Visiting a Senior Welfare Facility in Korean

Visiting senior welfare facilities is a meaningful way to connect with the elderly community in Korea. This guide provides essential Korean phrases and cultural insights for volunteers or visitors planning to spend time at a 노인 복지 시설 (no-in bok-ji si-seol), ensuring respectful and positive interactions. Learn how to greet residents, offer assistance, engage in conversation, and understand relevant cultural etiquette.

Core Expression

• Expression: 노인 복지 시설 방문하기
  Pronunciation: no-in bok-ji si-seol bang-mun-ha-gi
  Meaning: Visiting a senior welfare facility

Basic Phrases for Visiting

• Expression: 안녕하세요, 어르신.
  Pronunciation: an-nyeong-ha-se-yo, eo-reu-sin.
  Meaning: Hello, elder. (Polite greeting for seniors)
• Expression: 저는 자원봉사자 [이름]입니다.
  Pronunciation: jeo-neun ja-won-bong-sa-ja [i-reum]-im-ni-da.
  Meaning: I am volunteer [Name].
• Expression: 오늘 찾아뵙게 되어 반갑습니다.
  Pronunciation: o-neul cha-ja-boep-ge doe-eo ban-gap-seum-ni-da.
  Meaning: It’s nice to meet you today. (Polite)
• Expression: 건강은 어떠세요?
  Pronunciation: geon-gang-eun eo-tteo-se-yo?
  Meaning: How is your health?
• Expression: 식사는 하셨어요?
  Pronunciation: sik-sa-neun ha-syeot-seo-yo?
  Meaning: Have you eaten? (Common polite inquiry)
• Expression: 오늘 기분은 어떠신가요?
  Pronunciation: o-neul gi-bun-eun eo-tteo-sin-ga-yo?
  Meaning: How are you feeling today?
• Expression: 잠시 이야기 나눠도 될까요?
  Pronunciation: jam-si i-ya-gi na-nwo-do doel-kka-yo?
  Meaning: May I talk with you for a moment?
• Expression: 불편하신 점은 없으세요?
  Pronunciation: bul-pyeon-ha-sin jeom-eun eop-seu-se-yo?
  Meaning: Is there anything bothering you / making you uncomfortable?
• Expression: 제가 도와드릴 일 있을까요?
  Pronunciation: je-ga do-wa-deu-ril il it-seul-kka-yo?
  Meaning: Is there anything I can help you with?
• Expression: 다음에 또 찾아뵙겠습니다.
  Pronunciation: da-eum-e tto cha-ja-boep-get-seum-ni-da.
  Meaning: I will come visit again next time.
• Expression: 건강하게 지내세요.
  Pronunciation: geon-gang-ha-ge ji-nae-se-yo.
  Meaning: Please stay healthy. (Farewell)
• Expression: 안녕히 계세요.
  Pronunciation: an-nyeong-hi gye-se-yo.
  Meaning: Goodbye. (Said by the person leaving)

Phrases for Activities and Interaction

• Expression: 같이 산책하실래요?
  Pronunciation: ga-chi san-chaek-ha-sil-lae-yo?
  Meaning: Would you like to take a walk together?
• Expression: 제가 책 읽어드릴까요?
  Pronunciation: je-ga chaek il-geo-deu-ril-kka-yo?
  Meaning: Shall I read a book to you?
• Expression: 어떤 이야기를 좋아하세요?
  Pronunciation: eo-tteon i-ya-gi-reul jo-a-ha-se-yo?
  Meaning: What kind of stories do you like?
• Expression: 옛날 이야기 해주세요.
  Pronunciation: yet-nal i-ya-gi hae-ju-se-yo.
  Meaning: Please tell me an old story.
• Expression: 같이 노래 부를까요?
  Pronunciation: ga-chi no-rae bu-reul-kka-yo?
  Meaning: Shall we sing a song together?
• Expression: 좋아하시는 노래가 뭐예요?
  Pronunciation: jo-a-ha-si-neun no-rae-ga mwo-ye-yo?
  Meaning: What is your favorite song?
• Expression: 텔레비전 같이 볼까요?
  Pronunciation: tel-le-bi-jeon ga-chi bol-kka-yo?
  Meaning: Shall we watch television together?
• Expression: 이 게임 같이 해요.
  Pronunciation: i ge-im ga-chi hae-yo.
  Meaning: Let’s play this game together.
• Expression: 그림 그리는 거 좋아하세요?
  Pronunciation: geu-rim geu-ri-neun geo jo-a-ha-se-yo?
  Meaning: Do you like drawing pictures?
• Expression: 어르신께서 정말 잘하시네요!
  Pronunciation: eo-reu-sin-kke-seo jeong-mal jal-ha-si-ne-yo!
  Meaning: You are really good at this, elder!
• Expression: 함께해서 즐거웠어요.
  Pronunciation: ham-kke-hae-seo jeul-geo-wot-seo-yo.
  Meaning: It was fun doing this together.
• Expression: 오늘 재미있는 시간이었어요.
  Pronunciation: o-neul jae-mi-it-neun si-gan-i-eot-seo-yo.
  Meaning: It was a fun time today.

