Exploring nature is a wonderful way to experience Korea, and its numerous ecological parks offer unique insights into local biodiversity and conservation efforts. This guide provides essential Korean vocabulary and phrases related to visiting an 생태공원 (saeng-tae-gong-won), helping you navigate these natural spaces, understand their features, and discuss your experiences.
Table Of Content
Core Expression
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Expression: 생태공원
Pronunciation: saeng-tae-gong-won
Meaning: Ecological park (A park focused on preserving and showcasing natural ecosystems)
Describing an Ecological Park
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Expression: 여기는 아름다운 생태공원이에요.
Pronunciation: yeo-gi-neun a-reum-da-un saeng-tae-gong-won-i-e-yo.
Meaning: This is a beautiful ecological park. -
Expression: 이 공원은 자연 그대로 잘 보존되어 있어요.
Pronunciation: i gong-won-eun ja-yeon geu-dae-ro jal bo-jon-doe-eo iss-eo-yo.
Meaning: This park is well-preserved in its natural state. -
Expression: 다양한 식물과 동물이 서식하고 있어요.
Pronunciation: da-yang-han sik-mul-gwa dong-mul-i seo-sik-ha-go iss-eo-yo.
Meaning: Various plants and animals inhabit here. -
Expression: 습지가 넓게 펼쳐져 있어요.
Pronunciation: seup-ji-ga neol-ge pyeol-chyeo-jyeo iss-eo-yo.
Meaning: There is a wide wetland area. -
Expression: 철새 도래지로 유명해요.
Pronunciation: cheol-sae do-rae-ji-ro yu-myeong-hae-yo.
Meaning: It’s famous as a migratory bird habitat. -
Expression: 산책로가 잘 조성되어 있어요.
Pronunciation: san-chaek-ro-ga jal jo-seong-doe-eo iss-eo-yo.
Meaning: The walking trails are well-maintained. -
Expression: 공기가 정말 맑고 상쾌해요.
Pronunciation: gong-gi-ga jeong-mal mak-go sang-kwae-hae-yo.
Meaning: The air is really clear and refreshing. -
Expression: 생태 교육 프로그램이 있어요.
Pronunciation: saeng-tae gyo-yuk peu-ro-geu-raem-i iss-eo-yo.
Meaning: There are ecological education programs. -
Expression: 전망대에서 경치를 볼 수 있어요.
Pronunciation: jeon-mang-dae-e-seo gyeong-chi-reul bol su iss-eo-yo.
Meaning: You can see the view from the observatory. -
Expression: 이곳은 환경 보호 구역입니다.
Pronunciation: i-got-eun hwan-gyeong bo-ho gu-yeok-im-ni-da.
Meaning: This place is an environmental protection area. -
Expression: 자연 학습장으로 좋아요.
Pronunciation: ja-yeon hak-seup-jang-eu-ro jo-a-yo.
Meaning: It’s good as a nature learning center. -
Expression: 조용하고 평화로운 분위기예요.
Pronunciation: jo-yong-ha-go pyeong-hwa-ro-un bun-wi-gi-ye-yo.
Meaning: It has a quiet and peaceful atmosphere.
Activities in an Ecological Park
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Expression: 공원 안을 산책하고 싶어요.
Pronunciation: gong-won an-eul san-chaek-ha-go sip-eo-yo.
Meaning: I want to take a walk inside the park. -
Expression: 새를 관찰할 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: sae-reul gwan-chal-hal su iss-na-yo?
Meaning: Can I observe birds? -
Expression: 사진 찍어도 괜찮아요?
Pronunciation: sa-jin jjik-eo-do gwaen-chan-a-yo?
Meaning: Is it okay to take pictures? -
Expression: 자전거를 탈 수 있는 길이 있나요?
Pronunciation: ja-jeon-geo-reul tal su iss-neun gil-i iss-na-yo?
Meaning: Is there a path where I can ride a bicycle? -
Expression: 아이들과 함께 오기 좋은 곳이에요.
Pronunciation: a-i-deul-gwa ham-kke o-gi jo-eun got-i-e-yo.
Meaning: It’s a good place to come with children. -
Expression: 생태 체험 프로그램에 참여하고 싶어요.
Pronunciation: saeng-tae che-heom peu-ro-geu-raem-e cham-yeo-ha-go sip-eo-yo.
