Are you looking for the best Seoul markets to visit? Then continue reading this article, because we’re going to introduce the top ten famous Seoul street markets so that you can enjoy trying our local Korean food right away! You’ll also find some must-eat restaurants in Seoul on this list!
When Koreans think of the famous Korean street market in Seoul, 광장시장 (Gwangjang market) is the first thing that comes to mind. This place is well-known by locals, and of course by tourists. The market has been open for more than 100 years, and you’ll instantly love the place because of the atmosphere and the vibe from the people in the market. Further, this place gives off a very vintage feeling.
Just go around the market and feel free to take a seat if you find a spot for dining. The price is affordable as well and only cash is accepted, so prepare some cash before heading to this market.
Popular Food at Gwangjang Market
※ Click the links below for more information about the food.
빈대떡 (Bindae-tteok) — Korean-style pancake from Pyongan province [Image]
This place was introduced in a very famous TV show called “I Live Alone” and since then this market has become a lot more popular. This is a very local place (perhaps not known to tourists) so if you want to blend in with the locals, this place is a must-go.
If you’re into vintage style, then 서울 구로시장 (seoul gurosijang) is a must-go spot in Seoul. It has a mixture of past and modern style and is famous for selling clothes, foods, tools, and ingredients that you can hardly find in any other supermarkets in Seoul. Want to go treasure hunting? Then you must go to 서울 구로시장 (seoul gurosijang)!
Popular Food:
떡볶이 (tteokbokki) — “rice cake with gochujang sauce and vegetables” [Image]
4. 서울 세종마을음식문화거리 (seoul sejongmaeureumsingmunhwageori) — (map)
This place isn’t listed on Google Maps, but it’s very easy to find. The place is located between exit 3 and 4 from 경복궁역 (gyeongbokgungyeok) or “Gyeongbok station.” In addition, there are signs in different languages explaining where to go so you won’t get lost. This place is great for trying different kinds of traditional Korean foods and drinks at an affordable price.
Do you want to experience a glimpse of what young local people have for dinner with their colleagues or friends? Then try this place.
Popular Food:
곱창 (gopchang) — “grilled intestines of cattle” [Image]
Three different markets are congregated in this market, so you can buy souvenirs for your friends, buy clothing for yourself and others, and most importantly, eat traditional Korean foods. Also, since this place is well-known by many tourists, information is available in four different languages so you won’t have any problem getting around this market.
Popular Food:
꽈배기 (kkwabaegi) — “twisted donuts covered in sugar” [Image]
찹쌀도넛 (chapssal doughnut) — “Korean doughnuts made with glutinous rice flour” [Image]
족발 (jokbal) — “pig’s trotters cooked with soy sauce and spice” [Image]
동대문시장 (dongdaemunsijang) is the must-go place if you love going shopping. You can negotiate prices and even enjoy shopping in the late evening. There are many street foods around the shopping mall and many shops are located in this area. In addition, you’ll see many free events such as dance competitions for entertainment, so don’t miss out on this.
If you’re into health, then this place is a must-go. It was built in 1960 and is specialized in selling all sorts of ingredients for oriental medicine. It’s the biggest ginseng market in South Korea. If you’re interested in oriental medicines, then you can try to visit 한의약박물관 (hanuiyakbangmulgwan) or the “Herb Medicine Museum” to learn about herbs in detail. Also keep in mind that 오미요리연구소 (omiyoriyeongu) or “OME Korean Cooking Class” organizes cooking classes, using different herbs.
At 방산시장 (bangsansijang), you can buy many DIY materials such as wrapping paper, baking tools, and candles. If you’re into buying tools or any ingredients to make candles or soaps with, this place is the best market to go to, since the price is more affordable than other places.
There’s a very famous restaurant here which has been open for more than sixty years that makes ox bone soup. Also, there’s another famous restaurant which has been open for more than fifty years and this restaurant makes noodles in cold soybean soup. So try them out too.
This market has been open for more than 600 years and therefore many tourists from around the world visit this historical market in Seoul. The great thing about this place is that you can compare different products and prices freely and you’re able to buy stuff at a reasonable price. Since the Seoul Olympics in 1988, 갈치조림 (galchijorim) or “simmered largehead hairtail” has been the most popular dish at this market, so try it out when you can.
돈암시장 (donamsijang) was established in the 1970s and is only five minutes from 성신여대역 (seongsinyeodaeyeok) or “Sungshin Women’s University Station.” Since the market is located very close to the Sungshin Women’s University, you’ll see many students from there as well as tourists in this area. This place is famous for selling 감자탕 (gamjatang) or “pork back-bone stew” and 족발 (jokbal) or “pig’s trotters cooked with soy sauce and spice.”
You’ve also learned about must-have Korean street foods and Seoul market locations. So now, let’s try to learn some useful Korean phrasesyou can use in a market in South Korea. These are basic phrases, so if you want to learn more, feel free to visit KoreanClass101. We have many free lessons on how to order at a restaurant.
We hope you enjoyed reading our Seoul Market Guide and hope you have a great time trying different kinds of traditional Korean food in Seoul.
Do you want to learn more about essential phrases in Korean? KoreanClass101 has many lessons to teach you what to say when you enter a cafeteria or a restaurant in South Korea, so feel free to check out these pages as well:
Got some questions about grammar or Korean culture? We have a forum page where you can ask a question to Korean natives. We hope you enjoyed reading this article and good luck with your Korean studies! If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below.
There are many Korean dramas available for you to watch online, but how do you know if the drama is good or not? Based on the data, we’ve prepared a list of the top ten highest-rated Korean dramas in 2018. We’d like to introduce each drama and how to study the Korean language by watching these Korean dramas. We’ve written down a small part of the script from each drama for you so that you can have a glimpse of the language (e.g. the show’s Korean level, if and how they use informal language or jargons, and so on).
Some Korean dramas use jargons from law, some use rich vocabulary to describe the taste and texture of foods. Some Korean dramas use lots of slang words as well. Nevertheless, using a Korean drama to study the language is a great way to enjoy a great Korean drama while learning more about the Korean culture as well as conversational Korean.
How to Learn Korean Using TV Dramas
There are many ways to study the language, and using TV shows is one of the most effective ways to broaden your vocabulary, as well as work on pronunciation and accent. In addition, you’ll be able to have a closer look at Korean culture and improve your listening skills.
In order to work on your Korean while watching TV dramas, find a spare notebook so that you can write down new words, slangs, sentences, and dialogues that you want to study. After that, try to memorize them so that you can practice them next time you’re chatting with Korean-speaking friends.
Also, stop the show and repeat the sentences or phrases after the actors, or even at the same time. This is an effective way of working on your pronunciation skills and improving your accent.
