Temple History

Cheongamsa Temple is located in southern Gimcheon, Gyeongsangbuk-do to the north of Mt. Sudosan (1,317.3 m). The story of Cheongamsa Temple is one of being built, destroyed, and being rebuilt, once more. In total, Cheongamsa Temple was rebuilt a total of five times. The temple was first established in 859 A.D. by the famed monk Doseon-guksa (826-898 A.D.). Little is known about Cheongamsa Temple during the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392) and the early part of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). In 1647, the temple was completely destroyed by fire. The temple was later reconstructed by the monks Heojeong-hwasang and Hwanu-daesa. After Cheongamsa Temple was reconstructed, it was nothing more than a small hermitage that fell under the direct administration of Ssanggyesa Temple.

Unfortunately, the temple would be destroyed, once more, by fire in April, 1782. Cheongamsa Temple would be reconstructed some twenty years later by the monk Hwanu. The temple would close in 1897, but it would be rebuilt over several years by the monk Daeun. Eventually, the temple would be re-opened in 1904. The reconstruction cost of the temple was contributed by Song Seol-dang (1855-1939), who was also the founder of the Gimcheon Middle and High School. The temple would be destroyed by fire in 1911, and it was restored the next year, once more, by the monk Daeun.

In the early 1900s, the Geukrak-jeon Hall was built. Then in the spring of 1912, the Bogwang-jeon Hall was completed. It was also at this time that the multi-armed and headed statue of Gwanseeum-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Compassion) was housed inside the shrine hall. And from 1987 to 2005, Cheongamsa Temple continued to be reconstructed and rebuilt to appear as it does now.

In 1987, Cheongamsa Temple established the Sungga-daehakgyo (Buddhist Women’s College for the training of female monks). The college program is a four year program. There are two hermitages directly associated with Cheongamsa Temple. They are the famed Sudoam Hermitage, which was also founded by Doseon-guksa, and Baekryeonam Hermitage, which was founded in 1900.

Temple Layout

As you first near the temple grounds, you’ll be welcomed by the Iljumun Gate. This stately entry gate has a signboard on it that reads “Cheongamsa Temple Bulyeongsan” on it. Obviously, the sign indicates the name of the temple, while also referencing the other name to the mountain where the temple is located. Mt. Bulyeongsan means “Buddha Spirit Mountain” in English.

A little further up the trail, and you’ll come to a clearing that houses both the Cheonwangmun Gate and a collection of biseok (stele). The first of the two biseok are housed inside protective pavilions. The stele on the right is dedicated to Huidang, while the biseok to the left is dedicated to Daeun. And to the left of these pavilions are a row of five unsheltered biseok. As for the Cheonwangmun Gate, you’ll find four beautiful paintings dedicated to the Four Heavenly Kings inside it.

A little further up the trail, but before making your way across the wooden bridge, you’ll find a large collection of ancient graffiti carved across the face of the numerous boulders. The combination of ancient graffiti, the meandering stream, and the wooden bridge make for a beautiful view. It’s also in this area that you’ll find a small spring named Ubicheon. Supposedly, and according to the geomantic principles for which Doseon-guksa, the founder of Cheongamsa Temple, was renowned, the temple site is extremely auspicious and thought to appear like a cow lying down. This spring is thought to represent the cow’s nose. The nose of a healthy cow is constantly wet; and likewise, the temple and the nation would always prosper as long as the Ubicheon flowed steadily. Conversely, in times of national crisis, the spring is said to dry up.

Continuing up the pathway, you’ll come to a compound divided by the stream. Rather uniquely, Cheongamsa Temple is divided into two major courtyards. The first of these courtyards is situated to the north of the stream. Before crossing the Geukrak-gyo Bridge, you’ll find the beautiful Jong-ru Pavilion. Housed inside this pavilion are the four traditional percussion instruments. The first of these four percussion instruments is the blue Mokeo (Wooden Fish Drum), which has its mouth wide open. In front of this is a modern-looking Unpan (Cloud Plate Drum). The surface of this plate drum is adorned with a vibrant metal relief of the sun and the moon. And next to this is the large temple bronze bell that’s crowned by a statue of Poroe (The Dragon that Adorns the Top of the Temple Bell). And finally, you’ll see the Beopgo (Dharma Drum). This large drums rests atop a realistic wooden statue of a green turtle. All four percussion instruments are masterful.