Meaning: I want to participate in an ecological experience program. -
Expression: 여기서 피크닉 해도 되나요?
Pronunciation: yeo-gi-seo pi-keu-nik hae-do doe-na-yo?
Meaning: Can we have a picnic here? -
Expression: 안내소는 어디에 있나요?
Pronunciation: an-nae-so-neun eo-di-e iss-na-yo?
Meaning: Where is the information center? -
Expression: 공원 지도를 받을 수 있을까요?
Pronunciation: gong-won ji-do-reul bad-eul su iss-eul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Could I get a map of the park? -
Expression: 곤충 관찰하기 좋은 곳이 어디예요?
Pronunciation: gon-chung gwan-chal-ha-gi jo-eun got-i eo-di-ye-yo?
Meaning: Where is a good place to observe insects? -
Expression: 해설사와 함께 둘러볼 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: hae-seol-sa-wa ham-kke dul-leo-bol su iss-na-yo?
Meaning: Can we look around with a guide/commentator? -
Expression: 식물 이름을 알고 싶어요.
Pronunciation: sik-mul i-reum-eul al-go sip-eo-yo.
Meaning: I want to know the names of the plants.
Asking for Directions and Information
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Expression: 생태공원에 어떻게 가나요?
Pronunciation: saeng-tae-gong-won-e eo-tteo-ke ga-na-yo?
Meaning: How do I get to the ecological park? -
Expression: 입장료는 얼마인가요?
Pronunciation: ip-jang-nyo-neun eol-ma-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: How much is the entrance fee? -
Expression: 개장 시간이 언제예요?
Pronunciation: gae-jang si-gan-i eon-je-ye-yo?
Meaning: What are the opening hours? -
Expression: 화장실은 어디에 있습니까?
Pronunciation: hwa-jang-sil-eun eo-di-e iss-seum-ni-kka?
Meaning: Where is the restroom? -
Expression: 가장 가까운 지하철역이 어디인가요?
Pronunciation: ga-jang ga-kka-un ji-ha-cheol-yeok-i eo-di-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: Where is the nearest subway station? -
Expression: 주차장이 있나요?
Pronunciation: ju-cha-jang-i iss-na-yo?
Meaning: Is there a parking lot? -
Expression: 습지 전망대까지 얼마나 걸려요?
Pronunciation: seup-ji jeon-mang-dae-kka-ji eol-ma-na geol-lyeo-yo?
Meaning: How long does it take to get to the wetland observatory? -
Expression: 이 길로 가면 뭐가 나와요?
Pronunciation: i gil-lo ga-myeon mwo-ga na-wa-yo?
Meaning: What comes out if I go this way? / Where does this path lead? -
Expression: 안내 표지판을 따라가면 돼요?
Pronunciation: an-nae pyo-ji-pan-eul tta-ra-ga-myeon dwae-yo?
Meaning: Should I follow the signs? -
Expression: 휠체어 접근이 가능한가요?
Pronunciation: hwil-che-eo jeop-geun-i ga-neung-han-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is it wheelchair accessible? -
Expression: 음식물 반입 금지인가요?
Pronunciation: eum-sik-mul ban-ip geum-ji-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is bringing in food prohibited? -
Expression: 애완동물 동반 가능한가요?
Pronunciation: ae-wan-dong-mul dong-ban ga-neung-han-ga-yo?
Meaning: Can I bring my pet?
Korean Culture Notes
Ecological parks (생태공원 – saeng-tae-gong-won) hold significant value in Korea, often established in areas with unique natural features like wetlands (습지 – seup-ji), forests, or coastal regions. They serve not only as recreational spaces but also as important centers for environmental education and conservation.
When visiting, remember that these are protected areas. Stick to designated paths (산책로 – san-chaek-ro), avoid picking plants or disturbing wildlife, and take all your trash with you. Noise levels should be kept low to respect the natural environment and other visitors.
Many ecological parks offer guided tours or educational programs (생태 교육 프로그램 – saeng-tae gyo-yuk peu-ro-geu-raem), often led by experts (해설사 – hae-seol-sa). Participating in these can greatly enhance your understanding and appreciation of the local ecosystem. Check the park’s website or information center for schedules.
