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주차장

A2 noun #4,000 most common 10 min read

주차장

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 주차장 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 주차장 in your Level:

At the A1 level, '주차장' (juchajang) is introduced as a basic noun for a place. Learners should focus on identifying the word and using it in simple 'where' questions. At this stage, you don't need to worry about complex types of parking lots. You just need to know that '주차장' is where cars go. Common phrases include '주차장이 어디예요?' (Where is the parking lot?) and '주차장이 있어요?' (Is there a parking lot?). The grammar is kept simple, usually involving the existence verb '있다' (to be/exist) and basic location particles like '-에'. You might also learn it alongside other basic place names like '학교' (school), '공원' (park), and '병원' (hospital). The goal is to recognize the word on signs and be able to ask for directions to one if you are traveling. Focus on the pronunciation: ju-cha-jang, where each syllable is clear and distinct.

At the A2 level, you begin to use '주차장' in more descriptive sentences and learn about its various forms. You will start to see compound words like '지하 주차장' (underground parking lot) and '무료 주차장' (free parking lot). You should be able to describe the state of a parking lot, such as '주차장이 넓어요' (The parking lot is spacious) or '주차장이 복잡해요' (The parking lot is crowded/complicated). You will also start using the particle '-에서' to describe actions happening there, such as '주차장에서 기다릴게요' (I will wait at the parking lot). At this level, you are expected to understand basic signs in a parking lot, such as '입구' (entrance) and '출구' (exit). You might also learn the related verb '주차하다' (to park) and how to combine it with the noun to form sentences like '주차장에 주차했어요' (I parked in the parking lot).

By the B1 level, you should be comfortable using '주차장' in a variety of social and practical contexts. You will learn about '공영 주차장' (public parking) versus '사설 주차장' (private parking) and the implications of each, such as cost and availability. You can handle more complex interactions, such as asking about parking fees: '주차 요금이 얼마예요?' (How much is the parking fee?). You will also start to use more advanced grammar patterns, such as '주차장을 이용하려면 어떻게 해야 돼요?' (What should I do to use the parking lot?). This level involves understanding the nuances of urban life in Korea, where parking is often a challenge. You might discuss '주차 문제' (parking problems) and use connectors like '-는데' or '-니까' to explain situations involving parking. For example, '주차장이 꽉 찼으니까 다른 곳으로 가요' (Since the parking lot is full, let's go somewhere else).

At the B2 level, '주차장' is used in more formal, technical, and abstract discussions. You might read news articles about '주차난' (parking shortage) or '주차 단속' (parking enforcement). You should be able to understand and use formal language related to parking facilities, such as '주차 시설 확충' (expansion of parking facilities). You will encounter the word in professional settings, such as discussing '주차권 발급' (issuing parking vouchers) for clients. Your vocabulary will expand to include specific types of parking systems, like '기계식 주차장' (mechanical parking). You can express opinions on urban policy regarding parking and use sophisticated grammar to describe hypothetical situations: '만약 주차장이 더 많았다면 교통 체증이 줄었을 거예요' (If there had been more parking lots, traffic congestion would have decreased). Your ability to distinguish between '주차장', '주차 구역', and '주차 공간' should be precise.

At the C1 level, you use '주차장' with a high degree of fluency and cultural awareness. You can participate in debates about the environmental impact of '지하 주차장' construction or the sociological aspects of '여성 전용 주차장' (women-only parking lots). You understand the legal terminology associated with parking, such as '주차장법' (Parking Lot Act) and '불법 주차' (illegal parking). You are familiar with idiomatic expressions and the nuances of how parking issues are portrayed in literature or media. You can write detailed reports or essays on urban infrastructure where '주차장' is a key element. At this level, you can also navigate the subtle social hierarchies involved in parking, such as '거주자 우선 주차제' (resident-priority parking system) and the social friction it can cause. Your speech is natural, incorporating the word into complex rhetorical structures without hesitation.

At the C2 level, you have a near-native command of '주차장' and all its related concepts. You can analyze the historical evolution of '주차장' in Korean urban planning, from the early days of modernization to the current 'smart' parking systems integrated with AI and IoT. You understand the economic theories behind '주차 수요 관리' (parking demand management) and can discuss these topics in academic or high-level professional environments. You are sensitive to the most subtle connotations of the word in different registers, from slang terms for parking struggles to the highly formal language used in legislative documents. You can interpret and translate complex texts involving '주차장' with accuracy, capturing both the literal meaning and the underlying cultural context. For you, '주차장' is not just a vocabulary word but a window into the complex web of Korean society, technology, and law.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

주차장 in 30 Seconds

주차장 means 'parking lot' or 'parking garage' in Korean.
It is a compound noun: 주 (stay) + 차 (car) + 장 (place).
Essential for urban life, appearing in malls, apartments, and news.
Commonly paired with '지하' (underground), '무료' (free), and '유료' (paid).

