Exploring nature within a city is a wonderful experience, and botanical gardens offer a perfect escape. This guide provides essential Korean vocabulary and phrases for visiting a 식물원 (sing-mul-won), or botanical garden, in Korea. Learn how to ask for information, describe the beautiful scenery, and navigate your visit smoothly.
Table Of Content
Core Expression: Botanical Garden
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Expression: 식물원
Pronunciation: sing-mul-won
Meaning: Botanical Garden
Basic Phrases for Visiting a Botanical Garden
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Expression: 식물원에 가고 싶어요.
Pronunciation: sing-mul-won-e ga-go sip-eo-yo.
Meaning: I want to go to the botanical garden. -
Expression: 여기서 식물원까지 어떻게 가나요?
Pronunciation: yeo-gi-seo sing-mul-won-kka-ji eo-tteo-ke ga-na-yo?
Meaning: How do I get to the botanical garden from here? -
Expression: 입장료는 얼마예요?
Pronunciation: ip-jang-nyo-neun eol-ma-ye-yo?
Meaning: How much is the entrance fee? -
Expression: 성인 두 명 표 주세요.
Pronunciation: seong-in du myeong pyo ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Two adult tickets, please. -
Expression: 식물원 지도가 있나요?
Pronunciation: sing-mul-won ji-do-ga it-na-yo?
Meaning: Is there a map of the botanical garden? -
Expression: 개장 시간은 언제예요?
Pronunciation: gae-jang si-gan-eun eon-je-ye-yo?
Meaning: What are the opening hours? -
Expression: 폐장 시간은 몇 시예요?
Pronunciation: pye-jang si-gan-eun myeot si-ye-yo?
Meaning: What time does it close? -
Expression: 온실은 어디에 있어요?
Pronunciation: on-sil-eun eo-di-e i-sseo-yo?
Meaning: Where is the greenhouse? -
Expression: 여기서 사진 찍어도 돼요?
Pronunciation: yeo-gi-seo sa-jin jji-geo-do dwae-yo?
Meaning: Can I take pictures here? -
Expression: 화장실은 어디인가요?
Pronunciation: hwa-jang-sil-eun eo-di-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: Where is the restroom? -
Expression: 기념품 가게는 어디에 있어요?
Pronunciation: gi-nyeom-pum ga-ge-neun eo-di-e i-sseo-yo?
Meaning: Where is the gift shop? -
Expression: 식물원 안내 책자가 필요해요.
Pronunciation: sing-mul-won an-nae chaek-ja-ga pil-yo-hae-yo.
Meaning: I need a botanical garden brochure.
Describing Plants and Scenery
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Expression: 꽃이 정말 아름다워요.
Pronunciation: kkoch-i jeong-mal a-reum-da-wo-yo.
Meaning: The flowers are really beautiful. -
Expression: 나무가 아주 커요.
Pronunciation: na-mu-ga a-ju keo-yo.
Meaning: The tree is very big. -
Expression: 공기가 정말 신선해요.
Pronunciation: gong-gi-ga jeong-mal sin-seon-hae-yo.
Meaning: The air is really fresh. -
Expression: 경치가 너무 좋아요.
Pronunciation: gyeong-chi-ga neo-mu jo-a-yo.
Meaning: The scenery is so nice. -
Expression: 다양한 식물들이 있네요.
Pronunciation: da-yang-han sing-mul-deul-i in-ne-yo.
Meaning: There are various kinds of plants. -
Expression: 이 식물 이름이 뭐예요?
Pronunciation: i sing-mul i-reum-i mwo-ye-yo?
Meaning: What is the name of this plant? -
Expression: 여기 정말 평화로워요.
Pronunciation: yeo-gi jeong-mal pyeong-hwa-ro-wo-yo.
Meaning: It’s really peaceful here. -
Expression: 산책하기 좋은 곳이에요.
Pronunciation: san-chaek-ha-gi jo-eun gos-i-e-yo.
Meaning: It’s a good place for a walk. -
Expression: 색깔이 아주 예뻐요.
Pronunciation: saek-kkal-i a-ju ye-ppeo-yo.
Meaning: The colors are very pretty. -
Expression: 희귀한 식물도 볼 수 있어요.
Pronunciation: hui-gwi-han sing-mul-do bol su i-sseo-yo.
Meaning: You can also see rare plants. -
Expression: 연못이 아름답네요.
Pronunciation: yeon-mos-i a-reum-dam-ne-yo.
Meaning: The pond is beautiful. -
Expression: 향기가 좋아요.
Pronunciation: hyang-gi-ga jo-a-yo.
Meaning: It smells nice.
Asking Questions at the Botanical Garden
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Expression: 이 식물은 어디에서 왔나요?
Pronunciation: i sing-mul-eun eo-di-e-seo wat-na-yo?
Meaning: Where does this plant come from? -
Expression: 이 꽃은 언제 피나요?
Pronunciation: i kkoch-eun eon-je pi-na-yo?
Meaning: When does this flower bloom? -
Expression: 가이드 투어가 있나요?
Pronunciation: ga-i-deu tu-eo-ga in-na-yo?