1. 미스터 션샤인 (miseuteo syeonsyain) — “Mr. Sunshine”
This drama is a story that you’re guaranteed to love. The story centers on a young boy who traveled to the United States during 1871 and returned back to Korea as a United States Corps officer. He meets and falls in love with the daughter of an aristocrat. (Wikipedia)
This drama became popular even before the episodes were released because the story was written by one of the top South Korean screenwriters, named 김은숙. She wrote many popular Korean television dramas, such as 파리의 연인 (Lovers in Paris [2004]), 시크릿 가든 (Secret Garden [2010]), 태양의 후예 (Descendants of the Sun [2016]), 도깨비 (Guardian: The Lovely and Great God [2016-2017]), and many more. This show’s production quality is extremely beautiful as well, so if you appreciate the beauty of cinematography, this drama is for you.
Quote:
※ The story takes place during the late 1870s, and therefore characters speak old Korean language, which sounds a little different compared to our current Korean language.
애신: ‘러브’가 무엇이오 (‘reobeu’ga mueosio) 유진: 한데 그건 왜 묻는 거요 (hande geugeon wae munneun geoyo) 애신: 하고 싶어 그러오. (hago sipeo geureoo.)
벼슬보다 좋은 거라 하더이다 (byeoseulboda joeun geora hadeoida) 유진: 뭐 생각하기에 따라서. (mwo saenggakagie ttaraseo.)
한데 혼자는 못하오. (hande honjaneun mothao.)
함께할 상대가 있어야 해서 (hamkkehal sangdaega isseoya haeseo) 애신: 그럼 나와 같이 하지 않겠소. (geureom nawa gachi haji anketso.)
내 총도 쏘는데 (nae chongdo ssoneunde) 유진: 총 쏘는 것보다 더 어렵고, (chong ssoneun geotboda deo eoryeopgo,)
그보다 더 위험하고, (geuboda deo wiheomhago,)
그보다 더 뜨거워야 하오 (geuboda deo tteugeowoya hao) 애신: 꽤 어렵구려 (kkwae eoryeopguryeo)
Translation: A: “What is ‘love?’” Y: “Why do you ask about ‘love?’” A: “Because I want to do it. I heard that it is better than working in a government.” Y: “Well, it depends, but you cannot do it alone. You need a partner.” A: “Then, would you like to do it with me? I’m good at shooting guns.” Y: “It is more difficult than shooting guns, more dangerous and it must be hotter than that.” A: “It sounds really difficult.”
Vocabulary:
※ Click on a word to listen to the Korean pronunciation.
벼슬 (byeoseul): “government position.” Modern Korean word is 정치 (jeongchi) 한데 (hande): “but; however.” Modern Korean word is 하지만 (hajiman) 상대 (sangdae): “a partner” 꽤 (kkwae): “quite; rather; fairly” 어렵구려 (eoryeopguryeo): “It sounds/seems difficult.” Modern Korean phrase is 어렵군요 (eoryeopgunyo)
2. 내 아이디는 강남미인 (nae aidineun gangnammiin) — “Gangnam Beauty”
This story is centered around a character named Kang Mirae, who decides to get plastic surgery after being bullied for being ugly. At her university, she’s teased as the “Gangnam plastic surgery monster.” This story covers her journey to recover self-esteem as she gets to know Do Kyungseok. (Wikipedia)
The original version of this story is available on Webtoon, Naver. If you’re interested in reading the cartoon version with much simpler Korean phrases, you can start off with the Webtoon version first.
Quote:
※ This drama is a great way to learn conversational phrases and slangs in Korean.
강미래: 네가 내 일에 자꾸 엮이는 거 같은데,
(nega nae ire jakku yeokkineun geo gateunde)
말 안 했으면 좋겠어
(mal an haesseumyeon jokesseo) 도경석: 왜 했냐. 왜 고쳤냐고, 얼굴
(wae haennya. wae gochyeonnyago, eolgul) 강미래: 알잖아. 내 옛날 얼굴.
(aljana. nae yennal eolgul.)
내가 수아처럼 예뻐지자고 한 것도 아닌데
(naega suacheoreom yeppeojijago han geotdo aninde)
평범한 정도로 못 되는 얼굴이 있어.
(pyeongbeomhan jeongdoro mot doeneun eolguri isseo.) 도경석: 너 남들 얼굴에 급 매기냐.
(neo namdeul eolgure geup maeginya.)
얼굴이 아니라 질 떨어진 마인드를 수술하지 그랬냐.
(eolguri anira jil tteoreojin maindeureul susulhaji geuraennya.)
Translation: Gangmirae: “It seems that you constantly get involved in my business.
I do not think you should be talking to me.” Dogyeongseok: “Why did you do it. Why did you do a plastic surgery.” Gangmirae: “You know my face before.
I didn’t want to be as pretty as Sooa,
but my face was not pretty enough.” Dogyeongseok: “Are you giving scores to faces of others.
You should have done a surgery to fix on your mind, not your face. “
Vocabulary:
※ Click on a word to listen to the Korean pronunciation.
엮이다 (yeokkida): “be involved in” 평범하다 (pyeongbeomhada): “ordinary; common; normal” 왜 했냐 (wae haennya): “Why did you do it?”
~처럼 (~cheoreom): “as~as” 질떨어지다 (jil tteoreojida): “poor quality” 수술 (susul): “surgery; operation”
3. 서른이지만 열일곱입니다 (seoreunijiman yeorilgobimnida) — “Thirty But Seventeen”
Gong Woojin, who is now thirty years old, works as a set designer. Due to his past experience, he has difficulty maintaining relationships with others. Woo Seori, seventeen, fell into a coma due to an accident. Thirteen years later, she wakes up from her coma. However, her mental age is still that of a seventeen-year-old, but she is now thirty years old. This story is about how these two characters get involved with each other and fall in love along the way. (Wikipedia)
One of the main characters is played by a famous actress in South Korea, named 신혜선 (Shin Hyesun) whose previous appearance in Korean dramas was in 푸른 바다의 전설 (Legend of the Blue Sea). It’s believed that if she is in a drama, it’s guaranteed to be a good story. This drama has several great actors and actresses, so you’ll definitely enjoy this one!
Quote: 서리: 아, 부모님은 14살 때 돌아가셨어요. 터널 붕괴사고로 갑자기. (Seori:a, bumonimeun 14sal ttae doragasyeosseoyo. teoneol bunggoesagoro gapjagi.)
그 후론 외삼촌 외숙모랑 같이 산 거고.
(geu huron oesamchon oesungmorang gachi san geogo.) 유찬: 아… 근데 외삼촌분은 왜 그렇게 급하게 집을 파셨을까요? (Yuchan:a… geunde oesamchonbuneun wae geureoke geupage jibeul pasyeosseulkkayo?) 서리: 나도 궁금해 미치겠어요.
