When learning Korean, one of the fun and interesting topics to dive into is the different seasons and how they are expressed in the language. Today, we are going to compare summer and winter in Korean: 여름 (summer) vs 겨울 (winter).
To start, let’s look at the basic vocabulary. In Korean, the word for summer is 여름 (yeoreum), and the word for winter is 겨울 (gyeoul). These two seasons are quite distinct in Korea, each with its own unique characteristics and cultural significance.
여름 (yeoreum) is typically hot and humid in Korea. During this season, you might hear people say things like “덥다” (deobda, it is hot) or “습하다” (seuphada, it is humid). Korean summers also bring the rainy season, known as 장마 (jangma). During 장마, it rains frequently, and you might need to use an umbrella often.
In contrast, 겨울 (gyeoul) is cold and often snowy. You might hear people say “춥다” (chubda, it is cold) or “눈이 오다” (nuni oda, it is snowing). Winter in Korea is also characterized by its dry air and chilly winds.
Now that we have covered the basic vocabulary, let’s explore some cultural aspects of 여름 and 겨울 in Korea.
During 여름, one of the most popular activities is to visit the beach. Many Koreans flock to the coast to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea. Haeundae Beach in Busan is especially famous for its summer crowds. Another common activity is to enjoy cold noodles, or 냉면 (naengmyeon). This dish is served chilled and is very refreshing on a hot summer day.
On the other hand, 겨울 brings with it its own set of activities and traditions. One of the most popular winter activities is to go skiing or snowboarding in the mountains. Korea has several ski resorts, such as Yongpyong and Alpensia. Additionally, 겨울 is the time for enjoying comfort foods like hot soups and stews, such as 김치찌개 (kimchi jjigae) or 떡국 (tteokguk).
Another interesting aspect to consider is the clothing people wear during these seasons. In 여름, light and breathable clothing is preferred to combat the heat. You might see people wearing shorts, t-shirts, and sandals. Meanwhile, in 겨울, layers of warm clothing are essential. Thick coats, scarves, gloves, and hats are a common sight as people try to stay warm in the frigid temperatures.
The seasonal differences also affect the festivals and holidays celebrated in Korea. In 여름, one of the major festivals is the Boryeong Mud Festival, where people gather to play in mud baths and enjoy various mud-related activities. It’s a fun and unique experience that draws both locals and tourists.
In 겨울, one of the most important holidays is 설날 (Seollal), the Korean Lunar New Year. During 설날, families gather to perform ancestral rites and enjoy traditional foods like 떡국. It’s a time for family reunions and celebration.
Language learners can also benefit from knowing some useful phrases related to each season. For example, during 여름, you might say “시원한 곳 어디 있어요?” (siwonhan got eodi isseoyo?, Where is a cool place?) to find relief from the heat. During 겨울, you might ask “따뜻한 음료 있어요?” (ttatteushan eumnyo isseoyo?, Do you have a hot drink?) to warm up.
Understanding the seasonal changes and cultural practices in Korea can greatly enhance your language learning experience. By knowing the words for summer and winter, as well as