Some famous ecological parks include Suncheon Bay Wetland Reserve (순천만 습지 – sun-cheon-man seup-ji), Seoul Forest (서울숲 – seo-ul-sup), and Taehwa River Grand Park (태화강 국가정원 – tae-hwa-gang guk-ga-jeong-won) in Ulsan, known for its bamboo forest.
Rules regarding food, pets, and activities like cycling can vary between parks. Always check the specific regulations (규정 – gyu-jeong) beforehand or look for signs (안내 표지판 – an-nae pyo-ji-pan) upon arrival.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: Two friends, Minjun (A) and Sarah (B), are planning a weekend outing.
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Expression: A: 사라 씨, 이번 주말에 뭐 할 거예요?
Pronunciation: sa-ra ssi, i-beon ju-mal-e mwo hal geo-ye-yo?
Meaning: Sarah, what are you doing this weekend? -
Expression: B: 글쎄요, 아직 계획 없어요. 민준 씨는요?
Pronunciation: geul-sse-yo, a-jik gye-hoek eop-seo-yo. min-jun ssi-neun-yo?
Meaning: Well, I don’t have plans yet. How about you, Minjun? -
Expression: A: 새로 생긴 생태공원에 가볼까 생각 중이에요. 같이 갈래요?
Pronunciation: sae-ro saeng-gin saeng-tae-gong-won-e ga-bol-kka saeng-gak jung-i-e-yo. ga-chi gal-lae-yo?
Meaning: I’m thinking of visiting the newly opened ecological park. Want to go together? -
Expression: B: 생태공원이요? 좋아요! 거기 뭐가 특별해요?
Pronunciation: saeng-tae-gong-won-i-yo? jo-a-yo! geo-gi mwo-ga teuk-byeol-hae-yo?
Meaning: An ecological park? Sounds great! What’s special about it? -
Expression: A: 습지가 아주 넓고 철새도 많이 온대요. 산책로도 잘 되어 있다고 들었어요.
Pronunciation: seup-ji-ga a-ju neol-go cheol-sae-do ma-ni on-dae-yo. san-chaek-ro-do jal doe-eo it-da-go deur-eoss-eo-yo.
Meaning: They say the wetland is very large and many migratory birds come. I also heard the walking trails are well-maintained. -
Expression: B: 와, 재밌겠네요! 사진 찍기 좋겠어요. 가는 방법은 알아요?
Pronunciation: wa, jae-mi-ket-ne-yo! sa-jin jjik-gi jo-ket-sseo-yo. ga-neun bang-beob-eun ar-a-yo?
Meaning: Wow, that sounds fun! It must be good for taking pictures. Do you know how to get there? -
Expression: A: 네, 지하철 타고 버스로 갈아타면 된대요. 제가 알아봤어요.
Pronunciation: ne, ji-ha-cheol ta-go beo-seu-ro gar-a-ta-myeon doen-dae-yo. je-ga ar-a-bwass-eo-yo.
Meaning: Yes, they say you can take the subway and transfer to a bus. I looked it up. -
Expression: B: 좋아요! 그럼 토요일 오전에 같이 가요! 도시락 싸갈까요?
Pronunciation: jo-a-yo! geu-reom to-yo-il o-jeon-e ga-chi ga-yo! do-si-rak ssa-gal-kka-yo?
Meaning: Okay! Then let’s go together on Saturday morning! Shall we pack a lunchbox? -
Expression: A: 음식물 반입 가능한지 확인해봐야 할 것 같아요. 일단 가볍게 가요!
Pronunciation: eum-sik-mul ban-ip ga-neung-han-ji hwa-gin-hae-bwa-ya hal geot ga-ta-yo. il-dan ga-byeop-ge ga-yo!
Meaning: I think we should check if bringing food is allowed. Let’s just travel light for now!
Practice Tips
Learning these phrases is the first step! Try using them when you plan a trip to a park in Korea or even when describing natural places in your own country~ Practice saying 생태공원 (saeng-tae-gong-won) until it feels natural. Look up pictures or videos of Korean ecological parks online and try describing what you see using the vocabulary you learned. Visiting one yourself is the best practice, of course! Don’t be afraid to ask questions using phrases like ~ 어디에 있나요? (eo-di-e iss-na-yo?) or ~ 해도 되나요? (hae-do doe-na-yo?). Keep practicing, and you’ll soon be comfortable discussing Korea’s beautiful natural parks! 화이팅! (hwaiting! – You can do it!)
