The PyeongChang Winter Olympics are approximately one month away, and the anticipation is growing higher and higher. While some people may have been to Korea before, PyeongChang is likely a new place for many–How do you get there? Where are the venues? And once you get there, how do you purchase last minute tickets, or souvenirs to take back home?

We’ve prepared the phrases that you’ll need for enjoying the PyeongChang Olympics so that you will be able to enjoy the games–whether you will be sitting in the stadium watching it live, or in another part of Korea, watching it on TV–don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!

Also, don’t forget to download your free cheat sheet – Survival Phrase List for PyeongChang Olympics 2018 – below. (Logged-In Member Only)

Table of Contents

1. Getting There
2. Buying Tickets
3. Location of Stadiums
4. Accommodations
5. Souvenirs
6. Where to Enjoy the Games–even if You’re not in PyeongChang
7. Fun Facts about the PyeongChang Olympics

1. Getting There

You’ve landed in Korea! ‘인천국제공항(IncheonGukjeGonghang-Incheon International Airport)’, will likely be the airport you will be landing at when arriving.

The most convenient route will be going directly from the airport to PyeongChang through KTX, Korea’s express train system. The high speed train cuts the traveling time to an hour from Seoul to Pyeongchang and 98 minutes from Incheon Airport to PyeongChang.

First, go to the 안내 데스크(information center)’ after arrival and ask where you can purchase KTX tickets:

평창에 가는 KTX표는 어디에서 살 수 있나요?
PyeongChange ganeun KTXpyoneun eodieseo sal su innayo?
“Where can I purchase KTX tickets?”

If you want to buy one way tickets:
편도 티켓은 얼마예요?
pyeondo tikes-eun eolmayeyo?
“How much are one-way tickets?”

For round trip tickets:
왕복 티켓은 얼마예요?
wangbok tikeseun eolmayeyo?
“How much are round-trip tickets?”

KTX already connects Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Gwangju, Yeosu and Daejeon, so it provides accessibility to PyeongChang from various cities throughout Korea. So if you are in Korea and wish to go to PyeongChang, you can simply book your KTX ticket!

If you wish to book online in advance, there is a website that offers tickets exclusively to foreigners.

Just remember that 진부역’(Jinbu Station) and ‘강릉역’(Gangneung Station) are the two major train stations that are close to the venues, so keep this in mind when you are booking your tickets.

Another option would be taking an ‘시외버스’(inter-city bus) from Seoul–the bus ride takes about 2 hours and will cost you about 10,700-12,200won(approximately 9-11 US dollars).
Buy your bus ticket by asking:

“평창에 가는 버스표 주세요.”
PyeongChange ganeun beoseupyo juseyo
“I’d like a bus ticket for PyeongChang.”

If you want to include the number of tickets you wish to buy, just include the number of tickets you wish to purchase:

“평창에 가는 버스표 두 장 주세요.”
PyeongChange ganeun beoseupyo dujang juseyo
“Please give me two bus tickets for PyeongChang.”

Transfering to a domestic flight is another option, because unfortunately, there is no international airport in PyeongChang. This means that you will need transfer to a connecting flight that takes you to the nearby city of ‘양양(YangYang)’.

Once you are there, you can take the bus by going to the 강릉 시외버스 터미널(Gangneung Intercity Bus Terminal). The bus ride will take approximately 3 hours 13 minutes). If you wish to take the bus, go to the ‘안내 데스크(information center)’ after arrival and ask for the bus terminal:

시외버스 터미널에 어떻게 가나요?
sioebeoseu teomineore eotteokke ganayo?
“How do I get to the intercity bus terminal?”

If you wish to go by taxi, it will take approximately 49 minutes and the fare will likely come up to somewhere between ‘6만5천원-8만원(65,500won-80,000won, or approximately 60-75 dollars), so looking for someone to share the taxi with may be an option.

If you want to take a taxi, ask the driver if he/she is willing to take you to PyeongChang by asking:

평창까지 가주실 수 있나요?
PyeongChangkkaji gajusil su innayo?
“Could you take me to PyeongChang?”