(nado gunggeumhae michigesseoyo.)
여기 계속 살고 계실 줄 알았는데…
(yeogi gyesok salgo gyesil jul aranneunde…)
경찰서 가도 해줄 수 있는 게 없다고 하고,
(gyeongchalseo gado haejul su inneun ge eopdaego,)
친구들도 어디로 갔는지 모르겠고…
(chingudeuldo eodiro ganneunji moreugetgo…)
내가 아는 사람들이 전부 세상에서 사라져 버린 느낌이에요.
(naega aneun saramdeuri jeonbu sesangeseo sarajyeo beorin neukkimieyo.)
Translation: Seori: “Ah, my parents passed away when I was 14. Suddenly from collapse accident.
After that I lived with my uncle and aunt.” Yuchan: “Ah… But I wonder why did your uncle sell the house so suddenly?” Seori: “I want to know too and it’s driving me crazy.
I thought he would still be living here…
The police said there was nothing they could do,
I don’t know where my friends are…
It feels like everyone I know in this world have disappeared completely.”
Vocabulary”
※ Click on a word to listen to the Korean pronunciation.
4. 김비서가 왜 그럴까 (gimbiseoga wae geureolkka) — “What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim?”
This drama is a love story between a vice chairman of a major cooperation, Lee Young-joon, and his secretary, Kim Mi-so. After working with Lee Young-joon, the secretary, Kim Mi-so decides to resign her position and their love story begins from there. (Wikipedia)
The story is based on a web novel, written by Jun Kyung-yoon. Later on, the story was published again as a web cartoon. Also, this drama inspired in many young audience members a sense of style similar to Kim Mi-so’s.
Quote: 박서준: 그만하자 (Bakseojun:geumanhaja)
이러다 또 싸우게 되면 어떡해
(ireoda tto ssauge doemyeon eotteokae)
기껏 화해했는데
(gikkeot hwahaehaenneunde)
그리고 너무 예뻐서
(geurigo neomu yeppeoseo)
더 이상 화를 낼 수는 없군
(deo isang hwareul nael suneun eopgun)
Translation: Bakseojun: “Let’s stop
What happens if I fight again
We just made up with each other
And because you are too pretty
I cannot be angry to you anymore.”
Vocabulary:
※ Click on a word to listen to the Korean pronunciation.
그만하다 (geumanhada): “stop” 또 (tto): “again”
기껏 (gikkeot): “at the most; at best”
~와 화해하다 (~wa hwahaehada): “make up with somebody” 예쁘다 (yeppeuda): “to be pretty”
This South Korean drama was written by 이수연 (Lee Soo-yeon), whose most famous Korean drama series previously was 비밀의 숲 (Stranger [2017]). There are two very famous main actors in this drama, who are 이동욱 (Lee Dong-wook) and 조승우 (Cho Seung-woo). To give you an idea of where these two actors appeared in the past: 이동욱 (Lee Dong-wook)’s previous appearance in Korean drama was in 도깨비 (Guardian: The Lovely and Great God) and 조승우 (Cho Seung-woo)’s previous appearance in Korean drama was in 비밀의 숲 (Stranger [2017]).
This story is a medical drama dealing with power struggles within the hospital. Ye Jin-Woo (Lee Dong-Wook) is a doctor in the emergency medical center at Sangkook University Hospital. He has a warm heart and charisma. Koo Seung-Hyo (Cho Seung-Woo), on the other hand, is the president at Sangkook University Hospital, and tends to be cool-headed and ambitious. (Asianwiki)
Quote:
※ Do you want to practice your pronunciation with the script below? Watch this video and practice speaking.
왜 이 길을 택했냐는 질문이 그 다음이더군요.
(wae i gireul taekaennyaneun jilmuni geu daeumideogunyo.)
사람 살리는 방법을 죽도록 공부했으니까
(saram sallineun bangbeobeul jukdorok gongbuhaesseunikka)
그리고 용기가 없어서.
(geurigo yonggiga eopseoseo.)
내 눈앞에서 사라지는 생명을 외면할 용기가 없어서.
(nae nunapeseo sarajineun saengmyeongeul oemyeonhal yonggiga eopseoseo.)
Translation:
“The next question is why I chose this road.
I studied how to save people from death.
And I do not have the courage.
I do not have the courage to turn away the life that disappears before my eyes.”
Vocabulary:
※ Click on a word to listen to the Korean pronunciation.
Have you seen Life on Mars? This is a remake version of the British drama, Life on Mars.
Quote:
증거, 과학수사 뭐 법대로 하면 좋지.
(jeunggeo, gwahaksusa mwo beopdaero hamyeon jochi.)
그런데, 그런 것들 다 따지다가 사람이 죽어 나가요.
(geureonde, geureon geotdeul da ttajidaga sarami jugeo nagayo.)
Translation:
“Evidence, scientific investigation well it’s good if we abide by the law.
But, as we caught up in following all these rules, innocent people are dying.”
Vocabulary:
※ Click on a word to listen to the Korean pronunciation.
증거 (jeunggeo): “evidence; proof” 과학수사 (gwahaksusa): “scientific investigation” 그런데 (geureonde): “but; however” 사람 (saram): “human”
죽어 나가다 (jugeo nagada): “die”
This drama tells the story of identical twin brothers who have the same level of intellect, but lead entirely different lives. (Wikipedia)
Quote:
일단 반성문은 50장 정도로 가시죠.
(ildan banseongmuneun oo-ship jang jeongdoro gasijyo.)
판사가 일주일에 처리하는 사건만 100개가 넘는데,
(pansaga iljuire cheorihaneun sageonman Baek gaega neomneunde,)
반성문이 얼마나 많이 들어오겠어요?
(banseongmuni eolmana mani deureoogesseoyo?)
[skip]
시작합시다!
(sijakapsida!)
아아아! 판사 존경해요?
(aaa! pansa jongyeonghaeyo?)
판사도 알아요, 자기 존경 안하는거.
(pansado arayo, jagi jongyeong anhaneungeo.)
근데 다 무슨 존경하는 판사님이야?
(geunde da museun jongyeonghaneun pansanimiya?)
읽나? 안 읽지! 첫 줄부터 거짓말인데.
(ingna? an ilji! cheot julbuteo geojinmarinde.)
받아 적으세요. 친애하는 판사님께!
(bada jeogeuseyo. chinaehaneun pansanimkke!)
아 좋은 말이에요. 그냥 받아쓰셔!
(a joeun marieyo. geunyang badasseusyeo!)
Translation:
“Firstable, let’s start off with 50 letters of apology
There are over 100 cases a judge handles in a week,
Can you imagine how many letters of apology comes in?
Let’s start!
Ah! Do you respect a judge?
