Learning Etiquette for Visiting Religious Facilities in Korea

Understanding and respecting local customs is crucial when visiting religious sites in any country. This guide provides essential Korean phrases and cultural insights for respectfully visiting temples, churches, and other religious facilities in Korea, ensuring a meaningful and considerate experience.

Core Etiquette Phrase

• Expression: 종교 시설 방문 예절
  Pronunciation: jong-gyo si-seol bang-mun ye-jeol
  Meaning: Etiquette for visiting religious facilities

General Phrases for Visiting

• Expression: 들어가도 될까요?
  Pronunciation: deu-reo-ga-do dwel-kka-yo?
  Meaning: May I enter?
• Expression: 여기는 무엇을 하는 곳인가요?
  Pronunciation: yeo-gi-neun mu-eo-seul ha-neun go-sin-ga-yo?
  Meaning: What is this place used for?
• Expression: 신발을 벗어야 하나요?
  Pronunciation: sin-ba-reul beo-seo-ya ha-na-yo?
  Meaning: Should I take off my shoes?
• Expression: 사진 촬영이 가능한가요?
  Pronunciation: sa-jin chwal-yeong-i ga-neung-han-ga-yo?
  Meaning: Is photography allowed?
• Expression: 입장료가 있나요?
  Pronunciation: ip-jang-nyo-ga it-na-yo?
  Meaning: Is there an entrance fee?
• Expression: 조용히 해야 하나요?
  Pronunciation: jo-yong-hi hae-ya ha-na-yo?
  Meaning: Should I be quiet?
• Expression: 방문객 안내소가 어디에 있나요?
  Pronunciation: bang-mun-gaek an-nae-so-ga eo-di-e it-na-yo?
  Meaning: Where is the visitor information center?
• Expression: 화장실은 어디에 있나요?
  Pronunciation: hwa-jang-si-reun eo-di-e it-na-yo?
  Meaning: Where is the restroom?
• Expression: 이곳의 역사에 대해 설명해 주실 수 있나요?
  Pronunciation: i-go-sui yeok-sa-e dae-hae seol-myeong-hae ju-sil su it-na-yo?
  Meaning: Could you explain the history of this place?
• Expression: 개방 시간이 어떻게 되나요?
  Pronunciation: gae-bang si-gan-i eo-tteo-ke doe-na-yo?
  Meaning: What are the opening hours?
• Expression: 잠시 둘러봐도 괜찮을까요?
  Pronunciation: jam-si dul-leo-bwa-do gwaen-cha-neul-kka-yo?
  Meaning: Is it okay if I look around for a moment?
• Expression: 안내 책자가 있나요?
  Pronunciation: an-nae chaek-ja-ga it-na-yo?
  Meaning: Is there an informational booklet/pamphlet?

