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취재하다

A1 verb #3,500 most common 9 min read

취재하다

chuijaehada Top 3,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 취재하다 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 취재하다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of '취재하다' as a special word for 'news work.' Even though it is a professional word, you might see it in simple stories about jobs. A reporter (기자) is the person who does '취재.' When a reporter goes to a fire, a concert, or a school to ask questions and take pictures for the news, they are '취재하다.' You can remember it simply as 'the reporter's job to find the story.' It is like 'gathering' (취재) + 'to do' (하다). If you see a person with a microphone and a camera, they are probably '취재하고 있어요' (covering the news). You don't need to use this word in your daily life yet, but you should recognize it when you see a news reporter on TV. It always involves getting information to tell other people later. It is different from 'studying' because it is for the news. It is different from 'asking' because it is for a professional report.

At the A2 level, you should understand that '취재하다' is a transitive verb, meaning it needs an object. You cover 'something.' That 'something' is usually a news event (사건), a place (현장), or a person (인물). You use the object markers 을 or 를. For example, '기자가 축구 경기를 취재해요' (The reporter covers the soccer match). At this level, you can also start to recognize the noun form, '취재,' which means 'coverage' or 'news gathering.' You might hear phrases like '취재 중' (during coverage/on assignment). This word is very common in news headlines. If you read a Korean newspaper, you will see it in the first sentence of many articles. It implies a sense of purpose. The reporter isn't just there for fun; they are there to work. You can use it when talking about your dream job: '저는 기자가 되어서 세계를 취재하고 싶어요' (I want to become a reporter and cover the world).

At the B1 level, you should be able to distinguish '취재하다' from similar verbs like '조사하다' (to investigate) and '보고하다' (to report to a superior). '취재하다' is specifically journalistic. You will see it used with various adverbs that describe how the news is gathered. For instance, '열심히 취재하다' (to cover diligently) or '몰래 취재하다' (to cover secretly/undercover). You should also be familiar with the passive form '취재되다,' which is used when an event or person becomes the subject of media attention. For example, '그의 선행이 언론에 취재되었다' (His good deed was covered by the media). At this level, you might encounter the word in more complex sentence structures using connectors like '-기 위해' (in order to) or '-느라고' (because of doing...). Understanding this word helps you follow Korean news broadcasts and documentaries more effectively, as it describes the fundamental activity of the media professionals you see on screen.

At the B2 level, you should understand the broader professional and ethical implications of '취재하다.' It is not just about physical presence; it involves '취재원' (news sources), '취재진' (press corps/news team), and '취재의 자유' (freedom of the press/coverage). You will see this word in debates about privacy versus the public's right to know. For example, '과잉 취재' (excessive/intrusive coverage) is a common criticism when reporters harass celebrities or victims. You should be able to use the word in formal discussions about the role of media in society. You might encounter phrases like '현장 취재를 통해 밝혀진 사실' (facts revealed through on-site coverage). The word also appears in academic or professional contexts related to media studies. It implies a systematic methodology of verifying facts and gathering evidence. At this level, you should be comfortable using '취재하다' in both written reports and formal speaking, especially when discussing current events or social issues.

At the C1 level, you should master the nuances of '취재하다' in sophisticated discourse. This includes understanding its use in '탐사 취재' (investigative reporting) which goes beyond surface-level facts to uncover systemic corruption or hidden truths. You will recognize the word in literary or high-level journalistic critiques, where the quality of '취재' is analyzed—was it thorough, ethical, or biased? You might encounter the term in legal contexts, such as '취재원 보호' (protection of journalistic sources), which is a crucial aspect of press freedom. The verb also extends to authors of '르포' (reportage) literature who spend years '취재'ing a specific community or historical event. At this level, you should be able to discuss the evolution of '취재' in the digital age, including 'SNS 취재' (gathering news via social media) and the challenges of 'fake news' (가짜 뉴스) in the information-gathering process. Your use of the word should reflect an understanding of the gravity and professional standards associated with the act of '취재.'

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like grasp of '취재하다' and can use it to discuss the philosophy of journalism and the ontology of 'the fact.' You can analyze how '취재' shapes public perception and the inherent biases involved in choosing what to '취재' and what to ignore. You understand the historical development of the term in the Korean media landscape, from the era of state-controlled media to the modern, highly competitive digital environment. You can use the word in complex metaphorical senses or in high-level academic papers regarding media ethics, communication theory, or political science. For instance, you might critique '경마식 취재' (horse-race coverage) in politics, which focuses on polls rather than policy. You are familiar with the legal precedents involving '취재의 한계' (the limits of coverage) and can argue fluently about the balance between national security and the necessity of '취재.' Your mastery allows you to use '취재하다' with precision, capturing the exact degree of investigative rigor and professional intent required in any given context.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

취재하다 in 30 Seconds

취재하다 is the specific Korean verb for journalists gathering news, information, or materials for a professional report, article, or broadcast segment.
It differs from 'reporting' (보도하다) by focusing on the active investigation and collection phase rather than the final act of sharing the news.
The word is highly formal and professional, used mainly in media contexts, documentaries, and authorship, rather than in casual everyday conversation.
Commonly paired with objects like 'incident' (사건), 'scene' (현장), or 'person' (인물) using the standard object markers 을/를.

