Korean Directions: Right (Oreunjjok) & Left

Understanding Korean directions is essential for navigating South Korea, and mastering terms like oreunjjok (right) and wenjjok (left) is crucial for understanding instructions. The use of GPS navigation is common, but knowing how to ask for and comprehend manual directions from locals can greatly enhance travel experiences. Accurate use of directional vocabulary not only aids in physical navigation but also fosters better communication, making interactions with Korean speakers smoother and more meaningful.

Ever feel like you’re wandering in circles when trying to navigate Korea? Well, knowing your dong from your seo is more than just helpful—it’s essential! Imagine being able to confidently explore bustling Seoul streets or find hidden gems in the countryside without constantly relying on Google Maps. That’s the power of mastering Korean directions.

Understanding these terms isn’t just about getting from point A to point B; it’s about unlocking richer, more authentic travel experiences and deeper cultural connections. When you can confidently ask for directions or understand location descriptions, you’re not just a tourist—you’re an explorer, ready to dive into the heart of Korean culture.

We’re introducing something cool called the “Closeness Rating.” Think of it as your cheat sheet to directional mastery. We’re focusing on terms with a rating of 7-10, meaning these are the absolute must-knows you’ll encounter daily. Forget drowning in endless vocabulary lists; we’re zeroing in on what matters most.

Now, let’s be real. Korean directions can be tricky. The language’s structure and unfamiliar terms often trip up learners. But don’t worry! This guide is designed to tackle those challenges head-on, making your journey to directional fluency smooth, maybe even a little fun. Get ready to transform from a lost traveler into a confident Korean explorer!

The Foundation: Cardinal Directions (동, 서, 남, 북)

Alright, let’s kick things off with the real basics: the four cardinal directions. Think of these as your Korean directional North Star—absolutely fundamental for getting around. These directions are:

• 동 (Dong) – East
• 서 (Seo) – West
• 남 (Nam) – South
• 북 (Buk) – North

Pronunciation Power-Up

Let’s get that pronunciation nailed down right away.

• 동 (Dong): Think of the English word “dong,” but with a slightly shorter “o” sound.
• 서 (Seo): This sounds like “suh,” similar to the “suh” in “sure.”
• 남 (Nam): Nice and easy – rhymes with “Tom.”
• 북 (Buk): Like “book,” but with a stronger “k” sound at the end.

A Dash of Korean Culture

These directions aren’t just about navigation; they’re woven into the very fabric of Korean culture. Historically, directions played a key role in architecture, city planning, and even home layouts, guided by principles like feng shui (풍수 – Pungsu). For example, palaces were often built facing south to harness the beneficial energy associated with that direction, while mountains to the north offered protection.

Putting it into Practice

Time to put these words into action! Here are some simple sentences to get you started.

• “서울은 한국의 북쪽에 있습니다 (Seoul-eun Hanguk-ui Bukjjoge isseumnida)” – “Seoul is in the north of Korea.”
• “부산은 한국의 남쪽에 있습니다 (Busan-eun Hanguk-ui Namjjoge isseumnida)” – “Busan is in the south of Korea.”

Adding Nuance: Directional Sides with “쪽 (-jjok)”

Alright, you’ve got your cardinal directions down! Fantastic! But knowing just 동, 서, 남, and 북 is like only knowing how to make ramen, not how to enjoy it. Let’s add some flavor, shall we? That’s where “쪽 (-jjok)” comes in.

Think of “쪽 (-jjok)” as the “ish” of Korean directions. You know, like, “It’s east-ish,” or “on the north side.” Adding “쪽 (-jjok)” transforms your cardinal directions into directional sides or general directions. So:

• 동쪽 (Dong-jjok): East side/direction
• 서쪽 (Seo-jjok): West side/direction
• 남쪽 (Nam-jjok): South side/direction
• 북쪽 (Buk-jjok): North side/direction

“동 (Dong)” vs. “동쪽 (Dong-jjok)”: What’s the Big Deal?

Okay, here’s where things get a teeny bit tricky, but don’t sweat it. “동 (Dong)” refers to the direction itself, like the abstract concept of “east.” “동쪽 (Dong-jjok),” on the other hand, is more about a location or directionality that’s eastward. Think of it as “the eastern area” or “in the direction of east.”

