Uphill Road – Bilingual Lyrics Korean/English
Lyrics & Translation
Learning a language through music can be a deeply moving experience, and "Uphill Road" is a perfect example. Its clear and emotional lyrics about perseverance offer a great opportunity to learn expressive Korean vocabulary. The song's narrative of mutual support through hardship makes it a special and relatable piece for learners, allowing them to connect with the language on an emotional level.
Look at this steep road.
Yeah, let's remember the smile before we climb.
I might not see you for a long time.
On the path we’ve walked, which was gentle,
There’s the sweet scent of love.
Now, it’s just our sweaty tears and ragged breaths,
Which might be our only conversation.
One step, just one step now.
Don’t look at that distant end.
Keep looking at me, like the peaceful road.
Then I’ll endure it.
I love you, you who walk this road with me.
You chose me, even though I’m difficult (You chose me, even though I’m difficult).
Only when the wind blows sometimes,
Look at that distant scenery.
Our road, beautiful as much as we’ve climbed.
Remember, if we ever let go of each other's hands (oh-oh-oh),
Don’t ever be discouraged and wander around (Don’t ever be discouraged and wander around).
There’s nowhere else to climb, that place isn’t that big.
If we meet and climb to the top eventually,
One step, just one step now.
Don’t look at that distant end.
Keep looking at me, like the peaceful road.
Then (then) I’ll endure it (oh-oh, ooh).
I love you, you who walk this road with me.
You chose me, even though I’m difficult (You chose me, even though I’m difficult).
Only when the wind blows sometimes,
Look at that distant scenery.
Our road, beautiful as much as we’ve climbed, oh-whoa.
Remember, if we ever let go of each other's hands.
Don’t ever be discouraged and wander around (Don’t ever be discouraged and wander around).
There’s nowhere else to climb, that place isn’t that big.
We’ll meet eventually, and shout out loud.
I love you.
All the way to the end.
Key Vocabulary
| Vocabulary | Meanings |
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길 /gil/ A2 |
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웃음 /useum/ A2 |
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기억 /gieok/ B1 |
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사랑 /sarang/ A2 |
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바라봐 /barabwa/ B1 |
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아름다운 /areumdaun/ B2 |
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견디다 /gyeondida/ B2 |
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향기 /hyanggi/ B1 |
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땀 /ttam/ A2 |
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거칠게 /geochilge/ B1 |
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놓치다 /nochidda/ B2 |
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황하다 /hwanghada/ C1 |
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택하다 /teakhada/ B2 |
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바람 /baram/ A2 |
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풍경 /punggyeong/ B1 |
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소리치다 /sorichida/ B2 |
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Key Grammar Structures
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이제부터 웃음기 사라질거야
➔ 이제부터 (ijebeoseuteo) - From now on
➔ The use of '이제부터' indicates a shift in time and tone, signaling a change from a lighter mood to a more challenging one. It's a common phrase to introduce a new phase or situation.
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완만했던 우리가 지나온 길엔 달콤한 사랑의 향기
➔ 완만했던 (wanmanhaetdeon) - Gentle/sloping (past tense)
➔ The past tense adjective '완만했던' (wanmanhaetdeon) contrasts with the '가파른 길' (gapacheun gil - steep road) mentioned later, highlighting the difference between the past ease and the present difficulty. It evokes a sense of nostalgia.
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끈적이는 땀 거칠게 내쉬는 숨이 우리 유일한 대화일지 몰라
➔ 끈적이는 (kkeunjeogineun) - Sticky/viscous
➔ The use of '끈적이는' (kkeunjeogineun) to describe sweat creates a vivid image of the physical struggle. The phrase '우리 유일한 대화일지 몰라' (uri yuilhan daehwa ilji molla - it might be our only conversation) is a poetic expression of how communication becomes reduced to basic physical responses during hardship.
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아득한 저 끝은 보지마 평온했던 길처럼 계속 나를 바라봐줘
➔ 아득한 (adeukhan) - Distant/far away
➔ The use of '아득한' (adeukhan) emphasizes the overwhelming distance of the goal. The instruction '평온했던 길처럼 계속 나를 바라봐줘' (pyeongonhaetdeon gilcheoreom gyesok nareul barabwajwo - keep looking at me like the peaceful road) is a plea for unwavering support and focus on the present.
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굳이 고 된 나를 택한 그대여
➔ 굳이 (eodi) - Even if/despite
➔ The phrase '굳이 고 된 나를 택한 그대여' (eodi go doen nareul taekhan geudae yeo - you who chose me, even with all my hardships) expresses deep gratitude and acknowledges the sacrifices of the loved one. '굳이' emphasizes the deliberate and perhaps unexpected choice.
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절대 당 황하고 헤매지 마요
➔ 절대 (jeoldaeeo) - Absolutely/never
➔ The use of '절대' (jeoldaeeo) emphasizes the importance of remaining calm and not losing direction. The phrase '당황하고 헤매지 마요' (danghwanghago hemaejiyo - don't panic and wander) is a comforting reassurance.
