Be a Green Hero in Your Korean Town: Let’s Propose a Recycling Center!
Hello! This is [Maeil Han-geul], here to upgrade your Korean skills!
Have you ever wanted to make a positive change in your community? Today, we’re going to learn some powerful Korean expressions that will help you do just that! We’ll focus on the important topic of environmental protection and learn how to formally propose an idea, like establishing a new recycling center in your neighborhood.
These days in Korea, there’s a huge trend towards sustainability, zero-waste lifestyles, and what’s called ‘가치 소비’ (gachi sobi), or “value-based consumption.” Many people, especially the younger generation, are passionate about protecting the environment. Learning today’s phrases will not only improve your Korean but also help you join this important and timely conversation!
Let’s dive in and become a green hero!
Core Expressions You Need to Know
Here are four key expressions to help you make your case for a greener community.
1. ~을/를 건의하다 (eul/reul geon-ui-hada)
- Romanization: [geon-ui-hada]
- English Meaning: To formally suggest / To propose
- Detailed Explanation: This verb is a step up from the more casual
제안하다 (je-an-hada). 건의하다 is used when you are making a serious, formal proposal to an organization or authority, like a company or a local government office (구청). Using this word shows that you have thought carefully about your idea and are officially presenting it for consideration. It makes you sound professional and committed.
2. 분리수거 (bun-li-su-geo)
- Romanization: [bun-li-su-geo]
- English Meaning: Waste separation / Sorting recyclables
- Detailed Explanation: If you live in Korea, this is one of the first essential words you’ll learn! Korea has a very systematic and strict recycling system. 분리수거 literally means “separate collection.” It refers to the act of sorting your trash into different categories like paper, plastic, cans, and glass before throwing it away. Proper 분리수거 is a civic duty in Korea!
3. 환경 보호 (hwan-gyeong bo-ho)
- Romanization: [hwan-gyeong bo-ho]
- English Meaning: Environmental protection
- Detailed Explanation: This is the core term for any environmental discussion. 환경 (hwan-gyeong) means “environment,” and 보호 (bo-ho) means “protection.” You can use this phrase to explain the motivation behind your proposal. For example, “저는 환경 보호를 위해 이 아이디어를 건의합니다.” (I am proposing this idea for the sake of environmental protection.)
4. ~이/가 시급하다 (i/ga si-geup-hada)
- Romanization: [si-geup-hada]
- English Meaning: To be urgent / To be pressing
- Detailed Explanation: This adjective adds a powerful sense of urgency to your statement. When you say something is 시급하다, you are emphasizing that it’s a critical issue that needs to be addressed immediately. It’s much stronger than just saying it’s “important” (중요하다). This is the perfect word to persuade others that action is needed now.
Example Dialogue
Let’s see how these expressions work in a real conversation between two neighbors, Min-jun (A) and Sarah (B).
A (민준): 사라 씨, 요즘 우리 동네에 재활용 쓰레기가 너무 많아진 것 같아요. 분리수거를 제대로 할 공간이 부족해요.
(Sarah, I think there’s too much recyclable waste in our neighborhood lately. There isn’t enough space to do waste separation properly.)B (사라): 맞아요. 특히 배달 음식 때문에 플라스틱이 너무 많아졌어요.
(You’re right. There’s so much plastic, especially because of food delivery.)A (민준): 그래서 저는 구청에 재활용 센터 설립을 건의하려고 해요. 환경 보호를 위해 꼭 필요하다고 생각해요.
(That’s why I’m planning to formally propose the establishment of a recycling center to the district office. I think it’s essential for environmental protection.)B (사라): 와, 정말 좋은 생각이에요! 깨끗한 동네를 만드는 일이 시급하죠. 저도 서명 운동이 있다면 참여할게요!
(Wow, that’s a fantastic idea! Creating a clean neighborhood is urgent. If there’s a petition, I’ll definitely join in!)
Culture Tip & Trend Deep Dive
In Korea, citizen participation in local governance is quite active. Using a formal word like 건의하다 when talking to a community center (주민센터) or district office (구청) shows that you understand and respect the civic process.
A huge trend related to 환경 보호 among the Korean Z generation is the ‘용기내 챌린지’ (Yong-gi-nae Challenge). This is a brilliant pun! 용기 (yong-gi) means both “container” and “courage.” The challenge encourages people to show courage by taking their own reusable containers to restaurants and markets to get takeout, reducing single-use packaging.
When you propose your recycling center, mentioning trends like this shows you’re in touch with modern Korean culture and adds weight to your argument that environmental action is 시급하다!
Let’s Review and Practice!
Great job today! We learned four powerful expressions to help you advocate for a better environment in your community:
- ~을/를 건의하다: To formally propose
- 분리수거: Sorting recyclables
- 환경 보호: Environmental protection
- ~이/가 시급하다: To be urgent
Now, let’s put your knowledge to the test!
1. Fill in the blank:
플라스틱 쓰레기 문제를 해결하는 것은 매우 _________.
(Solving the plastic waste problem is very _______.)(Hint: Which word means “urgent”?)
2. Make a sentence:
Using the phrase ~을/를 건의하다, write a short sentence about something you would like to propose for your neighborhood. (e.g., “저는 공원 조명 설치를 건의하고 싶어요.” – I want to propose the installation of park lights.)
Share your answers in the comments below! We’d love to see you use these new expressions. Keep up the great work