2. Buying Tickets

Although the Olympics are less than one month away, tickets are still available for purchase. However, as the options for purchasing the tickets vary depending on the country you are coming from, you may want to check the PyeongChang Olympics official website for details.

If you wish to purchase tickets directly at the venue, simply go to the ticket booth and ask whether they have tickets available for the day by inquiring:

혹시 오늘 경기 표 살 수 있나요?
hoksi oneul gyeonggi pyo sal su innayo?
“Is it possible to buy tickets for today’s game?”

If you want to buy tickets for another day:

“다른 날 표 살 수 있나요?”
dareun nal pyo sal su innayo?
“Could I buy tickets for another day?”

If you would like to ask if there are tickets for other events, you could ask:

“다른 경기 표는 없나요?”
dareun gyeonggi pyoneun eomnnayo?
“Are there tickets for other games?”
If you bought tickets already and want to receive at the ticket booth:

“인터넷으로 표 샀는데 지금 받을 수 있을까요?”
Inteoneseuro pyo sanneunde jigeum badeul su isseulkkayo?
“I bought tickets online. Can I get them now?”

3. Location of Stadiums

There are 13 venues where the events will take place, with the Games gathering around the two main venues–the mountain resort of ‘알펜시아’(Alpensia: for outdoor sports such as skiing and bobsled, and the coastal city of ‘강릉’(Gangneung) for indoor sports such as hockey, curling and figure skating.

Source: architectureofthegames.net

4. Accommodations

Once you have made it to PyeongChang, you will likely need to check in. To confirm your reservation, you may need to ask:

“체크인 하고 싶은데요.”
chekeuin hago sipeundeyo.
“I’d like to check in.”

If you want to ask if breakfast is included, you could ask:

“조식도 포함되나요?”
josikdo pohamdoenayo?
“Is breakfast included?”

If you wish to ask for help, the concierge at the hotel/resort you are staying at will probably know the best places to eat, or be able to give directions to get to the stadium. Here are some phrases that you could use to ask for help:

“도움을 받고 싶은데요.”
doumeul batgo sipeundeyo.
“I’d like some help.”

“맛있는 식당 추천 해주세요.”
Massineun sikdang chucheon haejuseyo.
“Please recommend a delicious restaurant.”

“___ 경기장에 가고 싶은데 택시를 불러주세요.”
___ gyeonggijange gago sipeunde taeksireul bulleojuseyo.
“I’d like to go to the ___ stadium, please call me a taxi.”

“___ 경기장에 가고 싶은데 어떻게 가야 하나요?”
gyeonggijange gago sipeunde eotteokke gaya hanayo?
“I’d like to go to the ___ stadium, how do I get there?”

5. Souvenirs

Source: wikipedia

If you wish to bring back a souvenir from the Olympics, why not the mascots of the Games? There are two official ‘마스코트(masukoteu)-”mascots”’ for the games–’수호랑’(Soohorang) and ‘반다비’(Bandabi)–Soohorang is a white tiger and Bandabi is an Asiatic black bear.

There is an official online store with cute character items that range from water bottle holders to indoor slippers.

‘평창 롱패딩’(pyeongchang longpaeding)-”Long padded coats” are also available and selling like hotcakes at 롯데백화점(loddebaeghwajeom)=”Lotte Department Store”, the official sales partner of the Olympics, so going to the department store may be a good way to get not just souvenirs, but other popular Korean products such as ‘페이셜 팩’(peisyeol paek)=”facial masks”, ‘화장품’(hwajangpum)=”cosmetics”), or ‘김’(gim)=”seaweed snacks”.

Also, don’t forget to download your free cheat sheet – Survival Phrase List for PyeongChang Olympics 2018 – below. (Logged-In Member Only)

6. Where to Enjoy the Games–even if You’re not in PyeongChang

If you don’t have the time to actually visit PyeongChang, one good option would be to go to a local pub and enjoy the games–some fun areas in Seoul include ‘이태원’(Itaewon) and ‘홍대’(Hongdae)–there are various bars and pubs which will likely have sign posts showing that they will be showing the games ‘라이브’(laibeu)=”real time”–walk around until you see a pub you fancy–then just walk in, order a glass of beer and cheer for your country or favorite player!

