
Negotiating Peace: Dragon Diplomacy in Korean
This guide explores the Korean vocabulary and expressions needed for a unique diplomatic scenario: a dragon envoy negotiating with a human lord, offering peace in exchange for a special commodity like ’ember wine’. While fantastical, this situation provides a rich context for learning formal negotiation language, persuasive phrasing, and terms related to treaties and trade in Korean.
Table Of Content
Core Negotiation Terms
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Expression: 협상
Pronunciation: hyeop-sang
Meaning: Negotiation -
Expression: 평화 조약
Pronunciation: pyeong-hwa jo-yak
Meaning: Peace Treaty -
Expression: 외교관
Pronunciation: oe-gyo-gwan
Meaning: Diplomat -
Expression: 제안
Pronunciation: je-an
Meaning: Proposal, Offer -
Expression: 거래
Pronunciation: geo-rae
Meaning: Deal, Trade, Transaction -
Expression: 상호 이익
Pronunciation: sang-ho i-ik
Meaning: Mutual Benefit -
Expression: 조건
Pronunciation: jo-geon
Meaning: Condition, Term -
Expression: 동맹
Pronunciation: dong-maeng
Meaning: Alliance -
Expression: 사절
Pronunciation: sa-jeol
Meaning: Envoy, Emissary
Initiating Diplomatic Talks
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Expression: 영주님, 만나 뵙게 되어 영광입니다.
Pronunciation: yeong-ju-nim, man-na boep-ge doe-eo yeong-gwang-im-ni-da.
Meaning: My Lord, it is an honor to meet you. -
Expression: 저는 용족의 사절로서 왔습니다.
Pronunciation: jeo-neun yong-jok-ui sa-jeol-ro-seo wat-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I have come as an envoy of the Dragon race. -
Expression: 중요한 제안을 드릴 것이 있습니다.
Pronunciation: jung-yo-han je-an-eul deu-ril geo-si it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I have an important proposal to make. -
Expression: 양측 간의 평화를 논의하고자 합니다.
Pronunciation: yang-cheuk gan-ui pyeong-hwa-reul non-ui-ha-go-ja ham-ni-da.
Meaning: I wish to discuss peace between our two sides. -
Expression: 우리의 만남이 상호 이익이 되기를 바랍니다.
Pronunciation: u-ri-ui man-nam-i sang-ho i-ik-i doe-gi-reul ba-ram-ni-da.
Meaning: I hope our meeting will be mutually beneficial. -
Expression: 잠시 시간을 내주시겠습니까?
Pronunciation: jam-si si-gan-eul nae-ju-si-get-seum-ni-kka?
Meaning: Could you spare a moment? (Formal) -
Expression: 진지하게 고려해 주시길 요청합니다.
Pronunciation: jin-ji-ha-ge go-ryeo-hae ju-si-gil yo-cheong-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: I request your serious consideration. -
Expression: 이것은 공식적인 외교 방문입니다.
Pronunciation: i-geo-seun gong-sik-jeok-in oe-gyo bang-mun-im-ni-da.
Meaning: This is an official diplomatic visit. -
Expression: 우리는 오랜 적대 관계를 끝낼 기회를 맞았습니다.
Pronunciation: u-ri-neun o-raen jeok-dae gwan-gye-reul kkeun-nael gi-hoe-reul maj-at-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: We have an opportunity to end the long-standing hostility. -
Expression: 대화의 문을 열고 싶습니다.
Pronunciation: dae-hwa-ui mun-eul yeol-go sip-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I wish to open the door for dialogue.
Proposing the Trade: Peace for Ember Wine
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Expression: 저희는 귀하의 영토에 대한 모든 적대 행위를 중단할 것을 제안합니다.
Pronunciation: jeo-hui-neun gwi-ha-ui yeong-to-e dae-han mo-deun jeok-dae haeng-wi-reul jung-dan-hal geo-seul je-an-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: We propose to cease all hostilities towards your territory. -
Expression: 그 대가로, 우리는 귀한 잉걸불 와인을 원합니다.
Pronunciation: geu dae-kka-ro, u-ri-neun gwi-han ing-geol-bul wa-in-eul won-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: In return, we desire your precious Ember Wine. -
Expression: 이것은 평화를 위한 공정한 거래라고 믿습니다.
Pronunciation: i-geo-seun pyeong-hwa-reul wi-han gong-jeong-han geo-rae-ra-go mit-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: We believe this is a fair trade for peace. -
Expression: 잉걸불 와인은 저희에게 특별한 의미가 있습니다.
Pronunciation: ing-geol-bul wa-in-eun jeo-hui-e-ge teuk-byeol-han ui-mi-ga it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Ember Wine holds special significance for us. -
Expression: 정기적인 공급을 약속해 주실 수 있습니까?
Pronunciation: jeong-gi-jeok-in gong-geup-eul yak-sok-hae ju-sil su it-seum-ni-kka?