The Korean verb 취재하다 (chwije-hada) is a specialized term primarily used in the world of journalism, media, and information gathering. While it can be broadly translated as 'to gather news' or 'to cover a story,' its literal roots in Hanja (取材) reveal a deeper meaning: 'to take' (取) 'material' (材). In the context of the news cycle, it refers to the active process of a reporter or investigator going out into the field to collect facts, conduct interviews, and document evidence before a story is actually written or broadcast.

Professional Context: This word is the standard term for what journalists do. If you are watching a Korean drama about news anchors or reading a newspaper, you will see this word constantly. It describes the legwork behind the news.

기자가 사건 현장을 직접 취재하다. (A reporter covers the scene of the incident directly.)

Understanding the nuance of 취재하다 requires distinguishing it from 보도하다 (to report/broadcast). While 보도하다 focuses on the act of telling the public what happened, 취재하다 is the investigative phase. It involves the sweat, the phone calls, the stakeouts, and the persistent questioning that leads to the information. When someone says they are 'on assignment' in English, they are essentially in the middle of 취재.

Broad Application: While mainly for journalists, it can also apply to authors researching a book or documentary filmmakers gathering footage. It implies a systematic and professional approach to information gathering.

작가는 소설을 쓰기 위해 전통 시장을 취재했다. (The author researched/covered the traditional market to write a novel.)

In Korean society, the 'right to cover' (취재권) is a significant legal and ethical concept. When a journalist is blocked from a location, they might argue that their ability to 취재하다 is being infringed upon. This highlights that the word carries a weight of professional duty and public service. It is not just 'looking around'; it is 'gathering material for the public interest.'

Media Evolution: In the age of YouTube and social media, the term is expanding. Independent creators often use the word 취재 to give their content a more authoritative, journalistic feel, even if they aren't part of a traditional news organization.

유튜버가 맛집의 비밀을 취재하고 있습니다. (A YouTuber is investigating/covering the secret of a famous restaurant.)

In summary, 취재하다 is the essential verb for the bridge between an event happening and the public hearing about it. It encompasses interviewing witnesses, taking photographs, verifying facts, and being present at the scene. It is a word of action, investigation, and professional curiosity.

Using 취재하다 correctly involves understanding its grammatical structure and the specific contexts where it thrives. As a '하다' verb, it is versatile, but its usage is almost exclusively formal or professional. You wouldn't typically use it for casual gossip; instead, you use it when information is being gathered for a specific, often published, purpose.

The Direct Object: The thing being covered—whether it's an event, a person, or a topic—takes the object marker 을/를. For example, '사건을 취재하다' (to cover an incident) or '연예인을 취재하다' (to cover/interview a celebrity).

우리는 이번 올림픽을 취재하기 위해 파리로 떠납니다. (We are leaving for Paris to cover this Olympics.)

When talking about the location of the coverage, you use the particle '에서'. This indicates where the gathering of information is taking place. '현장에서 취재하다' (to cover [the story] at the scene) is a very common idiomatic-like expression in news broadcasts.

Purpose and Intent: You can use the '-려고' (in order to) or '-기 위해' (for the purpose of) endings to explain why the coverage is happening. This is common in professional reports.

진실을 취재하려는 기자의 노력이 대단합니다. (The reporter's effort to cover the truth is great.)

Furthermore, 취재하다 can be combined with nouns to create complex subjects. '취재 팀' (coverage team), '취재 요청' (request for coverage/interview), and '취재 열기' (intense coverage atmosphere) are frequent pairings. Using these in sentences helps you sound more like a native speaker familiar with media discourse.

Passive vs. Active: While '취재하다' is active, the passive form '취재되다' is used when a subject is being covered by others. '그 사건은 여러 언론사에 의해 취재되었다' (That case was covered by several media outlets).

많은 기자들이 그 정치인을 취재하려고 몰려들었습니다. (Many reporters flocked to cover that politician.)