Showing Respect and Politeness

• Expression: 조용히 하겠습니다.
  Pronunciation: jo-yong-hi ha-get-seum-ni-da.
  Meaning: I will be quiet.
• Expression: 예의를 지키겠습니다.
  Pronunciation: ye-ui-reul ji-ki-get-seum-ni-da.
  Meaning: I will observe etiquette / be respectful.
• Expression: 방해가 되지 않도록 조심하겠습니다.
  Pronunciation: bang-hae-ga doe-ji an-to-rok jo-sim-ha-get-seum-ni-da.
  Meaning: I will be careful not to disturb anyone.
• Expression: 방문하게 되어 영광입니다.
  Pronunciation: bang-mun-ha-ge doe-eo yeong-gwang-im-ni-da.
  Meaning: It is an honor to visit.
• Expression: 경건한 마음으로 둘러보겠습니다.
  Pronunciation: gyeong-geon-han ma-eum-eu-ro dul-leo-bo-get-seum-ni-da.
  Meaning: I will look around with a reverent heart.
• Expression: 이곳은 정말 아름답습니다.
  Pronunciation: i-go-seun jeong-mal a-reum-dap-seum-ni-da.
  Meaning: This place is truly beautiful.
• Expression: 좋은 경험이었습니다.
  Pronunciation: jo-eun gyeong-heom-i-eot-seum-ni-da.
  Meaning: It was a good experience.
• Expression: 친절하게 안내해 주셔서 감사합니다.
  Pronunciation: chin-jeol-ha-ge an-nae-hae ju-syeo-seo gam-sa-ham-ni-da.
  Meaning: Thank you for your kind guidance.
• Expression: 실례가 안 된다면, 잠시 앉아도 될까요?
  Pronunciation: sil-lye-ga an doen-da-myeon, jam-si an-ja-do doel-kka-yo?
  Meaning: If it’s not rude, may I sit for a moment?
• Expression: 기도하는 분들께 방해가 되지 않게 조심할게요.
  Pronunciation: gi-do-ha-neun bun-deul-kke bang-hae-ga doe-ji an-ke jo-sim-hal-kke-yo.
  Meaning: I’ll be careful not to disturb those who are praying.
• Expression: 이 공간을 존중합니다.
  Pronunciation: i gong-ga-neul jon-jung-ham-ni-da.
  Meaning: I respect this space.

Asking About Specific Rules

• Expression: 복장 규정이 있나요?
  Pronunciation: bok-jang gyu-jeong-i it-na-yo?
  Meaning: Is there a dress code?
• Expression: 반바지나 민소매는 괜찮나요?
  Pronunciation: ban-ba-ji-na min-so-mae-neun gwaen-chan-na-yo?
  Meaning: Are shorts or sleeveless shirts okay?
• Expression: 특정 기도 시간이 있나요?
  Pronunciation: teuk-jeong gi-do si-gan-i it-na-yo?
  Meaning: Are there specific prayer times?
• Expression: 기부나 헌금을 할 수 있나요?
  Pronunciation: gi-bu-na heon-geum-eul hal su it-na-yo?
  Meaning: Can I make a donation or offering?
• Expression: 어디에 기부하면 되나요?
  Pronunciation: eo-di-e gi-bu-ha-myeon doe-na-yo?
  Meaning: Where can I make a donation?
• Expression: 출입이 금지된 구역이 있나요?
  Pronunciation: chu-ri-bi geum-ji-doen gu-yeo-gi it-na-yo?
  Meaning: Are there any restricted areas?
• Expression: 음식물 반입이 가능한가요?
  Pronunciation: eum-sing-mul ba-ni-bi ga-neung-han-ga-yo?
  Meaning: Is bringing in food or drinks allowed?
• Expression: 플래시를 사용해도 되나요?
  Pronunciation: peu-llae-si-reul sa-yong-hae-do doe-na-yo?
  Meaning: May I use flash (for photography)?
• Expression: 특별히 주의해야 할 점이 있나요?
  Pronunciation: teuk-byeol-hi ju-ui-hae-ya hal jeom-i it-na-yo?
  Meaning: Is there anything specific I should be careful about?
• Expression: 애완동물을 데리고 와도 되나요?
  Pronunciation: ae-wan-dong-mu-reul de-ri-go wa-do doe-na-yo?
  Meaning: Is it okay to bring pets?
• Expression: 이곳에서 지켜야 할 특별한 예절이 있습니까?
  Pronunciation: i-go-se-seo ji-kyeo-ya hal teuk-byeol-han ye-jeo-ri it-seum-ni-kka?
  Meaning: Is there any special etiquette I should follow here?

Korean Culture Notes

General Respect: Regardless of the type of religious facility (Buddhist temple, Christian church, mosque, etc.), maintaining a quiet and respectful demeanor is paramount. Avoid loud conversations, running, or disruptive behavior. Observe others and follow their lead if unsure.

Removing Shoes: It is customary to remove your shoes before entering the main halls of Buddhist temples. Some churches or other facilities might also require this, especially if they have carpeted areas or traditional ondol flooring. Look for shoe racks near the entrance or observe what others are doing.

