When you ask for directions in Korean, a direct question can sound abrupt. A softer, more polite option is an indirect question, which often ends with a phrase meaning 'do you know...?' or 'could you tell me...?'. In this workshop, you will listen to short recorded lines, understand what each one means in English, and then practice saying them yourself. You will also work through a short exchange between two speakers and check your own answers. The goal is not to memorize a long list, but to become comfortable using a few useful patterns when you need help finding a place.
Why indirect questions sound more polite
In everyday Korean, asking a direct question about a location can feel very blunt, especially with someone you do not know. An indirect question adds a cushion. Instead of demanding information, you ask whether the other person knows it. This small change makes your request softer and more respectful. The recorded lines in this workshop show several ways to do this. Some begin with a polite attention-getter, and some simply use a 'do you know' style ending. As you practice, focus on keeping your tone calm and your ending clear. You do not need to rush. A slow, clear indirect question is easier for a listener to understand than a fast, direct one.
Understanding the recorded examples
Each recorded line below is a complete, natural example. Read the English meaning first, then say the Korean line aloud. «역이 어디인지 아세요?» means 'Do you know where the station is?' This is a simple indirect question about a location. «화장실이 어디에 있는지 알려 주시겠어요?» means 'Could you tell me where the restroom is?' This one is a little more formal and very useful in public places. «시청에 어떻게 가는지 아세요?» means 'Do you know how to get to City Hall?' Here the question is about the route, not just the place. «이 근처에 편의점이 있는지 모르겠어요.» means 'I wonder if there is a convenience store near here.' This pattern is softer and more tentative. Notice that all four lines avoid a direct command. They invite the listener to share information rather than demanding it.
Following a short direction exchange
The next recordings form a short conversation. Speaker A asks for help, and Speaker B gives directions. «실례합니다, 역이 어디인지 아세요?» means 'Excuse me, do you know where the station is?' This is a polite opening with an attention-getter. «네, 이 길로 쭉 가면 오른쪽에 있어요.» means 'Yes, if you go straight down this street, it's on the right.' Here 'on the right' describes a location, not an instruction to turn right. «감사합니다. 그런데 지하철역도 가까운지 아세요?» means 'Thank you. By the way, do you know if the subway station is also close?' Speaker A asks a follow-up question. «네, 지하철역은 저기 빌딩 뒤에 있어요.» means 'Yes, the subway station is behind that building over there.' Speaker B gives a second location. When you practice this exchange, decide which role you are playing. You can say both roles aloud, but there is no automatic scoring, so use the self-checks to judge your own accuracy.
Listen once, then say the phrase yourself. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Checking available voices…
역이 어디인지 아세요?
Do you know where the station is?
yeogi eodiinji aseyo?
화장실이 어디에 있는지 알려 주시겠어요?
Could you tell me where the restroom is?
hwajangsiri eodie inneunji allyeo jusigesseoyo?
시청에 어떻게 가는지 아세요?
Do you know how to get to City Hall?
sicheonge eotteoke ganeunji aseyo?
이 근처에 편의점이 있는지 모르겠어요.
I wonder if there is a convenience store near here.
i geuncheoe pyeonuijeomi inneunji moreugesseoyo.
Read one side aloud, then answer in your own words. The goal is to make the exchange yours.
실례합니다, 역이 어디인지 아세요?
Excuse me, do you know where the station is?네, 이 길로 쭉 가면 오른쪽에 있어요.
Yes, if you go straight down this street, it's on the right.감사합니다. 그런데 지하철역도 가까운지 아세요?
Thank you. By the way, do you know if the subway station is also close?네, 지하철역은 저기 빌딩 뒤에 있어요.
Yes, the subway station is behind that building over there.Your turn
Try each prompt out loud. Choose a guided start, the full sequence, or a challenge pass after your first attempt.
Guided exchange: ask and answer
You will play both Speaker A and Speaker B in a short direction exchange. Use the recorded lines as your model. Imagine you are standing on a street and need to find the station.
Your task: First, say the line for Speaker A: «실례합니다, 역이 어디인지 아세요?». Then answer as Speaker B with «네, 이 길로 쭉 가면 오른쪽에 있어요.». After that, ask the follow-up as Speaker A with «감사합니다. 그런데 지하철역도 가까운지 아세요?», and answer as Speaker B with «네, 지하철역은 저기 빌딩 뒤에 있어요.». Say each line slowly and clearly. Repeat the whole exchange two times.
Reply comprehension: choose the right response
In this task, you will hear or read a question and choose the reply that fits. The replies come from the recorded exchange. Imagine a visitor is asking you for help.
Your task: Question one is «실례합니다, 역이 어디인지 아세요?». Which reply fits: «네, 이 길로 쭉 가면 오른쪽에 있어요.» or «네, 지하철역은 저기 빌딩 뒤에 있어요.»? Question two is «감사합니다. 그런데 지하철역도 가까운지 아세요?». Which reply fits: «네, 이 길로 쭉 가면 오른쪽에 있어요.» or «네, 지하철역은 저기 빌딩 뒤에 있어요.»? Say your chosen reply aloud, then say the other reply aloud and notice why it does not fit the question.
Recall with correct roles
This task checks whether you remember who says what. The exchange has two roles: a person asking for directions and a person giving directions. You will say each line with the correct role.
Your task: Say the opening question as the asking role: «실례합니다, 역이 어디인지 아세요?». Then say the first direction as the giving role: «네, 이 길로 쭉 가면 오른쪽에 있어요.». Next, say the follow-up question as the asking role: «감사합니다. 그런데 지하철역도 가까운지 아세요?». Finally, say the second direction as the giving role: «네, 지하철역은 저기 빌딩 뒤에 있어요.». Do not mix up the roles.
Common questions
Do I need to memorize every recorded line before I practice?
No. Start by reading the English meaning and then saying the Korean line aloud while looking at it. After a few repetitions, cover the line and try from memory. The goal is comfortable use, not perfect memorization on the first try.
How can I check my speaking if there is no automatic scoring?
Use the success criteria after each task. Say your line aloud, then compare it with the recorded line by listening again. Check the ending, the location words, and your tone. You can also record yourself and listen for clear, calm speech.
Sources and further reading
- korean: indirect questions asking directionsChecked September 2026
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