Let’s Get Practical: Example Sentences with “쪽 (-jjok)”

Alright, time for some real-world examples! Let’s see “쪽 (-jjok)” in action:

• “해는 동쪽에서 떠요 (Hae-neun Dongjjogeseo tteoyo)” – “The sun rises in the east.” Notice how we’re talking about where the sun is rising.
• “저의 집은 서쪽에 있어요 (Jeo-e jib-eun Seojjoge isseoyo)” – “My house is on the west side.” We’re pinpointing the location of the house.

Adding “쪽 (-jjok)” is like putting the perfect amount of kimchi in your stew—suddenly, everything just tastes better. It’s a small addition that makes a huge difference in how you understand and use Korean directions. So, go forth and “쪽 (-jjok)” it up!

Combining Directions: Expanding Your Compass

Alright, adventurers, now that we’ve got the basics down, it’s time to *seriously expand our navigational toolkit. Forget just North, South, East, and West. We’re going intercardinal, baby! That’s right, we’re diving into the world of combined directions. It’s like mixing paint, but instead of making pretty colors, we’re making super-specific locations!*

Decoding the Combinations

So, how does this directional magic work? Simple! Just smash two cardinal directions together!

• 동남 (Dongnam) – Southeast. Think of 동 (Dong), East, partnering up with 남 (Nam), South. Easy peasy.
• 서남 (Seonam) – Southwest. Yep, 서 (Seo), West, is holding hands with 남 (Nam), South.
• 동북 (Dongbuk) – Northeast. You guessed it! 동 (Dong), East, is buddy-buddy with 북 (Buk), North.
• 서북 (Seobuk) – Northwest. Last but not least, 서 (Seo), West, and 북 (Buk), North, are teaming up.

See? It’s all about putting those cardinal directions together like LEGO bricks. Once you understand the core concept, the rest just falls into place!

Real-World Adventures with Combined Directions

Okay, theory is great, but let’s see these combined directions in action! Imagine you’re trying to describe where a famous island is located:

“제주도는 한국의 동남쪽에 위치해 있습니다 (Jeju-do-neun Hanguk-ui Dongnamjjoge wichihae isseumnida)” – “Jeju Island is located in the southeast of Korea.”

Boom! Suddenly, you’re not just saying it’s vaguely “south” – you’re pinpointing its location with laser-like accuracy. Think of all the amazing descriptions you can now create! You can tell your friends about the restaurant located at *서북 (Seobuk) from the subway station, or the hiking trail at 동북 (Dongbuk) of the park!*

Regional Flavors: Geography Matters!

Now, here’s where things get *really interesting. Korea is a land of diverse landscapes, and understanding these combined directions can give you a deeper appreciation for its geography. For example:*

• The 태백산맥 (Taebaek Mountains) stretch along the *동북 (Dongbuk) side of the Korean peninsula, influencing weather patterns and creating stunning scenery.*
• The agricultural heartland in the *서남 (Seonam) region is known for its fertile plains and abundant rice paddies.*

Knowing these regional nuances can add a whole new dimension to your travels and conversations. You’ll impress locals with your insightful observations about their home turf!

Precision is Key: The Use of “정 (Jeong-)” for Due Directions

Alright, adventurers! So, you’ve got your cardinal directions down, you’re adding “쪽” like a pro, and maybe even venturing into the wilds of “동남” and “서북.” But what if you need to be, like, laser-accurate? That’s where our friend “정 (Jeong-)” comes in.

Think of “정” as the Korean equivalent of “due” in English. It’s that little prefix that transforms a general direction into a precise, unwavering one. We’re talking compass-level accuracy here, folks. So instead of just saying “East,” you’re saying “Due East!” Straight as an arrow, no wiggle room.

• 정동 (Jeongdong) – Due East
• 정서 (Jeongseo) – Due West
• 정남 (Jeongnam) – Due South
• 정북 (Jeongbuk) – Due North

When Do I Need “정-?” Let’s Get Specific!

Now, you might be wondering, “When on earth would I need to be this precise?” Well, think about situations where pinpoint accuracy is crucial.

• Technical Contexts: Imagine you’re an engineer designing a building, or a cartographer charting a course. You’re going to need that specific heading.
• Navigation: Sailors, pilots, and maybe even super serious hikers rely on compasses and maps. “정” helps communicate precise bearings.
• Specific Measurements: When describing the exact orientation of something, like a satellite dish or a solar panel, “정” ensures clarity.

