TOPIK II Core Vocabulary · Culture & Arts ②

At the gallery — 작품, 감상하다, 전시, 창작, 대중

These culture words follow a simple order: 창작 → 전시 → 감상.

01작품jakpum

creative work · something created by an artist, writer, or performer.

Note The syllable 품 means "item," as in 일회용품. A 제품 is a product made for sale. A 작품 is made as art. 작품이네요 can be used as a compliment.

Examples 작품을 만들다 (to create a work) · 작품을 감상하다 (to appreciate a work) · 대표 작품 (a signature work)

이 작품이 제일 마음에 들어요. This piece is my favorite.  |  마음에 들다 = to be pleasing to someone

한 작품이 시대를 넘어 사랑받는 이유는 저마다 다르다. The reasons a work goes on being loved across the eras differ from one work to the next.  |  저마다 = each in its own way

02감상하다gamsanghada

to appreciate, to enjoy · to look at or listen to a creative work with attention and enjoyment.

Note 보다 means simply "to see." 감상하다 means to enjoy and appreciate a work. It is also used for music. 감상문 is a written response to a work.

Examples 그림을 감상하다 (to appreciate a painting) · 음악을 감상하다 (to enjoy music) · 감상문 (a written response)

천천히 그림을 감상했어요. I took my time looking at the paintings.  |  천천히 = slowly

작품을 감상하는 데 정답이 있는 것은 아니다. There is no single correct way to appreciate a work of art.  |  정답 = the correct answer

03전시jeonsi

exhibition · an event where works or objects are displayed.

Note A 공연 is performed live. A 전시 stays on display for a period of time. Use 전시를 열다 for "to hold an exhibition." The event is a 전시회. The place is a 전시장.

Examples 전시를 보다 (to see an exhibition) · 전시를 열다 (to hold an exhibition) · 전시회 (an exhibition)

미술관에서 전시를 봤어요. I saw an exhibition at the gallery.  |  미술관 = an art museum

이번 전시는 젊은 작가들의 실험적인 작품으로 채워졌다. This exhibition is filled with experimental work by young artists.  |  작가 = an artist, author · 실험적 = experimental

04창작changjak

creative work; creation · the act of creating, or something that has been created.

Note The syllable 창- is about creating or starting something new. It appears in 창작, 창조, 창의, and 창업.

Examples 창작을 하다 (to create) · 창작 활동 (creative work) · 창작물 (a creation)

요즘 창작 활동을 하고 있어요. I've been doing creative work lately.  |  활동 = activity

창작에는 늘 앞선 작품의 영향이 어느 정도 담기기 마련이다. Creative work is bound to carry some influence from earlier works.  |  앞선 = earlier · -기 마련이다 = is bound to

05대중daejung

the public · ordinary people as a group.

Note 대중 often appears before another noun: 대중문화 (popular culture), 대중교통 (public transportation), and 대중가요 (popular songs). 대중적 means "popular," "mainstream," or "accessible."

Examples 대중에게 알리다 (to make known to the public) · 대중적 (mainstream) · 대중문화 (popular culture)

대중교통이 정말 편리해요. Public transportation is very convenient.  |  Buses and the subway are forms of 대중교통

대중의 사랑을 받는 작품이 늘 뛰어난 것은 아니다. Works that are popular with the public are not always outstanding.  |  뛰어나다 = to be outstanding

Quick check3 questions

Fill in each blank in Korean. Every answer appears above.

1. __________을 감상하는 데 정답이 있는 것은 아니다. (a creative ______)
2. 이번 __________는 젊은 작가들의 실험적인 작품으로 채워졌다. (works put on display)
3. __________의 사랑을 받는 작품이 늘 뛰어난 것은 아니다. (loved by the ______)

Show answers

1. 작품   2. 전시   3. 대중

Study tip The syllable 창- means creating or starting something new. It appears in 창작, 창조, 창의, 창업, and 창립. If you know this syllable, you can guess the meaning of new words.