Finally, remember that 취재하다 is a highly formal word. In a very casual setting, you might just say '조사하다' (to investigate) or '물어보다' (to ask), but if you are talking about anything related to the news, 취재하다 is the only appropriate choice. It elevates the tone of your conversation to a more intellectual and professional level.

If you are in Korea or consuming Korean media, you will encounter 취재하다 in very specific, high-frequency environments. It is the lifeblood of the information industry. Knowing where to expect it will help you recognize it instantly in the wild.

1. Television News Broadcasts: This is the most common place. Anchors will often say, '김 기자가 취재했습니다' (Reporter Kim has covered [this story]) before a pre-recorded segment plays. Or a reporter standing in the rain might say, '현장에서 취재 중인 이 기자입니다' (This is Reporter Lee, currently covering the scene).

“저희 취재진이 단독으로 취재한 내용입니다.” (“This is content exclusively covered by our news team.”)

In news scripts, '단독 취재' (exclusive coverage) is a powerful phrase used to boast about getting a story that no other station has. When you hear this, you know the information is considered a 'scoop.'

2. Office Environments (Media/PR): If you work in Public Relations (PR) or for a large company, you will hear this when reporters call. A secretary might tell a boss, '기자님이 취재차 전화하셨습니다' (A reporter called for the purpose of coverage/gathering information). It signals a need for professional response.

“내일 오전 10시에 취재 약속이 있습니다.” (“There is a coverage/interview appointment tomorrow at 10 AM.”)

3. Documentaries and Investigative Journalism: Shows like 'PD수첩' or '그것이 알고 싶다' (popular investigative programs) use 취재하다 to describe their months-long deep dives into social issues or crimes. Here, it implies grit, danger, and persistent searching.

“우리는 이 문제를 6개월 동안 끈질기게 취재해 왔습니다.” (“We have been persistently covering this issue for six months.”)

Lastly, you will see it in the 'Credits' of films or articles. '취재: 홍길동' (Coverage/Reporting by: Hong Gil-dong) is a standard way to attribute the research work. Even in academic papers that involve field interviews, researchers might occasionally use 취재 to describe their data collection process, though '조사' is more common there.

While 취재하다 is a straightforward verb, English speakers often trip up because of the subtle differences between 'gathering information,' 'investigating,' and 'reporting.' Here are the most common pitfalls to avoid to ensure you sound natural.

1. Confusing '취재하다' with '조사하다' (Investigate): '조사하다' is a general term for research or investigation (like a police investigation or scientific study). '취재하다' is specifically for media coverage. You wouldn't say a scientist '취재's a virus; they '조사' it. Conversely, a reporter '취재's a story, though they might '조사' the facts within that story.

❌ 경찰이 사건을 취재하고 있다. (Incorrect: Police are covering the news of the case.)
✅ 경찰이 사건을 조사하고 있다. (Correct: Police are investigating the case.)

The distinction is the end goal. '취재' is for publication/broadcast. '조사' is for finding the truth or data for any purpose.

2. Using it for Casual 'Looking Up': If you are just looking up a restaurant on Google, do not use '취재하다'. It sounds far too serious and professional. Use '검색하다' (to search) or '찾아보다' (to look up).

❌ 친구가 맛집을 취재했다. (Sounds like your friend is a food critic writing a column.)
✅ 친구가 맛집을 찾아봤다. (Correct: My friend looked up a good restaurant.)

3. Overlapping with '인터뷰하다' (To Interview): While '취재' often includes interviewing, it's a broader term. If you only talk to a person, you '인터뷰하다'. If you talk to the person, visit their house, and look at their records to write a story, you '취재하다'. Using '취재' when you only mean a 10-minute chat might be slightly hyperbolic.

Finally, be careful with the particles. Because '취재하다' is a transitive verb, it always needs an object. Saying '기자가 취재해요' (The reporter covers) is okay if the context is clear, but usually, you need to say what they are covering (사건을, 현장을, 사람을).

To truly master 취재하다, you must see how it sits alongside its linguistic 'cousins.' Each of these words deals with information, but their flavors are distinct.

취재하다 vs. 보도하다 (The Journalist's Duo): As mentioned before, 취재하다 is the gathering, and 보도하다 is the announcing. A reporter '취재's in the afternoon and '보도's on the 9 PM news. You cannot '보도' what you haven't '취재'd.

취재하다 vs. 조사하다 (The Scope Difference): '조사하다' (Investigate/Survey) is much wider. You can '조사' the population, '조사' a crime, or '조사' a scientific hypothesis. '취재하다' is restricted to the specific 'material' (材) needed for a story.

비교: 기자는 사건을 취재하고, 경찰은 사건을 조사한다. (Comparison: Reporters cover the case, police investigate the case.)