Basically, if you’re dealing with anything that requires a high degree of accuracy, “정” is your new best friend.

“동” vs. “정동”: Spotting the Difference

Let’s make this crystal clear with an example:

Imagine you’re looking at a sunrise. You might casually say, “해는 동에서 떠요 (Hae-neun Dong-eseo tteoyo)” – “The sun rises in the East.” Totally fine! That’s just a general observation.

But if you’re calibrating a telescope, you’d say something like, “나침반은 정북을 가리킵니다 (Nachimbaneun Jeongbuk-eul garikipnida)” – “The compass points due north.” See the difference? The first is a general direction, the second is an exact heading.

Another example, if someone asks you generally where is the sun direction, you would just say “The sun is in the east(동)”, but if you are a scientist or observer, and you are trying to specifically point at the exact direction of the sun you would probably say “The sun is in the due east(정동)“.

So next time you need to be super precise, remember “정!” It’s the secret ingredient for nailing those directions.

Essential Directional Vocabulary: Beyond the Compass (Closeness Rating: 7-10 – Seriously, Learn These!)

Okay, so you’ve nailed your cardinal directions – 동, 서, 남, 북. Bravo! But, honestly, relying solely on “north” and “south” in daily life is like trying to eat bibimbap with just a spoon – you’re missing out on the delicious flavor! Let’s expand your Korean directional toolkit with words you’ll actually use all the time. We’re talking about the everyday essentials that will make you sound less like a geography textbook and more like a local. These are rated 7-10 on the “Closeness Rating” scale because you’ll encounter them constantly. Ignore at your own risk!

Essential Terms Breakdown:

• 오른쪽 (Oreun-jjok): Right (direction/side)

  • Definition: The direction to your right. Think of it as the opposite of that other direction.
  • Pronunciation: Oh-reun-jjok (Rhymes kinda with “Oh, run, jock!”)
  • Example: “저기에서 오른쪽으로 도세요. (Jeogi-eseo oreun-jjogeuro doseoyo.)” – “Turn right over there.”

• 왼쪽 (Oen-jjok): Left (direction/side)

  • Definition: The direction to your left. (Duh!)
  • Pronunciation: Wen-jjok (Imagine saying “when jock?” really fast)
  • Example: “왼쪽 건물에 약국이 있어요. (Oen-jjok geonmul-e yakgugi isseoyo.)” – “There’s a pharmacy in the left building.”

• 위 (Wi): Up, Above

  • Definition: Higher than something else. Skyward bound!
  • Pronunciation: Wee (Easy peasy, lemon squeezy)
  • Example: “책상 위에 있어요. (Chaeksang wie isseoyo.)” – “It’s on the desk.” (Above the desk)

• 아래 (Arae): Down, Below

  • Definition: Lower than something else. Towards the Earth’s core!
  • Pronunciation: Ah-rae (Like “Ah, ray” of sunshine…down here.)
  • Example: “고양이 아래에 숨었어요. (Goyangi araee sumeosseoyo.)” – “The cat hid underneath.”

• 앞 (Ap): Front

  • Definition: The forward-facing side. What you see when you’re not looking back.
  • Pronunciation: Ahp (Say “Ah” then quickly close your lips.)
  • Example: “앞으로 가세요. (Apeuro gaseyo.)” – “Go straight ahead.”

• 뒤 (Dwi): Back

  • Definition: The rear-facing side. What you used to see.
  • Pronunciation: Dwee (Rhymes with “Me”)
  • Example: “제 뒤에 있어요. (Je dwie isseoyo.)” – “It’s behind me.”

• 옆 (Yeop): Side, Next to

  • Definition: Adjacent to something. Shoulder to shoulder.
  • Pronunciation: Yup (Short and sweet, like “Yup, that’s it!”)
  • Example: “제 옆에 앉으세요. (Je yeope anjeuseyo.)” – “Please sit next to me.”

• 건너편 (Geonneopyeon): Across (from)

  • Definition: On the other side of something, like a street.
  • Pronunciation: Geon-neo-pyeon (Sounds like “Gone, no fun” if you miss the bus!)
  • Example: “은행은 건너편에 있어요. (Eunhaeng-eun geonneopyeone isseoyo.)” – “The bank is across the street.”