Any judges already know, they are not respected.
But why do you say that you respect judges?
Do you read? No you don’t! Because it is a lie from the first line.
Write it down, Dear Judge!
Oh good. Just write this down!”
Vocabulary:
※ Click on a word to listen to the Korean pronunciation.
일단 (ildan): “first; at first” 반성문 (banseongmun): “letter of apology” 판사 (pansa): “judge” 처리하다 (cheorihada): “treat; handle” 존경 (jongyeong): “respect” 거짓말 (geojinmal): “lie”
This is the Korean drama that will make you hungry. They’ve just started airing season three of this TV drama, and if you love Korean food, it’s strongly recommended to watch from season one. Apart from well-known traditional Korean foods such as 비빔밥 (bibimbap), 불고기 (bulgogi), and 떡볶이 (Tteok-bokki), you’ll see many Korean foods that you’ve never seen before.
The story centers around two main characters named Goo Daeyoung (played by Yoon Doo-joon) and Lee Jiwoo (played by Baek Jin-hee). Thirty-something Goo Daeyoung struggles with his life. In order to heal his wounds, he decides to go on a journey to revisit the food that he loved in his twenties with his classmate, Lee Ji-woo. (Wikipedia)
Quote:
※ Do you want to practice your pronunciation with the script below? Watch this video and practice speaking.
대영: 야이 니들끼리 다 먹으면 어떻게
(Yundujun: yai nideulkkiri da meogeumyeon eotteoke) 친구: 야 물 부어서 다시 먹으면돼지, 이렇게
(Chingu: ya mul bueoseo dasi meogeumyeondwaeji, ireoke) 대영: 싱거워지잖아 그러면!
(Yundujun: singgeowojijana geureomyeon!) 지우: 아 됐다.
(Baekjinhui: a dwaetda.) 대영: 어? 뭐하는거야?
(Yundujun: eo? mwohaneungeoya?) 지우: 이러면, 부대찌개로 바뀌면서 간도 맞다. 먹어봐라
(Baekjinhui: ireomyeon, budaejjigaero bakkwimyeonseo gando matda. meogeobwara)
Translation: Daeyoung: “What the… How did you eat all of them (without me?)” A friend: “Well, we can eat more if we pour water, like this.” Daeyoung: “If you do that it (the Kimchi soup) is going to be bland!” Jiwoo: “Hey, stop.” Daeyoung:“Ah? What are you doing?” Jiwoo: “If we do like this, the soup is going to become sausage stew and it taste just right. Try it out.”
Vocabulary:
※ Click on a word to listen to the Korean pronunciation.
붓다 (butda): “pour” 이렇게 (ireoke): “like this” 싱겁다 (singgeopda): “insipid; not properly salted” 그러면 (geureomyeon): “and, then, if you do” 부대찌개 (budaejjigae): “Sausage Stew”
간이 맞다 (gani matda): “be well seasoned”
Oh Laura is a scientist who was forced to separate from her son named Nam Shin. In order to cope with her loss, she builds various AI robots of her son, naming them Nam Shin one, two, and three. Nam Shin Three was sent to a corporation in order to protect the real Nam Shin’s position, because the real Nam Shin is in a coma. Meanwhile, Kang Sobong is hired as Nam Shin Three’s bodyguard. However, she starts to fall in love with him. (Wikipedia)
Quote: 남신3: 왜 나한테 거짓말했죠?
(namsin3: wae nahante geojinmalhaetjyo?)
회사 간다고 해놓고 병원에서 엄마 만났잖아요.
(hoesa gandago haenoko byeongwoneseo eomma mannatjanayo.)
인간 남산이 한국에 온 것도 말해주지 않았죠.
(ingan namsani hanguge on geotdo malhaejuji anatjyo.)
지영훈씨는 믿어도 되는 인간인가요, 아닌가요?
(jiyeonghunssineun mideodo doeneun inganingayo, aningayo?) 영훈: 뭘 착각하나 본데, 그쪽은 진짜 신이가 아니에요.
(yeonghun: mwol chakgakana bonde, geujjogeun jinjja siniga anieyo.)
날 믿든 안 믿든 내가 시키는대로만 해요.
(nal mitdeun an mitdeun naega sikineundaeroman haeyo.)
뭐하는겁니까 지금?
(mwohaneungeomnikka jigeum?) 남신3: 행동 모방학습.
(haengdong mobanghakseup.)
방금 지영훈씨 행동을 따라 해봤어요.
(banggeum jiyeonghunssi haengdongeul ttara haebwasseoyo.)
할 말이 남아서요.
(hal mari namaseoyo.)
Translation: Namsin3: “Why did you lie to me?
You told us that you will go to work, but you met my mum instead.
You didn’t even tell me that human (real) Namsin is in Korea.
Should I trust you or not?” Yeonghun: “I think you are confused, you are not real Sin (casual way to call Namsin)
(I don’t care) whether you trust me or not. Just follow my order.
What are you doing now?” Namsin3: “Behavioral imitation learning
I tried to mimic your behaviour because I still have more to say.”
Vocabulary:
※ Click on a word to listen to the Korean pronunciation.
거짓말 (geojinmal): “lie” 인간 (ingan): “human being.” Synonyms — 사람 meaning “a person”
착각하다 (chakgakada): “confused; mistaken” 시키다 (sikida): “to order” 지금 (jigeum): “now; right now”
모방 (mobang): “imitation.” Synonyms — 따라하다 (ttarahada) meaning “to mimic” 학습 (hakseup): “study; learning”
Soo-Ho (played by Kim Jung-Hyun) is the CEO of a restaurant and the son of a family that runs the large company W. Because of him, Ji-Hyun’s (played by Seohyun) life is ruined. Ji-Hyun used to have a bright personality and easily socialized with others; however, after she lost her younger sibling, everything is changed.
The female lead is played by a member of Girls’ Generation. After they decided to disband the group, Seohyun changed her career to become an actress, and this is her eighth appearance in Korean drama. Her previous appearance was in 도둑놈, 도둑님 (Bad Thief, Good Thief [2017]).
Quote:
※ Do you want to practice your pronunciation with the script below? Watch this video and practice speaking.
지현: 무슨일이십니까 고객님
(Jihyeon: museunirisimnikka gogaengnim) 수호: 너 시력이 몇이야?
(Jeonghyeon: neo siryeogi myeochiya?) 지현: 네?
(ne?) 수호: 번호판 안보이냐고!
(beonhopan anboinyago!) 지현: 죄송합니다. 제가 안내를 잘못해드렸습니다.
(joesonghamnida. jega annaereul jalmothaedeuryeotseumnida.)
저쪽으로 가시면됩니다.
(jeojjogeuro gasimyeondoemnida.) 수호: 수신호는 왜 안해
(susinhoneun wae anhae)
수신호를 해야 할 거 아냐 혹시 나 지금 무시하는 거야?