7. Fun Facts about the PyeongChang Olympics

• This is the first Winter Olympics hosted by Korea.
• To avoid confusion with the North Korean capital Pyongyang, the PyeongChang resort changed its name by capitalizing the ‘C’.
• This was Korea’s third attempt to host the Winter Olympics–PyeongChang lost by just three votes to Vancouver for the 2010 Olympics, and four votes to Sochi for the 2014 Games.
• A record 102 medals will be awarded in 15 disciplines.

Hey Listeners!

Summer is here and love is in the air! But are you going to be able to go on that date with that special someone… who only speaks Korean?!

Step up your game with our Top 10 Korean words and phrases for going on a date! And don’t forget to sign up for a FREE (Yes, it’s a FREE account) lifetime account at KoreanClass101.com to further your skills even more!

1. I love you.
사랑해요. (Saranghaeyo.)

2. You’re so beautiful.
정말 아름다우세요. (Jeongmal areumdauseyo.)

3. Rose
장미 (jangmi)

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4. Kiss
키스 (kiseu)

5. I think of you as more than a friend.
나는 너를 친구 이상으로 생각해. (Naneun neoreul chingu isangeuro saenggakae.)

6. Love
사랑 (sarang)

7. I’ve got a crush on you.
나는 너에게 반했어. (Naneun neoege banhaeseo.)

8. Date
데이트 (deiteu)

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9. Heart
하트 (hateu)

10. We were meant to be together.
우리는 천생연분이야. (Urineun cheonsaengyeonbuniya.)

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P.S. If you are in a really lovey dovey mood, check out some of these related word lists!
1. Must-Know Valentine’s Day Vocabulary
2. 15 Love Phrases for Valentine’s Day
3. Must-Know White Day Vocabulary
4. 15 Most Common Break-Up Lines
5. The Top 10 Conversational Phrases In Korean

Can you learn a language just by listening to music? Probably not.

However, while it would be illogical to rely solely on music to learn a language, it can definitely help!

This is true for learning Korean.

Here are a few reasons why music CAN help you learn Korean:

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1. Music can help you remember!
Ever had a song stuck in your head? Music stimulates memorization naturally. So while you’re singing your favorite Korean pop song every night before bed, you’ll be working on your language skills at the same time! How’s that for practicing Korean?

2. Practice on the go!
With modern technology, you can listen to music anywhere. The convenience of music is what makes it the perfect way to supplement your Korean language studies. On the bus, in a cafe, stuck in traffic…just turn on your car stereo or put on your headphones and go!

3. Learn about the culture!
This is one of the coolest things about listening to popular music from Korea. You’re able to dive in and experience a piece of the culture first-hand. By doing this, you can familiarize yourself with the current trends, slang, idols and actors of Korea!

4. Bring life your studies to life!
We all know that reading through notes can get boring, so why not spice up your studies a little? Music is fun and relaxing. Whether you want to dance on your bed to techno or unwind in your backyard to a soothing melody, nothing beats a study break that actually helps your studying.

And without further ado, here are our five songs that will help improve your Korean:

1. 2NE1 – I Love You

2NE1 is one of the most popular K-pop groups around! Composed of three members, 2NE1 has been on the Korean music scene since 2009. The song I Love You features a smooth and catchy tune with a hook that is actually in English! This combination of Korean and English can be a great way for beginners to start learning through music.

2. SHINee – Hello

Similar to the previous song on the list, Hello also sports a simple English chorus. SHINee is one of the most respected boy bands in Korea, as well as Japan! This song is perfect for someone who is at a beginner level.