Offering Help and Support

• Expression: 제가 뭐 도와드릴까요?
  Pronunciation: je-ga mwo do-wa-deu-ril-kka-yo?
  Meaning: What can I help you with?
• Expression: 도움이 필요하시면 말씀해주세요.
  Pronunciation: do-um-i pi-ryo-ha-si-myeon mal-sseum-hae-ju-se-yo.
  Meaning: Please let me know if you need help.
• Expression: 제가 들어드릴게요.
  Pronunciation: je-ga deu-reo-deu-ril-ge-yo.
  Meaning: I’ll carry that for you. / I’ll hold that for you.
• Expression: 물 좀 가져다 드릴까요?
  Pronunciation: mul jom ga-jyeo-da deu-ril-kka-yo?
  Meaning: Shall I bring you some water?
• Expression: 담요 필요하세요?
  Pronunciation: dam-yo pi-ryo-ha-se-yo?
  Meaning: Do you need a blanket?
• Expression: 어디 불편하신 데 있으세요?
  Pronunciation: eo-di bul-pyeon-ha-sin de it-seu-se-yo?
  Meaning: Are you uncomfortable anywhere? / Does anywhere hurt?
• Expression: 제가 간호사님 불러드릴까요?
  Pronunciation: je-ga gan-ho-sa-nim bul-leo-deu-ril-kka-yo?
  Meaning: Shall I call the nurse for you?
• Expression: 걱정 마세요. 제가 옆에 있을게요.
  Pronunciation: geok-jeong ma-se-yo. je-ga yeop-e it-seul-ge-yo.
  Meaning: Don’t worry. I’ll be right here beside you.
• Expression: 필요한 거 있으시면 언제든지 말씀하세요.
  Pronunciation: pi-ryo-han geo it-seu-si-myeon eon-je-deun-ji mal-sseum-ha-se-yo.
  Meaning: Please tell me anytime if you need anything.
• Expression: 천천히 하세요.
  Pronunciation: cheon-cheon-hi ha-se-yo.
  Meaning: Take your time. / Do it slowly.
• Expression: 제가 부축해 드릴까요?
  Pronunciation: je-ga bu-chuk-hae deu-ril-kka-yo?
  Meaning: Shall I help support you (while walking)?
• Expression: 쉬고 싶으시면 말씀하세요.
  Pronunciation: swi-go si-peu-si-myeon mal-sseum-ha-se-yo.
  Meaning: Please tell me if you want to rest.

Korean Culture Notes

Respect for Elders (경로 사상 – gyeong-no sa-sang): Korean culture places immense importance on respecting elders. Always use formal language (존댓말 – jon-daen-mal) when speaking to seniors you don’t know well. Address them politely using terms like 어르신 (eo-reu-sin – elder) or 할아버지 (ha-ra-beo-ji – grandfather) / 할머니 (hal-meo-ni – grandmother) depending on the context and your relationship.

Small Gifts: While not always necessary, bringing a small, thoughtful gift like fruit, healthy snacks (ensure they are suitable for dietary needs), or warm socks can be a kind gesture when visiting. Avoid overly expensive gifts. The act of thoughtfulness is more important than the item’s value.

