교통
Traffic (교통, gyotong) is a key part of everyday life, especially in busy cities like Seoul. Whether you're navigating the roads as a driver or dealing with heavy traffic on public transport, understanding traffic-related vocabulary in Korean is important for smooth communication.
Introduction
Korean traffic can range from fast and efficient to heavily congested, depending on the time of day and location. Knowing how to talk about traffic situations will be useful whether you’re asking about traffic conditions, dealing with delays, or figuring out the best routes.
Key Vocabulary:
- 교통 (gyotong) – Traffic
- 교통사고 (gyotong sago) – Traffic accident
- 교통량 (gyotongnyang) – Traffic volume
- 신호등 (sinhodeung) – Traffic light
- 교통 체증 (gyotong chejeung) – Traffic jam
- 차선 (chaseon) – Lane
- 출근 시간 (chulgeun sigan) – Rush hour (literally, "going-to-work time")
- 고속도로 (gosok doro) – Highway
- 정체 (jeongche) – Congestion
More Expressions in Korean with English Translation:
교통이 너무 막혀요.
(Gyotongi neomu makhyeoyo.)
– The traffic is very heavy.출근 시간이라서 교통 체증이 심해요.
(Chulgeun sigan-iraseo gyotong chejeungi simhaeyo.)
– It’s rush hour, so the traffic jam is bad.교통사고가 났어요.
(Gyotong sago-ga nasseoyo.)
– There’s been a traffic accident.이 길로 가면 교통이 덜 막힐 거예요.
(I gillo gamyeon gyotongi deol makhil geoyeyo.)
– If you go this way, there will be less traffic.고속도로에 교통이 어때요?
(Gosokdoro-e gyotongi eottaeyo?)
– How’s the traffic on the highway?신호등이 고장 났어요.
(Sinhodeungi gojang nasseoyo.)
– The traffic light is broken.차선을 변경해 주세요.
(Chaseoneul byeongyeonghae juseyo.)
– Please change lanes.정체 구간이 언제 끝나요?
(Jeongche gugan-i eonje kkeutnayo?)
– When does the congested area end?
Tips for Dealing with Traffic in Korea
- Rush hour: Traffic can be particularly bad during rush hours (출근 시간, chulgeun sigan) in the morning (7–9 AM) and evening (6–8 PM). Plan your trips accordingly.
- Navigation apps: Use apps like Kakao Navi or T-map to check traffic conditions and find the fastest routes.
- Bus lanes: Some roads have dedicated bus lanes that are off-limits to cars during peak hours. Be sure to follow these rules to avoid fines.
By learning these traffic-related expressions, you'll be better prepared to navigate Korea's busy roads, whether you’re driving, taking a taxi, or on public transport. Safe travels!