Finally crossing the bridge, you’ll find the large Manse-ru Pavilion. To the left and right of this large entry gate, which also acts as a place for large dharma talks, are a collection of buildings. These buildings are the Yosachae (monks’ dorms), administrative offices, and the kitchen facilities. And to the far left, you’ll find the Nambyeol-dang Hall, which is where Queen Inhyeon (1667-1701) lived after being stripped of her royal title in 1689. The building features a traditional style similar to palace architecture in deference to the queen’s fate. Queen Inhyeon would eventually be re-instated as the queen in 1694. Now the building that once housed Queen Inhyeon during her exile is used as the temple’s college.

But it’s directly behind the Manse-ru Pavilion that you’ll find the beautiful Daeung-jeon Hall. Out in front of the Daeung-jeon Hall is the “Multi-Storied Stone Pagoda of Cheongamsa Temple,” which is also a Gyeongsangbuk-do Cultural Property Material. This slender pagoda stands 4.21 metres in height and was moved from the neighbouring city of Seongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do to its present location in 1917. The architectural style of the pagoda appears to date back to the late Joseon Dynasty. Originally, the pagoda had five stories; but now, only four of the original five stories still remain. The pagoda seems somewhat unbalanced because of its wide base and narrow body stones. Adorning the base of the pagoda on all four sides is a lotus relief design. And the first body stone of the pagoda is adorned with a relief of the Buddha on all four of its sides, as well.

As for the Daeung-jeon Hall, the exterior walls are adorned with various Buddhist-related murals. These masterful murals include images of Munsu-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Wisdom) riding a blue haetae, Bohyeon-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Power) riding a white elephant, various guardians striking menacing poses, as well as a collection of various Bodhisattvas near the side entries to the main hall.

Stepping inside the Daeung-jeon Hall, you’ll find a solitary statue of Seokgamoni-bul (The Historical Buddha) resting under an atypical box-like canopy painted in red, blue, and white colours. There are two long, wooden dragons book-ending the main altar that the statue of Seokgamoni-bul rests upon. Looking up at the ceiling of the Daeung-jeon Hall, the red, blue, and white colour motif continues. There are two large, wooden dragons that protectively look down on the main hall from the wooden beams. Adorning every surface of the main hall are images of Bicheon (Flying Heavenly Deities), Nahan (The Historical Disciples of the Buddha), a white rabbit, a white deer, a phoenix, and lotus flower designs. Directly to the right of the main altar is an older Shinjung Taenghwa (Guardian Mural). This painting is joined in this area by a fantastic incarnation of Sanshin (The Mountain Spirit), who is accompanied by a golden-eyed tiger. And to the left of the main altar, you’ll find an equally older image dedicated to Chilseong (The Seven Stars), as well as an impressive image dedicated to Dokseong (The Lonely Saint). In this painting, the mountain stream swirls at his feet, while he contemplatively rests his arm and hand on rock outcroppings.

Recrossing the Geukrak-gyo Bridge, and making your way up an uneven set of stone stairs, you’ll make your way towards the southern courtyard at Cheongamsa Temple that houses both the Geukrak-jeon Hall and the Bogwang-jeon Hall. There is a sign in this area, and it can seem a bit confusing, but follow the arrows on the sign to help direct you. The first of the two shrine halls that you’ll come across is the Geukrak-jeon Hall. Unfortunately, this shrine hall is off-limits to the general public.

Just to the south of the Geukrak-jeon Hall, and book-ended by the outer wall of the Geukrak-jeon Hall to the north and another building to the south, you’ll find the Bogwang-jeon Hall. The Bogwang-jeon Hall was originally built at the time that Queen Inhyeon came to live at Cheongamsa Temple in 1689. Through the years, the shrine hall eventually fell into disrepair. It would be rebuilt in 1905 by the monks Daeun and Eungun. Out in front of the Bogwang-jeon Hall is a beautiful, new incense burner. The entire surface of the incense burner is adorned with reliefs of lotus flowers. As for the Bogwang-jeon Hall, and the front entry doors, you’ll find paintings of tri-coloured taegeuk images, as well as a pair of Gwimyeon (Monster Masks) and a central lotus flower painting. The exterior walls are adorned with various paintings that include one of a blue dragon, a traditional-looking tiger, as well as various images of the Sinseon (Taoist Immortals).