Dress Code: While not always strictly enforced for tourists, dressing modestly is highly recommended. Avoid revealing clothing such as very short skirts/shorts, tank tops, or low-cut tops, especially when visiting more conservative or traditional sites like temples.

Photography: Photography rules vary. Often, taking pictures of the exterior is allowed, but photographing inside main prayer halls or specific religious artifacts (like Buddha statues) might be prohibited or require permission. Always look for signs or ask (사진 촬영이 가능한가요? / sa-jin chwal-yeong-i ga-neung-han-ga-yo?) before taking pictures inside buildings.

Donations and Offerings: Donations are usually optional but appreciated. In temples, you might see donation boxes (보시함 / bo-si-ham) or areas to purchase offerings like candles or incense. In churches, there might be an offering plate passed around during services or a donation box. Participation is voluntary.

Real Conversation Example

Situation: A foreign tourist (A) is visiting a traditional Korean Buddhist temple and speaks with a temple staff member (B).

Roles:
A: Tourist
B: Temple Staff Member

• Expression: A: 안녕하세요, 잠시 둘러봐도 괜찮을까요?
  Pronunciation: A: an-nyeong-ha-se-yo, jam-si dul-leo-bwa-do gwaen-chan-eul-kka-yo?
  Meaning: A: Hello, is it okay if I look around for a moment?
• Expression: B: 네, 괜찮습니다. 조용히 둘러보시면 됩니다. 신발은 저쪽에 벗어두세요.
  Pronunciation: B: ne, gwaen-chan-seum-ni-da. jo-yong-hi dul-leo-bo-si-myeon doem-ni-da. sin-ba-reun jeo-jjo-ge beo-seo-du-se-yo.
  Meaning: B: Yes, that’s fine. Please look around quietly. Please take off your shoes over there.
• Expression: A: 감사합니다. 혹시 저 법당 안에서도 사진 촬영이 가능한가요?
  Pronunciation: A: gam-sa-ham-ni-da. hok-si jeo beop-dang an-e-seo-do sa-jin chwal-yeong-i ga-neung-han-ga-yo?
  Meaning: A: Thank you. By any chance, is photography allowed inside that Dharma hall?
• Expression: B: 죄송하지만, 법당 내부는 촬영이 금지되어 있습니다. 밖에서는 괜찮습니다.
  Pronunciation: B: joe-song-ha-ji-man, beop-dang nae-bu-neun chwal-yeong-i geum-ji-doe-eo it-seum-ni-da. ba-kke-seo-neun gwaen-chan-seum-ni-da.
  Meaning: B: I’m sorry, but photography is prohibited inside the Dharma hall. It’s okay outside.
• Expression: A: 알겠습니다. 예의를 지키겠습니다.
  Pronunciation: A: al-get-seum-ni-da. ye-ui-reul ji-ki-get-seum-ni-da.
  Meaning: A: I understand. I will be respectful.
• Expression: B: 네, 경건한 마음으로 방문해 주셔서 감사합니다. 궁금한 점이 있으면 언제든지 물어보세요.
  Pronunciation: B: ne, gyeong-geon-han ma-eum-eu-ro bang-mun-hae ju-syeo-seo gam-sa-ham-ni-da. gung-geum-han jeom-i i-sseu-myeon eon-je-deun-ji mu-reo-bo-se-yo.
  Meaning: B: Yes, thank you for visiting with a reverent heart. Please feel free to ask if you have any questions.

Practice Tips

Visiting religious sites is a wonderful way to experience Korean culture more deeply! Try practicing these phrases before your visit~ Pay attention to signs and observe how local visitors behave. Don’t hesitate to politely ask staff members if you are unsure about specific rules using phrases like “실례합니다, … 해도 될까요?” (sil-lye-ham-ni-da, … hae-do doel-kka-yo? / Excuse me, may I…?). Showing respect through both your actions and your efforts to use Korean will surely be appreciated! Enjoy your visits!