수집하다 (To Collect): This word is used for collecting items or data. '자료 수집' (Data collection) is common in research. It lacks the 'fieldwork' and 'witness interview' nuance that '취재' has. '수집' is more about the act of picking things up and putting them together.

탐사하다 (To Explore/Probe): Used in '탐사 보도' (Investigative reporting). This is a 'deeper' version of '취재'. While '취재' can be just covering a daily event, '탐사' implies a deep, often hidden probe into something complex or secret.

In professional writing, you might also see 채록하다 (to record/dictate) if the focus is specifically on writing down what someone says, or 촬영하다 (to film) if the coverage is purely visual. However, 취재하다 remains the umbrella term that covers all these activities when performed by the media.

Word	Focus	Context
취재하다	Gathering for news	Journalism
조사하다	Finding facts/truth	General/Legal
보도하다	Sharing information	Media output

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character 材 (Je) originally referred to wood or timber used for building. In '취재하다,' it metaphorically refers to the 'raw materials' (facts, quotes, photos) used to build a news story.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tɕʰɥidʑeɦada/

US /tɕʰwidʑeɦada/

The primary stress is on the first syllable '취' (chwi), with a secondary light stress on '하' (ha).

Rhymes With

의제하다 (uije-hada) 해제하다 (haeje-hada) 결제하다 (gyeolje-hada) 교제하다 (gyoje-hada) 억제하다 (eokje-hada) 축제 (chukje) 숙제 (sukje) 경제 (gyeongje)

Common Errors

Pronouncing '취' as '추' (chu) without the 'i' sound.
Not aspirating the 'ㅊ' (ch) enough.
Pronouncing '제' (je) like '재' (jae) - though they sound very similar in modern Seoul Korean.
Dropping the 'h' sound in 'hada' in fast speech.
Over-emphasizing the 'wi' sound like two separate vowels.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Common in newspapers, easy to recognize once you know the Hanja roots.

Writing 3/5

Requires understanding of object markers and formal sentence endings.

Speaking 4/5

Used less in daily life, so learners might forget to use it in professional settings.

Listening 2/5

Very frequent on news broadcasts, making it easy to hear.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

기자 (Reporter) 뉴스 (News) 하다 (To do) 사건 (Incident/Case) 정보 (Information)

Learn Next

보도하다 (To report) 편집하다 (To edit) 발행하다 (To publish) 인터뷰 (Interview) 언론사 (Media outlet)

Advanced

알 권리 (Right to know) 언론의 자유 (Freedom of the press) 오보 (Misreport) 정정보도 (Correction report) 윤리 강령 (Code of ethics)

Grammar to Know

-러 가다/오다 (Purpose of movement)

뉴스를 취재하러 현장에 갔습니다.

-기 위해 (Purpose/Goal)

진실을 취재하기 위해 노력합니다.

-는 동안 (Duration of action)

취재하는 동안 많은 사람을 만났어요.

-아/어/여지다 (Passive/Change of state)

그 사건은 결국 세상에 취재되어 알려졌다.

-는 바람에 (Reason for negative result)

취재진이 몰려드는 바람에 길이 막혔다.

Examples by Level

기자가 뉴스를 취재해요.

The reporter covers the news.

기자 (reporter) + 뉴스 (news) + 취재해요 (is covering).

그는 시장을 취재합니다.

He covers the market.

Simple present formal ending -합니다.

우리는 학교를 취재해요.

We cover the school.

우리는 (we) is the subject.

누가 이 사건을 취재해요?

Who is covering this incident?

누가 (who) is the interrogative subject.

기자가 사진을 찍으며 취재해요.

The reporter covers [the story] while taking photos.

-으며 (while) connects two actions.

내일 축제 현장을 취재할 거예요.

I will cover the festival scene tomorrow.

-ㄹ 거예요 indicates future tense.

기자들이 많이 취재하고 있어요.

Many reporters are covering [it] right now.

-고 있다 indicates progressive action.

이 뉴스를 취재하고 싶어요.

I want to cover this news.

-고 싶다 expresses desire.

기자가 사고 현장을 직접 취재했습니다.

The reporter covered the accident scene directly.

직접 (directly) emphasizes the reporter was there.

어떤 기자가 우리 학교를 취재하러 왔어요?

Which reporter came to cover our school?

-러 오다 (come to do something).

유명한 가수를 취재하는 것은 힘들어요.

Covering a famous singer is difficult.

-는 것 turns the verb into a noun phrase.

신문 기자가 이 동네를 취재하고 싶어 해요.

A newspaper reporter wants to cover this neighborhood.

-고 싶어 하다 is used for third-person desires.