Stepping inside the Bogwang-jeon Hall, you’ll be greeted by the early 20th century statue of Gwanseeum-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Compassion). The somewhat chubby image of Gwanseeum-bosal is both multi-armed and headed. Like the Daeung-jeon Hall, the interior is adorned with the colours of red, blue, and white. Looking up at the ceiling of the shrine hall, you’ll find images of the Sinseon (Taoist Immortals), Bicheon (Flying Heavenly Deities), as well as images of the sun and the moon, which are in deference to the royal family. To the right of the main altar, you’ll find an older Shinjung Taenghwa (Guardian Mural), as well as a wonderful image dedicated to Sanshin (The Mountain Spirit), who looks to be both contemplative and forlorn. And joining Sanshin is a tiger that has demonic eyes. To the left of the main altar are a pair of paintings. The first is an image dedicated to Dokseong (The Lonely Saint). In this painting, Dokseong looks just as forlorn as Sanshin but a little more hopeful. If you look closely at the dongja (attendants), you’ll notice a beautiful collection of tea cups and a tea pot. And hanging on the far left wall is a painting dedicated to Chilseong (The Seven Stars).

How To Get There

From the Gimcheon Intercity Bus Terminal, you can take Bus #86-3 to get to Cheongamsa Temple. In total, you will need to take this bus for 53 stops, which will take 68 minutes, and get off at the “Cheongamsa Stop – 청암사 하차.” From where the bus drops you off, you’ll simply need to walk an additional 200 metres, or 5 minutes, to get to Cheongamsa Temple.

Overall Rating: 8/10

Cheongamsa Temple has this wonderful, remote feel to it. Perhaps it’s the long valley that leads up to it, and perhaps its the geomantic principles of Doseon-guksa at play, but Cheongamsa Temple has this amazing feel to it. Its link to royal history, as well as its natural beauty, add to the temple’s overall appeal. Also of interest is the artwork in and around the Daeung-jeon Hall like the interior paintings, as well as the shaman paintings dedicated to Sanshin and Dokseong inside the main hall. The four traditional percussion instruments inside the Jong-ru Pavilion are masterful, as are the fading murals that adorn the exterior walls of the Bogwang-jeon Hall in the southern courtyard. Also of interest are the shaman murals housed inside this hall, as well. Overall, Cheongamsa Temple presents a beautiful combination of natural and artistic beauty. While rather remote, and somewhat unknown, Cheongamsa Temple is a wonderful example of a temple at its solemn best.

Hermitage History

Anyangam Hermitage is located on the Tongdosa Temple grounds in Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do. The name of the hermitage means “Peace Bright Hermitage” in English. It’s unknown as to when the hermitage was first built, but it was repaired in 1295 by the monk Chanin. Anyangam Hermitage was later repaired in 1865, as well. The view that Anyangam Hermitage enjoys of Mt. Yeongchuksan (1,081 m) to the north and Tongdosa Temple to the east is designated as one of the eight most scenic sights on the Tongdosa Temple grounds.

Anyangam Hermitage is home to two Gyeongsangnam-do Tangible Cultural Properties. The first is the Shinjung Taenghwa (Guardian Mural) that dates back to 1861, while the other is the Bukgeuk-jeon Hall that dates back to the late Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910).

Hermitage Layout

You first approach Anyangam Hermitage from the temple parking lot along a beautiful, scenic trail that looks out towards Mt. Yeongchuksan. The views from here are absolutely stunning. Before making your way down the stairs that lead towards the Geukrak-jeon Hall, have a look to your right. To your right you’ll find the Sanshin/Dokseong-gak Hall. The exterior walls to this shaman shrine hall are adorned in traditional dancheong colours. There are two signboards above the two front entrances. The right signboard is for Dokseong (The Lonely Saint), while the left signboard is for Sanshin (The Mountain Spirit). Stepping inside the shaman shrine hall, you’ll find two paintings on the main altar. Both are modern depictions of the two shaman deities. While the mural dedicated to Sanshin has a prowling tiger next to the Mountain Spirit, a pair of magpies are perched on a red pine tree next to the head of Dokseong.

