Understanding and respecting etiquette is crucial when visiting cultural heritage sites in Korea. This guide provides essential Korean phrases and cultural insights to help you navigate these important locations respectfully, ensuring a positive experience for yourself and others while appreciating Korea’s rich history.
Table Of Content
Core Expression
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Expression: 문화재 관람 예절
Pronunciation: mun-hwa-jae gwan-ram ye-jeol
Meaning: Cultural heritage site viewing etiquette
Basic Etiquette Phrases
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Expression: 조용히 해 주세요.
Pronunciation: jo-yong-hi hae ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please be quiet. -
Expression: 만지지 마세요.
Pronunciation: man-ji-ji ma-se-yo.
Meaning: Please do not touch. -
Expression: 사진 촬영 금지입니다.
Pronunciation: sa-jin chwal-yeong geum-ji-im-ni-da.
Meaning: Photography is prohibited. -
Expression: 플래시 사용 금지입니다.
Pronunciation: peu-llae-si sa-yong geum-ji-im-ni-da.
Meaning: Flash photography is prohibited. -
Expression: 음식물 반입 금지입니다.
Pronunciation: eum-sing-mul ban-ip geum-ji-im-ni-da.
Meaning: Bringing in food and drinks is prohibited. -
Expression: 쓰레기는 쓰레기통에 버려 주세요.
Pronunciation: sseu-re-gi-neun sseu-re-gi-tong-e beo-ryeo ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please throw trash in the trash can. -
Expression: 뛰지 마세요.
Pronunciation: ttwi-ji ma-se-yo.
Meaning: Please do not run. -
Expression: 신발을 벗고 들어가세요.
Pronunciation: sin-ba-reul beot-go deu-reo-ga-se-yo.
Meaning: Please take off your shoes before entering. -
Expression: 안내 표지판을 따라 주세요.
Pronunciation: an-nae pyo-ji-pa-neul tta-ra ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please follow the signs. -
Expression: 다른 관람객을 배려해 주세요.
Pronunciation: da-reun gwan-ram-gae-geul bae-ryeo-hae ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please be considerate of other visitors. -
Expression: 여기서 담배 피우지 마세요.
Pronunciation: yeo-gi-seo dam-bae pi-u-ji ma-se-yo.
Meaning: Please do not smoke here. -
Expression: 정숙해 주시기 바랍니다.
Pronunciation: jeong-suk-hae ju-si-gi ba-ram-ni-da.
Meaning: Please maintain silence. (More formal)
Asking for Information
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Expression: 화장실이 어디에 있나요?
Pronunciation: hwa-jang-si-ri eo-di-e it-na-yo?
Meaning: Where is the restroom? -
Expression: 사진 찍어도 되나요?
Pronunciation: sa-jin jji-geo-do doe-na-yo?
Meaning: Is it okay to take pictures? -
Expression: 이것은 무엇인가요?
Pronunciation: i-geo-seun mu-eo-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: What is this? -
Expression: 안내 책자가 있나요?
Pronunciation: an-nae chaek-ja-ga it-na-yo?
Meaning: Is there an information booklet? -
Expression: 영어 안내가 있나요?
Pronunciation: yeong-eo an-nae-ga it-na-yo?
Meaning: Is there an English guide? -
Expression: 입장료는 얼마인가요?
Pronunciation: ip-jang-nyo-neun eol-ma-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: How much is the entrance fee? -
Expression: 관람 시간은 어떻게 되나요?
Pronunciation: gwan-ram si-ga-neun eo-tteo-ke doe-na-yo?
Meaning: What are the visiting hours? -
Expression: 여기서 무엇을 조심해야 하나요?
Pronunciation: yeo-gi-seo mu-eo-seul jo-sim-hae-ya ha-na-yo?
Meaning: What should I be careful about here? -
Expression: 특별 전시가 있나요?
Pronunciation: teuk-byeol jeon-si-ga it-na-yo?
Meaning: Is there a special exhibition? -
Expression: 이 건물은 언제 지어졌나요?
Pronunciation: i geon-mu-reun eon-je ji-eo-jeot-na-yo?
Meaning: When was this building built? -
Expression: 오디오 가이드 빌릴 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: o-di-o ga-i-deu bil-lil su it-na-yo?
Meaning: Can I rent an audio guide? -
Expression: 기념품 가게는 어디에 있나요?
Pronunciation: gi-nyeom-pum ga-ge-neun eo-di-e it-na-yo?
Meaning: Where is the souvenir shop?
