Korean festivals are vibrant and filled with various unique customs and traditions. To truly immerse yourself and get the most out of these cultural events, knowing key words and phrases is essential. Here’s a list of vocabulary that will help you navigate and enjoy Korean festivals with confidence.
축제 (Chukje)
This means ‘festival’. It’s a general term used to refer to any type of festive celebration in Korea.
우리는 메주 축제에 갈 거예요. (We are going to the bean paste festival.)
한복 (Hanbok)
The traditional Korean attire worn during festivals and special occasions. Men’s hanbok typically consists of a jeogori and loose-fitting baji pants, whereas women’s hanbok includes a jeogori and a wide skirt called a chima.
축제에서 한복을 입는 것이 전통입니다. (It’s traditional to wear a hanbok at festivals.)
불꽃놀이 (Bulkkotnori)
Translated as ‘fireworks’. You’ll often see grand fireworks displays at major Korean festivals, lighting up the night sky.
서울에서 불꽃놀이가 정말 장관이었어요. (The fireworks in Seoul were truly spectacular.)
퍼레이드 (Peoreideu)
Borrowed from the English word ‘parade’, this refers to the grand processions often seen in festivals, featuring colorful floats and traditional performances.
퍼레이드는 도시의 주요 거리를 지나갔습니다. (The parade passed through the city’s main streets.)
음악 공연 (Eumak Gongyeon)
Meaning ‘music performance’, these live shows are a common component of Korean festivals, showcasing a variety of music genres.
이 축제는 전통 음악 공연으로 유명합니다. (This festival is famous for its traditional music performances.)
음식 부스 (Eumsik Buseu)
It translates to ‘food booth’, where you can try traditional Korean street food and delicacies.
그 음식 부스에서 떡볶이를 사 먹었어요. (I bought and ate tteokbokki at that food booth.)
전통 놀이 (Jeontong Nori)
These are ‘traditional games’ played during Korean festivals, such as yut nori or tuho.
저는 친구들과 함께 전통 놀이를 해보고 싶어요. (I’d like to try traditional games with my friends.)
솟대 (Sotdae)
A tall wooden pole with a bird-shaped figure on top, seen at Korean festivals as a symbol of protection and blessings for the village.
축제에서 솟대를 세우면 마을에 행운이 온대요. (They say raising a sotdae at the festival brings luck to the village.)
민속촌 (Minsokchon)
A ‘folk village’, often a venue for festivals, where you can experience Korean history and traditional life.
민속촌에서는 옛날 한국의 생활을 경험할 수 있어요. (You can experience the life of old Korea in the folk village.)
전통 춤 (Jeontong Chum)
Refers to ‘traditional dance’, which is an integral part of Korean festivals, often accompanied by drumming and other instruments.
그녀는 전통 춤을 출 때 정말 아름다워요. (She is really beautiful when performing the traditional dance.)
Learning these words and phrases not only enhances your festival experience but also deepens your understanding of Korean culture. So next time you attend a Korean festival, try using some of these terms to fully engage with the vibrant atmosphere. Happy learning and festival-going!