Making your way down the stairs, you’ll notice a pair of shrine halls in this area. The smaller one to your left is the Bukgeuk-jeon Hall, while the larger one straight ahead of you is the Geukrak-jeon Hall. Originally, the hermitage was nothing more than the Bukgeuk-jeon Hall, which means “North Pole Hall” in English. Another more common name for the Bukgeuk-jeon Hall at other temples and hermitages is the Chilseong-gak Hall, which is dedicated to the worship of Chilseong (The Seven Stars). Traditionally, the belief in Chilseong, which was adopted by Korean Buddhism, was first found in Chinese Taoism. The belief in Korea in Chilseong is related to longevity and extending one’s life. As for the Bukgeuk-jeon Hall at Anyangam Hermitage, it is quite small is size. The exterior walls to the Bukgeuk-jeon Hall are adorned with traditional dancheong colours. And hanging above the entry to the shaman shrine hall is a fierce, blue wood relief of a Gwimyeon (Monster Mask). Stepping inside the Bukgeuk-jeon Hall, you’ll realize that the entire interior is filled with beautiful murals. The main altar is occupied by seven representations of Chilseong. Above the central image that depicts Jeseok (Indra), you’ll find a compact canopy. And above this is beautiful pair of swirling dragons. The ceiling is adorned with images of Bicheon (Flying Heavenly Deities), as well as intricate lotus flower paintings. Also adorning some of the surfaces inside the Bukgeuk-jeon Hall are strangely painted Gwimyeon and newer paintings dedicated to the Bodhidharma and various Bodhisattvas. At the ends of the central beams inside the shrine hall are a pair of older looking wood sculptures of dragons. The interior of this shaman shrine hall is one of the most unique that I’ve seen inside a shaman shrine hall.

Just beyond the Bukgeuk-jeon Hall is the large, new Geukrak-jeon Hall. The exterior walls to the main hall are adorned with a beautiful collection of Buddhist murals that include a set of Palsang-do (The Eight Scenes from the Buddha’s Life Murals), the Shimu-do (The Ox-Herding Murals), Bicheon, Wonhyo-daesa (617-686 A.D.) and Uisang-daesa (625-702 A.D.), as well as the Bodhidharma.

Stepping inside the spacious Geukrak-jeon Hall, you’ll find a large, solitary statue of Amita-bul (The Buddha of the Western Paradise) on the main altar. To the left of the main altar is a painting and statue dedicated to Jijang-bosal (The Bodhisattva of the Afterlife). And hanging on the far right wall is a modern Shinjung Taenghwa (Guardian Mural). Hanging above this large, modern painting is the older Shinjung Taenghwa from 1861 that’s a Gyeongsangnam-do Tangible Cultural Property. Rounding out the interior of the Geukrak-jeon Hall are two sets of paintings. The lower set of paintings are beautiful floral murals, while the upper set of paintings are dedicated to the Sinseon (Taoist Immortals).

To the south of the Geukrak-jeon Hall is the Yosachae (monks’ dorms), as well as the administrative office. It’s also in this area that you’ll find a trail that leads down to Tongdosa Temple.

How To Get There

From Busan, you’ll first need to get to the Nopo subway stop, which is stop #134. From there, go to the intercity bus terminal. From the intercity bus terminal get a bus bound for Tongdosa Temple. The ride should last about 25 minutes. The buses leave every 20 minutes from 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. From where the bus drops you off at the Tongdosa Temple bus stop, you’ll need to walk an additional 10 minutes to the temple grounds west of the bus stop.

From Tongdosa Temple park lot, you’ll need to continue walking up the road to your left. Follow this road for about a kilometre. Instead of heading straight towards Seounam Hermitage, you’ll need to hang a right. Heading uphill, you’ll first pass by Sudoam Hermitage along this road. Continue up this road until you get to the turn-off for Anyangam Hermitage. The road leading into Anyangam Hermitage winds and turns, but eventually you’ll arrive at the hermitage.

