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A2 KoreanBilingual Reader

북한산의 마른 길

On Saturday morning, Mira and Sunwoo tightened their hiking boots at the entrance to Bukhansan. Overnight rain had left the stone steps and pine needles dark and wet.

Mira and Sunwoo consult a ranger where a muddy trail and a dry Bukhansan path divide.

What you'll learn

  • Bilingual graded story
  • English translation
  • 7 useful words
  • 2 comprehension questions

Warm-up vocabulary

Preview 3 optional words before reading
가는 게 어때요?
how about going?
“지하철로 가는 게 어때요?”
조금 멀어도
even if it is a little far
“조금 멀어도 걸어가요.”
서두르지 않고
without rushing
“서두르지 않고 천천히 하세요.”

Your Korean story

Tap highlighted words when you need help

Story + translation + quiz

토요일 아침, 미라와 선우는 북한산 입구에서 단단히 묶었어요. 밤새 비가 내려서 돌계단과 솔잎이 검게 젖어 있었어요. 안내소 직원은 “위쪽 길이 오른쪽 길로 가세요”라고 말했어요. 선우는 평소에 가던 길을 보며 “조금만 조심하면 괜찮지 않을까?”라고 물었어요. 미라는 젖은 바위를 가리키며 “조금 멀어도 가는 게 어때?”라고 했어요. 두 사람은 오른쪽 길을 골라서 서두르지 않고 천천히 올라갔어요. 낮은 도착하자 구름 사이로 서울의 지붕들이 보였어요. 선우는 보리차를 따르며 “천천히 오니까 이런 곳도 보네”라고 웃었어요.

Show full English translation

On Saturday morning, Mira and Sunwoo tightened their hiking boots at the entrance to Bukhansan.

Overnight rain had left the stone steps and pine needles dark and wet.

A ranger said, “The upper trail is slippery, so take the path on the right.”

Looking toward their usual trail, Sunwoo asked, “Wouldn’t it be fine if we were just careful?”

Pointing at the wet rocks, Mira said, “How about taking the safer path, even if it’s a little longer?”

They chose the right-hand trail and climbed without rushing.

At a low lookout, Seoul’s rooftops appeared between the clouds.

Pouring barley tea, Sunwoo laughed. “Coming slowly means we get to see a place like this.”

Reading Comprehension Exercise

A2 Korean Reading Comprehension Exercises

1. Why does the ranger recommend the right-hand trail?

2. What unexpected benefit comes from choosing the longer route?

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