Discussing cultural landmarks and historical places is a great way to connect with Korean culture. This guide focuses on the essential Korean vocabulary and phrases needed to talk about UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Korea, helping you appreciate and discuss these significant locations during your travels or conversations.
Table Of Content
Core Expression
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Expression: 유네스코 세계유산
Pronunciation: yu-ne-seu-ko se-gye-yu-san
Meaning: UNESCO World Heritage Site (This is the most common and standard term.)
Basic Vocabulary
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Expression: 유산
Pronunciation: yu-san
Meaning: Heritage -
Expression: 세계유산
Pronunciation: se-gye-yu-san
Meaning: World Heritage -
Expression: 문화유산
Pronunciation: mun-hwa-yu-san
Meaning: Cultural Heritage -
Expression: 자연유산
Pronunciation: ja-yeon-yu-san
Meaning: Natural Heritage -
Expression: 복합유산
Pronunciation: bok-hap-yu-san
Meaning: Mixed Heritage (Cultural and Natural) -
Expression: 등재되다
Pronunciation: deung-jae-doe-da
Meaning: To be registered / listed -
Expression: 지정되다
Pronunciation: ji-jeong-doe-da
Meaning: To be designated -
Expression: 보존
Pronunciation: bo-jon
Meaning: Preservation -
Expression: 역사
Pronunciation: yeok-sa
Meaning: History -
Expression: 가치
Pronunciation: ga-chi
Meaning: Value -
Expression: 유적지
Pronunciation: yu-jeok-ji
Meaning: Historic site / ruins -
Expression: 관광 명소
Pronunciation: gwan-gwang myeong-so
Meaning: Tourist attraction
Useful Phrases
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Expression: 여기는 유네스코 세계유산입니다.
Pronunciation: yeo-gi-neun yu-ne-seu-ko se-gye-yu-san-im-ni-da.
Meaning: This place is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. -
Expression: 한국에는 많은 세계유산이 있습니다.
Pronunciation: han-guk-e-neun man-eun se-gye-yu-san-i it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: There are many World Heritage Sites in Korea. -
Expression: 이 유산은 언제 등재되었나요?
Pronunciation: i yu-san-eun eon-je deung-jae-doe-eot-na-yo?
Meaning: When was this heritage site registered? -
Expression: 세계유산을 방문하고 싶어요.
Pronunciation: se-gye-yu-san-eul bang-mun-ha-go sip-eo-yo.
Meaning: I want to visit a World Heritage Site. -
Expression: 이곳은 문화적 가치가 높습니다.
Pronunciation: i-got-eun mun-hwa-jeok ga-chi-ga nop-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: This place has high cultural value. -
Expression: 자연유산의 경치가 아름답습니다.
Pronunciation: ja-yeon-yu-san-ui gyeong-chi-ga a-reum-dap-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: The scenery of the natural heritage site is beautiful. -
Expression: 유산 보존이 중요합니다.
Pronunciation: yu-san bo-jon-i jung-yo-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Heritage preservation is important. -
Expression: 경주 역사유적지구는 세계유산입니다.
Pronunciation: gyeong-ju yeok-sa-yu-jeok-ji-gu-neun se-gye-yu-san-im-ni-da.
Meaning: The Gyeongju Historic Areas are a World Heritage Site. -
Expression: 제주 화산섬과 용암 동굴도 세계유산입니다.
Pronunciation: je-ju hwa-san-seom-gwa yong-am dong-gul-do se-gye-yu-san-im-ni-da.
Meaning: Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes are also a World Heritage Site. -
Expression: 세계유산 목록을 확인해 보세요.
Pronunciation: se-gye-yu-san mong-nok-eul hwa-gin-hae bo-se-yo.
Meaning: Please check the list of World Heritage Sites. -
Expression: 이 유산의 역사에 대해 설명해 주세요.
Pronunciation: i yu-san-ui yeok-sa-e dae-hae seol-myeong-hae ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please explain the history of this heritage site. -
Expression: 유네스코는 세계유산을 보호합니다.
Pronunciation: yu-ne-seu-ko-neun se-gye-yu-san-eul bo-ho-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: UNESCO protects World Heritage Sites.
Asking Questions
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Expression: 여기가 유네스코 세계유산인가요?
Pronunciation: yeo-gi-ga yu-ne-seu-ko se-gye-yu-san-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is this a UNESCO World Heritage Site? -
Expression: 한국에는 세계유산이 몇 개 있나요?
Pronunciation: han-guk-e-neun se-gye-yu-san-i myeot gae it-na-yo?
Meaning: How many World Heritage Sites are there in Korea? -
Expression: 가장 유명한 한국의 세계유산은 무엇인가요?
Pronunciation: ga-jang yu-myeong-han han-guk-ui se-gye-yu-san-eun mu-eot-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: What is the most famous World Heritage Site in Korea? -
Expression: 이곳이 왜 세계유산으로 지정되었나요?
Pronunciation: i-got-i wae se-gye-yu-san-eu-ro ji-jeong-doe-eot-na-yo?
Meaning: Why was this place designated as a World Heritage Site? -
Expression: 문화유산과 자연유산의 차이가 뭐예요?
Pronunciation: mun-hwa-yu-san-gwa ja-yeon-yu-san-ui cha-i-ga mwo-ye-yo?
Meaning: What is the difference between cultural heritage and natural heritage? -
Expression: 세계유산 입장료는 얼마인가요?
Pronunciation: se-gye-yu-san ip-jang-nyo-neun eol-ma-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: How much is the entrance fee for the World Heritage Site? -
Expression: 여기서 사진을 찍어도 되나요?