Overall Rating: 5/10

There are a few highlights to this Tongdosa Temple hermitage. The first of which are the views from Anyangam Hermitage out towards Mt. Yeongchuksan. As for shrine halls at Anyangam Hermitage, the Bukgeuk-jeon Hall is a must-see, especially the interior of the shaman shrine hall with various 19th century murals. Another beautiful highlight at Anyangam Hermitage are the murals that surround the interior of the Geukrak-jeon Hall, as well as the 19th century Shinjung Taenghwa housed inside the main hall. Anyangam Hermitage is one of the top five hermitages at Tongdosa Temple.

Hermitage History

Botaam Hermitage is located on the Tongdosa Temple grounds in Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do. There is one story about the founding of the hermitage that states that it was created by the monk Yeongchun in 1927. And later, the nuns Jaedeok and Hojeon moved to Botaam Hermitage from a cave in Wondong. Another story states that it was simply created by the nuns Jaedeok and Hojeon in 1927. And yet another story states that while Yeongchun was residing at Tongdosa Temple, he moved to the location of Botaam Hermitage under the recommendation of the monk Gyeongbong. It was after this that Yeongchun called the newly built hermitage Botaam Hermitage. As a result, there’s a distinct possibility that Yeongchun called the hermitage Botaam Hermitage after the nuns Jaedeok and Hojeon had already built the hermitage.

Whatever might be true, the hermitage was later expanded in 1935 by the nuns Hojeon and Jeongun. And since then, Botaam Hermitage has continued to be expanded and reconstructed to its present size and layout.

Hermitage Layout

Of all the hermitages at Tongdosa Temple, Botaam Hermitage is geographically the closest. Botaam Hermitage is just 300 metres south of the main temple. As you approach the hermitage grounds, you’ll notice that the hermitage is divided into two areas. The area to the left is the off-limits area reserved for nuns at Botaam Hermitage. A little further to the right, and you’ll find a beautiful entry gate that frames the main hall. The courtyard out in front of the Daeung-jeon Hall is filled with beautiful flowers like tulips and magnolia trees during the springtime.

Just before mounting the stairs that lead up to the Daeung-jeon Hall, you’ll find a raised relief stone in a lotus flower design. Climbing the stairs, you’ll find a vibrantly painted main hall. The exterior walls are adorned with two sets of murals. The upper set consists of the Shimu-do (The Ox-Herding Murals), while the lower set consists of Buddhist-motif murals dedicated to Gwanseeum-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Compassion). Stepping inside the Daeung-jeon Hall, you’ll find the main altar occupied by a triad of statues. In the centre rests Seokgamoni-bul (The Historical Buddha), who is joined on either side by Jijang-bosal (The Bodhisattva of the Afterlife) and Gwanseeum-bosal. Rather uniquely, the canopy overtop of the main altar looks like one large floral bouquet with its intricate floral designs. And hanging on the far left wall is a modern Shinjung Taenghwa (Guardian Mural).

To the right of the Daeung-jeon Hall is the Yaksa-jeon Hall. The exterior walls to this shrine hall are adorned with murals dedicated to Yaksayeorae-bul (The Buddha of Medicine, and the Buddha of the Eastern Paradise) alleviating the pain and suffering of those in need. There are also murals of Bicheon (Flying Heavenly Deities), as well as a beautiful triad painting of Yaksayeorae-bul being joined by Wolgwang-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Moonlight) and Ilgwang-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Sunlight). Stepping inside the Yaksa-jeon Hall, you’ll notice a solitary image on the main altar. This is Yaksayeorae-bul. Joining Yaksayeorae-bul inside the Yaksa-jeon Hall are a pair of shaman paintings. The painting to the left is dedicated to Sanshin (The Mountain Spirit), while the painting to the right is dedicated to Dokseong (The Lonely Saint). Both are modern in composition.

To the right of the Yaksa-jeon Hall is a newly built Yosachae (dorms). And if you look back from where you first entered the hermitage grounds, you’ll notice the beautiful peaks of Mt. Yeongchuksan (1,082 m) off in the distance.

