안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo)! Whether you’re a traveller set to explore the vibrant streets of Seoul, a student preparing to study in Busan, or simply a Korean language enthusiast aiming to broaden your linguistic horizons, understanding the vocabulary related to transport and directions in Korean is invaluable. Navigating a new country or city becomes significantly easier and more enjoyable when you’re equipped with the right words and phrases.
In Korea, where bustling cities and serene countryside coexist, the ability to move around confidently using various modes of transport is a key aspect of daily life. From the efficient subway system to the traditional “한강 유람선” (Hangang yuramseon – Han River cruise), Korea offers a unique blend of transportation options. Knowing how to navigate these options not only enhances your travel experience but also deepens your appreciation of the local culture and lifestyle.
Moreover, asking for and understanding directions is a fundamental skill that can transform your travels from confusing ordeals into enriching adventures. With the right vocabulary, you can explore hidden gems, find essential landmarks, and connect with locals.
In this blog post, we’ll introduce you to essential transport and direction-related vocabulary in Korean. We’ll cover everything from public transport terms to useful phrases for asking directions, ensuring that your next journey in Korea is smooth, enjoyable, and culturally immersive. Let’s embark on this linguistic journey together and get ready to explore Korea like a local!
Vehicles
Navigating through Korea’s transportation system is an adventure in itself. The country offers a wide range of public and private transport options, each with its unique charm and efficiency. Familiarizing yourself with these types of transportation is the first step to traveling around Korea with ease. Here’s a look at some of the most common modes of transport and their Korean vocabulary.
| Korean | Romanization | English |
| 교통 | Gyo-tong | Traffic |
| 차량 | Cha-ryang | Vehicle |
| 버스 | Beo-seu | Bus |
| 택시 | Taek-si | Taxi |
| 지하철 | Ji-ha-cheol | Subway |
| 기차 | Gi-cha | Train |
| 자동차 | Ja-dong-cha | Car |
| 차 | Cha | Car (short) |
| 비행기 | Bi-haeng-gi | Plane |
| 자전거 | Ja-jeon-geo | Bicycle |
| 배 | Bae | Ship |
| 오토바이 | O-to-ba-i | Motorbike |
| 트럭 | Teu-reok | Truck |
| 트램 | Teu-raem | Tram |
| 페리 | Pe-ri | Ferry |
| 스쿠터 | Seu-ku-teo | Scooter |
| 밴 | Baen | Van |
| 헬리콥터 | Hel-li-kop-teo | Helicopter |
| 요트 | Yo-teu | Yacht |
Navigating Public Transport
Public transport in Korea is renowned for its efficiency and coverage, making it an excellent way for locals and visitors alike to travel around. Knowing some key vocabulary related to public transport can significantly ease your navigation through Korean cities. Let’s explore essential terms and phrases that will help you utilize public transport like a pro.
| Korean | Romanization | English |
| 역 | Yeok | Station |
| 정류장 | Jeong-ryu-jang | Bus Stop |
| 환승 | Hwan-seung | Transfer |
| 요금 | Yo-geum | Fee/Charge/Fare |
| 노선 | No-seon | Route/line |
| 시간표 | Shi-gan-pyo | Schedule/transfer |
| 출구 | Chul-gu | Exit |
Verbs
| Korean | Romanization | English |
| 타다 | Ta-da | Ride |
| 운전하다 | Un-jeon-ha-da | Drive |
| 걷다 | Geod-da | Walk |
| 가다 | Ga-da | To go |
| 오다 | O-da | To come |
| 내리다 | Nae-ri-da | To get off |
| 태우다 | Tae-u-da | To give a ride/lift |
| 출발하다 | Chul-bal-ha-da | To depart |
| 도착하다 | Do-chak-ha-da | To arrive |
| 이동하다 | I-dong-ha-da | To move |
| 예약하다 | Ye-yak-ha-da | To book/reserve |
| 빌리다 | Bil-li-da | To rent/borrow |
| 이용하다 | I-yong-ha-da | Use (transportation) |
| 건너다 | Geon-neo-da | To cross |
| 갈아타다 | Ga-ra-ta-da | To transfer |
| 멈추다 | Meom-chu-da | To stop |
Places
| Korean | Romanization | English |
| 지도 | Ji-do | Map |
| 정류장 | Jeong-ryu-jang | Bus stop |
| 터미널 | Teo-mi-neol | Terminal |
| 공항 | Gong-hang | Airport |
| 주차장 | Ju-cha-jang | Parking lot |
| 사거리 | Sa-geo-ri | Intersection |
| 터널 | Teo-neol | Tunnel |
| 고속도로 | Go-sok-do-ro | Highway |
| 역 | Yeok | Station |
| 프랫폼 | Peu-let-pom | Platform |
Other
| Korean | Romanization | English |
| 여행 | Yeo-haeng | Travel |
| 휴가 | Hyu-ga | Vacation |
| 관광 | Gwan-gwang | Sightseeing |
| 버스 기사 | Beo-seu gi-sa | Bus driver |
| 위치 | Ui-chi | Location |
| 길 | Gil | Street |
| 거리 | Geo-ri | Road |
| 오른쪽 | O-reun-chok | Right |
| 왼쪽 | Wen-chok | Left |