The Korean word 주차장 (juchajang) is a compound noun derived from Hanja (Sino-Korean characters) that literally translates to 'parking car place.' In modern South Korean society, where urban density is incredibly high and car ownership is a standard part of adult life, the concept of a juchajang is central to daily logistics. Whether you are navigating the narrow alleys of a residential neighborhood or the sprawling underground complexes of a Seoul department store, understanding how to find, use, and talk about parking lots is essential for any learner of the Korean language. The word is used universally, from formal government documents discussing urban planning to casual conversations between friends deciding where to meet for dinner.

Etymology Breakdown: The first character 주 (駐) means to stay or halt; the second character 차 (車) means vehicle or car; and the final character 장 (場) means a place or open space.
Urban Context: In Korea, parking is often a premium service. You will frequently encounter 지하 주차장 (underground parking lots) due to the lack of surface space in cities like Seoul and Busan.

이 건물에 주차장이 있나요? (Does this building have a parking lot?)

When people use this word, they are referring to any designated area for vehicles. This includes 공영 주차장 (public parking lots managed by the city), 사설 주차장 (private parking lots), and 유료 주차장 (paid parking lots). In a culture where 'double parking' (이중 주차) is a common but stressful reality, the juchajang is often the first thing a driver looks for when arriving at a destination. If you are driving in Korea, your navigation system (often referred to as 'Navi') will frequently announce the proximity of a juchajang. It is not just a physical space; it is a point of social negotiation, especially in crowded 'hot places' like Hongdae or Gangnam where parking spots are as valuable as gold.

주차장 입구는 건물 뒤편에 있습니다. (The parking lot entrance is at the back of the building.)

Furthermore, the term extends to specialized areas. For instance, 여성 전용 주차장 (women-only parking spaces) are common in Korea, designed with better lighting and closer proximity to exits for safety. Understanding the nuances of juchajang usage involves knowing that it is a noun that pairs naturally with verbs like 이용하다 (to use), 찾다 (to look for), and 들어가다 (to enter). In a professional setting, a company might offer 주차권 (parking vouchers) to clients, ensuring they can use the juchajang without personal cost. This level of hospitality is standard in Korean business culture.

Common Varieties: 노상 주차장 (On-street parking lot), 노외 주차장 (Off-street parking lot), 기계식 주차장 (Mechanical/Automated parking system).

In summary, 주차장 is more than just a place; it's a vital component of the Korean urban infrastructure. Whether you're a tourist renting a car or an expat living in a high-rise, you'll find yourself using this word daily. It reflects the organized, often subterranean, and highly technological nature of South Korean cities, where even the process of parking a car is integrated into a system of apps, sensors, and automated gates.

Using 주차장 in a sentence requires a basic grasp of Korean particles and locative markers. Since it is a place, it is most frequently followed by the particles -에 (at/to) or -에서 (in/at - indicating action). When you are stating where something is located, you use 주차장에 with the verb 있다 (to be). For example, 'The car is in the parking lot' becomes 차가 주차장에 있어요. If you are performing an action, like meeting someone in the parking lot, you use 주차장에서. For example, 'Let's meet at the parking lot' is 주차장에서 만나요.

주차장 요금이 너무 비싸요. (The parking lot fee is too expensive.)

Syntactically, 주차장 often acts as the subject or object of a sentence. As a subject, it takes -이/가. 'The parking lot is full' is 주차장이 꽉 찼어요. As an object, it takes -을/를. 'I am looking for a parking lot' is 주차장을 찾고 있어요. It's also very common to see it in compound forms or followed by descriptive nouns. For example, 주차장 입구 (parking lot entrance), 주차장 출구 (parking lot exit), and 주차장 관리인 (parking lot attendant). These combinations are essential for navigating any commercial facility in Korea.

Directional Usage: When giving directions: "주차장 쪽으로 가세요" (Go toward the parking lot) or "주차장 옆에 있어요" (It is next to the parking lot).

In more complex sentences, 주차장 can be modified by adjectives or relative clauses. If you want to specify a 'free parking lot,' you say 무료 주차장. If you want to describe a 'spacious parking lot,' you use 넓은 주차장. In a formal context, such as a business announcement, you might hear: "고객 여러분께서는 지하 2층 주차장을 이용해 주시기 바랍니다" (Customers, please use the parking lot on the second basement level). This uses the formal -시길 바랍니다 ending, common in public service announcements.

백화점 주차장은 주말에 항상 붐벼요. (The department store parking lot is always crowded on weekends.)

Advanced learners should note how 주차장 interacts with honorifics. When speaking to an elder or a superior about their car in the parking lot, you would still use 주차장, but the surrounding verbs and particles would change. For example, "부장님 차가 주차장에 세워져 있습니다" (Manager, your car is parked in the parking lot). Here, 세워져 있다 is the passive form of 'to park/stop,' which is more polite than simply saying 'is there.' Understanding these layers of usage will make your Korean sound more natural and culturally appropriate.

