Navigating the process of enrolling your child in a Korean kindergarten (유치원) or daycare center (어린이집) involves specific terminology and procedures. This guide provides essential Korean phrases and cultural context to help you confidently manage inquiries and registration for early childhood education in Korea.
Table Of Content
Core Expressions
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Expression: 유치원
Pronunciation: yu-chi-won
Meaning: Kindergarten (typically for ages 3-5, focusing more on education) -
Expression: 어린이집
Pronunciation: eo-rin-i-jip
Meaning: Daycare Center (often accepts younger children, including infants, focusing on care and early development) -
Expression: 등록하기
Pronunciation: deung-rok-ha-gi
Meaning: To register / Registration -
Expression: 입학 상담
Pronunciation: ip-hak sang-dam
Meaning: Admission consultation / Enrollment counseling -
Expression: 대기자 명단
Pronunciation: dae-gi-ja myeong-dan
Meaning: Waiting list
Basic Inquiry Phrases
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Expression: 유치원/어린이집 등록 문의하고 싶어요.
Pronunciation: yu-chi-won / eo-rin-i-jip deung-rok mun-ui-ha-go sip-eo-yo.
Meaning: I’d like to inquire about kindergarten/daycare registration. -
Expression: 혹시 자리가 있나요?
Pronunciation: hok-si ja-ri-ga it-na-yo?
Meaning: Are there any available spots? -
Expression: 몇 살부터 받나요?
Pronunciation: myeot sal-bu-teo bat-na-yo?
Meaning: From what age do you accept children? -
Expression: 저희 아이는 [숫자]살이에요.
Pronunciation: jeo-hui a-i-neun [number] sal-i-e-yo.
Meaning: My child is [number] years old. -
Expression: 등록 절차가 어떻게 되나요?
Pronunciation: deung-rok jeol-cha-ga eo-tteo-ke doe-na-yo?
Meaning: What is the registration procedure? -
Expression: 상담 예약을 할 수 있을까요?
Pronunciation: sang-dam ye-yak-eul hal su it-eul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Can I make an appointment for a consultation? -
Expression: 방문해서 시설을 둘러볼 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: bang-mun-hae-seo si-seol-eul dul-leo-bol su it-na-yo?
Meaning: Can I visit and look around the facility? -
Expression: 언제부터 등록이 가능한가요?
Pronunciation: eon-je-bu-teo deung-rok-i ga-neung-han-ga-yo?
Meaning: When can I register? / When does registration start? -
Expression: 외국인 아이도 등록할 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: oe-guk-in a-i-do deung-rok-hal su it-na-yo?
Meaning: Can foreign children also register? -
Expression: 필요한 서류가 무엇인가요?
Pronunciation: pil-yo-han seo-ryu-ga mu-eot-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: What documents are required?
Registration Process Phrases
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Expression: 입학 원서를 작성해야 합니다.
Pronunciation: ip-hak won-seo-reul jak-seong-hae-ya ham-ni-da.
Meaning: You need to fill out the application form. -
Expression: 등록비는 얼마인가요?
Pronunciation: deung-rok-bi-neun eol-ma-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: How much is the registration fee? -
Expression: 월 보육료는 어떻게 되나요?
Pronunciation: wol bo-yuk-ryo-neun eo-tteo-ke doe-na-yo?
Meaning: What is the monthly tuition/childcare fee? -
Expression: 정부 지원금을 받을 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: jeong-bu ji-won-geum-eul bat-eul su it-na-yo?
Meaning: Can I receive government subsidies? -
Expression: 대기자 명단에 올려주세요.
Pronunciation: dae-gi-ja myeong-dan-e ol-lyeo-ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please put me on the waiting list. -
Expression: 자리가 나면 연락 주시겠어요?
Pronunciation: ja-ri-ga na-myeon yeol-lak ju-si-get-eo-yo?
Meaning: Could you contact me when a spot becomes available? -
Expression: 등록 마감일이 언제인가요?
Pronunciation: deung-rok ma-gam-il-i eon-je-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: When is the registration deadline? -
Expression: 아이 주민등록등본이 필요합니다.