그 기자는 매일 새로운 소식을 취재합니다.

That reporter covers new news every day.

매일 (every day) indicates frequency.

우리는 이 문제를 취재하기로 했어요.

We decided to cover this issue.

-기로 하다 (decide to do).

취재한 내용을 기사로 썼어요.

I wrote the covered content into an article.

취재한 (past participle modifying '내용').

기자들이 입구에서 취재하려고 기다려요.

Reporters are waiting at the entrance to cover [the event].

-려고 (in order to).

현장을 취재하는 동안 비가 많이 왔습니다.

While covering the scene, it rained a lot.

-는 동안 (while/during).

기자는 진실을 취재하기 위해 밤을 새웠다.

The reporter stayed up all night to cover the truth.

-기 위해 (for the purpose of).

이 사건은 여러 방송국에서 취재하고 있습니다.

This incident is being covered by several broadcasting stations.

-에서 (at/by an organization).

취재한 정보를 바탕으로 뉴스를 만들어요.

They make news based on the covered information.

-을 바탕으로 (based on).

기자가 인터뷰를 통해 사건을 취재했다.

The reporter covered the case through interviews.

-을 통해 (through/via).

취재하러 가기 전에 장비를 확인하세요.

Check the equipment before going to cover [the story].

-기 전에 (before doing).

그 기사는 꼼꼼하게 취재된 결과물이다.

That article is the result of thorough coverage.

취재된 (passive participle).

정치인을 취재할 때는 질문을 잘 준비해야 해요.

When covering a politician, you must prepare questions well.

-을 때 (when) + -해야 하다 (must).

언론의 자유는 자유롭게 취재할 권리를 포함한다.

Freedom of the press includes the right to cover [news] freely.

권리 (right) + 포함한다 (includes).

과도한 취재는 때때로 사생활 침해 논란을 일으킨다.

Excessive coverage sometimes causes controversy over invasion of privacy.

논란을 일으키다 (cause controversy).

그 기자는 위험을 무릅쓰고 전쟁 지역을 취재했다.

The reporter covered the war zone despite the danger.

위험을 무릅쓰고 (despite the danger/risking danger).

이번 다큐멘터리는 1년간의 밀착 취재를 통해 제작되었다.

This documentary was produced through one year of close-up coverage.

밀착 취재 (close-up/intensive coverage).

취재진이 몰려드는 바람에 행사가 지연되었습니다.

The event was delayed because the press corps flocked in.

-는 바람에 (because of an unexpected negative event).

그는 경제 전문가를 취재하여 심층 기사를 작성했다.

He covered an economic expert and wrote an in-depth article.

심층 기사 (in-depth article).

정부는 언론의 취재를 제한해서는 안 된다.

The government must not restrict the press's coverage.

-해서는 안 된다 (must not).

취재 과정에서 얻은 정보는 반드시 확인을 거쳐야 한다.

Information obtained during the coverage process must undergo verification.

확인을 거치다 (undergo verification).

탐사 취재는 권력의 부패를 파헤치는 데 중요한 역할을 한다.

Investigative reporting plays a crucial role in digging up power corruption.

파헤치다 (to dig up/uncover).

기자는 취재원 보호를 위해 끝까지 침묵을 지켰다.

The reporter kept silent until the end to protect the news source.

취재원 보호 (source protection).

디지털 시대에 시민 기자의 취재 활동이 활발해지고 있다.

In the digital age, the coverage activities of citizen journalists are becoming active.

시민 기자 (citizen journalist).

현장 취재의 생생함이 기사의 설득력을 높여준다.

The vividness of on-site coverage increases the persuasiveness of the article.

설득력 (persuasiveness).

그 작가는 르포 문학을 위해 빈민가를 수개월간 취재했다.

The author covered the slums for months for reportage literature.

르포 문학 (reportage literature).

취재 윤리를 저버린 보도는 사회적 지탄을 받기 마련이다.

Reporting that abandons coverage ethics is bound to receive social condemnation.

-기 마련이다 (it is bound to happen).

권력 기관의 비협조로 인해 취재에 난항을 겪고 있다.

Coverage is facing difficulties due to non-cooperation from power institutions.

난항을 겪다 (to experience difficulties/stormy passage).

그 기자는 날카로운 통찰력으로 사건의 이면을 취재했다.

The reporter covered the hidden side of the case with sharp insight.

이면 (the hidden side/the back).

언론의 취재가 공익과 사익 사이에서 균형을 잡는 것은 난제이다.

It is a difficult problem for media coverage to balance public interest and private interest.

공익 (public interest) vs 사익 (private interest).

취재의 성역이 존재해서는 진정한 민주주의를 실현할 수 없다.