• 사이 (Sai): Between

  • Definition: In the space separating two things. The meat in a sandwich!
  • Pronunciation: Sai (Rhymes with “Sigh”)
  • Example: “나무 사이에 있어요. (Namu saie isseoyo.)” – “It’s between the trees.”

• 모퉁이 (Motung-i): Corner

  • Definition: Where two sides meet.
  • Pronunciation: Mo-tung-ee (Almost like “Mo’ tongue, E!”)
  • Example: “저 모퉁이에서 도세요. (Jeo motung-ieseo doseoyo.)” – “Turn at that corner.”

• 직진 (Jikjin): Straight ahead

  • Definition: To go straight.
  • Pronunciation: Jik-jin (Like “Chick- gin”)
  • Example: “직진하세요. (Jikjinhaseyo.)” – “Go straight ahead.”

• 사거리 (Sageori): Four-way intersection

  • Definition: A place where four roads meet.
  • Pronunciation: Sa-geo-ri (Sounds a bit like “Saw, Goree”)
  • Example: “사거리에서 우회전하세요. (Sageorieseo uhoejeonhaseyo.)” – “Turn right at the four-way intersection.”

• 삼거리 (Samgeori): Three-way intersection

  • Definition: A place where three roads meet.
  • Pronunciation: Sam-geo-ri (Say “Sam, Goree”)
  • Example: “삼거리에서 좌회전하세요. (Samgeorieseo jwahoejeonhaseyo.)” – “Turn left at the three-way intersection.”

Visual Aids: Your Mental Map

Imagine yourself standing in a Korean street. Visualize these terms relative to you. Draw a quick sketch if it helps! Seriously, a little diagram can go a long way. Think of it like creating a mental map that you can easily access when needed.

Common Mistakes & How to Dodge ‘Em

• Confusing 오른쪽 and 왼쪽: This is the classic blunder! Practice pointing to your actual right and left while saying the words out loud. Get a friend to quiz you!
• Not using -에/에서/으로 correctly: These particles are essential for indicating location and direction. We’ll dive deeper into these later, but pay attention to how they’re used in the example sentences.
• Relying too much on Konglish: Yes, some Koreans understand English loanwords, but learning the actual Korean terms will take you so much further. Trust me on this one!

By mastering these essential directional terms, you’re not just learning vocabulary; you’re unlocking a whole new level of Korean fluency and confidence. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be navigating Korea like a pro!

Verbs of Movement: Putting Directions into Action

Okay, so you’ve got your cardinal directions down, you know your left from your right (hopefully!), but how do you actually tell someone where to go? That’s where verbs of movement come in! These are your action words, the ones that make directions, well, directional! Think of it like this: you’ve got the “where,” now you need the “how.”

Let’s get moving (pun intended!) and look at some essential verbs that’ll have you navigating Korea like a pro! We’ll break them down with pronunciation, conjugations, and plenty of examples. Trust me, it’s easier than trying to parallel park in Seoul.

Core Verbs for Directional Mastery

• 가다 (Gada): To Go – This is your bread and butter! The most basic verb for movement. Think of it as your default setting for any journey.
  • Pronunciation: Ga-da
  • Conjugation (Present Tense, Polite): 가요 (Gayo)
  • Example: “쭉 가세요 (Jjuk gaseyo)” – “Go straight.” (Adding “쭉(Jjuk)” makes it more clear and means “all the way/straight.”)
• 오다 (Oda): To Come – The opposite of 가다, 오다 means to come towards the speaker. This is crucial for understanding instructions!
  • Pronunciation: O-da
  • Conjugation (Present Tense, Polite): 와요 (Wayo)
  • Example: “저에게 오세요 (Jeoege wayo)” – “Come to me.” (“저에게(Jeoege)” means “to me”)
• 돌다 (Dolda): To Turn – Super important for changing direction! This is your go-to verb for corners, intersections, and avoiding dead ends.
  • Pronunciation: Dol-da
  • Conjugation (Present Tense, Polite): 돌아요 (Dorayo)
  • Example: “오른쪽으로 도세요 (Oreun-jjogeuro doseoyo)” – “Turn to the right.” (Here, “오른쪽으로(Oreun-jjogeuro)” is “to the right”)
• 향하다 (Hyanghada): To Face, To Head Towards – More formal, but still useful. This verb implies a deliberate direction.
  • Pronunciation: Hyang-ha-da
  • Conjugation (Present Tense, Polite): 향해요 (Hyanghaeyo)
  • Example: “서울역을 향해요 (Seoulyeogeul hyanghaeyo)” – “I am heading towards Seoul Station.” (“서울역을(Seoulyeogeul)” means “Seoul Station”)
• 돌아가다 (Doragada): To Go Around, To Return – This is a combination verb that means either going around something or going back to a place.
  • Pronunciation: Do-ra-ga-da
  • Conjugation (Present Tense, Polite): 돌아가요 (Doragayo)
  • Example: “집으로 돌아가요 (Jibeuro doragayo)” – “I am going back home.” (“집으로(Jibeuro)” means “back to home”)

