Essential Korean Phrases for Navigating Mountain Hiking

If you land in Seoul or any major Korean city in October, you will notice a distinct shift in the sidewalk fashion. The sleek trench coats and office wear of the city center are suddenly joined by a sea of neon windbreakers, heavy-duty hiking boots, and trekking poles. This is the peak of autumn foliage season, and for many Koreans, there is only one place to be: the mountains.

Hiking in Korea is not just a weekend workout; it is a national pastime. Whether you are tackling the granite peaks of Bukhansan in the heart of Seoul or exploring the vibrant maples of Seoraksan, you are entering a space with its own unspoken etiquette and vocabulary. Even if you don’t speak the language, recognizing a few key phrases will help you navigate the trails, understand the flow of traffic, and share in the camaraderie that makes Korean hiking culture so unique.

The Trailside Greeting: “Fighting!”

The most common thing you will hear on a Korean hiking trail isn’t a long conversation, but a series of quick, rhythmic exchanges. Hikers in Korea are famously friendly, and it is standard practice to exchange greetings with strangers as you pass them on the path.

The most universal greeting you will hear—often shouted with a smile—is:

“Hwaiting!” (Fighting!)

While this sounds like a call to physical combat in English, in Korea, it is the ultimate expression of encouragement. It is the equivalent of saying, “Keep it up!” or “You’ve got this!” When you are halfway up a steep stone staircase and a local hiker passes you while nodding and saying, “Hwaiting!”, they are essentially cheering for your stamina.

How to use it: If someone says it to you, a simple nod and a “Hwaiting!” back is the perfect response. You can also use it when you see someone struggling on a particularly difficult section of the trail.

A typical encounter:

• Local Hiker: “Hwaiting!”
• You: “Hwaiting!”
• Local Hiker: “Jogeum-man deo!” (Just a little bit more!)

That second phrase, Jogeum-man deo, is another essential. It is the standard way to tell someone they are close to the summit or a resting point. It is often said with a sympathetic grin, acknowledging that the path ahead is steep but the goal is in sight.


Managing the Flow: “Excuse Me” and “Go Ahead”

Korean hiking trails, especially on weekends, can be busy. You will often find yourself behind a group of hikers moving at a pace different from your own. Knowing how to politely request to pass—or how to tell someone they can pass you—is vital for trail etiquette.

If you are stuck behind a group and need to get by, the standard phrase is:

“Jamshimanyo.” (Excuse me / Just a moment.)

This is the polite, all-purpose way to get someone’s attention. If the trail is narrow, you can add:

“Jom jinagalkeyo.” (I am going to pass by for a moment.)

Conversely, if you are moving slowly and notice someone behind you is clearly faster, it is common to step to the side and gesture with your hand. You might say:

“Meonjeo gaseyo.” (Please go ahead first.)

A typical encounter:

• You: “Jamshimanyo, jom jinagalkeyo.” (Excuse me, I’m going to pass.)
• Hiker in front: “A, ne! Gaseyo.” (Ah, yes! Please go.)

Using these phrases keeps the trail moving smoothly and prevents the frustration of “hiking traffic jams.” Koreans appreciate it when visitors acknowledge the flow of the trail, and a polite Jamshimanyo will almost always be met with a friendly wave or a nod.

Safety and Directions: “Where is the Summit?”

Most Korean national parks are exceptionally well-marked, with clear signage in Korean and English. However, there are moments when you might want to confirm your route or check how much further you have to go.

If you are looking for the summit, the word is Jeongsang. If you are looking for the entrance or the main trail, it is Deung-san-ro.

Key phrases for clarity:

• “Jeongsang-i eodi-yeyo?” (Where is the summit?)
• “Eolmana deo gayo?” (How much further is it?)
• “I giri majeoyo?” (Is this the right way?)

The response will often involve a gesture and a time estimate. You might hear “Iship-bun” (20 minutes) or “O-ship-bun” (50 minutes). Even if you don’t catch the exact number, watching the hand gestures—pointing up or along the path—will give you the context you need.

A typical encounter:

• You: “Jeongsang-i eolmana deo gayo?” (How much further to the summit?)
• Local Hiker: “Sam-ship-bun jeongdo.” (About 30 minutes.)
• You: “Kamsahamnida!” (Thank you!)

It is worth noting that when Koreans talk about hiking time, they are usually quite accurate, though they often assume a moderate, steady pace. If you are a casual hiker, you might want to add a few minutes to whatever estimate you receive.

The Post-Hike Ritual: “Makgeolli and Pajeon”

If you have spent any time observing the base of a Korean mountain, you will notice that the area is usually packed with small, bustling restaurants. This is the final and perhaps most important part of the hiking experience: the post-climb meal.

The gold standard of mountain dining is Makgeolli (a traditional milky rice wine) paired with Pajeon (a savory green onion pancake). You don’t need to be a linguist to order this, but knowing the names makes the experience more authentic.

How to order:

• “Makgeolli hana-yo.” (One Makgeolli, please.)
• “Pajeon hana-yo.” (One Pajeon, please.)

You will often see groups of hikers sitting at outdoor tables, flushed from the exercise, sharing a bowl of Makgeolli. It is a celebratory atmosphere. If you find yourself sitting near a group that seems to be having a particularly good time, a simple “Masiss-ge deuseyo!” (Enjoy your meal!) is a very polite and well-received thing to say as you pass by or sit down.

A typical encounter:

• You: “Pajeon-gwa Makgeolli juseyo.” (Please give me the Pajeon and Makgeolli.)
• Server: “Ne, jamshimanyo!” (Yes, just a moment!)

There is something deeply satisfying about sitting down to a warm, crispy pancake after a long descent. It is the unofficial end to the hike, a moment where the physical effort of the day turns into a shared social reward.

Hiking in Korea is a rhythmic, communal activity. It is less about conquering the peak in isolation and more about being part of the flow of people moving up and down the mountainside. You don’t need to be fluent to enjoy the trails; you just need to be observant.

When you pack your bag for an autumn hike, bring your water, your comfortable shoes, and a few of these phrases in your back pocket. You will find that a simple “Hwaiting!” or a polite “Jamshimanyo” opens doors to friendly interactions that make the mountain air feel just a little bit clearer. Most importantly, take your time. Whether you reach the summit or turn back halfway, the experience of being on the mountain is the point. Enjoy the foliage, the fresh air, and the company of the many others who, just like you, are out to see the colors of the season.