Learning a new language often involves acquainting oneself with vocabulary related to daily life and culture. As students embark on their journey to learn Korean, it’s equally crucial to familiarize themselves with words associated with nature and the environment. These terms not only enhance one’s vocabulary but also allow learners to engage in more enriching conversations about the world around them. Below is a list of common Korean words related to nature and the environment, along with their definitions and example sentences.

자연 (jayeon) – Nature
This term refers to the natural world, including plants, animals, the landscape, and other features and products of the earth that are not created by humans.
우리는 주말마다 자연을 즐기러 산으로 간다.
(We go to the mountains to enjoy nature every weekend.)

환경 (hwangyeong) – Environment
The word “환경” encompasses the surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives or operates.
지속 가능한 미래를 위해 우리는 환경 보호에 힘써야 합니다.
(We must strive to protect the environment for a sustainable future.)

나무 (namu) – Tree
A “나무” is a woody perennial plant, typically having a single stem or trunk growing to a considerable height and bearing lateral branches at some distance from the ground.
공원에 나무가 많아서 그늘이 좋다.
(The park has many trees, so it has nice shade.)

꽃 (kkot) – Flower
“꽃” refers to the seed-bearing part of a plant, often colorful and fragrant, which is typically composed of petals and capable of developing into a fruit or seed.
봄이 되면 예쁜 꽃들이 곳곳에 피어난다.
(When spring comes, beautiful flowers bloom everywhere.)

강 (gang) – River
A “강” is a large natural stream of water flowing in a channel to the sea, a lake, or another river.
이 강은 도시를 가로질러 흐른다.
(This river flows across the city.)

산 (san) – Mountain
“산” refers to a large natural elevation of the earth’s surface rising abruptly from the surrounding level; a large steep hill.
많은 사람들이 주말에 등산을 즐긴다.
(Many people enjoy mountain climbing on the weekends.)

바다 (bada) – Sea
“바다” stands for the expanse of salt water that covers most of the earth’s surface and surrounds its landmasses.
여름휴가 때는 바다로 가서 수영을 하고 싶어요.
(I want to go to the sea and swim during the summer vacation.)

공기 (gonggi) – Air
“공기” refers to the invisible gaseous substance surrounding the earth, a mixture mainly of oxygen and nitrogen.
산속의 공기는 맑고 신선하다.
(The air in the mountains is clear and fresh.)

숲 (sup) – Forest
A “숲” is a large area covered chiefly with trees and undergrowth.
숲을 걷는 것은 정신 건강에 좋다고 해요.
(Walking through a forest is said to be good for mental health.)

기후 (gihu) – Climate
“기후” is the weather conditions prevailing in an area in general or over a long period.
이 지역은 온화한 기후를 가지고 있어서 사람이 살기에 좋아요.
(This area has a mild climate which makes it a good place for people to live.)