Pronunciation: a-i ju-min-deung-rok-deung-bon-i pil-yo-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: A certified copy of the child’s resident registration is required. -
Expression: 예방접종 증명서도 제출해야 하나요?
Pronunciation: ye-bang-jeop-jong jeung-myeong-seo-do je-chul-hae-ya ha-na-yo?
Meaning: Do I also need to submit the vaccination certificate? -
Expression: 입학 설명회는 언제 열리나요?
Pronunciation: ip-hak seol-myeong-hoe-neun eon-je yeol-li-na-yo?
Meaning: When is the admission information session held?
Asking About the Facility
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Expression: 하루 일과가 어떻게 되나요?
Pronunciation: ha-ru il-gwa-ga eo-tteo-ke doe-na-yo?
Meaning: What is the daily schedule like? -
Expression: 교육 프로그램은 어떤 것이 있나요?
Pronunciation: gyo-yuk peu-ro-geu-raem-eun eo-tteon geot-i it-na-yo?
Meaning: What kind of educational programs do you have? -
Expression: 선생님 한 분당 아이는 몇 명인가요?
Pronunciation: seon-saeng-nim han bun-dang a-i-neun myeot myeong-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: What is the teacher-to-child ratio? -
Expression: 식사는 어떻게 제공되나요?
Pronunciation: sik-sa-neun eo-tteo-ke je-gong-doe-na-yo?
Meaning: How are meals provided? -
Expression: 낮잠 시간은 있나요?
Pronunciation: nat-jam si-gan-eun it-na-yo?
Meaning: Is there a nap time? -
Expression: 야외 놀이터가 있나요?
Pronunciation: ya-oe nol-i-teo-ga it-na-yo?
Meaning: Is there an outdoor playground? -
Expression: 특별 활동은 무엇이 있나요? (예: 영어, 미술)
Pronunciation: teuk-byeol hwal-dong-eun mu-eot-i it-na-yo? (ye: yeong-eo, mi-sul)
Meaning: What special activities are there? (e.g., English, art) -
Expression: 운영 시간은 어떻게 되나요?
Pronunciation: un-yeong si-gan-eun eo-tteo-ke doe-na-yo?
Meaning: What are the operating hours? -
Expression: 등하원 시간은 정해져 있나요?
Pronunciation: deung-ha-won si-gan-eun jeong-hae-jyeo it-na-yo?
Meaning: Are the drop-off and pick-up times fixed? -
Expression: CCTV가 설치되어 있나요?
Pronunciation: CCTV-ga seol-chi-doe-eo it-na-yo?
Meaning: Is CCTV installed? -
Expression: 알레르기가 있는 아이들을 위한 식단 조절이 가능한가요?
Pronunciation: al-le-reu-gi-ga it-neun a-i-deul-eul wi-han sik-dan jo-jeol-i ga-neung-han-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is it possible to adjust meals for children with allergies?
Korean Culture Notes
Kindergarten vs. Daycare: In Korea, 유치원 (kindergarten) is technically part of the early childhood education system under the Ministry of Education, often focusing more on structured learning for ages 3-5. 어린이집 (daycare center) falls under the Ministry of Health and Welfare, provides care for younger children (often from infancy), and may have longer operating hours, focusing more on care alongside development.
Registration Competition: Especially in popular areas or for well-regarded institutions, getting a spot can be competitive. Waiting lists (대기자 명단) are common. Registration periods often occur at specific times of the year (e.g., late fall for the following spring semester), so inquire early.
Korean Age System: Remember that Korea traditionally uses a different age calculation system (‘Korean age’). While official systems increasingly use international age, some centers might still refer to age classes based on the year of birth. It’s always good to clarify which age system they are using when discussing eligibility.
Government Subsidies: The Korean government offers childcare subsidies (보육료 지원) to eligible families, including resident foreigners under certain visa types. The amount and eligibility criteria can vary, so it’s essential to check the latest information through official channels or ask the center directly.
Online Registration System: For many public and some private centers, registration might be handled through a centralized online system called “Imsin Yuk-a Jonghap Portal (아이사랑)” (임신육아종합포털 아이사랑). Familiarize yourself with this system if applicable.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: A parent (A) calls a daycare center (어린이집) to inquire about registration for their 3-year-old child.
