On the search for the right words to use when describing 재해 (pronounced as jaehae) or disasters in Korean? There is no denying that natural disasters can rain down on our parade, which is why learning some of the best words to use can seriously help you out when the unexpected happens. If you are ready to expand your skills and prepare for the worst, this post is tailored for you! Read on below to learn the basics!
Whether you are planning for a vacation in Korea or interested in migrating to the country for good, learning about the words and expressions related to natural disasters can help you out. One reason behind this is because Asian countries are very prone to calamities to the point that casualties are almost always expected. It’s not really a matter of whether the country is developed or not, like all the crazy typhoons, drought, and earthquakes due to the countries’ geographical location.
In the case of Korea, there are also tons of hazards you can see from other Asian countries, including flooding, heavy rains, earthquake, and tsunamis. Therefore, it is common for the locals and almost every private hones to prepare a go-bag complete with all the necessary medical kits, medicines, and copies of their personal information. At an early age, even schools have to set aside time to teach kids how to prepare and navigate life in case of emergencies like this one.
But just because the Korean peninsula somehow attracts natural disasters, that does not mean that it is not safe to visit here. Why? Well, the country actually has strict safety management protocols, installed numerous early warning systems, and has even mobilized the National Emergency Management Agency. Moreover, according to the Comprehensive Earthquake Prevention Plan of the Seoul Metropolitan Government, even public places are regularly examined to check if the buildings can withstand the calamities.
If you are planning to visit the country, please do remember that the country has four major seasons, including summer, winter, autumn, and spring. While we do have a good grasp of what to expect in those seasons, take note that the country can experience up to 29 tropical storms (normally between June and September), so it would be wise to always check the weather bulletin before booking your flight. In the end, you are the one who should be responsible in terms of preparedness against the risks of nature.
Vocabulary For Natural Disasters In Korean
Did you know that there was once an instance wherein actually a time wherein it flooded the whole downtown area in Korea? While we all want our plans to go exactly how we planned them to be, life has a way of taking us by surprise. If you want to come to the country prepared for when a hazardous event happens, do remember the words and translations on the table below.
English | Korean | Romaji |
Drought | 가뭄 | Gamum |
Earthquake | 지진 | Jijin |
Fire | 불 | Bul |
Flood | 홍수 | Hongsu |
Hurricane | 허리케인 | Heorikein |
Landslide | 산사태 | Sansatae |
Landslide | 산사태 | Sansatae |
Lava flow | 흐르는 용암 | Heuleuneun yong-am |
Sinkhole | 싱크홀 | Singkeuhol |
Thunderstorm | 뇌우 | Noeu |
Tornado | 토네이도 | Toneido |
Tsunami | 쓰나미 | Sseunami |
Typhoon | 태풍 | Taepung |
Volcanic eruption | 화산 폭발 | Hwasan pogbal |
Korean Phrases And Words For Emergencies
Now that we have learned the common Korean words related to natural disasters, it is now time that we look at emergency phrases that you can use when you find yourself experiencing these when in the country. While many can also speak English, using the Korean language will pave the way for you to instantly be understood and get the precise help you need right away. Below are some phrases you should learn today.
English | Korean | Romaji |
This is an emergency | 이것은 응급상황이에요 | Igeos eun eung geubsanghwang ieyo |
Get out of here | 여기서 나가세요 | Yeogiseo nagaseyo |
Help! | 도와 주세요! | Dowa juseyo |
I need the police | 경찰을 불러주세요 | Gyeongchareul bulleojuseyo |
Please call an ambulance | 앰뷸런스를 불러 주세요 | Aembyulleonseuleul bulleo juseyo. |
There’s an accident | 사고가 있었습니다 | Sagoga isseossseupnida |
Danger | 위험 | Wiheom |
Crisis | 난국 | Nangug |
Panic | 공포 | Gongpo |
Ready To Learn More Korean Words?
When was the last time you experienced a 태풍 or heavy rain? Was it this October, or is it in December? No matter where you are in the world, it will always help if you come prepared for catastrophic events like this.
As we reach this part of the post, we hope that you were able to learn the correct word to use when describing a particular disaster in the Korean language. If you enjoyed this post and would love to learn more about the Korean language, be sure to check out our previous language learning posts, including airport vocabulary words, shapes, and how to say congratulations. But if you figured that you would like to learn Korean better, there is nothing more that we can recommend than learning easily through Simya Solutions‘ premium language learning app!
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