호는 [Your Phone Number]입니다.
Pronunciation: je jeon-hwa-beon-ho-neun [Your Phone Number]-im-ni-da.
Meaning: My phone number is [Your Phone Number]. -
Expression: 생년월일이 어떻게 되세요?
Pronunciation: saeng-nyeon-wo-ril-i eo-tteo-ke doe-se-yo?
Meaning: What is your date of birth? -
Expression: 이메일 주소도 필요한가요?
Pronunciation: i-me-il ju-so-do pi-ryo-han-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is an email address also needed? -
Expression: 외국인 등록증을 보여주세요.
Pronunciation: oe-gu-gin deung-nok-jjeung-eul bo-yeo-ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please show me your Alien Registration Card (ARC). -
Expression: 여권도 괜찮나요?
Pronunciation: yeo-gwon-do gwaen-chan-na-yo?
Meaning: Is a passport okay too? -
Expression: 직업이 어떻게 되세요?
Pronunciation: ji-geo-bi eo-tteo-ke doe-se-yo?
Meaning: What is your occupation? (Sometimes asked) -
Expression: 개인 정보 제공에 동의합니다.
Pronunciation: gae-in jeong-bo je-gong-e dong-ui-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: I agree to provide my personal information.
Asking About Library Services
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Expression: 책은 몇 권까지 빌릴 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: chae-geun myeot gwon-kka-ji bil-lil su in-na-yo?
Meaning: How many books can I borrow? -
Expression: 대출 기간은 얼마 동안인가요?
Pronunciation: dae-chul gi-ga-neun eol-ma dong-an-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: How long is the borrowing period? -
Expression: 도서관 운영 시간은 어떻게 되나요?
Pronunciation: do-seo-gwan un-yeong si-ga-neun eo-tteo-ke doe-na-yo?
Meaning: What are the library’s operating hours? -
Expression: DVD나 CD도 빌릴 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: di-beu-i-di-na ssi-di-do bil-lil su in-na-yo?
Meaning: Can I also borrow DVDs or CDs? -
Expression: 컴퓨터는 어떻게 사용하나요?
Pronunciation: keom-pyu-teo-neun eo-tteo-ke sa-yong-ha-na-yo?
Meaning: How can I use the computers? -
Expression: 프린터 사용료는 얼마인가요?
Pronunciation: peu-rin-teo sa-yong-ryo-neun eol-ma-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: How much does it cost to use the printer? -
Expression: 열람실은 어디에 있나요?
Pronunciation: yeol-lam-si-reun eo-di-e in-na-yo?
Meaning: Where is the reading room? -
Expression: 온라인으로 도서 검색이 가능한가요?
Pronunciation: on-la-in-eu-ro do-seo geom-sae-gi ga-neung-han-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is it possible to search for books online? -
Expression: 책 반납은 어떻게 하나요?
Pronunciation: chaek ban-na-beun eo-tteo-ke ha-na-yo?
Meaning: How do I return books? -
Expression: 휴관일은 언제인가요?
Pronunciation: hyu-gwan-i-reun eon-je-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: When are the closing days? -
Expression: 어린이 자료실도 있나요?
Pronunciation: eo-ri-ni ja-ryo-sil-do in-na-yo?
Meaning: Is there a children’s section too? -
Expression: 와이파이 비밀번호가 뭐예요?
Pronunciation: wa-i-pa-i bi-mil-beon-ho-ga mwo-ye-yo?
Meaning: What is the Wi-Fi password?
Korean Culture Notes
Required Documents: Most public libraries in Korea require some form of identification to register. For foreigners, this is usually the Alien Registration Card (ARC). Some may accept a passport along with proof of local address (like a utility bill). It’s best to check the specific library’s website or call ahead.
Free Membership: Public library membership is typically free in Korea. There might be small fees for printing or using specific facilities, but basic borrowing is usually complimentary.
Digital Services: Many Korean libraries offer extensive digital services, including e-book lending, online databases, and even movie streaming. Ask about these when you register (전자책 서비스도 있나요? – jeon-ja-chaek seo-bi-seu-do in-na-yo? – Do you also have e-book services?).
Quiet Environment: Libraries, especially reading rooms (열람실 – yeol-lam-sil), are expected to be very quiet. Talking loudly, even on the phone, is generally frowned upon. Use designated areas for conversation.
Shoe Etiquette: Some smaller libraries or specific sections like children’s areas might require you to remove your shoes before entering. Look for signs or shoe racks near the entrance.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: Alex, a foreigner living in Korea, goes to the local public library to register for a membership.
Roles: A: Alex (Foreigner), B: Librarian (사서 – sa-seo)
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Expression: A: 안녕하세요, 도서관 회원 가입하고 싶어요.
Pronunciation: an-nyeong-ha-se-yo, do-seo-gwan hwe-won ga-ip-ha-go sip-eo-yo.
Meaning: Hello, I’d like to register for a library membership. -
Expression: B: 네, 이쪽으로 오세요. 외국인이신가요? 신분증 있으세요?
Pronunciation: ne, i-jjok-eu-ro o-se-yo. oe-gu-gi-ni-sin-ga-yo? sin-bun-jjeung i-sseu-se-yo?
Meaning: Yes, please come this way. Are you a foreigner? Do you have an ID card? -
Expression: A: 네, 외국인 등록증 여기 있습니다.
Pronunciation: ne, oe-gu-gin deung-nok-jjeung yeo-gi it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Yes, here is my Alien Registration Card. -
Expression: B: 감사합니다. 이 신청서를 작성해 주세요. 이름, 주소, 연락처를 적어주시면 됩니다.
Pronunciation: gam-sa-ham-ni-da. i sin-cheong-seo-reul jak-seong-hae ju-se-yo. i-reum, ju-so, yeol-lak-cheo-reul jeo-geo-ju-si-myeon doem-ni-da.
Meaning: Thank you. Please fill out this application form. You just need to write your name, address, and contact number. -
Expression: A: 네, 알겠습니다. (작성 후) 다 됐습니다.
Pronunciation: ne, al-get-seum-ni-da. (jak-seong hu) da dwaet-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Okay, I understand. (After filling it out) It’s all done. -
Expression: B: 네, 확인했습니다. 회원증은 바로 발급해 드릴게요. 잠시만 기다려 주세요.
Pronunciation: ne, hwa-gin-haet-seum-ni-da. hwe-won-jjeung-eun ba-ro bal-geup-hae deu-ril-ge-yo. jam-si-man gi-da-ryeo ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Okay, I’ve checked it. I’ll issue your membership card right away. Please wait a moment. -
Expression: A: 감사합니다. 책은 몇 권까지 빌릴 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: gam-sa-ham-ni-da. chae-geun myeot gwon-kka-ji bil-lil su in-na-yo?
Meaning: Thank you. How many books can I borrow? -
Expression: B: 한 번에 10권까지, 2주 동안 빌리실 수 있습니다. 여기 회원증입니다.
Pronunciation: han beo-ne yeol gwon-kka-ji, i-ju dong-an bil-li-sil su it-seum-ni-da. yeo-gi hwe-won-jjeung-im-ni-da.
Meaning: You can borrow up to 10 books at a time for 2 weeks. Here is your membership card. -
Expression: A: 정말 감사합니다!
Pronunciation: jeong-mal gam-sa-ham-ni-da!
Meaning: Thank you very much!
Practice Tips
Getting a library card is a practical task you might actually do in Korea! Try role-playing the conversation with a friend or language partner~ Practice asking the questions about library services and providing your (imaginary) personal details. Visit a local library if you can, even just to observe the process and environment. Good luck with your registration! 화이팅!