How To Get There

From Busan, you’ll first need to get to the Nopo subway stop, which is stop #134. From there, go to the intercity bus terminal. From the intercity bus terminal get a bus bound for Tongdosa Temple. The ride should last about 25 minutes. The buses leave every 20 minutes from 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. From where the bus drops you off at the Tongdosa Temple bus stop, you’ll need to walk an additional 10 minutes to the temple grounds west of the bus stop.

From Tongdosa Temple, you’ll need to continue up the main road for another 200 metres. Botaam Hermitage is just to the south and is well-marked by a large stone with the name of the hermitage on it.

Overall Rating: 4/10

The highlight of Botaam Hermitage, at least in my mind, is the beautifully manicured courtyard and the flowers that were in full bloom. Added to this are the beautiful murals that adorn the exterior walls of both the Daeung-jeon Hall and the Yaksa-jeon Hall. Another added bonus is its close proximity to Tongdosa Temple. So when you’re finished with the main temple, perhaps a nice little stroll down to Botaam Hermitage is what you’ll want and need next.

Early in your Korean studies, you will learn that there are different Korean speech levels.

But what do the different Korean speech levels look like? Why and how are they used?

In this article, we will cover that and even more!

What are different Korean Speech Levels?

You may be surprised to learn that the Korean language actually has 7 different speech levels. These levels are called as follows:

1. 하소서체 (hasoseoche)
2. 하십시오체 (hasipsioche)
3. 하오체 (haoche)
4. 하게체 (hageche)
5. 해라체 (haerache)
6. 해요체 (haeyoche)
7. 해체 (haeche)

These speech levels can be further divided into formal and informal categories of speech. Of them, 해요체 (haeyoche) and 해체 (haeche) are informal levels of speech, while all of the other ones land under the umbrella of formal speech level.

How to say “formal speech” in Korean

The word for “formal speech level” is 격식체 (gyeoksikche).

How to say “informal speech” in Korean

On the other hand, the word for “informal speech level” is 비격식체 (bigyeoksikche).

In the sections below, we will cover each speech level in more detail.

The 7 Korean Speech Levels

Here, we will quickly overview the 7 Korean speech levels.

하소서체 (hasoseoche)

This is the most formal Korean speech level. This was commonly used in the past when addressing members of the royal family, the king, and the queen, or other high officials. Today, it mostly only appears in historical dramas and the Bible. The declarative form is stems + –나이다, and the interrogative form is stem + –나이까.

하십시오체 (hasipsioche)

This is an incredibly respectful and polite speech that is still in use today. You may hear it commonly used in broadcasts and public speeches, as well as in the service industry and other business situations. It is also the level of speech used when speaking to elders, those of higher rank, and strangers.

하오체 (haoche)

Also considered the formal level of speech, this is used specifically when addressing those of similar or lower social status. You’ll be more likely to hear it in a historical drama rather than in real life. Its declarative form is stem + –소/-오, and its interrogative form is stem + –오?.

하게체 (hageche)

This formal type of speech is also used with those of similar or lower rank. It is considered somewhat outdated, so typically, you would only see older people using it. Its declarative form is stem + –네, and its interrogative form is stem + –ㄴ/는가?. These structures are still sometimes taught in Korean classes.

해라체 (haerache)

This is considered the plain style or formally impolite. This is common in writings such as newspapers, magazines or grammar books. In spoken Korean, this is used between close friends or family of similar age. It is also commonly used in exclamations.

해요체 (haeyoche)

Although this is an informal level of speech, it is still deemed quite polite. It is the speech style Koreans use in everyday life and situations.

해체 (haeche)

This is a casual form of informal speech. Its use is restricted to siblings, close friends, relatives, and people younger than the speaker.

Commonly-used Korean Speech Levels

As you may have noticed, not all of these speech levels are still in active use, at least not regularly. So, let’s go over in a little more detail the four ones that are, so you can gain a better understanding of them.

Formal Speech Level

하십시오체 (hasipsioche) is the most respectful level of speech still used today. You’ll notice that its structure is really familiar, as it is often the first piece of grammar taught in Korean classes. However, it is only used in public speeches and business conversations, as well as by service industry workers. Its declarative form is stem + –ㅂ니다, and its interrogative form is stem + –ㅂ니까?

