Gaining popularity as a global destination, Korea is a vibrant and captivating country worth exploring. If you’re planning to say “I want to go to Korea” in Korean, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we will cover both formal and informal ways of expressing this desire, as well as provide regional variations when necessary. So, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “I Want to Go to Korea”
Tip: Formal expressions are commonly used when addressing strangers, older people, or those in a professional setting.
If you want to express your desire to go to Korea formally, you can say:
- 한국에 가고 싶습니다. (Hanguke gagosipnida.)
- 한국에 가고 싶어요. (Hanguke gagosipeoyo.)
Example 1: If you’re speaking with someone you are unfamiliar with, you can use one of the formal expressions above:
Person A: 안녕하세요. 한국에 관심이 있으세요? (Annyeonghaseyo. Hanguke gwansimi isseusayo?)
Person B: 네, 한국에 가고 싶습니다. (Ne, Hanguke gagosipnida.)
Example 2: Let’s say you’re discussing your travel plans with your boss or a professor. You can politely state:
You: 교수님, 한국에 가고 싶어요. (Gyoosunim, Hanguke gagosipeoyo.)
Professor: 그런가요? 정말 좋은 결정인 것 같네요. (Geureongayo? Jeongmal joheun gyeoljeongin geot gatneyo.)
Informal Ways to Say “I Want to Go to Korea”
Tip: Informal expressions are commonly used when talking to friends, family, or people you are familiar with.
When speaking informally, you can use these phrases:
- 한국에 가고 싶어. (Hanguke gagosiheo.)
- 한국에 가고 싶다. (Hanguke gagosida.)
Example 1: If you’re chatting with a friend, you can express your desire casually:
Friend A: 어디 가고 싶어? (Eodi gagosiheo?)
Friend B: 한국에 가고 싶어. (Hanguke gagosiheo.)
Example 2: Let’s say you’re talking to your sibling about your travel dreams:
You: 오빠, 나 한국에 가고 싶다. (Oppa, na Hanguke gagosida.)
Sibling: 와! 정말 재밌겠다. 같이 가자! (Wa! Jeongmal jaemissgetda. Gachi gaja!)
Regional Variations
Tip: Korean language has some regional variations in terms of pronunciation, vocabulary, and speech patterns. These variations exist mainly in different provinces of South Korea.
In general, the expressions mentioned above are commonly understood across Korea. However, some regional variations exist. Here are a few examples:
- In Jeolla Province, people might say: 한국에 가보고 싶어. (Hanguke gabogo sipheo.)
- In Gyeongsang Province, people might say: 한국에 가보고 싶다. (Hanguke gabogo sipda.)
Example: If you happen to meet someone from Jeolla Province, you can use the regional variation:
Person A: 순천에 가보셨어요? (Sunchun-e gabosyeosseoyo?)
Person B (from Jeolla Province): 네, 한국에 가보고 싶어. (Ne, Hanguke gabogo sipheo.)
Conclusion
Congratulations! You are now equipped with various ways to express your desire to go to Korea in Korean. Remember to adjust your expression based on the formality of the situation and your relationship with the person you are speaking to. While regional variations exist, the phrases covered in this guide will generally be well understood throughout Korea.
So whether you’re planning a trip to Seoul, Busan, or any other beautiful city in Korea, don’t hesitate to say “I want to go to Korea” in the local language and immerse yourself in the rich Korean culture. Best of luck with your Korean language journey and enjoy your trip to Korea!
