Learning a new language opens doors to understanding different cultures and discussing global issues from various perspectives. Korean, with its unique structure and nuances, is no exception. When you begin to speak Korean, you’ll want to expand your vocabulary to include terms that are important for engaging in serious discussions about global issues. Below are several Korean words and phrases that will help you talk about these topics with confidence.
지구 온난화 (Jigu Onnanhwa) – Global warming
This term refers to the long-term rise in Earth’s average surface temperature due to human activities, especially the emission of greenhouse gases.
최근 지구 온난화로 인해 기후 변화가 뚜렷해졌어요.
환경 보호 (Hwan-gyeong Bo-ho) – Environmental protection
The practice of protecting the natural environment for future generations.
우리는 후손을 위해 환경 보호에 힘써야 합니다.
지속 가능성 (Jisok Ganeungseong) – Sustainability
The ability to maintain ecological balance without depleting natural resources.
저는 지속 가능성 있는 소비를 하기 위해 노력합니다.
빈곤 (Bingon) – Poverty
The state of not having enough material possessions or income for a person’s basic needs.
세계적으로 빈곤 문제를 해결하기 위한 노력이 지속되고 있습니다.
인권 (Ingwon) – Human rights
The basic rights and freedoms to which all humans are entitled.
모든 인간은 출생부터 인권을 가지고 태어납니다.
난민 (Nanmin) – Refugee
A person who has been forced to leave their country to escape war, persecution, or natural disaster.
전쟁으로 인해 많은 난민이 안전한 곳을 찾아 떠났습니다.
인구 과잉 (Ingoo Gwaying) – Overpopulation
A situation where the number of people surpasses the capacity of the environment to support life at a decent standard of living.
인구 과잉이 자원 부족 현상을 야기할 수 있습니다.
기아 (Gia) – Famine/Hunger
Extreme scarcity of food leading to widespread hunger.
아프리카의 일부 지역에서는 기아 문제가 심각해요.
감염병 (Gamyeombyeong) – Infectious disease
Diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi.
감염병의 전염을 막기 위해 위생 관리가 중요합니다.
경제 위기 (Gyeongje Wi-gi) – Economic crisis
A situation in which the economy of a country experiences a sudden downturn brought on by a financial crisis.
2008년에 발생한 경제 위기는 전 세계에 큰 영향을 미쳤습니다.
무역 전쟁 (Muyeok Jeonjaeng) – Trade war
A economic conflict resulting from extreme protectionism in which states raise or create tariffs or other trade barriers against each other.
미국과 중국 사이의 무역 전쟁이 격화되고 있습니다.
에너지 위기 (Energi Wi-gi) – Energy crisis
A significant bottleneck in the supply of energy resources to an economy.
석유 의존도가 높은 나라들은 에너지 위기에 취약합니다.
기후 변화 (Gihu Byeonhwa) – Climate change
Changes in the average weather conditions, or wider changes, such as new weather patterns, snow and ice melting, and rising sea levels.
기후 변화는 지구 전체의 생태계에 영향을 미칩니다.
사회 불평등 (Sahoe Bulpyeongdeung) – Social inequality
The unequal distribution of resources, opportunities, and privileges among people in a society.
사회 불평등은 많은 사회 문제의 근본 원인 중 하나입니다.
자원 부족 (Jawon Busok) – Resource scarcity
The lack of sufficient resources or the depletion of resources, leading to social and economic instability.
자원 부족이 가뜩이나 어려운 경제 상황을 더욱 악화시키고 있어요.
Understanding these terms will not only enhance your vocabulary but also help you engage in meaningful conversations about global challenges. As you continue to practice and expand your Korean vocabulary, you’ll find it easier to express your thoughts and ideas on such crucial topics, fostering global understanding and awareness through language.