For example, it may be used in a sentence such as :

오늘 저희 행사에 와주셔서 감사합니다. 즐거운 시간 되십시오. (oneul jeohi haengsae wajusyeoseo gamsahamnida. jeulgeoun sigan doesipsio.)

Thank you for coming to our event today. Have a great time.

Most Commonly-used Speech Level

해라체 (haerache) is one that you definitely must become familiar with, as it is the most common speech level used. It is the plain form of formal speech used with those who are of the same status or lower rank. It doesn’t include any added respect, so it shouldn’t be used with those who rank above you or are much older than you.

This is the form of speech you will most often see in use in textbooks, newspapers, and even dictionaries, as well as indirect quotations. With this form of speech, you can casually express your present state in spoken language.

The declarative form is stem + ㄴ다/-는다, and the interrogative form is + –냐?

For example, it may be used in the following manner:

형태소는 의미를 가진 언어의 가장 작은 단위이다. (hyeongtaesoneun uimireul gajin eoneoui gajang jageun danwiida.)

Morphem is the smallest unit of language with meaning.

난 도착했다. 너는 어디냐? (nan dochakaetda. neoneun eodinya?)

I’m here. Where are you?

Informal Speech Levels

해요체 (haeyoche): As haeyoche is described as an informal level of speech, you may be surprised to learn this is the structure you are most likely to use while conversing in the Korean language.

It is regarded as quite polite, so it can be used with strangers, colleagues, and even those of higher rank or older age than you. Provided, of course, the situation doesn’t specifically require honorifics to be used. Thus, if you are not entirely sure which level of speech to use, this is the one you should choose.

Both the declarative form and the interrogative form end with stem + –요. Meanwhile, its imperative form ends with stem + –세요.

To refresh your memory, here is an example of a sentence using this speech level:

이 비빔밥은 맛있어요. (i bibimbabeun masisseoyo.)

This bibimbap is delicious.

해체 (haeche): Finally, we have the other casual speech level, haeche. This is a level of speech that can be used between friends as well as with those younger than you. This is also the same type of speech that you may have heard being referred to as 반말 (banmal). If you have studied Korean for some time already, this pattern of speech may already be familiar to you.

Its declarative form is stem + –아/어/지, and its interrogative form is stem + –냐/니?

For example, it can be used in a sentence like this:

나는 지금 책을 읽고 있어. 스티븐 킹의 책을 아니? (naneun jigeum chaegeul ilkko isseo. seutibeun kingui chaegeul ani?)

I’m reading a book now. Do you know Stephen King’s books?

Speech levels vs politeness level

Here is a good point to note that a speech level does not automatically determine the level of politeness of what you are about to say or write. As we have noted above, 하십시오체 (hasipsioche) is highly formal (and polite) to use, but it is not that common for regular spoken communication.

Thus, if you want to make sure you are being polite, use the polite form instead. This can be done by adding the -시 (-si) conjugation to your sentences. Most likely, you have already seen it in use by combining it with the verb 주다 (juda), which on its own means “to give.” In action, it shows the phrase 주세요 (juseyo), which translates as “please give.”

Additionally, there are some Korean verbs and nouns that have another, specifically honorific form for the situations that call for their use. Here is a list of honorifics that you should be aware of.

You can also add the -시 (-si) conjugation to a verb in the middle of a sentence. That is to say, you can use whichever level of speech, as long as you add 시 (si) to specifically show your politeness towards the person in question.

To a foreigner, this Korean system may sound odd at first. In many other languages, there may not be such a distinction between formality and politeness.

So, why is there one in the Korean language, and how will you be able to differentiate between the two? Well, here it is: formal/informal refers to the situation you are in, e.g., you are in a business meeting or enjoying dinner with your best friend. Meanwhile, how polite/impolite you need to be or can be is dependent on the person you are speaking to or about.

Explanation of how a sentence changes depending on the speech level used

One of the most obvious changes that appear depending on the speech level is how the speaker refers to themselves. For more formal situations, “me” is always 저 (jeo). However, if you want to speak casually, you can switch up to the more casual 나 (na).

Another easy example is the way you address others. When you use 하십시오체 (hasipsioche), you will address and refer to others by their title. This is also the level of language that Koreans refer to as 존댓말 (jondaenmal).