(susinhoreul haeya hal geo anya hoksi na jigeum musihaneun geoya?) 수호: 사랑이 가득한 더블유 백화점에 오신것을 환영합니다.
(sarangi gadeukan deobeullyu baekwajeome osingeoseul hwanyeonghamnida.)
행복한 쇼핑 되십시오.
(haengbokan syoping doesipsio.)
행복은 개뿔 사람1: 미친거 아냐?
(saram1: michingeo anya?) 수호: 방금 뭐라고 그랬어?
(banggeum mworago geuraesseo?) 지현: 그게..
(geuge…) 사람1: 저 고객님 그게
(jeo gogaengnim geuge) 수호: 이젠 별게 날 무시하네?
(ijen byeolge nal musihane?) 지현: 너무한거 아니에요
(neomuhangeo anieyo)
지금 사람이 넘어진거 안보이시냐구요
(jigeum sarami neomeojingeo anboisinyaguyo) 수호: 지금 나한테 화내는거야?
(jigeum nahante hwanaeneungeoya?) 지현: 그럼 이 상황에서 화가 나지 안나겠어요?
(geureom isanghwangeseo hwaga naji annagesseoyo?)
사람이 넘어졌으면 괜찮댜고 물어보셔야죠.
(sarami neomeojyeosseumyeon gwaenchantyago mureobosyeoyajyo.)
그게 최선의 도리 아닌가요?
(geuge choeseonui dori aningayo?)
Translation: Ji-Hyun: “How can I help you, sir?” Soo-Ho: “How good is your sight?” Ji-Hyun: “I beg your pardon?” Soo-Ho: “Don’t you see my license plate?” Ji-Hyun: “I’m sorry. I gave you the wrong directions.
VIP customers can go that way.” Soo-Ho: “What about your hand signals?
You have to signal us so we can go.
Are you looking down on me?” Ji-Hyun: “Welcome to W department store full of love.
Please have a great time shopping.” Soo-Ho: “Great time? What a joke.” Person 1: “Is he crazy?” Soo-Ho: “What did you just say?” Ji-Hyun: “Well…” Person 1: “I… Actually, it.” Soo-Ho: “Even things like these are looking down on me now.” Ji-Hyun: “You are being too harsh
can’t you see that you made her fall?” Soo-Ho: “Are you getting mad at me?” Ji-Hyun: “Who wouldn’t get mad in this situation?
If someone fell, you should ask if they’re okay.
That’s common sense.”
Vocabulary:
※ Click on a word to listen to the Korean pronunciation.
KoreanClass101 has interesting and culturally relevant lessons that are easy to listen to. You can learn Korean with our mobile apps, desktop software, and websites with free Korean lessons, vocabulary list, word of the day, core 100 Korean words, and much more available for you to study in your free time.
Our goal is to make sure that our students are motivated to study and master Korean. Therefore, we’ve prepared free Korean lessons for you.
For an absolute beginner,here you can learn the Korean Alphabet, Hangul with a Korean teacher, and download free Korean study materials.
For beginner to intermediate learners,here you can improve your vocabulary.
For fun seekers,here you can learn how to write your name in Korean, and even create your own Korean name.
Do you have more questions about the Korean culture, language, or even the Korean dramas discussed in this blog post? Leave us a comment below, or use our forum. We hope you enjoyed our list of the top ten highest-rating Korean dramas, and we truly hope that you can master the language!
Working abroad is a great way to explore and immerse yourself in the local culture. Many Korean learners want to work in South Korea, and the number of foreigners who are employed by a Korean company is increasing every year. There are a few things that foreigners finding jobs in Korea need to know, so we’ve put together this guide for you.
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So what’s the benefit of working in Korea? Many people wonder how much their income would be, but it totally depends on your work experience and the company you work for. So it’s important to consult with a recruiter if you want to know the average income you can expect in a specific position or an industry you wish to work in.
1- Overseas Work Experience
Working abroad gives you many benefits in your career development, as many companies appreciate candidates with abroad work experience. Korea has its unique working system and environment, and therefore by working and living in Korea, you’ll definitely enjoy your stay.
2- Korean Leisure Culture
There’s a lot to do for fun in South Korea and you can enjoy many leisures at a low cost. To give you a better idea of what to expect when working and living in Korea, we’ve explained in detail about how much it costs to live in Korea (focusing on Seoul). Feel free to read it.
3- Low Crime Rate
Korea possesses one of the lowest crime rates in the world. CCTVs are installed on every corner of every street and inside buildings. You’ll see a police car driving around the streets at night, and there’s even a free service, for women, where two volunteer workers walk home with you at night.
2. The Most Popular Jobs in Korea
We know it can be stressful searching for foreigners-friendly jobs in Korea, so we thought we’d put together a quick list of the most popular ones. One of the most common jobs that foreigners do in South Korea is teaching a language, especially English, due to high demand. Moreover, you can also find an office job in Korea. If you’re planning to stay in Korea for a year and want to find a part-time job in Korea, this is also a viable option. Below is a quick overview of the most famous jobs that foreigners do in South Korea:
1- Language Teaching Jobs
If you’re a native English speaker who wants to have a career in teaching, finding a job will be a lot easier for you in Korea. There are many advantages of being a language teacher. Firstly, the majority of companies will provide free accomodation and take care of the visa process, meaning you don’t need to worry too much about the initial hiring process period. Some companies even provide free lunch as well. The pay for language teaching jobs in Korea is very decent, usually ranging between 2,000,000 KRW ~ 3,000,000 KRW, depending on your professional experience.
However, depending on which school you work for, you need to understand that working hours may not be flexible. For example, you may be expected to only teach grammar for the whole day, or be required to do extra activities like field trips or orchestral activities with the Korean students. So do check what your responsibilities are going to look like before applying for a job.
2- Office Jobs
If you work at an office, you’ll have international experience. There are many international companies in South Korea that are aggressively hiring foreigners or 교포 (gyopos) also known as “Korean diaspora.” So if you’re qualified for a position, you’ll definitely be considered as a potential candidate. Moreover, if you work at a global company, many Korean employees are bilingual or multilingual, making it much easier for you to work on projects with them.
However, to find employment in Korea, it’s important to note that the majority of office jobs require fluency in Korean if your first language is not Korean. Therefore, you may struggle to find a job in Korea if you cannot speak Korean. You have to have a way to prove that you can speak the language, such as a TOPIK score or a Korean language school certificate.
If you’re an intermediate to advanced Korean speaker, or majored in Korean at a university in your country, you’ll be able to find many jobs available for you in Korea, such as translation jobs (Korean-to-English translation jobs are in demand) or language-related positions at a startup company or even global companies since these companies aggressively seek out bilingual candidates.