| 직진 | Jik-jin | Straight |
| 회전 | Hoe-jeon | Turn |
Phrases
| Korean | English |
| 서울역이 어디에요? | Where is Seoul station? |
| 지하철 타야돼요. | You have to take the subway. |
| 버스로 갈 수 있어요? | Can I get there by bus? |
| 공항까지 얼마나 걸려요? | How long does it take to get to the airport? |
| 여기서 내려주세요. | Please let me get off here. |
| 버스 와요. | Bus is coming. |
| 이 버스는 15분마다 와요. | This bus comes every 15 minutes. |
| 곧 도착해요. | I am arriving soon. |
| 기차가 출발했습니다. | The train has departed. |
| 6시 도착해요. | We arrive at 6 o’clock. |
| 어디서 기차를 타야해요? | Where do I have to take the train? |
| 이 버스는 언제 출발해요? | When does this bus depart? |
| 공항으로 가는 버스를 어디서 타요? | Where do I get on the bus heading to the airport? |
| 주차비는 얼마예요? | How much is parking fee? |
| 공항 터미널로 가는 지하철은 몇 호선인가요 | Which subway line goes to the airport terminal? |
| 여기서 출발하는 버스는 어디로 가나요? | Where does the bus departing from here go? |
| 이 자전거를 빌릴 수 있나요? | Can I rent this bicycle? |
| 트렁크에 짐을 넣을 수 있나요? | Can I put my luggage in the trunk? |
| 이 지도로 가는 길을 알려주세요. | Please show me the way on this map. |
| 도착하면 어디에서 내려야 하나요? | Where should I get off when I arrive? |
| 버스 표를 어디서 살 수 있나요? | Where can I buy bus tickets? |
| 기차 예약을 어떻게 할 수 있나요? | How can I make a train reservation? |
| 이 곳에서 가까운 지하철 역은 어디인가요? | What is the nearest subway station from here? |
Activity 1
Complete the following sentences with the appropriate transportation-related vocabulary.
- ___________는 언제 출발하나요? – When does the train depart?
- 이 버스는 몇 ___________을 지나가요? – How many bus stops does this bus go by?
- _________ 잡힐 수 있는 곳을 알려주세요. Can you please let me know where I can catch a taxi.
- 공항으로 가는 _______가 어디 있나요? – Where is the bus going to the airport?
- _____________까지 어떻게 가나요? – How do I get to the subway station?
Activity 2
Translate the following phrases from English to Korean.
- How do I get to the train station?
- Can I rent a car here?
- When do we arrive?
- The plane has arrived.
- Where can I buy train ticket?
Activity 3
Find as many words as you can.
Activity 1 Answers
- 기차는 언제 출발하나요? – When does the train depart?
- 이 버스는 몇 정류장을 지나가요? – How many bus stops does this bus go by?
- 택시 잡힐 수 있는 곳을 알려주세요. Can you please let me know where I can catch a taxi.
- 공항으로 가는 버스가 어디 있나요? – Where is the bus going to the airport?
- 지하철역까지 어떻게 가나요? – How do I get to the subway station?
Activity 2 Answers
- How do I get to the train station? -기차역까지 어떻게 가나요?
- Can I rent a car here? – 여기서 자동차를 빌릴 수 있나요?
- When do we arrive? – 언제 도착해요?
- The plane has arrived. – 비행기가 도착했어요.
- Where can I buy train ticket? – 기차 표를 어디서 살 수 있나요?
Activity 3 Answers
Conclusion
Navigating through Korea’s dynamic landscapes, from its bustling urban centers to serene countryside, becomes a much more enriching and less daunting experience when you’re equipped with the right vocabulary for transport and directions. Understanding and using the terms and phrases we’ve explored in this post can transform your journey from one of uncertainty to one of confident exploration and meaningful cultural immersion.
Whether you’re hopping onto a “지하철” (jihacheol – subway), catching a “버스” (beoseu – bus), asking for directions to the nearest “정류장” (jeongryujang – bus stop), or exploring the winding streets and “사거리” (sageori – intersections) of a new city, these words and phrases are your key to unlocking a more authentic and enjoyable travel experience in Korea.
Remember, language is a bridge to culture, and every new word you learn not only enhances your communication skills but also deepens your understanding of the Korean way of life. So, I encourage you to embrace these new terms, practice them in real-life situations, and see how they open up new avenues of exploration and connection.
We’d Love to Hear from You:
- Have you used any of these transportation or direction-related phrases in your travels or studies? How was your experience?
- Are there any other useful phrases or tips you’ve encountered while navigating in Korea?
- Do you have any memorable experiences related to using public transport or asking for directions in Korea?
Please share your experiences, stories, or any additional phrases you find useful in the comments below. Your insights could be incredibly helpful to fellow learners and travelers.
Thank you for joining us on this linguistic journey through Korea’s transportation and direction vocabulary. Happy travels, and as always, 화이팅 (Hwaiting) on your language learning journey!