This page in your language
فارسی العربية Deutsch Español Français 日本語 한국어 Português 中文 हिन्दी
A2 noun 6 min read

여행사

yeohaengsa
Korean Word
☐ 여행사 (yeohaengsa)
English Definition
A company that organizes and sells holidays and flights.
Etymology
The word is a compound of '여행' (yeohaeng), meaning 'travel' or 'journey', and '사' (sa), which can mean 'company', 'agency', or 'affairs'. Together, it literally means 'travel company' or 'travel agency'.
Usage Context
This term is used when referring to businesses that specialize in planning and booking trips for individuals or groups. This includes arranging flights, accommodations, tours, and sometimes even visa assistance. You might see this word on signs of shops, on websites, or when people discuss their vacation plans.

When planning a vacation, many people first consult a 여행사.

This 여행사 offers various package tours to Southeast Asia.

Breakdown of the Word
- 여행 (yeohaeng): Travel, journey, trip
- 사 (sa): Company, agency, firm, business

Are there any good 여행사 that specialize in adventure travel?

Basic Sentence Structure
The most common way to use '여행사' is as a noun, often as the subject or object of a sentence, or in a possessive construction. It can also be modified by adjectives describing its type or quality.

저는 새로운 여행사를 찾고 있어요.

I am looking for a new travel agency.

Using '여행사' as the Subject
When the travel agency itself is performing an action or being described.

이 여행사는 맞춤형 여행 상품을 제공합니다.

This travel agency offers customized travel packages.

Using '여행사' as the Object
When the travel agency is the recipient of an action, such as visiting, contacting, or using its services.

다음 휴가 때는 꼭 여행사를 이용해 볼 거예요.

Next vacation, I will definitely try using a travel agency.

그 여행사에 전화해서 견적을 받아봤어요.

I called that travel agency and got a quote.

Using with Particles
'여행사' can be used with various particles to indicate location, direction, or possession.

저는 집 근처 여행사에서 상담을 받았습니다.

I received a consultation at a travel agency near my house.

이 여행사의 상품은 가격이 합리적이에요.

The products from this travel agency are reasonably priced.

Describing a Travel Agency
You can use adjectives or descriptive phrases to specify the type of travel agency.

믿을 수 있는 여행사를 선택하는 것이 중요합니다.

It is important to choose a trustworthy travel agency.

이곳은 소규모 그룹 여행 전문 여행사입니다.

This is a travel agency specializing in small group tours.

Everyday Conversations
You'll hear '여행사' frequently when people discuss their plans for holidays, vacations, or business trips. Friends might ask each other, 'Have you booked your trip yet?' or 'Which travel agency are you using?'

이번 여름휴가는 어느 여행사 통해서 예약했어?

Through which travel agency did you book this summer vacation?

Travel Agencies and Websites
Naturally, this word is omnipresent in the physical locations and online platforms of travel agencies. Their advertisements, brochures, and websites will prominently feature '여행사'.

이 여행사 웹사이트에서 다양한 할인 정보를 확인할 수 있습니다.

You can check various discount information on this travel agency's website.

News and Media
News reports about the tourism industry, travel trends, or consumer reviews of travel services will often mention '여행사'.

최근 경제 침체로 인해 많은 여행사들이 어려움을 겪고 있습니다.

Due to the recent economic recession, many travel agencies are experiencing difficulties.

Discussions about Travel Packages
When people are comparing different travel deals or discussing the pros and cons of using a travel agency versus booking independently, '여행사' will be a key term.

직접 예약하는 것과 여행사를 이용하는 것 중 어느 것이 더 나을까요?

Which is better, booking directly or using a travel agency?

가족 여행 계획을 세우기 위해 유명 여행사의 상품을 살펴보고 있어요.

I am looking at products from a famous travel agency to plan our family trip.

Overuse with Independent Booking
Learners might mistakenly use '여행사' when they are simply booking a flight or a hotel online themselves. While a travel agency might facilitate these, the term '여행사' specifically refers to the business entity providing these services, not the act of booking itself.

Incorrect: 저는 어제 여행사를 통해 비행기를 예약했어요.

Correct: 저는 어제 비행기를 예약했어요.

Explanation: If you booked the flight directly through an airline's website or a booking platform, you didn't use a '여행사'. You would use '여행사' if you went to a physical travel agency or used their online service to book it for you.

Confusing with '여행' (Travel)
'여행' means 'travel' or 'journey', while '여행사' means 'travel agency'. It's crucial to distinguish between the activity and the business that organizes it.

Incorrect: 저는 여행사를 좋아해요.

Correct: 저는 여행을 좋아해요.

Explanation: You like the activity of travel ('여행'), not necessarily the travel agency ('여행사') itself, unless you are referring to a specific agency you like.

Ignoring Context for '사' (Agency)
The character '사' can mean many things (company, agency, historian, even 'to die'). Learners might get confused if they see '사' in other words and try to force the 'agency' meaning onto them inappropriately.

Incorrect: 저는 오늘 역사 사를 만났어요.

Correct: 저는 오늘 역사학자를 만났어요.

Explanation: In '역사학자' (historian), '학자' (hakja) means scholar, and '사' here doesn't mean agency. It's important to learn words as wholes and understand the context of '사'.

Pronunciation Nuances
While '여행사' is generally straightforward, mispronouncing the vowels or the final consonant 's' sound can make it slightly less clear, though usually understandable.

Incorrect Pronunciation Example: '여행사' (yeohaengsa) instead of '여행사' (yeohaengsa) with a clear 'yeo' sound.

Correct Pronunciation: Emphasize the 'yeo' sound and the 'sa' ending clearly.

'여행사' vs. '여행 에이전시' (Travel Agency)
'여행 에이전시' is a direct transliteration of 'travel agency' using English loanwords. While understood, '여행사' is the native Korean term and is much more common in everyday speech and writing.
Usage: '여행사' is preferred for general use. '여행 에이전시' might be seen in specific branding or contexts where English influence is strong.
Example:
- Native: 이번 여행은 하나투어 여행사를 통해 예약했어요. (I booked this trip through Hana Tour travel agency.)
- Loanword: 국제적인 여행 에이전시들이 한국 시장에 진출하고 있다. (International travel agencies are entering the Korean market.)
'여행사' vs. '항공권 판매점' (Airline Ticket Seller)
A '항공권 판매점' is a more specialized place that primarily focuses on selling flight tickets. While a '여행사' can also sell flight tickets, its scope is much broader, often including accommodation, tours, and package deals.
Usage: Use '항공권 판매점' if the sole or primary service is selling air tickets. Use '여행사' for comprehensive travel planning.
Example:
Sign up free to see all examples

Related Content

Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!