Introduction
Vocabulary
| Korean | Romanization | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 쓰레기 | sseuregi | garbage; trash | 쓰레기를 버렸어요.I threw away the garbage. |
| 자동 | jadong | automatic | 자동 시스템이 있어요.There is an automatic system. |
| 시스템 | siseutem | system | 새로운 시스템을 만들었어요.We made a new system. |
| 지하 | jiha | underground | 지하 파이프가 있어요.There are underground pipes. |
| 준공 | jungong | completion (of construction) | 2014년 준공했어요.It was completed in 2014. |
| 운영 | unyeong | operation; to operate | 이 시스템을 운영해요.We operate this system. |
| 사용 | sayong | use; to use | 12년 동안 사용하지 않았어요.It has not been used for 12 years. |
| 인수 | insu | takeover; to take over | 인수 문제가 있어요.There is a takeover issue. |
| 수리 | suri | repair | 수리 비용이 많아요.Repair costs are high. |
| 차이 | chai | difference | 의견의 차이가 있어요.There is a difference in opinion. |
| 거절 | geojeol | refusal; to refuse | 제안을 거절했어요.They refused the proposal. |
| 비용 | biyong | cost; expense | 비용이 아주 많아요.The cost is very high. |
Reading Text
인천 영종 하늘도시에 크린넷이라는 자동 쓰레기 시스템이 있어요.
In Incheon Yeongjeong Sky City, there is an automatic garbage system called Cleanet.
이 시스템은 2014년에 준공했어요.
This system was completed in 2014.
크린넷은 지하 파이프로 쓰레기를 옮겨요.
Cleanet transports garbage through underground pipes.
이 시스템을 만드는 데 1,530억 원이 들었어요.
It cost over 153 billion won to build this system.
하지만 이 시스템은 12년 동안 한 번도 사용하지 않았어요.
However, this system has not been used even once in 12 years.
2023년에 영종구청이 운영하기로 정했지만 수리 문제로 아직 운영하지 않고 있어요.
In 2023, Yeongjeong District Office agreed to operate it, but it is still not operating due to repair issues.
Grammar Points
-기로 하다 decide to
Attached to a verb stem to express a decision or plan to do something. Here '정하다' (to decide) replaces '하다', but the '-기로' structure signals the decision.
📖 2023년에 영종구청이 운영하기로 정했지만 수리 문제로 아직 운영하지 않고 있어요. In 2023, the Yeongjong district office decided to operate it, but due to repair issues it is still not operating.
✏️ 우리는 내년에 제주도에 가기로 했어요. We decided to go to Jeju Island next year.
-지만 but / however
Attached to a verb stem to mean 'but / however', connecting two contrasting clauses.
📖 2023년에 영종구청이 운영하기로 정했지만 수리 문제로 아직 운영하지 않고 있어요. In 2023, the Yeongjong district office decided to operate it, but due to repair issues it is still not operating.
✏️ 한국어가 어렵지만 재미있어요. Korean is difficult, but it is fun.
Cultural Notes
South Korea is known for its advanced infrastructure and technological innovation, and large-scale public construction projects like Cleanet reflect the country's ambition to modernize cities. However, this case illustrates a common challenge in Korea's rapid development: coordination problems between multiple government agencies (national, provincial, and local) can sometimes prevent projects from reaching their intended use. The Cleanet system is an example of how even well-funded, technologically sophisticated infrastructure requires clear operational agreements and maintenance planning—lessons that Korean policymakers continue to learn as they develop smart cities.
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