In South Korea, you will hear the word 주차장 in various everyday environments. One of the most common places is inside a car equipped with a GPS navigation system. The synthesized voice will often say, "목적지 주변에 주차장이 있습니다" (There is a parking lot near the destination) or "주차장 입구로 안내합니다" (Guiding you to the parking lot entrance). These automated systems are the primary way drivers interact with the word on a functional level while commuting or traveling.

안내원: "주차장은 지하 3층부터 있습니다." (Attendant: "The parking lot starts from the 3rd basement level.")

Another frequent setting is in large commercial buildings like department stores (백화점), supermarkets (대형 마트), or malls (쇼핑몰). Public address systems will often broadcast reminders about parking: "주차장을 이용하신 고객님께서는 영수증을 지참하시기 바랍니다" (Customers who used the parking lot, please bring your receipts). In these contexts, the word is associated with the logistical 'validation' process where your shopping total determines if you pay for parking or not.

Public Transportation: At subway stations, you might hear announcements about '환승 주차장' (transfer parking lots), which are lots designed for people to park their cars and take the train.

You will also hear this word constantly in residential settings. In Korean apartment complexes (아파트 단지), neighbors might discuss 주차장 issues, such as the lack of spaces or the need for a 주차 스티커 (parking sticker). A security guard (경비원) might tell a visitor, "방문객 주차장은 저쪽에 있습니다" (The visitor parking lot is over there). This is a very common interaction for anyone living in or visiting a residential area in Korea.

친구: "우리 가게 앞에 주차장 있어?" (Friend: "Is there a parking lot in front of the store?")

Finally, the news often features 주차장 in stories about urban development, safety regulations, or 'parking wars' (주차 전쟁) in crowded districts. When a new building is constructed, the size and accessibility of its 주차장 are major talking points. In movies and K-dramas, parking lots are frequent settings for dramatic confrontations or secret meetings, often referred to as 지하 주차장. Hearing the word in these varied contexts—from the clinical voice of a GPS to the heated debate of neighbors—shows how integral it is to the Korean experience.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is confusing the noun 주차장 (the place) with the verb 주차하다 (the action of parking). In English, we might say "I need a park," which is colloquial and vague. In Korean, you must clearly distinguish between 'looking for a parking lot' (주차장을 찾다) and 'parking the car' (주차를 하다). You cannot say "주차장 해요" to mean "I am parking." You must use the verb form.

❌ 틀린 표현: 여기서 주차장 해요. (Incorrect: I parking lot here.)
✅ 바른 표현: 여기서 주차해요. (Correct: I am parking here.)

Another common error involves the misuse of particles. Beginners often use -에 when they should use -에서. If you are describing an action taking place inside the parking lot (like washing a car or meeting a friend), you must use 주차장에서. If you are just indicating the destination or location of an object, you use 주차장에. Saying "주차장에 만나요" sounds like you are meeting 'to' the parking lot, rather than 'in' it, which is grammatically awkward.

Vocabulary Confusion: Don't confuse '주차장' (parking lot) with '차고' (garage). In English, 'garage' can mean a public parking structure, but in Korean, '차고' usually refers to a private garage attached to a house or a bus depot.

Learners also struggle with the specific terminology for different types of parking. For example, using 공원 주차장 when you mean 공영 주차장. 공원 means 'park' (the green space), while 공영 means 'publicly managed.' While a park might have a parking lot, a 'public parking lot' in the city center is always a 공영 주차장. Confusing these two can lead to misunderstandings when looking for cheap or government-subsidized parking.

❌ 틀린 표현: 주차장이 어디에 주차해요? (Incorrect: Where does the parking lot park?)
✅ 바른 표현: 주차장 어디에 주차해요? (Correct: Where in the parking lot do I park?)

Finally, there's the 'Konglish' trap. Some learners might try to use 'parking lot' directly or say 'parking place.' While many Koreans understand English, using the proper term 주차장 is essential for clear communication, especially with older generations or staff who may not be fluent in English. Additionally, be careful with the word 주차비 (parking fee) vs 주차 요금. While both are used, 주차 요금 is more formal and seen on signs, whereas 주차비 is common in speech. Misusing the level of formality isn't a 'grave' error, but it affects the naturalness of your speech.

While 주차장 is the standard word for any parking area, several other terms are used depending on the context and the specific type of space being discussed. Knowing these will help you navigate more accurately and understand signs better. The most common alternative is 주차 구역 (jucha guyeok), which refers to a 'parking zone' or a specific section. If a parking lot is huge, someone might tell you, "C-구역에 주차했어요" (I parked in Zone C).

주차장 vs. 차고: 주차장: A general parking lot or facility for many cars.
차고 (Chago): A private garage or a specific depot for buses/taxis. You wouldn't call a mall's parking lot a '차고'.
주차장 vs. 주차 공간: 주차장: The entire facility.
주차 공간 (Jucha gonggan): Literally 'parking space'. Used when talking about the availability of a single spot. "주차 공간이 없어요" (There is no parking space).

이곳은 거주자 우선 주차 구역입니다. (This is a resident-priority parking zone.)