In contrast to language teaching jobs, many companies won’t provide free accomodation.
3- Blue-Collar Jobs
Jobs in the blue-collar industry such as automotive, chemical, electronic, and steel are of high employment need in Korea. Also, jobs like cleaning or farming are also highly in demand.
As these jobs usually don’t require Korean language skills or other specialized skills, they are perhaps the easiest way for foreigners to get a job. Many companies are foreigners-friendly and depending on the company you work for, accommodations may be provided. Finding a foreigners-friendly blue-collar job is similar to finding other work in Korea, so try to search blue-collar jobs with these keywords:
Recently, more and more doctors from overseas are working in South Korean hospitals. Also, if you’re an engineer, many international companies, especially in the IT industry, hire foreign candidates in South Korea.
3. Visa Requirements to Work in Korea
We’re sure you know already that there are visa requirements for foreigners to work in Korea. There are many visas that you can choose from, and therefore it’s important for you to research each visa. Depending on the employment position in South Korea, you’ll need to acquire an appropriate visa in order to continue working and living in South Korea:
1- E2 Visa (The Standard English Teaching)
Career choice with E2 visa holders: Private schools, public schools, and language institutions.
2- E1 Visa (Similar to the E2 Visa)
Career choice with E1 visa holders: Any recognized Korean colleges and universities .
3- E5 Visa (Professional Employee)
Career choice with E5 visa holders: Corporations.
4- F3 Visa (Direct Family Member)
Career choice for F3 visa holders: Since this is an extended tourist visa, you’re not allowed to work in South Korea.
5- F4 Visa (For Korean Americans, Korean Canadians, etc.)
Career choice for F4 visa holders: You have the same rights as Korean citizens, therefore you can work in any business or organization in South Korea.
6- E7 Visa (12-month Working Holiday Visa)
Career choice for E7 visa holders: Depends. If you can speak Korean, you can work at a restaurant, shopping stores, and so on. If you cannot speak Korean, it may be difficult for you to work in a service industry.
The eligibility of each visa varies depending on your objective in working in South Korea. For this reason, if you’re uncertain which visa to obtain, consult with the South Korean embassy, or consulate in your home country or with your new employer. Also, make sure to apply two to three months early for a smooth visa process. Then, you’ll have fewer worries regarding finding a job in Korea.
4. Do I Need to Speak Korean to Work in South Korea?
Korean language skill requirements completely depend on the company you’re applying for. However, if you can prove your language skills, you’ll definitely have an advantage above others applying for the same job. As for Korean skills, you’ll be asked to present a TOPIK test result (Test of Proficiency in Korean—website) or a certificate from 어학당 (eohakdang) which is a Korean language school that you went to.
For language teaching positions, you may need to be able to speak some Korean in order to communicate with students who otherwise would struggle to understand you. In addition, you’ll have a closer relationship with your students if you can speak Korean.
As for corporations, you do need to present proof that you can speak Korean. They don’t expect you to speak Korean fluently, but they’ll definitely appreciate and consider you more as a potential employee, since having a certificate or a TOPIK result demonstrates how ambitious you are to work in South Korea.
If you’re interested in finding the right Korean language institution for you, here’s a list for you to look at.
5. Popular Korean Job Hunting Sites
There are many websites that you can use to find a job in South Korea. In general, these are the most popular Korean job searching websites for finding a job in Korea.
1- General Job (Available in English)
PeoplenJob — only international corporations in Korea
Meetups in Korea — You can change the location to see different Meetup groups in other regions
5- Others
Volunteering in Korea
Language Exchange: Whether you want to make friends or gain teaching experience, if you speak English or any other popular languages (e.g. French, Japanese, Chinese, and so on), you can volunteer at a language exchange cafe. There are many language exchange events organized in South Korea, especially in Seoul and Busan. Your main duty is to converse with language learners in a casual and comfortable environment. If you search for language exchange events in South Korea, you can easily find many events, but if you’re not familiar with this, start off with Meetup Korea. All you need to do is select the location (e.g. Seoul, Busan, etc.) and go through the list of weekly events in your area.
Also, depending on the time and the location, you may meet more university students or professional workers. Volunteering is a great way to make friends and consult about your career plans in Korea.
Other volunteering work: There are many volunteer groups organized by foreigners in Korea. Several locals and foreigners participate and do many activities together, therefore it’s a great opportunity to make friends while helping others who are in need. Here’s a list of volunteer groups:
Korea organizes a job fair annually, targeting foreigners in Korea. All of the companies that come to this job fair are foreigner-friendly, so keep an eye out for it. You can search for keywords like 외국인 취업박람회 (oegugin chwieopbangnamhoe) meaning “Job fair for foreign residents” or 외국인유학생 채용박람회 (oeguginyuhaksaeng chaeyongbangnamhoe) meaning “Job fair for international students” to find the date and the time. There will be many corporations offering job positions and internships for foreigners. Make sure to print your resume and your cover letter before attending the job fair.
Check Vacant Positions on a Website
You can always directly apply at the company you wish to work for. Many companies have a “career” page that lists all the open positions, so if you have some specific companies in mind, try to visit their websites and submit your application.
Apply offline
When finding a job in Korea, you can also apply offline if you want to find a part-time job, such as a waitress/waiter or cashier. If you’re looking for a part-time job in Korea, applying directly at the place is the best and quickest way to find a job. To do this, look for 스태프모집 (seutaepeumojip), 일할 사람 구함 (ilhal saram guham), 사람구함 (saramguham), or 직원구함 (jigwonguham) on the entrance of a shop. They usually put the hourly rate and preference, too. You do need to have a resume prepared and in-hand when you apply offline. As for larger corporations, applying offline is very rare. It’s recommended to submit the application directly to the company’s website or through recruiters.
6. Quick Tips for Korean CV and Resume
In Korea, you need to prepare 이력서 (iryeokseo), which is a Korean version of a resume. [image]. In addition, you’ll also need to write a 자기소개서 (jagisogaeseo) or “cover letter.” You can download a free template online or purchase the resume and cover letter documents at a convenience store. Below are some Korean job application tips that we think you’ll find useful.
1- Korean Resume Tips
Korean Resume Photo
You’ll need to attach a profile picture at the top right corner on the first page. Your profile picture for your resume is one of the most important elements of the resume, so try to get your pictures taken by a professional photographer in Korea. Koreans always wear a black business suit to look professional and your professional picture will most likely be photoshopped. This is because when your resume is handed to a potential employer, the first thing they’ll look at is your picture, and so it’s important to have a nice picture of yourself. The first impression matters in the business world, and this is no different in South Korea.
