안녕하세요!
In this post, we’ll dive into the fascinating realm of Korean hobbies and leisure activities. You’ll learn essential vocabulary that covers a wide array of interests – from outdoor pursuits like hiking and soccer to more serene activities like reading and knitting. Not only will this vocabulary help you describe your own interests, but it will also enable you to engage in deeper, more meaningful conversations with Korean speakers.
Korean leisure vocabulary is not just a set of words; it’s a gateway to understanding the lifestyle and cultural preferences of Korean people. By the end of this post, you’ll not only have expanded your Korean vocabulary but also gained insights into the cultural nuances that these words carry.
So, let’s get started and add some fun and enjoyment to your Korean learning journey with hobbies and leisure activities!
Section 1: Vocabulary
Korea, with its rich cultural tapestry, offers a wide range of hobbies and leisure activities that are both traditional and modern. Understanding these common pastimes not only enriches your vocabulary but also provides a glimpse into the everyday life and preferences of Koreans. Here are some of the most popular hobbies and leisure activities in Korea, along with their Korean names.
Common hobbies in Korean
Korean | Romanization | English |
취미 | Chwi-mi | Hobby |
독서 | Dok-seo | Reading |
글쓰기 | Geul sseu-gi | Writing |
쇼핑 | Shyo-ping | Shopping |
요리 | Yo-ri | Cooking |
영화보기 | Yong-hwa-bo-gi | Watching movies |
게임하기 | Ge-im-ha-gi | Gaming |
티비보기 | Ti-bi-bo-gi | Watching TV |
드라마보기 | Deu-ra-ma-bo-gi | Watching Dramas |
인터넷하기 | In-teo-net-ha-gi | Surfing the net |
여행 | Yeo-haeng | Travel |
음악듣기 | Eum-ak deut-gi | Listening to music |
친구들이랑 놀기 | Chin-gu-deul-i-rang nol-gi | Hanging out with friends |
사진 찍기 | Sa-jin jjik-gi | Taking pictures |
Outdoor and Nature Activities
Korean | Romanization | English |
등산 | Deung-san | Hiking |
낙씨 | Nak-sshi | Fishing |
캠핑 | Kaem-ping | Camping |
조깅 | Jo-ging | Jogging |
자전거 타기 | Ja-jeong-geo ta-gi | Riding a bike |
서핑 | Seo-ping | Surfing |
스키 | Seu-ki | Skiing |
산책가기 | San-chaek-ga-gi | Going for a walk |
Sports and Physical Fitness Vocabulary
Korean | Romanization | English |
축구 | Chuk-gu | Football |
농구 | Nong-gu | Basketball |
야구 | Ya-gu | Baseball |
테니스 | Te-ni-seu | Tennis |
수영 | Su-yeong | Swimming |
골프 | Gol-peu | Golf |
볼링 | Bol-ling | Bowling |
배구 | Bae-gu | Volleyball |
배드민턴 | Bae-deu-min-teon | Badminton |
탁구 | Tak-gu | Table tennis |
체조 | Che-jo | Gymnastics |
복싱 | Bok-sing | Boxing |
요가 | Yo-ga | Yoga |
택원도 | Taek-won-do | Taekwondo |
Music and Performing Arts Vocabulary
Korean | Romanization | English |
음악 | Eum-ak | Music |
노래 | No-rae | Song |
가수 | Ga-su | Singer |
기타 | Gi-ta | Guitar |
피아노 | Pi-a-no | Piano |
드럼 | Deu-reom | Drums |
공연 | Gong-yeon | Performance, show |
연극 | Yeon-geuk | Theater, play |
뮤지컬 | Myu-ji-keol | Musical |
춤추기 | Chum-chu-gi | Dancing |
Artistic and Creative Pursuits
Korean | Romanization | English |
미술 | Mi-sul | Art |
그림 | Geu-rim | Picture, painting |
그림 그리기 | Geu-rim geu-ri-gi | Drawing |
디자인 | Di-ja-in | Design |
패션 | Pae-shyon | Fashion |
도예 | Do-ye | Pottery |
서예 | Seo-ye | Calligraphy |
자수 | Ja-su | Embroidery |
모형 만들기 | Mo-hyeong man-deul-gi | Model Building |
Verbs
Korean | Romanization | English |
그리다 | Geu-ri-da | To paint, to draw |
찍다 | Jjik-da | To take (a photo) |
듣다 | Deut-da | To listen |
부르다 | Peu-reu-da | To sing |
치다 | Chi-da | To play (an instrument) |
보다 | Bo-da | To watch |
하다 | Ha-da | To do |
만들다 | Man-deul-da | To make |
읽다 | Ilk-da | To read |
타다 | Ta-da | To get on, to ride, to take |
배우다 | Bae-u-da | To learn |
운동하다 | Un-dong-ha-da | To exercise |
여행하다 | Yeo-haeng-ha-da | To travel |
뛰다 | Ddwi-da | To run |
춤추다 | Chum-chu-da | To dance |
수영하다 | Su-yeong-ha-da | To swim |
쓰다 | Sseu-da | To write |
좋아하다 | Jo-a-ha-da | Like |
안 좋아하다 | An jo-a-ha-da | Don’t like |
Section 2: Conversation starters and phrases
Engaging in conversations about hobbies and leisure activities is a great way to connect with Korean speakers and share your interests. Here are some useful Korean phrases and conversation starters that will help you discuss your hobbies and ask others about theirs. These phrases can open up dialogues and pave the way for more in-depth conversations.
