소풍
sopung[sʰo̞pʰuŋ]
In Korean, the English phrase 'picnic' can be expressed as 소풍 (sopung) or 피크닉.
Meaning: a meal eaten outdoors (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 소풍 | sopung | [sʰo̞pʰuŋ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 피크닉 | pikeunik | [pʰikxɯnik̚] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
The term refers to a meal eaten outdoors. A common way to say 'to go on a picnic' is by using the phrase 소풍을 가다, pairing the noun with the verb 가다 (to go).
Which one should you use?
While both words mean picnic, they carry different connotations. 소풍 is the traditional term and is typically used to refer to school trips or traditional outings. In contrast, 피크닉 is a loanword from English and is often used in a more modern, leisure-oriented context.
How does it change in a sentence?
소풍 is a noun and does not change its form based on number or case, though particles must be added to function in a sentence.
How do you pronounce it?
sopung
Did you know?
- The traditional word 소풍 is derived from Sino-Korean characters that literally suggest 'strolling through the breeze'.
- In Korea, the traditional 소풍 experience is famously associated with 김밥 (gimbap), which is considered the essential food for any outdoor excursion.
- While 소풍 means 'picnic', it is the standard term used for school field trips, meaning a student might say they are going on a 소풍 even if they are visiting a museum.
Examples in context
- 소풍하는 것보다 더 로맨틱한 것이 있긴 해?Is there anything more romantic than a picnic?This sentence is useful for expressing a romantic sentiment regarding the activity of a 소풍.Tatoeba #8462525 by Eunhee, translation #6373689 by Hybrid
- 한국에서 피크닉을 하려고 하는데 도움이 필요해요.I need help planning a picnic in Korea.
- 우리 피크닉 언제 어디서 할까요?When and where should we have our picnic?
- 이번 주말에 친구들과 함께 피크닉을 가기로 했어요.I've decided to go on a picnic with friends this weekend.
- 피크닉 즐기세요!Enjoy your picnic!
- 내일 친구들과 소풍을 가요.naeil chingudeul-gwa sopung-eul gayo.I am going on a picnic with my friends tomorrow.
- 공원에서 소풍을 하면 정말 즐거워요.gong-won-eseo sopung-eul hamyeon jeongmal jeulgeowoyo.It is really fun to have a picnic in the park.
Example conversation
Minji and Hyunwoo are planning their weekend.
- 민지 Min-ji현우 씨, 같이 소풍 갈래요?Hyunwoo ssi, gatchi sopung gallaeyo?Hyunwoo, do you want to go on a picnic together?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo좋아요! 어디로 갈까요?joayo! eodiro galkkayo?I'd love to! Where should we go?
- 민지 Min-ji근처 공원이 좋을 것 같아요.geuncheo gongwoni joeul geot gatayo.I think a nearby park would be good.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo그럼 제가 돗자리를 챙길게요.geureom jega dotjarireul chaenggilgeyo.Then I will bring the mat.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “picnic” translations and entries 소풍, 피크닉, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 소풍, 피크닉, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