Understanding Rules and Signs
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Expression: 출입 금지
Pronunciation: chu-rip geum-ji
Meaning: Entry Prohibited / No Entry -
Expression: 접근 금지
Pronunciation: jeop-geun geum-ji
Meaning: Keep Out / Do Not Approach -
Expression: 위험
Pronunciation: wi-heom
Meaning: Danger -
Expression: 잔디밭에 들어가지 마시오.
Pronunciation: jan-di-ba-te deu-reo-ga-ji ma-si-o.
Meaning: Keep off the grass. (Formal sign language) -
Expression: 관계자 외 출입 금지
Pronunciation: gwan-gye-ja oe chu-rip geum-ji
Meaning: Authorized Personnel Only -
Expression: 보수 중
Pronunciation: bo-su jung
Meaning: Under Repair / Under Maintenance -
Expression: 관람 방향
Pronunciation: gwan-ram bang-hyang
Meaning: Viewing Direction (Often with an arrow) -
Expression: 비상구
Pronunciation: bi-sang-gu
Meaning: Emergency Exit -
Expression: 소화기
Pronunciation: so-hwa-gi
Meaning: Fire Extinguisher -
Expression: 미시오
Pronunciation: mi-si-o
Meaning: Push (On doors) -
Expression: 당기시오
Pronunciation: dang-gi-si-o
Meaning: Pull (On doors) -
Expression: 머리 조심
Pronunciation: meo-ri jo-sim
Meaning: Watch Your Head
Cultural Tips
Respect for Age and History: Korean cultural heritage sites, like palaces, temples, and historical houses, are deeply respected. Approach them with a sense of reverence. Loud conversations, boisterous laughter, or running around are considered disrespectful.
Preservation is Key: Many structures and artifacts are old and fragile. Avoid leaning on walls, touching carvings or paintings, or sitting on furniture unless explicitly permitted. Even minor contact can cause cumulative damage over time.
Footwear Etiquette: In many traditional buildings, especially temples or historical homes (hanoks), you will be required to remove your shoes before entering interior spaces. Look for signs or shoe racks near the entrance. Wearing clean socks is advisable.
Photography Rules: While photography is often allowed outdoors, indoor photography, especially with flash, might be restricted to protect artifacts from light damage. Always check for signs or ask staff if unsure.
Modest Attire (Temples): When visiting Buddhist temples, it’s respectful to dress modestly. Avoid overly revealing clothing like tank tops or very short skirts/shorts, especially when entering prayer halls.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: A tourist (A) is visiting Gyeongbok Palace and asks a staff member (B) about the rules.
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Expression: A: 저기요, 여기서 사진 찍어도 되나요?
Pronunciation: jeo-gi-yo, yeo-gi-seo sa-jin jji-geo-do doe-na-yo?
Meaning: Excuse me, is it okay to take pictures here? -
Expression: B: 네, 밖에서는 괜찮습니다. 하지만 건물 안에서는 플래시 없이 찍어주세요.
Pronunciation: ne, ba-kke-seo-neun gwaen-chan-sseum-ni-da. ha-ji-man geon-mul a-ne-seo-neun peu-llae-si eop-si jji-geo-ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Yes, it’s fine outside. However, inside the buildings, please take pictures without flash. -
Expression: A: 알겠습니다. 혹시 저 건물은 만져봐도 되나요?
Pronunciation: al-get-sseum-ni-da. hok-si jeo geon-mu-reun man-jyeo-bwa-do doe-na-yo?
Meaning: I understand. By any chance, is it okay to touch that building? -
Expression: B: 아니요, 문화재 보호를 위해 만지지 마세요. 눈으로만 감상해 주시기 바랍니다.
Pronunciation: a-ni-yo, mun-hwa-jae bo-ho-reul wi-hae man-ji-ji ma-se-yo. nu-neu-ro-man gam-sang-hae ju-si-gi ba-ram-ni-da.
Meaning: No, please do not touch it to protect the cultural property. Please appreciate it only with your eyes. -
Expression: A: 네, 주의하겠습니다. 감사합니다.
Pronunciation: ne, ju-ui-ha-get-sseum-ni-da. gam-sa-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Okay, I will be careful. Thank you. -
Expression: B: 즐거운 관람 되세요.
Pronunciation: jeul-geo-un gwan-ram doe-se-yo.
Meaning: Enjoy your visit.
Practice Tips
Knowing the right etiquette and phrases makes visiting Korea’s beautiful cultural sites much more enjoyable and respectful! Try practicing these expressions before your visit. You can role-play scenarios with a friend or language partner~ Look for signs at museums or historical sites online to familiarize yourself with common warnings. Remember, showing respect through your actions and words is greatly appreciated! Enjoy exploring Korea’s heritage! Fighting!