Education History
You need to arrange all of your education chronologically and you’ll also need to provide the year and the month of your graduation and entrance into schools. So try to write them down and save them somewhere in your drive. You’ll find this list helpful when finding a job in Korea.
2- Writing a Cover Letter in Korea
Koreans call the cover letter a 자기소개서 (jagiseogaeseo) or “self-introduction letter” [image] and Koreans usually write about the following:
성장과정 (seongjanggwajeong) — Talk about your growth process
학창시절 (hakchangsijeol) — Talk about your education
성격소개 (seonggyeoksogae) — Talk about your personality
지원동기 및 포부 (jiwondonggi mit pobu) — Talk about why you applied for this job and what you want to do
You can modify the topics if you want. When you write your self-introduction letter, make sure to emphasize your strengths and how your skills will benefit the company.
3- At the Interview
You need to:
Arrive for the interview 10 to 15 minutes early.
Print your resume and your cover letter and bring them with you.
Prepare the interview answers in Korean and English.
Bow to an interviewer and be polite!
7. Most Common Job Interview Questions in Korea
There’s not much difference when it comes to the job interview questions in Korea. Depending on which corporation you want to work for, the interview process may take two weeks to three months. Also, if you wish to apply for large corporations in Korea such as 삼성 (Samsung), 현대 (Hyundai), 엘지 (LG), or 대우 (Daewoo), you’ll take an examination which consists of testing your language ability and mathematical skills. For example, as for Samsung, once your job application (your cover letter and your resume) is submitted through their website, you’ll have a chance to undertake an exam called 삼성직무적성검사 (samseongjingmujeokseonggeomsa) called GSAT, which is an abbreviation for “Global Samsung Aptitude Test.” Normally, the exam is scheduled during the weeknd, and you can even take the exam in English. If you pass this exam, you’ll have the opportunity to go to the next round which involves group and individual interviews.
If you’re not sure what the interview process is going to be like, Koreans usually share their interview experiences online, such as on Specup, so if you’re confident in speaking Korean and want to find a job in Korea, take advantage of online community websites too.
The interview is one of the trickiest and most stressful activities in the hiring process. Since you can’t predict what kind of questions you’ll be asked, it’s important to prepare as many anticipated questions as possible with the appropriate answers.
Let’s have a look at common interview questions in Korea:
왜 저희가 당신을 고용해야 한다고 생각하십니까 ? (wae jeohuiga dangsineul goyonghaeya handago saenggakasimnikka?) — “Why do you think that we should hire you?”
한국말 할 수 있나요? (hangungmal hal su innayo?) — “Do you speak Korean?”
우리 회사에 대해 어떻게 알고 있나요? (uri hoesae daehae eotteoke algo innayo?) — “How did you find out about our company?”
지금의 직장을 왜 그만두려고 합니까? (jigeumui jikjangeul wae geumanduryeogo hamnikka?) — “Why do you want to quit your current job?”
5년 후의 당신의 모습은 어떨것 같나요? (onyeon huui dangsinui moseubeun eotteolgeot gannayo?) — “Where do you see yourself in five years?”
There are many more questions you can expect to hear. However, be careful with the question below in particular:
당신의 강점과 약점은 무엇인가요? (dangsinui gangjeomgwa yakjeomeun mueosingayo?) — “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”
This question is often asked in South Korea. They want to know your weaknesses and if you can’t turn your weaknesses into something positive, you’ll end up giving a negative impression to the interviewer, so be careful with this question. It’s vital to give a good answer to this question when looking for employment in Korea.
In addition, they’ll usually go through your resume and ask many questions on the basis of your work experience. So try to come up with as many questions as possible and prepare the answers in Korean and English.
8. How KoreanClass101 Can Help You
The most important point is that there are many ways to find jobs in Korea, but if you speak the language, you’ll be able to find a job that you really like. Being able to speak Korean will definitely give you some advantages.
Also, before jumping into learning Korean, you’ll need to find someone who can support you, like a Korean native speaker and someone who can provide appropriate language study materials. In your case, they have to be related to finding a job in Korea.
MyTeacher at KoreanClass101 can definitely help you with business Korean and give practical advice on finding a job in South Korea. So why not sign up for a lifetime account today, assess your Korean language level, and have your own personalized learning program based on your needs?
We hope today’s lesson gave you some insight on working and living in Korea, and that our job application tips help you succeed and land your dream job. Thanks for reading and best of luck!
White Day—the day women in Korea get to receive all sorts of gifts and delicacies from the men in their lives! Essentially, White Day in Korea serves as a day for men to thank women for the gifts they received a month earlier on Valentine’s Day. White Day’s meaning in Korea has a lot to do with the concept that a gift received is a gift to be repaid.
Let KoreanClass101.com show you everything you need to know about White Day in Korea. In so doing, you’re allowing yourself to learn a great deal about Korean culture, thus providing context as you seek to master the language. We hope to make the process fun! Let’s get started.
1. What is White Day in Korea?
White Day in Korea is a special holiday for Korean women—it’s the day they receive nice treats from the men in their lives whom they previously gifted on Valentine’s Day the month before. It’s an important notion in Korean culture to return gift favors, and in this day and age this concept has become quite commercialized. Continue reading below to learn more about White Day, including White Day in Korea’s date.
2. When is White Day?
Each year on 3월 14일 (samwol sipsail) or “March 14th,” White Day is celebrated in Korea. Exactly one month after Valentine’s Day!
3. How is it Celebrated?
In Korea, White Day is celebrated by a 남자친구 (namjachingu) or “boyfriend” giving his 여자친구 (yeojachingu) or “girlfriend” a White Day gift. While traditionally this was marshmallows (hence the name “White Day”), today it’s common for women to receive gifts of 사탕 (satang) or “candy” or even a 꽃다발 (kkotdabal) or “bouquet.” Sound familiar?
In Korea, Valentine’s Day is largely a day for men to receive gifts from women, and so on White Day this is switched around. It’s like a second Valentine’s Day, but just for the ladies this time.
White Day can also be a day to 사랑을 고백하다 (sarangeul gobaekada) or “confess one’s love.” Thus, men 선물을 주다 (seonmureul juda) or “give a gift” to women—the kind of gifts that say 사랑해요. (Saranghaeyo.) or “I love you.”
Keep in mind that while both Valentine’s Day and White Day are largely observed as romantic holidays, sometimes gifts are given on either of these days out of obligation rather than love or adoration. Many enjoy giving gifts (and receiving!), but regardless, it’s expected for men and women to exchange gifts on their respective days.
4. Additional Information
So how exactly did White Day come about?
First off, note that it’s common practice in Korea for receivers of gifts to return the favor. Thus, it makes sense that there’s a holiday dedicated to honoring this tradition and value. But what makes White Day special?