Meaning: Can you promise a regular supply? -
Expression: 이 거래는 양측 모두에게 번영을 가져다 줄 것입니다.
Pronunciation: i geo-rae-neun yang-cheuk mo-du-e-ge beon-yeong-eul ga-jyeo-da jul geo-sim-ni-da.
Meaning: This deal will bring prosperity to both sides. -
Expression: 평화와 잉걸불 와인의 교환, 어떻게 생각하십니까?
Pronunciation: pyeong-hwa-wa ing-geol-bul wa-in-ui gyo-hwan, eo-tteo-ke saeng-gak-ha-sim-ni-kka?
Meaning: An exchange of peace for Ember Wine, what are your thoughts? -
Expression: 우리는 이 협정을 존중할 것을 맹세합니다.
Pronunciation: u-ri-neun i hyeop-jeong-eul jon-jung-hal geo-seul maeng-se-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: We pledge to honor this agreement. -
Expression: 귀하의 결정이 미래 세대에 영향을 미칠 것입니다.
Pronunciation: gwi-ha-ui gyeol-jeong-i mi-rae se-dae-e yeong-hyang-eul mi-chil geo-sim-ni-da.
Meaning: Your decision will affect future generations. -
Expression: 이 제안의 조건을 자세히 설명드리겠습니다.
Pronunciation: i je-an-ui jo-geon-eul ja-se-hi seol-myeong-deu-ri-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I will explain the terms of this proposal in detail.
Discussing Benefits and Addressing Concerns
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Expression: 이 협정은 귀하의 백성들에게 안전을 보장할 것입니다.
Pronunciation: i hyeop-jeong-eun gwi-ha-ui baek-seong-deul-e-ge an-jeon-eul bo-jang-hal geo-sim-ni-da.
Meaning: This treaty will guarantee safety for your people. -
Expression: 전쟁의 위협 없이 번영할 수 있습니다.
Pronunciation: jeon-jaeng-ui wi-hyeop eop-si beon-yeong-hal su it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: You can prosper without the threat of war. -
Expression: 우려하시는 점이 있다면 말씀해 주십시오.
Pronunciation: u-ryeo-ha-si-neun jeom-i it-da-myeon mal-sseum-hae ju-sip-si-o.
Meaning: Please tell me if you have any concerns. -
Expression: 저희의 약속을 어떻게 보장할 수 있는지 궁금하실 것입니다.
Pronunciation: jeo-hui-ui yak-sok-eul eo-tteo-ke bo-jang-hal su it-neun-ji gung-geum-ha-sil geo-sim-ni-da.
Meaning: You may wonder how we can guarantee our promise. -
Expression: 우리는 신뢰를 바탕으로 한 관계를 구축하고 싶습니다.
Pronunciation: u-ri-neun sil-loe-reul ba-tang-eu-ro han gwan-gye-reul gu-chuk-ha-go sip-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: We want to build a relationship based on trust. -
Expression: 잉걸불 와인의 가치는 평화의 가치에 비할 수 없습니다.
Pronunciation: ing-geol-bul wa-in-ui ga-chi-neun pyeong-hwa-ui ga-chi-e bi-hal su eop-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: The value of Ember Wine cannot compare to the value of peace. (Implies peace is more valuable) -
Expression: 이것은 단순한 거래가 아니라 미래를 위한 투자입니다.
Pronunciation: i-geo-seun dan-sun-han geo-rae-ga a-ni-ra mi-rae-reul wi-han tu-ja-im-ni-da.
Meaning: This is not just a trade, but an investment in the future. -
Expression: 귀하의 현명한 판단을 믿습니다.
Pronunciation: gwi-ha-ui hyeon-myeong-han pan-dan-eul mit-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I trust your wise judgment. -
Expression: 이 기회를 놓치지 마십시오.
Pronunciation: i gi-hoe-reul no-chi-ji ma-sip-si-o.
Meaning: Do not miss this opportunity. -
Expression: 세부 조건은 조율 가능합니다.
Pronunciation: se-bu jo-geon-eun jo-yul ga-neung-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: The detailed terms are negotiable.
Korean Culture Notes
Formality in Negotiation: Korean culture places a high emphasis on formality (격식 – gyeok-sik) and hierarchy, especially in official or diplomatic settings. Using formal language like the `-ㅂ니다/습니다` (-m-ni-da/-seum-ni-da) ending is crucial. Addressing the other party with appropriate titles (영주님 – yeong-ju-nim, Lord) shows respect.
Indirect Communication: While directness is sometimes necessary in negotiation, Korean communication often favors indirectness (완곡 어법 – wan-gok eo-beop) to maintain harmony (화합 – hwa-hap) and avoid confrontation. Phrasing requests or proposals gently and gauging the other party’s reaction (눈치 – nun-chi) is common.