해요체 (haeyoche) is the other one that is considered as 존댓말 (jondaenmal), although you can drop most titles at this level. With 해라체 (haerache) and 해체 (haeche), you can get casual enough to use 너 (neo) when talking to someone. However, you will want to keep in mind that 너 (neo) is quite rarely used, as it can easily be deemed as a disrespectful way of addressing someone.

Here are some more concrete examples that illustrate these differences:

• When you meet your friends, you can casually greet them with 안녕 (annyeong). However, when meeting with your teacher, grandparents, boss, or a stranger, you should say 안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo).
• Sometimes, the word used may change entirely depending on the speech level used. For example, with your friend, you can ask 밥 먹었어? (bap meogeosseo?), which means “Did you eat?”. However, with your grandparents or boss, you will use 식사하다 (siksahada) and add -시 when conjugating like this, 식사하셨어요? (siksahasyeosseoyo?). It is the shortened version of 식사하시었어요 (siksahasieosseoyo?).
• Similarly, to a friend, you can simply say “잘 자 (jal ja)” when you want to wish them goodnight. But to your grandparents, you would instead say “안녕히 주무세요! (annyeonghi jumuseyo!)”. Which has its own verb, 주무시다 (jumusida), in use but also requires the greeting 안녕하다 (annyeonghada).

There are also some nouns that change depending on the formality of the situation. Our list of honorifics covers many of those, as well. Formal verbs to use are included in that list, too.

Why learning Korean Speech Levels is important

Shortly put, learning these speech levels is important because they are an important aspect of Korean society and language. Also, you need to know these if you ever plan to converse with a Korean person. You absolutely do not want to offend the person you are speaking to, and thus, you want to be aware of the correct level of formality and politeness.

However, you will also want to be able to get casual with your close friends. Thankfully, in this guide, you’ve learned a lot about which speech level to use in different scenarios.

Sample words and sentences that use each speech level

Finally, let’s go over some examples with each speech level to make it easier to understand and notice the differences.

1. “Have a meal.”

하십시오체 (hasipsioche): 식사하십시오 (siksahasipsio)

해라체 (haerache): 밥 먹어라 (bap meogeora)

해요체 (haeyoche): 식사해요 (siksahaeyo)

해체 (haeche): 밥 먹어 (bap meogeo)

2. “Glad to meet you.”

하십시오체 (hasipsioche): 만나서 반갑습니다 (mannaseo bangapseumnida)

해라체 (haerache): 만나서 반갑다 (mannaseo bangapda)

해요체 (haeyoche): 만나서 반가워요 (mannaseo bangawoyo)

해체 (haeche): 만나서 반가워 (mannaseo bangawo)

3. “How are you?”

하십시오체 (hasipsioche): 어떻게 지내십니까? (eotteoke jinaesimnikka?)

해라체 (haerache): 어떻게 지내냐? (eotteoke jinaenya?)

해요체 (haeyoche): 어떻게 지내요? (eotteoke jinaeyo?)

해체 (haeche): 어떻게 지내? (eotteoke jinae?)

4. “Thank you.”

하십시오체 (hasipsioche): 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida)

해라체 (haerache): 고맙다 (gomapda)

해요체 (haeyoche): 감사해요 (gamsahaeyo)

해체 (haeche): 고마워 (gomawo)

5. “Sorry.”

하십시오체 (hasipsioche): 죄송합니다 (joesonghamnida)

해라체 (haerache): 미안하다 (miannhnda)

해요체 (haeyoche): 죄송해요 (joesonghaeyo)

해체 (haeche): 미안해 (mianhae)

6. “I’ll call you.”

하십시오체 (hasipsioche): 제가 전화드리겠습니다 (jega jeonhwa deurigetseumnida)

해라체 (haerache): 내가 전화할 거다 (naega jeonhwahal geoda)

해요체 (haeyoche): 내가 전화할게요 (naega jeonhwahalgeyo)

해체 (haeche): 내가 전화할게 (naega jeonhwahalge)

Wrap Up

Wow, we learned so much about Korean speech levels today! Was this already a familiar topic to you or something entirely new? Do you think it will be easy to start using these different speech levels in your communication from now on? Let us know below in the comments! Now, how about Korean etiquette as your next lesson?

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