Putting it All Together: Action-Packed Directions

Now, let’s see how these verbs team up with the directional vocabulary we’ve already learned!

• “위로 가세요 (Wiro gaseyo)” – “Go up.” (“위로(Wiro)” means “Up”)
• “뒤로 돌아보세요 (Dwiro doraboseyo)” – “Look back.” (“뒤로(Dwiro)” means “back”)
• “다음 사거리에서 도세요 (Daeum sageorieseo doseoyo)” – “Turn at the next four-way intersection.” (“다음 사거리에서(Daeum sageorieseo)” means “At the next four-way intersection”)

A Quick Note on Politeness:

Korean is all about levels of politeness, and verb endings are key! While we’ve used the polite “-요 (-yo)” ending in the examples above, you might hear other variations. Don’t stress too much about mastering them all at once, but be aware that they exist! For example, “-세요 (-seyo)” is a more formal imperative (command) ending. So, “오른쪽으로 가세요 (Oreun-jjogeuro gaseyo)” is a polite way of saying “Go to the right,” while “오른쪽으로 가십시오 (Oreun-jjogeuro gasipsio)” is even more formal. It’s usually better to err on the side of politeness when you’re unsure.

By mastering these essential verbs, you’ll not only be able to understand directions but also confidently give them.

Directional Particles: Guiding Your Grammar

Okay, so you’ve got your cardinal directions down, you know your left from your right, but how do you actually, you know, use all these words to tell someone where to go? This is where the magical world of Korean particles comes in! Think of them like the secret sauce that makes your directional vocabulary actually work.

Let’s zoom in on one superstar particle: ~로/으로 (~ro/euro). This little guy basically screams, “Hey! We’re going toward something!” Or “in the direction of.” It’s your trusty sidekick when you want to express movement in a specific direction.

Now, here’s the catch (because there’s always a catch, right?). You can’t just slap ~로/으로 onto any old word. You have to choose the right one, and that depends on how the word ends. It’s all about the 받침 (batchim), that final consonant hanging out at the bottom of a syllable.

Here’s the lowdown:

• If the noun ends in a vowel: Use ~로
  • Example: 학교 (hakgyo – school) ends in a vowel (ㅗ), so you’d say 학교로 (hakgyoro). “Towards school.”
• If the noun ends in a consonant (a batchim): Use ~으로
  • Example: 집 (jip – house) ends in a consonant (ㅂ), so you’d say 집으로 (jibeuro). “Towards home.”

Think of it like this: ~으로 is like a little cushion, making it easier to pronounce the word that ends in a consonant and flows smoothly into the particle.

Let’s see some examples in action, because that’s where the magic really happens:

• “학교로 가요 (Hakgyoro gayo)” – “I go toward school.” (Or “I’m going to school.”)
• “집으로 돌아가요 (Jibeuro doragayo)” – “I go back toward home.” (Or “I’m going back home.”)
• “오른쪽으로 가세요 (Oreunjjogeuro gaseyo)” – “Please go towards the right (side).”

See how ~로/으로 connects the place or direction with the action of going? Without it, the sentence would just be a bunch of words hanging out with no clear relationship.

Pro-Tip: Don’t stress about memorizing a million rules right away. The best way to get comfortable with ~로/으로 is to listen to Korean speakers and see how they use it. Pay attention in dramas, variety shows, or when chatting with Korean friends. You’ll start to pick it up naturally!

Understanding directional particles and especially ~로/으로 can unlock more natural-sounding sentences and avoid confusion with native speakers.