3. EXO – 으르렁 (Growl)

This song is sure to help intermediate and advanced learners. Don’t be surprised if the beat gets stuck in your head for days, it’s THAT catchy! Though some of the lyrics can get complex, the words are always spoken at an easy to follow pace!

4. Girls’ Generation – Gee

This light-hearted song is sure to lift up your spirits, as well as help you learn Korean! One of the older groups on this list, Girls’ Generation debuted in 2007. Gee is comprised of simple and cheery lyrics that anyone can enjoy!

5. BIGBANG – Fantastic Baby

BIGBANG might be the most popular group on the list and Fantastic Baby is one of their most popular songs. Like a few of the other songs on the list, English can be found in the lyrics, making it a comfortable track for beginners.

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There are plenty of destinations where you can get by with English, but sometimes you want to do better than just ‘get by’. Here are 6 reasons you should learn the basics of the language of your next trip destination.

1. You will be able to discover your destination better than other tourists.
Getting by is one thing, but actually experiencing a trip abroad is quite another. No amount of guidebooks and online research can compensate for a basic lack of language ability. Speaking the language of your destination permits you to explore that destination beyond the regular tourist traps. Your language skills will not only allow you to dig into all the hidden gems of your destination, but they will also allow you to mingle with the locals to get a true experience on your holiday. Think of it this way: you’re not restricted to talking to the people at the tourist desk anymore.

2. Knowing how to communicate with local police or medical personnel can be life-saving.
Before you leave for your destination, make sure you learn how to ask for help in that destination’s local tongue. Do you know how to ask the waiter if this dish has peanuts in it? Or tell your host family that you’re allergic to fish? Can you tell the local doctor where it hurts? Moreover, an awareness of an environment improves your chance of remaining safe inside it. For example, walking around a busy marketplace, dazzled by an unfamiliar language, signs and accents will instantly render any tourist a more attractive mark for pickpockets. Communicating with other people, asking questions and looking confident will make you look like a semi-local yourself, and will ward off potential thieves.

Click here for Korean Survival Phrases that will help you in almost every situation

3. It helps you relax.
Traveling is much less stressful when you understand what that announcement at the airport was saying, or if this bus line reaches your hotel. These things stress you out when traveling and they disappear when you understand the language. This allows you to focus on planning your trip in a better, easier way.

4. Speaking the language can provide you with a way to get to know people you’d never otherwise have the opportunity to speak with.
Sometimes those relationships turn into friendships, and other times they’re nothing more than a lively conversation. Either way, as Nelson Mandela said: “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.” When you approach someone – even staff at a store or restaurant – with English, rather than their own language, an invisible divide has already been erected. Making even a small effort to communicate in the language of the place you’re visiting can go a long way and you’ll find many more doors open up to you as a result.

Click here for the Top 25 Korean Questions you need to know to start a conversation with anyone

5. You’ll be a better ambassador for your country.
If we’re honest with ourselves, we know very little about other countries and cultures, especially the local politics. And what we do know is often filtered to us by the media, which tends to represent only certain interests. When you can speak the local language, you’re able to answer questions that curious locals have about your country and culture. Are you frustrated with how your country is presented in global news? Are you embarrassed by your country’s leaders and want to make it clear that not everyone is like that where you’re from? This is a very good opportunity to share your story with people who have no one else to ask. We all have a responsibility to be representatives of the place we come from.

6. Learning another language can fend off Alzheimer’s, keep your brain healthy and generally make you smarter.
For more information, check out this blog post about the 5 Benefits of Learning a New Language.

The Month of May in Korea is often called Family Month. There’s Children’s Day, Parent’s Day, and Teacher’s Day. Korea takes Mother’s Day to a whole different level! On these days you give your Children, Parents and Teachers gifts to show them how much you appreciate them. Children often benefit the most with candy and money being popular gifts. Teachers get quite a lot of gifts as well as they have many students and parents to receive gifts from. And that’s why the month of May is called Family month in Korea!

Well… did you learn something new about Korea?

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한국어 재밌게 공부합시다!
(Let’s have fun studying Korean!)

Keith Kim
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