True democracy cannot be realized if 'sanctuaries' for coverage exist.

성역 (sanctuary/holy ground - here, areas off-limits to press).

기록되지 않은 역사를 발굴하기 위한 구술 취재가 진행 중이다.

Oral coverage to unearth unrecorded history is underway.

구술 취재 (oral coverage/interviewing for history).

엠바고를 어긴 취재는 언론계 내에서 신뢰의 문제를 야기한다.

Coverage that breaks an embargo causes trust issues within the media industry.

엠바고 (embargo - agreement to delay news release).

취재의 객관성을 담보하기 위한 다각적인 검증이 요구된다.

Multifaceted verification is required to guarantee the objectivity of coverage.

담보하기 위한 (to guarantee/secure).

언론의 무분별한 취재 경쟁이 사건의 본질을 흐리기도 한다.

Indiscriminate coverage competition by the media sometimes blurs the essence of a case.

본질을 흐리다 (to blur/obscure the essence).

취재권의 남용은 타인의 기본권을 침해할 소지가 다분하다.

Abuse of the right to cover news has a high possibility of infringing on others' basic rights.

소지가 다분하다 (to have a strong possibility/element of).

현대 저널리즘에서 취재는 단순히 사실의 나열을 넘어 해석의 영역으로 확장되었다.

In modern journalism, coverage has expanded beyond the simple listing of facts into the realm of interpretation.

단순히 ~을 넘어 (beyond simply...).

Common Collocations

현장을 취재하다

단독 취재하다

사건을 취재하다

밀착 취재하다

열띤 취재

취재를 거부하다

취재에 응하다

심층 취재하다

취재를 요청하다

취재 허가

Common Phrases

취재 중

— Currently on assignment or gathering information. It is often seen on badges or car windows.

취재 중이니 출입을 삼가 주시기 바랍니다.

취재진

— The press corps or the group of reporters covering a story.

수많은 취재진이 공항에 모였습니다.

취재원

— The source of information for a news story.

기자는 취재원의 신분을 밝히지 않았다.

취재 수첩

— A reporter's notebook used for taking notes in the field.

그는 취재 수첩에 빽빽하게 메모를 했다.

취재 열기

— The intense atmosphere of media coverage at a popular event.

발표회장은 기자들의 취재 열기로 뜨거웠다.

취재 협조

— Cooperation with the press for coverage purposes.

경찰의 취재 협조 덕분에 기사를 완성했다.

취재 파일

— A collection of gathered materials or a segment title for news behind-the-scenes.

오늘의 취재 파일에서는 선거 뒷이야기를 다룹니다.

현장 취재

— On-the-spot coverage or reporting from the actual location of an event.

생생한 현장 취재 소식을 전해드립니다.

취재 제한

— Restrictions placed on media coverage by authorities.

정부는 보안상의 이유로 취재 제한 조치를 내렸다.

취재 보도

— The combined process of gathering and then reporting the news.

신속하고 정확한 취재 보도를 약속합니다.

Often Confused With

취재하다 vs 조사하다

조사하다 is general investigation; 취재하다 is specifically for news/media.

취재하다 vs 보도하다

보도하다 is the act of announcing the news; 취재하다 is the act of gathering it.

취재하다 vs 수집하다

수집하다 is collecting data/items; 취재하다 involves fieldwork and interviews for a story.

Idioms & Expressions

"발로 뛰는 취재"

— Coverage done by actively running around on foot; proactive and diligent reporting.

그는 발로 뛰는 취재로 유명한 기자다.

Journalistic

"취재의 성역"

— A 'holy ground' or area that the press is forbidden from covering.

진정한 언론이라면 취재의 성역이 없어야 한다.

Formal/Political

"카메라 세례"

— A 'baptism' of cameras; being surrounded by many photographers covering an event.

그 배우는 공항에서 카메라 세례를 받았다.

Media/Entertainment

"펜은 칼보다 강하다"

— The pen is mightier than the sword (often used to describe the power of 취재).

기자는 취재를 통해 펜이 칼보다 강함을 증명했다.

Literary

"특종을 잡다"

— To catch a 'scoop'; to get an exclusive and important story through 취재.

우리 팀이 이번에 큰 특종을 잡았다.

Journalistic Slang

"뻗치기"

— A journalistic slang for a long stakeout to cover someone or something.

검찰청 앞에서 사흘째 뻗치기를 하고 있다.

Journalistic Slang

"그림이 되다"

— To be 'visually good' for coverage (usually for TV).

이 현장은 배경이 좋아서 그림이 잘 된다.

Media Slang

"야마를 잡다"

— Journalistic slang for finding the 'core' or 'angle' of a story during 취재.