As you can probably guess, White Day started out as a commercial holiday developed by the National Confectionery Industry Association in 1978. A year before, a company called Ishimuramanseido, based in Fukuoka, actually began marketing its marshmallows as a fun and proper return gift for men to give women. They even called March 14 “Marshmallow Day!”
Eventually, other companies and markets caught on to this idea like wildfire. Today, the coming of White Day is a golden opportunity to market all kinds of white- or romance-related products—various shades of chocolate, flowers, jewelry, and even lingerie.
5. Must-know Vocab
Here’s some vocabulary you should know for Korean White Day!
사랑을 고백하다 (sarangeul gobaekada) — “confess one’s love”
사랑 (sarang) — “love”
3월 14일 (samwol sipsail) — “March 14th”
꽃다발 (kkotdabal) — “bouquet”
선물을 주다 (seonmureul juda) — “give a gift”
사랑하는 사람 (saranghaneun saram) — “loved one”
To hear each vocabulary word pronounced, check out our Korean White Day vocabulary list. Here you’ll find each word accompanied by an audio of its pronunciation.
Conclusion
Now you know more about White Day in Korea. What do you think about this holiday? Is there a similar holiday in your own country, where women receive gifts from men? Let us know in the comments!
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We hope you enjoyed learning about White Day with us, and that you took away something valuable from this article. Know that all of your studying and hard work will pay off, and you’ll be speaking Korean like a native before you know it!
For a long time, in Korea, China, and other East Asian countries, people believed that there was a relationship between the size of the moon and their grain harvest. They believed that the moon growing larger over time was very similar to the growth of their grain in the fields; as the moon became larger, their grains would grow fatter.
Thus, you can see how Jeongwol Daeboreum (also called Day of the First Full Moon by Koreans) is a significant reflection of Korean culture. We at KoreanClass101.com hope to inform you well on all things Korean, so we hope you’ll let us be your guide for the Day of the First Full Moon in Korea.
Let’s explore Jeongwol Daeboreum Festival traditions (and the Moon Festival meaning), the Full Moon wishes made in some provinces, and more information on how Koreans celebrate the Great Full Moon!
1. What is Korean Day of the First Full Moon?
정월 (Cheongwol) means “the first month of the lunar year,” and 대보름 (Daeboreum) means “big full moon.” So, 정월대보름 (Jeongwol Daeboreum) means something like “the day the first big full moon rises.”
On the Day of the First Full Moon, the night sky is brighter because of the big moon. Many villagers gather and enjoy festivities underneath the bright moonlight, including the Jeongwol Daeboreum Fire Festival.
Day of First Full Moon in Korea can also be considered a second New Year celebration.
2. When is it?
As the name suggests, the Korean Day of the First Full Moon is celebrated when the first full moon of the year is in the sky (this is day fifteen of the first lunar year month). This holiday’s date varies year to year on the Gregorian calendar, but for your convenience, here’s a list of this holiday’s date for the next ten years:
2019: February 19
2020: February 8
2021: February 26
2022: February 15
2023: February 5
2024: February 24
2025: February 12
2026: March 3
2027: February 20
2028: February 9
3. Reading Practice: How is it Celebrated?
How do Koreans celebrate Jeongwol Daeboreum, and what is the Full Moon Game? Read the Korean text below it to find out (and find the English translation directly below).
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첫번째 행사는 ‘달맞이’입니다. ‘맞이’는 ‘맞이하다’라는 뜻의 동사에서 나온 말인데요. ‘달맞이’를 하기 위해서 정월대보름날이 되면 달빛을 확인하기 위해 마을 사람들이 밖에 모두 모입니다. 그 달빛으로 앞으로의 1년 농사를 미리 점을 쳤다고 하는데요. 달빛이 붉으면 그 해에는 흉년이 오고, 달빛이 희면 그 해에는 장마가 있을 징조라고 생각했습니다.
이렇게 한 해의 농사가 어떻게 될지 점을 친 다음에는, ‘쥐불놀이’를 합니다.
‘쥐불놀이’는 말 그래도 불을 가지고 노는 놀이인데요. ‘쥐불놀이’를 할 때에는 사람들이 모여서 조그마한 깡통에 짚을 넣고 그 안에 불을 붙인 다음, 깡통을 빙빙 돌립니다. 이렇게 깡통을 돌린 다음에 잡초가 있는 논이나 밭에 이 깡통을 던지는 놀이가 바로 ‘쥐불놀이’입니다. 이렇게 하면 잡초들이 불에 타면서 거름이 되고 그 거름으로 봄에 농사를 잘 지을 수 있는 효과도 있다고 하네요.
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The first event is Dalmaji. Maji is a word from the verb Majihada meaning “to welcome.” For Dalmaji, all the villagers gather outside to see the moonlight on the Day. It’s said they could predict the year of farming ahead by the moonlight. They believed that if the light was bright the year would be plentiful, and if the light was dim then there would be a rainy season.
After predicting how the farming would be for the next year, they would play Jwibul-nori.
Jwibul-nori or “small fire play” (also called the Full Moon Game) is playing with fire, as it literally says. When playing Jwibul-nori, people put straw into cans and set fire to it, then they spin the can around and around. After spinning the cans, they throw them into fields with weeds. The weeds then catch fire and become fertilizer for the spring farming.
A very special food is eaten only on the Day of the First Full Moon. It’s called Ogokbap. Five kinds of ingredients or Ogok such as rice, beans, barley, sorghum, and millet are put together to make ogokbap and is eaten together with the family. Usually, people only eat three meals a day—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—however, on the Day of the First Full Moon meals are split up nine times throughout the day. They also say that eating with at least three families brings more fortune than eating alone.
4. Additional Information
Do you know how people in the city celebrate the Day of the First Full Moon? It depends, actually, on where you are or who you happen to be with. For example, in the Gyeonggi province or 경기도 (Gyeonggi-do), people gather together, write their wishes on paper tied to a rope made of straw, and light the paper on fire.
5. Must-know Vocab
To celebrate and understand the Korean Day of the First Full Moon to its fullest, there’s some basic vocabulary you should know.
To hear each vocabulary word pronounced, visit our First Full Moon Festival vocabulary list page. Each word is accompanied by an audio of its pronunciation to help you better learn them.
Conclusion
After learning about the Korean First Full Moon Festival with us, tell us what you think! We hope you enjoyed delving into this interesting facet of the Korean culture, and that you’ll take this knowledge with you on your language-learning journey.
For more information about Korea and its language, visit us at KoreanClass101.com. We offer an array of insightful blog posts, free vocabulary lists, and an online community where you can chat with fellow Korean learners about lessons. If you want to enjoy a one-on-one learning experience, you can also download our MyTeacher app to gain your very own personal Korean teacher.
With enough practice and determination, you can become proficient in Korean and we’re here to help you through each step. We wish you all the best!
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