Another important term is 공영 주차장 (gongyeong juchajang), which means 'public parking lot.' These are usually cheaper and managed by the local government. In contrast, 사설 주차장 (saseol juchajang) are private lots, often more expensive. If you are looking for a place to park for a long time, you might look for a 환승 주차장 (hwanseung juchajang) near a subway station, which allows you to 'transfer' from your car to public transit. This is a specific type of 주차장 with a unique purpose.

지하 주차장은 24시간 운영됩니다. (The underground parking lot operates 24 hours.)

Lastly, consider the term 발렛 파킹 (valet parking). While not a synonym for the place itself, it describes a service provided at the 주차장. In trendy areas like Sinsa-dong or Apgujeong, you might not even enter the 주차장 yourself; you leave your car with a valet. Similarly, 기계식 주차장 (mechanical parking) refers to those clever elevator-style towers where cars are stacked vertically. Knowing these variations will prevent confusion when you encounter different parking infrastructures in Korea's diverse urban landscape.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In North Korea, the term '차마당' (cha-madang, car-yard) is sometimes used instead of the Sino-Korean '주차장', emphasizing native Korean roots.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tɕu.tɕʰa.dʑaŋ/

US /tʃu.tʃʰa.dʒɑŋ/

In Korean, syllables generally have equal weight, but a slight emphasis may fall on the first syllable '주' in natural speech.

Rhymes With

시장 (sijang - market) 공장 (gongjang - factory) 농장 (nongjang - farm) 극장 (geukjang - theater) 매장 (maejang - shop/store) 수영장 (suyeongjang - swimming pool) 운동장 (undongjang - playground) 광장 (gwangjang - plaza)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'cha' without enough aspiration (sounding like 'ja').
Making the 'ng' sound in 'jang' too weak or turning it into an 'n'.
Over-stressing the final syllable.
Pronouncing 'ju' like 'zhoo' instead of a crisp 'j' sound.
Confusing 'jang' with 'jeong'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The word is written in simple Hangeul and is very common on signs.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the correct vowels (ㅜ, ㅏ, ㅏ).

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward with no complex batchim changes.

Listening 2/5

Distinct sound, easy to pick out in announcements.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

차 (car) 있다 (to be/exist) 어디 (where) 지하 (basement) 요금 (fee)

Learn Next

주차하다 (to park) 운전하다 (to drive) 교통 (traffic) 신호등 (traffic light) 일방통행 (one-way)

Advanced

견인 (towing) 과태료 (fine) 불법 주차 (illegal parking) 내비게이션 (navigation) 차단기 (parking barrier)

Grammar to Know

-에 있다/없다 (Location existence)

주차장에 차가 있어요.

-에서 (Location of action)

주차장에서 친구를 만나요.

-(으)로 (Direction)

주차장으로 가세요.

-ㄴ/은/는 (Noun modifying adjectives/verbs)

넓은 주차장, 주차하는 사람.

-아/어 야 하다 (Obligation)

주차장에 세워야 해요.

Examples by Level

주차장이 어디예요?

Where is the parking lot?

Uses the basic '어디예요?' (Where is?) question pattern.

주차장이 넓어요.

The parking lot is wide/spacious.

Uses the adjective '넓다' (to be wide) in the polite present tense.

여기에 주차장이 있어요?

Is there a parking lot here?

Uses the existence verb '있다' to ask about availability.

주차장은 지하에 있어요.

The parking lot is in the basement.

Uses '지하' (basement) as a locative noun.

제 차는 주차장에 있어요.

My car is in the parking lot.

Uses the possessive '제' (my) and the location particle '-에'.

주차장이 아주 커요.

The parking lot is very big.

Uses the intensifier '아주' (very) with '크다' (to be big).

주차장 입구예요.

It is the parking lot entrance.

Combines '주차장' and '입구' (entrance) into a compound noun.

주차장에서 봐요.

See you at the parking lot.

Uses the particle '-에서' to indicate the location of an action (seeing/meeting).

무료 주차장을 찾고 있어요.

I am looking for a free parking lot.

Uses the '-고 있다' progressive form with '찾다' (to look for).

주차장이 너무 좁아서 불편해요.

The parking lot is too narrow, so it's inconvenient.

Uses the '-아서/어서' connector to show cause and effect.

백화점 주차장은 어디에 있나요?

Where is the department store parking lot?

Uses the polite questioning ending '-나요?'.

주차장에 차가 별로 없어요.

There aren't many cars in the parking lot.

Uses '별로' (not really/not much) with a negative verb.

어제 주차장에서 친구를 만났어요.

I met a friend at the parking lot yesterday.

Uses the past tense '-았/었-' and the location particle '-에서'.

주차장 요금이 비싼 편이에요.

The parking lot fee is on the expensive side.

Uses the grammar pattern '-ㄴ/은 편이다' (to be on the side of...).

주차장 출구로 나가세요.

Please go out through the parking lot exit.

Uses the directional particle '-(으)로' and the imperative '-세요'.

