Since Korea experiences four distinct seasons, each season comes with its own unique set of words and expressions. Let’s explore the basic Korean words for the seasons and some weather-related vocabulary to help you get started.
The Four Seasons in Korean
The very first word would be the season itself.
- 계절 /gye-jeol/: season
Now, let’s begin with the basics: the names of the four seasons in Korean.
- 봄 /bom/: spring
- 여름 /yeo-reum/: summer
- 가을 /ga-eul/: autumn/fall
- 겨울 /gyeo-ul/: winter
Each season in Korea is distinct and comes with its own weather patterns, activities, and cultural significance.
봄 (spring)
Spring in Korea is a beautiful time of the year. The weather starts to warm up, the new school year starts, and flowers begin to bloom, making it a popular season for festivals and outdoor activities. In South Korea, spring generally begins in March.
Basic Spring Vocabulary:
- 꽃 /ggot/: flower
- 벚꽃 /beot-ggot/: cherry blossom
- 새싹 /sae-ssak/: bud or sprout
- 따뜻하다 /dda-ddeu-ta-da/: be warm
- 소풍 /so-pung/: picnic
Example sentences:
- 봄에는 꽃이 많이 피어요. /bo-me-neun ggo-chi ma-ni pi-eo-yo./: Many flowers bloom in spring.
- 따뜻한 봄 날씨가 좋아요. /dda-ddeu-tan bom nal-ssi-ga jo-a-yo/: I like the warm spring weather.
여름 (summer)
Summer in Korea can be quite hot and humid, but it’s also a time for vacations and outdoor fun. Also, it is the most rainy season as well. Summer usually starts in June.
Basic Summer Vocabulary:
- 덥다 /deob-da/: be hot
- 수영 /su-yeong/: swimming
- 해변 /hae-byeon/: beach
- 여행 /yeo-haeng/: travel
- 휴가 /hyu-ga/: vacation
Example Sentences:
- 올여름에는 휴가를 못 갈 것 같아요. /ol-yeo-reu-me-neun hyu-ga-reul mot gal geot ga-ta-yo./: It seems I won’t be able to go on vacation this summer.
- 이번 여름은 너무 덥네요. /i-beon yeo-reu-meun neo-mu deob-ne-yo./: This summer is too hot.
가을 (autumn/fall)
Autumn is often considered the most beautiful season in Korea (and my favorite season). The weather cools down, and the leaves change color, creating picturesque landscapes.
Basic Autumn Vocabulary:
- 단풍 /dan-pung/: autumn foliage
- 낙엽 /na-gyeop/: fallen leaves
- 국화 /gu-kwa/: chrysanthemum
- 홍시 /hong-si/: ripe persimmon
- 추수 /chu-su/: harvest
Example Sentences:
- 가을에는 단풍이 예뻐요. /ga-eu-re-neun dan-pung-i ye-bbeo-yo./: The autumn foliage is beautiful in autumn.
- 가을 축제에 가고 싶어요. /ga-eul chuk-je-e ga-go si-peo-yo./: I want to go to the autumn festival.
겨울 (winter)
Winter in Korea is cold and snowy, making it a great season for winter sports and cozy indoor activities. It’s also the time for major holidays like Christmas and the Lunar New Year.
Basic Winter Vocabulary:
- 눈 /nun/: snow
- 춥다 /chub-da/: be cold
- 목도리 /mok-do-ri/: muffler
- 눈사람 /nun-sa-ram/: snowman
- 성탄절 /seong-tan-jeol/ or 크리스마스: Christmas
Example Sentences:
- 올겨울 서울은 눈이 엄청 많이 오네요. /ol-gyeo-ul Seoul-eun nu-ni eom-cheong ma-ni o-ne-yo./ It is snowing a lot in Seoul this winter.
- 겨울 옷을 준비하세요. /gyeo-ul o-seul jun-bi-ha-se-yo./: Prepare your winter clothes.
Happy learning Korean words for seasons and weather, and enjoy the beauty of Korea in every season!
Bonus Song
The original title of BIGBANG’s “Still Life” is “봄여름가을겨울,” which translates to “Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter.” The two titles are quite different, aren’t they? This shows why translation can never be a perfect substitute for learning the original language.
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