취재는 다 했는데 아직 야마를 못 잡았어.

Journalistic Slang

"물먹다"

— To miss a story that other reporters covered (to fail in 취재).

경쟁사에 특종을 뺏기고 우리만 물먹었다.

Journalistic Slang

"조지다"

— Extremely informal slang for writing a very harsh, critical report after 취재.

이번 기사로 그 비리 정치인을 완전히 조졌다.

Very Informal Slang

Easily Confused

취재하다 vs 보고하다

Both involve sharing information.

보고하다 is reporting to a boss or superior within an organization. 취재하다 is gathering info for the public.

직원이 팀장에게 업무를 보고했다. (The employee reported work to the team leader.)

취재하다 vs 검사하다

Both involve looking at something closely.

검사하다 is to inspect or check for errors/health. 취재하다 is for news story material.

의사가 환자를 검사합니다. (The doctor examines the patient.)

취재하다 vs 탐방하다

Both involve visiting a place for information.

탐방하다 is often for tourism or cultural visits ('exploring'). 취재하다 is strictly professional journalism.

경주 고적지를 탐방했다. (I visited/explored historical sites in Gyeongju.)

취재하다 vs 관찰하다

Both involve watching an event.

관찰하다 is to observe scientifically or quietly. 취재하다 is to actively gather material including interviews.

과학자가 개미를 관찰한다. (The scientist observes ants.)

취재하다 vs 인터뷰하다

Interviews are part of news gathering.

인터뷰하다 is just the conversation. 취재하다 is the whole process (visiting, filming, researching, interviewing).

기자가 시민을 인터뷰했다. (The reporter interviewed a citizen.)

Sentence Patterns

[Subject]이/가 [Object]을/를 취재해요.

기자가 사건을 취재해요.

[Object]을/를 취재하러 [Place]에 가요.

축제를 취재하러 서울에 가요.

[Object]을/를 취재하는 동안 [Action/Event].

현장을 취재하는 동안 비가 왔어요.

[Object]을/를 취재하기 위해 [Action].

진실을 취재하기 위해 밤을 새웠습니다.

[Subject]에 의해 [Object]이/가 취재되다.

언론에 의해 사건이 취재되었다.

[Noun]에 대한 취재가 활발하다.

신기술에 대한 취재가 활발합니다.

취재한 바에 따르면 [Clause].

취재한 바에 따르면 그는 무죄입니다.

취재의 성역을 허물다.

그 기사는 취재의 성역을 허물었다.

Word Family

Nouns

취재 (coverage/newsgathering)

취재진 (press corps)

취재원 (source)

취재권 (right to cover)

취재비 (coverage expenses)

Verbs

취재되다 (to be covered/investigated by media)

취재시키다 (to make/order someone to cover)

기자 (reporter)

기사 (article)

보도 (report)

언론 (the press)

뉴스 (news)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in media, news, and literature; low in casual family conversation.

Common Mistakes

기자가 사건을 조사해요. → 기자가 사건을 취재해요.
While '조사' is okay, '취재' is the specific, professional word for what a reporter does.
나는 어제 식당을 취재했다. → 나는 어제 식당을 찾아봤다.
Unless you are a food critic writing an article, '취재' is too formal for just looking up a restaurant.
경찰이 범인을 취재하고 있다. → 경찰이 범인을 수사하고 있다.
Police 'investigate' (수사), they don't 'cover for news' (취재).
취재를 보도하다. → 취재한 내용을 보도하다.
You don't 'report the coverage'; you report the 'content' that you covered.
취재가 당하다. → 취재를 당하다 / 취재되다.
To be covered by the media, use '취재되다' or the slightly negative '취재를 당하다'.

Tips

Use with Professionals

Only use '취재하다' when the subject is a reporter, writer, or someone acting in a journalistic capacity.

Object Markers

Always remember to use 을 or 를 with the thing being covered. Example: 사건을 취재하다.

Hanja Roots

Remember 取 (take) and 材 (material). You are taking materials for a story.

News Tone

When you say this word, use a slightly more formal tone (하십시오체 or 해요체) to match its professional nature.

TV News

Watch the first 5 minutes of a Korean news broadcast. You will almost certainly hear this word.

Compound Nouns

Combine '취재' with '현장' (scene) or '진' (team) to sound like a native speaker.

Ethical Context

In Korea, '취재' is a hot topic regarding privacy. Use '과잉 취재' to talk about paparazzi-like behavior.

Chwi-Je-Hada

Think of a 'CHW'i-ck (quick) 'JE' (journalist) 'HADA' (doing) his job.