이 건물은 주차장이 없어서 힘들어요.

This building doesn't have a parking lot, so it's hard.

Uses the negative existence '없다' and the cause-effect '-어서'.

주차장이 꽉 차서 다른 곳에 세워야 해요.

The parking lot is full, so I have to park somewhere else.

Uses '-아/어 야 하다' (must/have to) with '세우다' (to stop/park).

공영 주차장을 이용하면 요금이 저렴해요.

If you use a public parking lot, the fee is cheap.

Uses the conditional '-(으)면' (if).

주차장에서 사고가 났는데 어떻게 하죠?

An accident happened in the parking lot, what should I do?

Uses the background-providing connector '-는데'.

주차장 입구에 안내문이 붙어 있어요.

There is a notice posted at the parking lot entrance.

Uses the passive-state pattern '-어 있다' with '붙다' (to stick).

주말에는 주차장이 항상 붐비니까 일찍 가세요.

The parking lot is always crowded on weekends, so go early.

Uses '-니까' (because/since) to give advice.

주차장 관리인에게 주차권을 보여주세요.

Please show the parking voucher to the attendant.

Uses the dative particle '-에게' (to) for a person.

지하 2층 주차장에 빈 자리가 하나 있어요.

There is one empty spot in the 2nd basement parking lot.

Uses '빈 자리' (empty spot/seat) and counter '하나'.

주차장 안에서 담배를 피우면 안 됩니다.

You must not smoke inside the parking lot.

Uses the prohibition pattern '-(으)면 안 되다'.

주차장 부족 문제를 해결하기 위해 대책을 마련해야 합니다.

Measures must be prepared to solve the parking lot shortage problem.

Uses '-기 위해' (in order to) and formal '-아/어 야 합니다'.

이 아파트는 주차장 공간이 넉넉해서 살기 좋아요.

This apartment is good to live in because the parking space is ample.

Uses the adjective '넉넉하다' (to be ample/sufficient).

주차장 내에서 발생하는 도난 사고에 주의하십시오.

Please be careful of theft accidents occurring within the parking lot.

Uses the formal imperative '-십시오' and '발생하는' (occurring).

주차장 요금은 나갈 때 무인 정산기에서 결제하세요.

Please pay the parking fee at the automated machine when you leave.

Uses '무인 정산기' (unmanned/automated payment machine).

최근 기계식 주차장에서 안전 사고가 빈번하게 일어나고 있습니다.

Recently, safety accidents have been occurring frequently in mechanical parking lots.

Uses the adverb '빈번하게' (frequently) and '-고 있다' (progressive).

주차장 입구에 설치된 차단기가 작동하지 않아요.

The barrier installed at the parking lot entrance is not working.

Uses the noun-modifying past participle '설치된' (installed).

환승 주차장을 이용하면 대중교통 요금 할인을 받을 수 있습니다.

If you use a transfer parking lot, you can receive a public transport discount.

Uses '-(으)ㄹ 수 있다' (can) and '환승' (transfer).

주차장 부지를 확보하는 것이 가장 큰 과제입니다.

Securing a site for the parking lot is the biggest challenge.

Uses the nominalizer '-는 것' (the act of...).

도심의 심각한 주차난을 해소하기 위해 공영 주차장 확충이 시급합니다.

Expansion of public parking lots is urgent to resolve the serious parking shortage in the city center.

Uses advanced vocabulary like '주차난' (parking shortage) and '시급하다' (to be urgent).

주차장법 개정안이 국회를 통과하면서 주차 관리 체계가 강화되었습니다.

As the amendment to the Parking Lot Act passed the National Assembly, the parking management system was strengthened.

Uses '-면서' (while/as) and '강화되었습니다' (was strengthened).

지하 주차장의 환기 시설 점검은 입주민의 안전을 위해 필수적입니다.

Checking the ventilation facilities in the underground parking lot is essential for the safety of residents.

Uses '필수적이다' (to be essential) and '환기 시설' (ventilation facilities).

여성 전용 주차장은 범죄 예방을 목적으로 도입된 제도입니다.

Women-only parking lots are a system introduced for the purpose of crime prevention.

Uses '도입된' (introduced) and '범죄 예방' (crime prevention).

주차장에서의 무단 투기 행위는 법적 처벌을 받을 수 있습니다.

Illegal dumping in the parking lot can result in legal punishment.

Uses '무단 투기' (unauthorized dumping) and '처벌' (punishment).

스마트 주차장 시스템은 실시간으로 빈 자리를 안내해 줍니다.

The smart parking lot system provides real-time guidance to empty spots.

Uses '실시간으로' (in real-time) and '-해 주다' (to do for someone).

주차장 내 보행자 안전을 위해 속도 제한 준수가 요구됩니다.

Compliance with speed limits is required for the safety of pedestrians in the parking lot.

Uses '준수' (compliance) and '요구됩니다' (is required).

거주자 우선 주차 구역에 부정 주차를 할 경우 견인될 수 있습니다.

