Learning how to express your desire to visit a specific place in Korean can greatly enhance your language skills and cultural understanding. Whether you want to travel to bustling cities like Seoul or explore the serene countryside, being able to communicate your intentions is essential. In this guide, we will provide you with formal and informal ways to say “I want to go there” in Korean, as well as offer some regional variations. With plenty of tips and examples along the way, you’ll be well-prepared to express your travel desires in Korean!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions
Formal expressions are particularly relevant to use in official or professional settings, with people you should show respect to, or when addressing someone older than you or of higher social status. Here are some formal ways to say “I want to go there” in Korean:
1. 가고 싶습니다. (ga-go-sip-seub-ni-da)
This is a polite and respectful way to express your desire to go somewhere. It’s appropriate to use with individuals you need to show deference to, such as strangers, elders, or people in positions of authority.Example: (When speaking to an elder) 저는 한국에 가고 싶습니다. (jeo-neun han-guk-e ga-go-sip-seub-ni-da)
I would like to go to Korea.
2. 가고 싶어요. (ga-go-sip-eo-yo)
This expression is still formal but slightly less polite than the first one. It can be used in various situations where politeness is required, though not as much as when addressing individuals older or in higher positions.Example: (When speaking to a colleague) 회의가 끝나면 도서관에 가고 싶어요. (hoe-ui-ga kkeut-na-myeon do-seo-gwan-e ga-go-sip-eo-yo)
I want to go to the library after the meeting.
Informal Expressions
Informal expressions are appropriate for casual conversations with friends, peers, or individuals younger than you. Here are some informal ways to say “I want to go there” in Korean:
1. 가고 싶어. (ga-go-si-peo)
This informal expression is commonly used among friends and acquaintances, making it suitable for everyday conversations. However, it’s important to remember not to use it when talking to someone older or in a more formal setting.Example: (When speaking to a friend) 오늘 박물관에 가고 싶어. (o-neul bak-mul-gwan-e ga-go-si-peo)
I want to go to the museum today.
2. 가고 싶다. (ga-go-sip-da)
Similar to the previous expression, “가고 싶다” is also informal and suitable for casual conversations. This is the plain form of the expression, without any additional politeness markers.Example: (When speaking to a younger sibling) 놀이공원에 가고 싶다. (nol-i-gong-won-e ga-go-sip-da)
I want to go to an amusement park.
Regional Variations
While the above expressions are widely understood across Korea, it’s worth mentioning that there might be some regional variations in dialects or expressions. However, in most cases, using the standard Korean expressions provided earlier will be sufficient to communicate your desire to go somewhere. Still, let’s explore a couple of regional variations:
1. 가곤 심슨다. (ga-gon shim-seun-da)
In the Jeolla region of South Korea, particularly in Jeonju dialect, you may come across this variation. It is often used informally to express the desire to go somewhere.Example: (When speaking to a friend from Jeolla) 식당에 가곤 심슨다. (sik-dang-e ga-gon shim-seun-da)
I want to go to a restaurant.
2. 가고 싶은 사야. (ga-go sip-eun sa-ya)
Hailing from Gyeongsang Province, the residents sometimes use this variation. It has a slightly formal tone and is suitable for conversations within the region.Example: (When speaking to a local in Gyeongsang Province) 태종대에 가고 싶은 사야. (tae-jong-dae-e ga-go sip-eun sa-ya)
I want to go to Taejongdae.
Tips and Additional Phrases
Now that you know formal, informal, and regional variations of expressing the desire to go somewhere in Korean, here are some additional tips and phrases to expand your knowledge:
- Using the word “저기” (jeo-gi) before the location you want to go to emphasizes your desire more. For example, “저기 한강에 가고 싶어요” (jeo-gi han-gang-e ga-go-sip-eo-yo) means “I really want to go to Han River.”
- If you want to specify a particular place, you can replace “저기” with the name or category. For instance, “강릉에 가고 싶어요” (gang-neung-e ga-go-sip-eo-yo) means “I want to go to Gangneung.”
- In spoken Korean, you can shorten the phrase by omitting “가고” (ga-go) and simply say “갈래요” (gal-lae-yo), meaning “I want to go.”
Now that you are well-equipped with various expressions, practice the phrases with friends, language partners, or even in front of a mirror to improve your pronunciation and comfort level in using them. Embrace the joy of learning Korean and expressing your travel desires with confidence!
We hope this guide has been helpful in expanding your Korean language skills. Happy travels!