- 취미가 뭐예요? (Chwimiga mwoyeyo?)
- “What are your hobbies?”
- Use this to inquire about someone’s hobbies.
- 저는 ___를 좋아해요. (Jeoneun ___reul joahaeyo.)
- “I like ___.”
- Share your hobbies or things you like to do.
- 주말에 뭐 할 거예요? (Jumare mwo hal geoyeyo?)
- “What are you going to do this weekend?”
- A polite way to ask about weekend plans, possibly related to hobbies.
- ___하는 법 배우고 싶어요. (___haneun beop baeugo sipeoyo.)
- “I want to learn how to ___.”
- Express your interest in learning a new hobby.
- 최근에 새로운 취미를 시작했어요. (Choegene saeroun chwimireul sijakhaesseoyo.)
- “I recently started a new hobby.”
- Use this to introduce a new hobby you’ve taken up.
- ___ 함께 할 사람을 찾고 있어요. (_____ hamkke hal sarameul chatgo isseoyo.)
- “I am looking for someone to ___ with.”
- If you’re seeking a partner for a hobby or activity.
- ___에 관심이 많아요. (___e gwansimi manayo.)
- “I am very interested in ___.”
- To express a strong interest in a particular hobby or field.
- 어떻게 이 취미를 시작하게 됐어요? (Eotteohge i chwimireul sijakhage doesyeossnayo?)
- “How did you get started with this hobby?”
- A question to learn about how someone began their hobby.
Activity 1
Match the Korean terms with their English equivalents.
Korean Terms:
- 등산
- 요리
- 사진 찍기
- 그림 그리기
- 음악 듣기
- 노래
- 캠핑
- 영화보기
- 수영
- 독서
English Terms: A. Cooking B. Swimming C. Song D. Camping E. Watching Movies F. Drawing G. Hiking H. Reading I. Listening to Music J. Taking pictures
Activity 2
This quiz type activity will have a Korean term, and your task is to choose the correct English translation from the options provided.
Question 1:
등산 refers to:
a) Cooking
b) Hiking
c) Knitting
d) Photography
Question 2
요리 translates to:
a) Swimming
b) Drawing
c) Cooking
d) Camping
Question 3
사진 찍기 means:
a) Listening to Music
b) Reading
c) Photography
d) Watching Movies
Question 4
음악 듣기 is
a) Watching Movies
b) Listening to Music
c) Swimming
d) Camping
Question 5:
영화 보기 stands for:
a) Photography
b) Watching Movies
c) Drawing
d) Knitting
Question 6:
수영 is the Korean term for:
a) Reading
b) Hiking
c) Swimming
d) Cooking
Question 7:
서예 refers to:
a) Calligraphy
b) Camping
c) Drawing
d) Listening to Music
Question 8:
그림 그리기 means:
a) Drawing
b) Reading
c) Cooking
d) Photography
Question 9: 독서 translates to:
a) Camping
b) Knitting
c) Reading
d) Hiking
Question 10:
캠핑 is the Korean word for:
a) Cooking
b) Camping
c) Swimming
d) Drawing
Activity 3
Write a short paragraph describing your favourite hobby using as many new Korean words and phrases as possible. Share it in the comments below!
Activity 1 Answers
- 등산 – Hiking
- 요리 – Cooking
- 사진 찍기 – Taking pictures
- 그림 그리기 – Drawing
- 음악 듣기 – Listening to music
- 노래 – Song
- 캠핑 – Camping
- 영화보기 – Watching a movie
- 수영 – Swimming
- 독서 – Reading
Activity 2 Answers
1 – b, 2 – c, 3 – c, 4 – b, 5 – b, 6 – c, 7 – a, 8 – a, 9 – c, 10 – b
Conclusion
As we wrap up our exploration of hobbies and leisure activities vocabulary in Korean, we hope this journey has been both enlightening and enjoyable for you. Understanding and using these terms is not just about expanding your language skills; it’s about opening doors to new experiences, conversations, and cultural insights. Whether your interests lie in the tranquility of 독서 (Dokseo – reading) or the excitement of 등산 (Deungsan – hiking), this vocabulary serves as a bridge to connect with others who share your passions and to fully immerse yourself in Korean culture.
Remember, language learning is an ongoing process, enriched not only by studying but also by applying what you’ve learned in real-life contexts. We encourage you to use these new words in your conversations with Korean speakers, in your language exchange sessions, or even as an inspiration to explore new hobbies.
Share and Engage:
- Feel free to leave a comment sharing your favourite hobby in Korean using the vocabulary you’ve learned.
- How has learning these terms enhanced your understanding of Korean culture and lifestyle?
- Are there any hobbies or activities in Korean culture that you find particularly interesting or would like to try?
Your journey in Korean language learning is as much about the words you learn as it is about the connections you make and the experiences you share. So keep practicing, stay curious, and don’t hesitate to dive into conversations about your hobbies and leisure activities in Korean.
감사합니다 (Gamsahamnida) for joining us on this linguistic adventure. Keep exploring, keep learning, and most importantly, keep enjoying the journey. 화이팅 (Hwaiting)!