If you park illegally in a resident-priority parking zone, you may be towed.

Uses '부정 주차' (improper parking) and '견인되다' (to be towed).

도시 재생 사업의 일환으로 노후화된 주차장을 문화 공간으로 탈바꿈시켰다.

As part of the urban regeneration project, an aging parking lot was transformed into a cultural space.

Uses '탈바꿈시키다' (to transform) and '일환으로' (as part of).

주차장 공유 경제 모델은 유휴 공간을 효율적으로 활용하는 대안으로 떠오르고 있다.

The parking lot sharing economy model is emerging as an alternative to efficiently utilize idle space.

Uses '공유 경제' (sharing economy) and '유휴 공간' (idle space).

대규모 건축물 설계 시 법정 주차 대수를 확보하는 것은 인허가의 핵심 요건이다.

Securing the statutory number of parking spaces when designing large-scale buildings is a key requirement for permits.

Uses '인허가' (permits/licensing) and '법정 주차 대수' (legal parking count).

주차장 내 자율주행 발렛 기술의 상용화가 머지않아 실현될 전망이다.

The commercialization of autonomous valet technology in parking lots is expected to be realized soon.

Uses '상용화' (commercialization) and '전망이다' (is the outlook/prospect).

기존 주차장의 비효율적인 공간 배치를 개선함으로써 수용 능력을 극대화했다.

The capacity was maximized by improving the inefficient space layout of the existing parking lot.

Uses '-(으)로써' (by means of) and '극대화했다' (maximized).

주차장 면적 확보를 둘러싼 인근 주민들 간의 갈등이 첨예하게 대립하고 있다.

The conflict between nearby residents over securing parking lot area is sharply clashing.

Uses '첨예하게 대립하다' (to clash sharply).

친환경 자동차 보급 확대에 발맞추어 주차장 내 전기차 충전소 설치가 의무화되었다.

In line with the expansion of eco-friendly vehicle distribution, the installation of EV charging stations in parking lots has become mandatory.

Uses '발맞추어' (in line with) and '의무화되었다' (became mandatory).

주차장 운영 수익의 사회 환원을 통해 지역 사회와의 상생을 도모하고 있다.

Mutual growth with the local community is being promoted through the social contribution of parking lot operation profits.

Uses '사회 환원' (social contribution/return) and '상생' (win-win/mutual growth).

Common Collocations

주차장을 찾다

주차장에 세우다

지하 주차장

주차장 요금

주차장 입구

무료 주차장

주차장이 붐비다

주차장 관리인

공영 주차장

기계식 주차장

Common Phrases

주차장 있어요?

— Is there a parking lot? Used when calling a restaurant or visiting a place.

식당에 주차장 있어요?

주차장이 꽉 찼어요.

— The parking lot is full. Used to indicate no spaces are left.

주차장이 꽉 찼으니 다른 곳으로 가요.

주차장 입구가 어디예요?

— Where is the parking lot entrance? Essential for driving navigation.

죄송하지만 주차장 입구가 어디예요?

주차장에 차를 뒀어요.

— I left my car in the parking lot. A common way to say where your car is.

주차장에 차를 뒀으니까 걸어가요.

주차장 요금 정산했어요?

— Did you pay the parking fee? Used when leaving a mall or building.

나가기 전에 주차장 요금 정산했어요?

지하 주차장 2층

— Second basement parking level. Very common in Korean buildings.

제 차는 지하 주차장 2층에 있어요.

주차장 이용 안내

— Parking lot usage guide. Often seen on signs.

주차장 이용 안내를 잘 읽어보세요.

주차장 가는 길

— The way to the parking lot. Used when giving directions.

주차장 가는 길을 알려주세요.

임시 주차장

— Temporary parking lot. Used during festivals or construction.

축제 기간 동안 임시 주차장을 운영합니다.

여성 전용 주차장

— Women-only parking lot. A specific type found in many Korean lots.

여성 전용 주차장은 입구와 가까워요.

Often Confused With

주차장 vs 주차 (Parking)

주차 is the action, 주차장 is the place. You 'do' 주차, you 'go to' 주차장.

주차장 vs 차고 (Garage)

차고 is usually private or for commercial fleets. 주차장 is for the general public.

주차장 vs 정류장 (Stop)

정류장 is for buses (버스 정류장). Don't confuse the 'jang' (place) suffix.

Idioms & Expressions

"주차 전쟁"

— Literally 'parking war'. Refers to the intense competition to find a spot in crowded areas.

이 동네는 밤마다 주차 전쟁이에요.

Informal/Colloquial

"주차 대란"

— A parking crisis or major shortage, often used in news reports.

명절에는 기차역 주변이 주차 대란입니다.

Formal/Journalistic

"문콕"

— The act of hitting the car next to you with your door in a tight parking lot.

주차장이 좁아서 문콕을 당했어요.

Slang/Common

"이중 주차"

— Double parking. Common in Korea where one car blocks another due to space shortage.

주차장이 좁아서 이중 주차를 해야 했어요.