Roles: A: Parent, B: Daycare Staff
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Expression: A: 여보세요, [행복] 어린이집이죠? 입학 관련해서 문의 좀 드리려고 전화했어요.
Pronunciation: yeo-bo-se-yo, [haeng-bok] eo-rin-i-jip-i-jyo? ip-hak gwal-lyeon-hae-seo mun-ui jom deu-ri-ryeo-go jeon-hwa-haet-eo-yo.
Meaning: A: Hello, is this [Haengbok] Daycare Center? I’m calling to inquire about admission. -
Expression: B: 네, 안녕하세요. [행복] 어린이집입니다. 무엇을 도와드릴까요?
Pronunciation: ne, an-nyeong-ha-se-yo. [haeng-bok] eo-rin-i-jip-im-ni-da. mu-eos-eul do-wa-deu-ril-kka-yo?
Meaning: B: Yes, hello. This is [Haengbok] Daycare Center. How may I help you? -
Expression: A: 저희 아이가 지금 만 3살인데, 혹시 자리가 있을까요?
Pronunciation: jeo-hui a-i-ga ji-geum man sam sal-in-de, hok-si ja-ri-ga it-eul-kka-yo?
Meaning: A: My child is currently 3 years old (international age). Are there perhaps any available spots? -
Expression: B: 아, 만 3세반 말씀이시군요. 잠시만요, 확인해 보겠습니다… 네, 현재 대기하셔야 합니다.
Pronunciation: a, man sam se-ban mal-sseum-i-si-gun-yo. jam-si-man-yo, hwa-gin-hae bo-get-seum-ni-da… ne, hyeon-jae dae-gi-ha-syeo-ya ham-ni-da.
Meaning: B: Ah, you mean the class for 3-year-olds. Just a moment, let me check… Yes, you currently need to be put on the waiting list. -
Expression: A: 그렇군요. 그럼 대기자 명단에 올리려면 어떻게 해야 하나요?
Pronunciation: geu-reo-kun-yo. geu-reom dae-gi-ja myeong-dan-e ol-li-ryeo-myeon eo-tteo-ke hae-ya ha-na-yo?
Meaning: A: I see. Then what do I need to do to get on the waiting list? -
Expression: B: 저희 원에 방문하셔서 입학 대기 신청서를 작성해 주시면 됩니다. 아이 주민등록등본도 함께 가져오시면 좋아요.
Pronunciation: jeo-hui won-e bang-mun-ha-syeo-seo ip-hak dae-gi sin-cheong-seo-reul jak-seong-hae ju-si-myeon doem-ni-da. a-i ju-min-deung-rok-deung-bon-do ham-kke ga-jyeo-o-si-myeon jo-a-yo.
Meaning: B: You can visit our center and fill out the waiting list application form. It would be good if you also bring a certified copy of your child’s resident registration. -
Expression: A: 네, 알겠습니다. 혹시 방문 전에 상담 예약을 해야 할까요?
Pronunciation: ne, al-get-seum-ni-da. hok-si bang-mun jeon-e sang-dam ye-yak-eul hae-ya hal-kka-yo?
Meaning: A: Okay, I understand. Should I make a consultation appointment before visiting? -
Expression: B: 예약하시면 더 자세한 상담이 가능합니다. 편하신 시간 있으시면 말씀해주세요.
Pronunciation: ye-yak-ha-si-myeon deo ja-se-han sang-dam-i ga-neung-ham-ni-da. pyeon-ha-sin si-gan it-eu-si-myeon mal-sseum-hae-ju-se-yo.
Meaning: B: If you make an appointment, a more detailed consultation is possible. Please let me know if you have a preferred time.
Practice Tips
Navigating the registration process for kindergartens or daycare centers in Korea can seem daunting, but knowing these phrases is a great start! Try practicing them out loud~ Role-play the conversation example with a friend or language partner. Don’t hesitate to call or visit centers; most staff will appreciate your effort to communicate in Korean and will likely be helpful. Remember to prepare necessary documents in advance. Good luck with finding the perfect place for your child! 화이팅! (hwa-i-ting! – Fighting!/Good luck!)