Pronunciation: yeo-gi-seo sa-jin-eul jjik-eo-do doe-na-yo?
Meaning: Is it okay to take pictures here? (Often relevant at heritage sites) -
Expression: 가이드 투어가 있나요?
Pronunciation: ga-i-deu tu-eo-ga it-na-yo?
Meaning: Is there a guided tour? -
Expression: 이 유적지의 역사를 알 수 있을까요?
Pronunciation: i yu-jeok-ji-ui yeok-sa-reul al su it-eul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Can I learn about the history of this historic site? -
Expression: 근처에 다른 세계유산이 있나요?
Pronunciation: geun-cheo-e da-reun se-gye-yu-san-i it-na-yo?
Meaning: Are there other World Heritage Sites nearby? -
Expression: 세계유산 지도를 어디서 얻을 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: se-gye-yu-san ji-do-reul eo-di-seo eo-deul su it-na-yo?
Meaning: Where can I get a map of the World Heritage Site?
Korean Culture Notes
Koreans hold great pride in their UNESCO World Heritage Sites, viewing them as crucial parts of their national identity and history. These sites range from ancient palaces and temples (like Changdeokgung Palace Complex, Bulguksa Temple) to unique natural landscapes (like Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes) and historical areas (like Gyeongju Historic Areas).
Preservation efforts are taken very seriously. There are often strict rules at these sites regarding behavior, photography, and access to certain areas to ensure their protection for future generations. Visitors are expected to be respectful.
Many sites offer excellent informational materials, guided tours (sometimes in multiple languages), and visitor centers to enhance the educational experience. Learning about the history and significance beforehand can greatly enrich your visit.
Visiting these sites is a popular activity for both domestic and international tourists. They often feature prominently in travel itineraries and educational school trips, highlighting their importance in Korean society.
Korea also has UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage elements, such as Pansori singing, Kimjang (making and sharing kimchi), and Arirang folk song, which are equally valued alongside the physical sites.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: Two friends, Minjun (A) and Sarah (B), are planning a trip within Korea.
Roles:
A: Minjun (Suggesting a destination)
B: Sarah (Asking about the destination)
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Expression: A: 사라 씨, 주말에 경주에 가보는 거 어때요? 거기는 유네스코 세계유산이 많아요.
Pronunciation: sa-ra ssi, ju-mal-e gyeong-ju-e ga-bo-neun geo eo-ttae-yo? geo-gi-neun yu-ne-seu-ko se-gye-yu-san-i man-a-yo.
Meaning: Sarah, how about visiting Gyeongju this weekend? There are many UNESCO World Heritage Sites there. -
Expression: B: 정말요? 경주가 세계유산 도시였군요! 어떤 유적지가 있나요?
Pronunciation: jeong-mal-lyo? gyeong-ju-ga se-gye-yu-san do-si-yeot-gun-yo! eo-tteon yu-jeok-ji-ga it-na-yo?
Meaning: Really? I didn’t know Gyeongju was a World Heritage city! What kind of historic sites are there? -
Expression: A: 불국사랑 석굴암이 아주 유명해요. 둘 다 꼭 가봐야 할 문화유산이에요.
Pronunciation: bul-guk-sa-rang seok-gul-am-i a-ju yu-myeong-hae-yo. dul da kkok ga-bwa-ya hal mun-hwa-yu-san-i-e-yo.
Meaning: Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto are very famous. They are both cultural heritage sites that you must visit. -
Expression: B: 와, 좋네요! 그곳들이 왜 세계유산으로 지정되었는지 궁금해요. 역사적 가치가 높겠죠?
Pronunciation: wa, jon-ne-yo! geu-got-deul-i wae se-gye-yu-san-eu-ro ji-jeong-doe-eot-neun-ji gung-geum-hae-yo. yeok-sa-jeok ga-chi-ga nop-get-jyo?
Meaning: Wow, sounds great! I wonder why those places were designated as World Heritage Sites. They must have high historical value, right? -
Expression: A: 네, 맞아요. 신라 시대의 불교 예술과 건축을 대표하는 곳들이에요. 가서 직접 보면 더 감동적일 거예요.
Pronunciation: ne, maj-a-yo. sil-la si-dae-ui bul-gyo ye-sul-gwa geon-chuk-eul dae-pyo-ha-neun got-deul-i-e-yo. ga-seo jik-jeop bo-myeon deo gam-dong-jeok-il geo-ye-yo.
Meaning: Yes, that’s right. They represent Buddhist art and architecture from the Silla period. It will be more moving if you see them in person. -
Expression: B: 알겠어요. 그럼 이번 주말에 경주 세계유산 탐방 계획을 세워봐요!
Pronunciation: al-get-seo-yo. geu-reom i-beon ju-mal-e gyeong-ju se-gye-yu-san tam-bang gye-hoek-eul se-wo-bwa-yo!
Meaning: Okay. Then let’s plan a Gyeongju World Heritage exploration trip for this weekend!
Practice Tips
Learning about Korea’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites is fascinating! Try researching one specific site online (like Hwaseong Fortress or the Gochang Dolmen Sites) and practice describing it in Korean using the vocabulary you learned~ You can even try writing a short paragraph about why it’s significant!
Imagine you are visiting one of these sites. Practice asking questions like “When was this built?” (이것은 언제 지어졌나요? i-geot-eun eon-je ji-eo-jeot-na-yo?) or “What is the story behind this place?” (이 장소에 얽힌 이야기가 무엇인가요? i jang-so-e eol-kin i-ya-gi-ga mu-eot-in-ga-yo?). Talking about these amazing places will surely impress your Korean friends! Keep practicing!