Neutral

"칼주차"

— Perfect, sharp parking within the lines. '칼' (knife) implies precision.

와, 정말 칼주차네요! 운전 잘하시네요.

Slang

"알박기"

— Occupying a parking spot for a long time or using objects to 'save' a spot illegally.

누가 주차장에 의자를 놓고 알박기를 하고 있어요.

Colloquial

"주차 딱지"

— A parking ticket/fine sticker.

주차장이 아닌 곳에 세웠다가 주차 딱지를 뗐어요.

Informal

"개구리 주차"

— 'Frog parking' - parking with two wheels on the sidewalk and two on the road.

길이 좁아서 개구리 주차를 한 차들이 많아요.

Colloquial

"주차 지옥"

— Parking hell. A more extreme version of '주차 전쟁'.

강남역은 주말에 정말 주차 지옥이에요.

Informal

"방빼"

— Slang for 'move your car' (literally 'empty the room') when someone is blocking you.

주차장에서 차 좀 빼달라고 '방빼'라고 했어요.

Informal/Slang

Easily Confused

주차장 vs 정류장

Both end in '-장' and relate to vehicles.

정류장 is a temporary stop for buses/taxis. 주차장 is for long-term parking.

버스 정류장에서 버스를 기다려요. 주차장에 차를 세워요.

주차장 vs 세차장

Both relate to cars and end in '-장'.

세차장 is a car wash. 주차장 is a parking lot.

세차장에서 차를 닦아요.

주차장 vs 운동장

Both end in '-장'.

운동장 is a sports field or playground.

학교 운동장에서 축구를 해요.

주차장 vs 주유소

Both relate to cars.

주유소 is a gas station. It doesn't end in '-장'.

주유소에서 기름을 넣어요.

주차장 vs 주차 구역

Very similar meaning.

주차 구역 is a specific section/spot. 주차장 is the whole facility.

A-구역은 장애인 전용 주차 구역입니다.

Sentence Patterns

[Place] 주차장이 어디예요?

공원 주차장이 어디예요?

[Place]에 주차장이 있어요?

이 건물에 주차장이 있어요?

주차장에 차를 세우고 [Action].

주차장에 차를 세우고 밥 먹으러 가요.

주차장 요금이 [Amount]원입니다.

주차장 요금이 한 시간에 삼천 원입니다.

주차장 부족으로 인해 [Problem].

주차장 부족으로 인해 불법 주차가 늘고 있습니다.

주차장 부지 확보가 시급한 [Status].

주차장 부지 확보가 시급한 실정입니다.

주차장이 [Adjective].

주차장이 넓어요.

주차장에서 [Person]을/를 만나요.

주차장에서 엄마를 만나요.

Word Family

Nouns

주차 (jucha - parking)

주차권 (juchagwon - parking ticket/voucher)

주차비 (juchabi - parking fee)

주차요금 (juchayogum - parking charge)

주차난 (juchanan - parking shortage)

주차장법 (juchajangbeop - Parking Lot Act)

Verbs

주차하다 (juchahada - to park)

주차시키다 (juchasikida - to have someone park/to order parking)

자동차 (car)

운전 (driving)

면허 (license)

교통 (traffic)

차단기 (barrier/gate)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily urban life.

Common Mistakes

주차장 해요 → 주차해요 / 주차를 해요
You cannot 'do' a parking lot. You must use the verb for parking, which is '주차하다'.
주차장에 만나요 → 주차장에서 만나요
Since meeting is an action, the location particle should be '-에서' not '-에'.
공원 주차장 (when meaning public lot) → 공영 주차장
'공원' means park. '공영' means public/government-run. They sound similar but are different.
주차장 돈 → 주차 요금 / 주차비
While '돈' means money, Korean uses specific words like '요금' (fee) or '비' (expense) for services.
주차장 입구에 가요 (when you mean enter) → 주차장으로 들어가요
To 'go to the entrance' is different from 'entering the lot'. Use '들어가다' for entering.

Tips

Look for the 'P' Sign

In Korea, parking lots are marked with a blue 'P' sign, just like in many other countries. The word '주차장' will often be written underneath it.

Particles Matter

Use '주차장에' when talking about existence or destination, and '주차장에서' when an action is happening there. This is a common test point for learners.

Validation is Key

In many Korean malls, you must '정산' (settle/validate) your parking using your shopping receipt before you return to your car in the '주차장'.

Watch for Pedestrians

Korean '주차장' can be very tight. Always look for the '보행자 주의' (Watch for pedestrians) signs when driving inside one.

Compound Words

Learn '입구' (entrance) and '출구' (exit) together with '주차장'. You will see '주차장 입구' and '주차장 출구' everywhere.

Phone Numbers

In Korea, it is polite to leave your phone number on the dashboard if you park in a way that might block someone. This is especially true in a crowded '주차장'.

Check the Rates

Always check the '주차 요금표' (parking fee table) at the entrance. Rates can vary wildly between different '주차장' in the same neighborhood.