Meaning: Is there a guided tour? -
Expression: 가장 인기 있는 구역은 어디예요?
Pronunciation: ga-jang in-gi it-neun gu-yeog-eun eo-di-ye-yo?
Meaning: Where is the most popular section? -
Expression: 식물에 물을 줘도 되나요?
Pronunciation: sing-mul-e mul-eul jwo-do doe-na-yo?
Meaning: Can I water the plants? (Usually no, but good to know how to ask) -
Expression: 식물을 만져봐도 괜찮아요?
Pronunciation: sing-mul-eul man-jyeo-bwa-do gwaen-chan-a-yo?
Meaning: Is it okay to touch the plants? (Check signs first!) -
Expression: 카페나 쉴 곳이 있나요?
Pronunciation: ka-pe-na swil got-i in-na-yo?
Meaning: Is there a cafe or a place to rest? -
Expression: 이 식물은 독성이 있나요?
Pronunciation: i sing-mul-eun dok-seong-i in-na-yo?
Meaning: Is this plant poisonous? -
Expression: 어린이들을 위한 프로그램이 있나요?
Pronunciation: eo-rin-i-deul-eul wi-han peu-ro-geu-raem-i in-na-yo?
Meaning: Are there any programs for children? -
Expression: 특별 전시가 열리고 있나요?
Pronunciation: teuk-byeol jeon-si-ga yeol-li-go in-na-yo?
Meaning: Is there a special exhibition being held? -
Expression: 휠체어 대여가 가능한가요?
Pronunciation: hwil-che-eo dae-yeo-ga ga-neung-han-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is wheelchair rental available? -
Expression: 이 길로 가면 뭐가 나오나요?
Pronunciation: i gil-lo ga-myeon mwo-ga na-o-na-yo?
Meaning: What comes out if I go this way? / Where does this path lead?
Korean Culture Notes
Botanical gardens (식물원 – sing-mul-won) are popular destinations in Korea, especially during spring and autumn when the weather is pleasant and the foliage is at its peak. Many Koreans enjoy visiting these places for relaxation, photography, and family outings.
Many botanical gardens in Korea are beautifully landscaped and often incorporate traditional Korean garden elements alongside diverse plant collections from around the world. Some larger gardens also host seasonal flower festivals, attracting large crowds.
Etiquette is important. Visitors are expected not to pick flowers or damage plants. Staying on designated paths and keeping noise levels down helps maintain the peaceful atmosphere appreciated by others.
Photography is generally allowed, but tripods or professional equipment might require permission in certain areas or during special events. Always check for signs or ask staff if unsure.
Some botanical gardens also feature cafes, educational centers, or small museums, making them a full-day excursion option for many families and couples.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: Two friends, Minjun (A) and Sarah (B), are visiting a botanical garden.
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Expression: A: 와, 여기 식물원 정말 넓고 예쁘다!
Pronunciation: wa, yeo-gi sing-mul-won jeong-mal neolp-go ye-ppeu-da!
Meaning: Wow, this botanical garden is really spacious and pretty! -
Expression: B: 응, 공기도 정말 신선해. 저기 온실부터 가볼까?
Pronunciation: eung, gong-gi-do jeong-mal sin-seon-hae. jeo-gi on-sil-bu-teo ga-bol-kka?
Meaning: Yeah, the air is really fresh too. Shall we go to that greenhouse over there first? -
Expression: A: 좋아! 지도 보니까 희귀 식물이 많다고 하던데.
Pronunciation: jo-a! ji-do bo-ni-kka hui-gwi sing-mul-i man-ta-go ha-deon-de.
Meaning: Okay! According to the map, it says there are many rare plants. -
Expression: B: 기대된다! 이 꽃 이름이 뭘까? 색깔이 아주 예뻐.
Pronunciation: gi-dae-doen-da! i kkot i-reum-i mwol-kka? saek-kkal-i a-ju ye-ppeo.
Meaning: I’m looking forward to it! What’s the name of this flower? The color is very pretty. -
Expression: A: 글쎄, 안내판을 찾아보자. 아, 여기 있다!
Pronunciation: geul-sse, an-nae-pan-eul cha-ja-bo-ja. a, yeo-gi it-tta!
Meaning: Hmm, let’s look for the information sign. Ah, here it is! -
Expression: B: 여기서 사진 찍어도 괜찮겠지? 경치가 너무 좋다.
Pronunciation: yeo-gi-seo sa-jin jji-geo-do gwaen-chan-ket-ji? gyeong-chi-ga neo-mu jo-ta.
Meaning: It should be okay to take pictures here, right? The scenery is so nice.
Practice Tips
Visiting a botanical garden (식물원 – sing-mul-won) is a great way to practice your Korean! Try describing the plants and flowers you see using the phrases you’ve learned~ Use the map (지도 – ji-do) to ask for directions to different sections like the greenhouse (온실 – on-sil). Don’t hesitate to ask staff simple questions like “What is this plant’s name?” (이 식물 이름이 뭐예요? – i sing-mul i-reum-i mwo-ye-yo?). Enjoy the beautiful nature and practice your Korean skills at the same time!