Active Listening: Many elderly residents appreciate having someone listen to their stories and experiences. Show genuine interest, ask follow-up questions (appropriately), and be patient. Sharing life stories can be very meaningful for them.

Physical Assistance: Always ask before providing physical assistance, such as helping someone stand up or move. Use phrases like 제가 도와드릴까요? (je-ga do-wa-deu-ril-kka-yo? – May I help you?) or 부축해 드릴까요? (bu-chuk-hae deu-ril-kka-yo? – Shall I support you?). Respect their independence and offer help gently.

Conversation Topics: Good topics include asking about their hometown, family (be sensitive), past experiences, hobbies, or simply how their day is going. Avoid sensitive topics like politics, religion, or direct questions about illness unless they bring it up first. Focus on positive and lighthearted conversation.

Real Conversation Example

Situation: A volunteer (A) visits an elderly resident (B) at a senior welfare facility for the first time.

Roles:
A: Volunteer (자원봉사자 – ja-won-bong-sa-ja)
B: Elderly Resident (어르신 – eo-reu-sin)

• Expression: A: 안녕하세요, 할머니. 저는 오늘 처음 온 자원봉사자 김민지라고 합니다.
  Pronunciation: an-nyeong-ha-se-yo, hal-meo-ni. jeo-neun o-neul cheo-eum on ja-won-bong-sa-ja gim-min-ji-ra-go ham-ni-da.
  Meaning: A: Hello, Grandmother. I am Kim Minji, a volunteer who came for the first time today.
• Expression: B: 어이구, 어서 와요. 반가워요, 민지 학생.
  Pronunciation: eo-i-gu, eo-seo wa-yo. ban-ga-wo-yo, min-ji hak-saeng.
  Meaning: B: Oh my, welcome. Nice to meet you, student Minji.
• Expression: A: 네, 만나 뵙게 되어 반갑습니다. 오늘 기분은 좀 어떠세요?
  Pronunciation: ne, man-na boep-ge doe-eo ban-gap-seum-ni-da. o-neul gi-bun-eun jom eo-tteo-se-yo?
  Meaning: A: Yes, it’s very nice to meet you. How are you feeling today?
• Expression: B: 괜찮아요. 그냥 좀 심심했지. 와줘서 고마워요.
  Pronunciation: gwaen-chan-a-yo. geu-nyang jom sim-sim-haet-ji. wa-jwo-seo go-ma-wo-yo.
  Meaning: B: I’m alright. Just a bit bored. Thank you for coming.
• Expression: A: 제가 뭐 도와드릴 일 있을까요? 아니면 잠시 이야기 나눌까요?
  Pronunciation: je-ga mwo do-wa-deu-ril il it-seul-kka-yo? a-ni-myeon jam-si i-ya-gi na-nul-kka-yo?
  Meaning: A: Is there anything I can help you with? Or shall we chat for a little while?
• Expression: B: 이야기나 좀 해요. 요즘 젊은이들은 어떻게 지내는지 궁금하네.
  Pronunciation: i-ya-gi-na jom hae-yo. yo-jeum jeol-meun-i-deul-eun eo-tteo-ke ji-nae-neun-ji gung-geum-ha-ne.
  Meaning: B: Let’s just talk. I’m curious about how young people are doing these days.
• Expression: A: 네, 좋아요! 학교 이야기 해드릴까요?
  Pronunciation: ne, jo-a-yo! hak-gyo i-ya-gi hae-deu-ril-kka-yo?
  Meaning: A: Yes, sounds good! Shall I tell you about school?

Practice Tips

Visiting a senior welfare facility is a wonderful opportunity to practice your Korean in a meaningful context! Start by memorizing the basic greetings and offers of help. Try role-playing the conversation example with a friend or language partner~ Remember to always use polite language (존댓말 – jon-daen-mal) and speak clearly and slowly.

Listen carefully to the responses you receive and don’t be afraid to ask for clarification if needed, using phrases like 다시 한번 말씀해 주시겠어요? (da-si han-beon mal-sseum-hae ju-si-get-seo-yo? – Could you please say that again?). Most importantly, approach your visit with kindness, patience, and respect. Your effort to communicate in Korean will surely be appreciated! 화이팅! (hwa-i-ting! – Fighting!/You can do it!)