Not for Police

Never use this for police work. Use '수사하다' (to investigate a crime) instead.

Passive Form

Master '취재되다' to describe when something becomes news without your action.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a reporter who 'CHEWS' (취 - chwi) on the 'JAY' (제 - je) bird's news until they have a story. They are gathering materials!

Visual Association

Imagine a person with a large 'PRESS' hat holding a magnifying glass over a pile of 'materials' (timber/wood blocks) that have words written on them.

Word Web

기자 (Reporter) 뉴스 (News) 현장 (Scene) 인터뷰 (Interview) 기사 (Article) 카메라 (Camera) 마이크 (Microphone) 사실 (Fact)

Challenge

Try to write a sentence about a reporter covering your favorite hobby using '취재하다'. Then, try to use the passive form '취재되다'.

Word Origin

Derived from the Hanja characters 取材 (취재).

Original meaning: 取 (Chwi) means 'to take' or 'to choose,' and 材 (Je) means 'material' or 'timber.'

Sino-Korean (Hanja).

Cultural Context

When using '취재하다' regarding sensitive topics (tragedies, victims), it is important to mention '취재 윤리' (coverage ethics) to avoid sounding insensitive.

In English, we use different words depending on the medium: 'reporting' for TV, 'covering' for events, and 'researching' for books. '취재하다' covers all of these in a professional Korean context.

The K-Drama 'Pinocchio' focuses heavily on the ethics of '취재하다'. The movie 'A Taxi Driver' (2017) depicts a German reporter '취재'ing the Gwangju Uprising. The investigative show '그것이 알고 싶다' is the pinnacle of '탐사 취재' in Korea.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

News Reporting

현장 취재
단독 취재
취재진
취재 보도

Writing a Book/Novel

소재 취재
배경 취재
인물 취재
현지 취재

Legal/Social Issues

취재 거부
취재 제한
취재원 보호
과잉 취재

Sports/Entertainment

밀착 취재
취재 열기
공동 취재단
취재 요청

Academic Research

자료 취재
구술 취재
현장 조사 및 취재
취재 기록

Conversation Starters

"어떤 사건을 가장 취재하고 싶으세요? (What kind of incident do you want to cover the most?)"

"기자가 된다면 어디를 취재하러 가고 싶어요? (If you became a reporter, where would you want to go to cover news?)"

"최근에 뉴스에서 본 취재 내용 중에 기억에 남는 게 있나요? (Is there any covered content you saw on the news recently that was memorable?)"

"취재할 때 가장 중요한 것은 무엇이라고 생각하세요? (What do you think is the most important thing when covering news?)"

"연예인에 대한 과도한 취재에 대해 어떻게 생각하세요? (What do you think about excessive coverage of celebrities?)"

Journal Prompts

내가 기자가 되어 우리 동네의 숨은 맛집을 취재한다면 어떤 내용을 담고 싶은지 써 보세요. (Write about what content you would include if you were a reporter covering hidden famous restaurants in your neighborhood.)

언론의 자유와 취재 윤리 사이의 갈등에 대해 자신의 생각을 정리해 보세요. (Summarize your thoughts on the conflict between freedom of the press and coverage ethics.)

역사적인 사건 현장을 취재할 수 있다면 어느 시대로 가고 싶은지 이유와 함께 써 보세요. (Write about which era you would go to if you could cover a historical event scene, along with the reason.)

취재원이 되어 기자에게 인터뷰를 받는 상황을 상상해 보세요. (Imagine a situation where you become a news source and are interviewed by a reporter.)

거짓 뉴스를 막기 위해 취재 과정에서 어떤 노력이 필요한지 써 보세요. (Write about what efforts are needed in the coverage process to prevent fake news.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, if you are acting like a reporter (e.g., for a school newspaper). However, if you are just doing library research, '자료 조사' or '수집' is better.

'취재' is a noun meaning 'coverage.' Adding '하다' makes it the verb 'to cover/gather news.'

It means 'exclusive coverage,' where one news outlet gets a story that no one else has.

No. Police 'investigate,' which is '수사하다' or '조사하다.' '취재하다' is only for media.

Yes, it is a professional term. You won't hear it much in casual daily talk unless discussing the news.

It refers to the 'press corps' or the group of reporters and camera crew working together.

You use the passive form: '내가 뉴스에 취재되었다' or '내가 취재를 당했다' (though the latter sounds like it was unwanted).

It means 'close-up' or 'intensive' coverage, where a reporter follows a subject very closely for a long time.

Yes, many modern Korean YouTubers use this word to make their investigative videos sound more professional.

There isn't a single direct opposite, but '은폐하다' (to cover up) is often used as the conceptual opposite in news stories.