Practical Application: Asking for and Giving Directions

Okay, you’ve got the cardinal directions down, you’re adding “쪽” like a pro, and you’re even throwing around “정-” with confidence. Now, let’s put all this knowledge to good use and actually, you know, find something! Because knowing the words is one thing, but actually using them? That’s where the real magic happens (and where you finally stop wandering around in circles).

Asking for Directions Like a Seasoned Traveler

First things first, you need to know how to ask for directions. Don’t just stand there looking confused (though we’ve all been there). Here are a couple of phrases that will save you from a permanent state of disorientation:

• “실례합니다. [Place]이/가 어디에 있습니까? (Sillyehamnida. [Place]-i/ga eodie itseumnikka?)” – This translates to “Excuse me, where is [Place]?” It’s polite, direct, and gets the job done. Just swap out “[Place]” with whatever you’re looking for – the bathroom (화장실 – hwajangsil), a delicious bibimbap restaurant (비빔밥 맛집 – bibimbap matjip), or the nearest cat cafe (고양이 카페 – goyangi kape).

• “[Place]에 어떻게 가요? ([Place]-e eotteoke gayo?)” – This means “How do I get to [Place]?” Another super useful phrase! Again, just plug in what you’re trying to find. It’s like having a magic “find my way” button in your pocket. It is important to be clear when speaking.

Giving Directions Like a Local

Alright, now let’s flip the script. What if you’re the one holding the map (or more likely, staring at your phone)? Get ready to be a directional superhero! Here are some phrases that will make you sound like you’ve lived in Korea your whole life:

• “오른쪽으로 가세요 (Oreun-jjogeuro gaseyo)” – “Go to the right.” Simple, classic, effective.
• “왼쪽으로 도세요 (Oen-jjogeuro doseoyo)” – “Turn to the left.” Don’t forget that “도세요” is from the verb “돌다” (to turn).
• “직진하세요 (Jikjinhaseyo)” – “Go straight.” This one’s a lifesaver. When in doubt, 직진!
• “저기 건너편에 있어요 (Jeogi geonneopyeone isseoyo)” – “It’s over there, across the street.” Point dramatically for extra effect.

Cracking the Code: Understanding Korean Addresses and Landmarks

Korean addresses can seem like a secret code at first, but don’t worry, you’ll crack it! Remember that buildings are often numbered in the order they were built, not necessarily sequentially along a street. Also, look out for common landmarks that Koreans use:

• Subway Stations: These are major reference points. “Near [Subway Station Name]” is super helpful.
• Famous Buildings: Things like the N Seoul Tower or local landmarks are great for orienting yourself.
• “GS25” or “CU” Convenience Stores: These are everywhere and make excellent landmarks. They’re on almost every corner, so very useful for navigation.

A Real-Life Directional Drama (aka Dialogue Example)

Let’s see this in action!

You: 실례합니다. 인사동에 어떻게 가요? (Sillyehamnida. Insadong-e eotteoke gayo?) – Excuse me, how do I get to Insadong?

Helpful Korean Person: 아, 인사동이요? 음… 여기서 직진하세요. 그리고 큰 사거리에서 왼쪽으로 도세요. (A, Insadong-iyo? Eum… Yeogiseo jikjinhaseyo. Geurigo keun sageorieseo oenjjogeuro doseoyo.) – Ah, Insadong? Hmm… Go straight from here. And at the big four-way intersection, turn left.

You: 사거리에서 왼쪽이요? (Sageorieseo oenjjogiyo?) – Left at the intersection?

Helpful Korean Person: 네, 맞아요. 그리고 쭉 가면 인사동이 바로 앞에 있을 거예요. (Ne, majayo. Geurigo jjuk gamyeon Insadong-i baro ape isseul geo예요.) – Yes, that’s right. And if you keep going straight, Insadong will be right in front of you.

You: 감사합니다! (Gamsahamnida!) – Thank you!

See? Not so scary! Just remember these phrases, pay attention to your surroundings, and you’ll be navigating Korea like a pro in no time. And if you get lost? Well, that’s just part of the adventure!

So, there you have it! Navigating in Korean might seem a bit daunting at first, but with a little practice, you’ll be giving directions like a pro in no time. Now go out there and explore – 길 찾으세요! (Find your way!)