Use Map Apps

Apps like KakaoMap or Naver Map are excellent for finding the nearest '주차장' and even showing how many spots are left in real-time.

Avoid Yellow Lines

If a street doesn't have a '주차장' sign and has yellow lines, don't park there. You'll likely get a '주차 딱지' (parking ticket).

EV Charging

Most new '주차장' in Korea have '전기차 충전소' (EV charging stations). These are usually reserved strictly for electric vehicles.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Juice' (주) + 'Car' (차) + 'Jangle' (장). You're drinking JUice in your CAR while your keys JANGLE in the parking lot.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant letter 'P' (for parking) made out of Korean BBQ grills (jang) with cars (cha) on top of them.

Word Web

주차장 지하 (underground) 요금 (fee) 입구 (entrance) 출구 (exit) 주차 (parking) 빈자리 (empty spot) 관리인 (attendant)

Challenge

Go to Google Maps, set the language to Korean, and search for '주차장' in Seoul. Try to read the names of 5 different lots.

Word Origin

The word is a Sino-Korean compound. '駐' (주) means to reside or stay. '車' (차) means vehicle. '場' (장) means place or arena. It entered the Korean language during the modernization period when cars were introduced.

Original meaning: A place where vehicles stay/reside.

Sino-Korean (Hanja)

Cultural Context

Be aware of '여성 전용 주차장' (women-only spots). While common for safety, they can be a topic of social debate regarding gender equality.

In the US/UK, parking lots are often massive surface lots. In Korea, they are almost always multi-level or underground due to space constraints.

The 'Gangnam Style' music video features scenes in a parking garage. Many K-dramas use the '지하 주차장' as a place for secret corporate meetings. Korean variety show 'Running Man' often starts episodes in a large parking lot.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At a Restaurant

주차장 따로 있나요?
주차 도장 찍어주세요.
식당 앞에 주차해도 돼요?
발렛 되나요?

At an Apartment

방문객 주차장이 어디예요?
주차 등록해야 돼요.
지하 주차장 입구가 어디죠?
이중 주차해도 될까요?

At a Department Store

주차 요금이 얼마예요?
영수증으로 주차 할인 돼요?
주차장이 몇 층까지 있어요?
무인 정산기가 어디 있어요?

Driving with Friends

주차장 자리 있는지 봐줘.
저기 주차장 표지판 있다.
주차장이 너무 좁다.
공영 주차장으로 가자.

In a News Report

주차난이 심각합니다.
주차장법이 개정되었습니다.
무료 주차장을 확대합니다.
주차 단속을 강화합니다.

Conversation Starters

"근처에 유료 주차장이 있나요? (Is there a paid parking lot nearby?)"

"이 건물 주차장은 무료인가요? (Is this building's parking lot free?)"

"주차장이 너무 붐벼서 주차하기 힘들었어. (The parking lot was so crowded it was hard to park.)"

"주차장 입구를 못 찾겠어요. 도와주시겠어요? (I can't find the parking lot entrance. Can you help me?)"

"지하 주차장에 차를 세우는 게 더 안전해요. (It's safer to park the car in the underground parking lot.)"

Journal Prompts

오늘 주차장에서 겪은 재미있는 일이나 힘들었던 일을 써보세요. (Write about a funny or difficult thing that happened in a parking lot today.)

한국의 주차 문화와 당신 나라의 주차 문화는 어떻게 다른가요? (How is Korean parking culture different from your country's?)

미래의 주차장은 어떤 모습일지 상상해서 써보세요. (Imagine and write about what future parking lots will look like.)

주차비가 너무 비싸서 화가 났던 경험이 있나요? (Have you ever been angry because parking fees were too expensive?)

내가 주차장 관리인이라면 어떤 규칙을 만들고 싶나요? (If I were a parking lot attendant, what rules would I want to make?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Usually, '주차장' refers to cars. For bicycles, the word is '자전거 보관소' (bicycle storage/parking place). However, in casual talk, some might say '자전거 주차장', but it's less common.

You can say '주차 요금' (more formal) or '주차비' (more casual). For example, '주차 요금이 비싸요' (The parking fee is expensive).

It means 'underground parking lot'. Most modern buildings and apartments in Korea have them to save space on the surface.

It is a standard word used in both formal and informal situations. It is the most common way to say parking lot.

Not really. A private driveway or personal garage is usually called '차고' or just '집 앞' (in front of the house). '주차장' implies a designated lot.

It means a public parking lot run by the city. They are usually much cheaper than private lots ('사설 주차장').

You can ask, '혹시 주차장 있어요?' (By any chance, is there a parking lot?). This is a very common question in Korea.

It's a mechanical or automated parking system where a lift takes your car and stacks it in a tower. They are common in crowded city centers.

'주차장' is the whole parking lot. '주차 구역' is a specific zone or spot within that lot, like 'Zone A' or 'Handicapped Zone'.

Yes, '주차권' is a voucher/ticket for parking, and '주차 딱지' is the fine sticker you get for illegal parking.