Building Rapport (Relationship First): Establishing a degree of trust and rapport (신뢰 관계 구축 – sil-loe gwan-gye gu-chuk) before diving deep into negotiations is often valued. Initial pleasantries and showing respect can pave the way for smoother discussions, even between potential adversaries like a dragon and a human lord.
Emphasis on Mutual Benefit: Framing proposals in terms of mutual benefit (상호 이익 – sang-ho i-ik) is a persuasive tactic. Highlighting how both parties stand to gain can make an agreement more appealing.
Patience and Deliberation: Rushing decisions is often frowned upon. Allowing time for consideration (숙고 – suk-go) and demonstrating patience can be perceived as signs of respect and seriousness.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: Ignis, a Dragon Diplomat, meets Lord Valerius, a Human Lord, in his castle hall to propose a peace treaty.
Roles:
A: Ignis (Dragon Diplomat – 용 외교관 – yong oe-gyo-gwan)
B: Lord Valerius (Human Lord – 인간 영주 – in-gan yeong-ju)
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Expression: A: 존경하는 발레리우스 영주님, 용족의 사절 이그니스입니다. 평화를 논하기 위해 왔습니다.
Pronunciation: jon-gyeong-ha-neun bal-le-ri-u-seu yeong-ju-nim, yong-jok-ui sa-jeol i-geu-ni-seu-im-ni-da. pyeong-hwa-reul non-ha-gi wi-hae wat-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: A: Respected Lord Valerius, I am Ignis, envoy of the Dragon race. I have come to discuss peace. -
Expression: B: 용의 사절이라… 대담하군. 무슨 제안을 하려는 것이오?
Pronunciation: yong-ui sa-jeol-i-ra… dae-dam-ha-gun. mu-seun je-an-eul ha-ryeo-neun geo-si-o?
Meaning: B: An envoy of the dragons… bold. What proposal do you intend to make? -
Expression: A: 저희는 귀 영토에 대한 모든 공격을 멈추겠습니다. 영원한 평화를 약속합니다.
Pronunciation: jeo-hui-neun gwi yeong-to-e dae-han mo-deun gong-gyeok-eul meom-chu-get-seum-ni-da. yeong-won-han pyeong-hwa-reul yak-sok-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: A: We will cease all attacks on your territory. We promise eternal peace. -
Expression: B: 평화라… 그 대가는 무엇이오? 용은 대가 없이 무언가를 주지 않지.
Pronunciation: pyeong-hwa-ra… geu dae-kka-neun mu-eo-si-o? yong-eun dae-kka eop-si mu-eon-ga-reul ju-ji an-chi.
Meaning: B: Peace… And what is the price? Dragons do not give something for nothing. -
Expression: A: 현명하십니다. 저희는 귀 영지의 특산물, 잉걸불 와인을 정기적으로 공급받길 원합니다.
Pronunciation: hyeon-myeong-ha-sim-ni-da. jeo-hui-neun gwi yeong-ji-ui teuk-san-mul, ing-geol-bul wa-in-eul jeong-gi-jeok-eu-ro gong-geup-bat-gil won-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: A: You are wise. We wish to receive a regular supply of your domain’s specialty, Ember Wine. -
Expression: B: 잉걸불 와인이라고? 그것은 우리에게도 귀한 것이다. 평화와 맞바꿀 만큼의 가치가 있는지 숙고해 봐야겠군.
Pronunciation: ing-geol-bul wa-in-i-ra-go? geu-geo-seun u-ri-e-ge-do gwi-han geo-si-da. pyeong-hwa-wa mat-ba-kkul man-keum-ui ga-chi-ga it-neun-ji suk-go-hae bwa-ya-get-gun.
Meaning: B: Ember Wine? That is precious to us as well. I must deliberate whether it holds enough value to exchange for peace. -
Expression: A: 물론입니다. 이 거래는 양측 모두에게 큰 이익이 될 것입니다. 귀하의 백성은 안전을 얻고, 저희는 필요한 것을 얻습니다. 신중히 고려해 주십시오.
Pronunciation: mul-lon-im-ni-da. i geo-rae-neun yang-cheuk mo-du-e-ge keun i-ik-i doel geo-sim-ni-da. gwi-ha-ui baek-seong-eun an-jeon-eul eot-go, jeo-hui-neun pil-yo-han geo-seul eot-seum-ni-da. sin-jung-hi go-ryeo-hae ju-sip-si-o.
Meaning: A: Of course. This deal will be of great benefit to both sides. Your people gain safety, and we gain what we need. Please consider it carefully.
Practice Tips
Mastering negotiation language, especially in formal contexts, takes practice! Try role-playing this scenario with a study partner~ Focus on using the formal `-ㅂ니다/습니다` endings and appropriate titles. Imagine the nuances – how would a wise dragon speak versus a cautious human lord? Listen to formal Korean dialogues or news broadcasts to get accustomed to the intonation and vocabulary. Don’t be afraid to adapt these phrases for less fantastical (but still formal!) negotiation situations you might encounter. Good luck! 화이팅!