Korenmarkt: The Beating Heart of Ghent

• HelloHallo
  [hah-loh]
• GoodbyeTot ziens
  [toht zeens]
• YesJa
  [yah]
• NoNee
  [nay]
• Please/You're welcomeAlstublieft
  [ahl-stu-bleeft]
• Thank youDank je
  [dahnk yeh]
• Excuse me/SorrySorry
  [soh-ree]
• How are you?Hoe gaat het met u?
  [hoo gaat het met oo]
• Fine. And you?Goed. En met u?
  [khoot. en met oo]
• Do you speak English?Spreekt u Engels?
  [sprehkt oo eng-els]
• I don't understandIk begrijp het niet
  [eek buh-greyp hut neet]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIk zou graag de menukaart willen zien, alstublieft
  [eek zow khrahk duh meh-noo-kahrt vil-un zeen, ahl-stu-bleeft]
• I don't eat meatIk eet geen vlees
  [eek ayt khayn vleys]
• Cheers!Proost!
  [prohst]
• I would like to pay, pleaseIk zou graag willen betalen, alstublieft
  [eek zow khrahk vil-un buh-tah-lun, ahl-stu-bleeft]

• Help!Help!
  [help]
• Go away!Ga weg!
  [gah vekh]
• Call the Police!Bel de politie!
  [bel duh poh-lee-see]
• Call a doctor!Bel een dokter!
  [bel ayn dok-tur]
• I'm lostIk ben verdwaald
  [eek ben fur-dwahld]
• I'm illIk ben ziek
  [eek ben zeek]

• I'd like to buy...Ik zou graag ... kopen
  [eek zow khrahk ... koh-pun]
• I'm just lookingIk kijk alleen maar even rond
  [eek kayk ah-len mahr ay-vun ront]
• How much is it?Hoeveel kost het?
  [hoo-vale kost hut]
• That's too expensiveDat is te duur
  [dat is tuh dur]
• Can you lower the price?Kunt u de prijs verlagen?
  [kunt oo duh prays vur-lah-hun]

• What time is it?Hoe laat is het?
  [hoo laht is hut]
• It's one o'clockHet is een uur
  [hut is ayn oor]
• Half past (10)Half elf
  [hahlf elf]
• MorningOchtend
  [okh-tuhnt]
• AfternoonNamiddag
  [nah-mee-dahkh]
• EveningAvond
  [ah-vohnt]
• YesterdayGisteren
  [khis-tur-uhn]
• TodayVandaag
  [vahn-dahkh]
• TomorrowMorgen
  [mohr-khun]
• 1Eén
  [ayn]
• 2Twee
  [tway]
• 3Drie
  [dree]
• 4Vier
  [veer]
• 5Vijf
  [fayf]
• 6Zes
  [zehs]
• 7Zeven
  [zay-ven]
• 8Acht
  [ahkht]
• 9Negen
  [nay-khen]
• 10Tien
  [teen]

• Where's a/the...?Waar is een/de...?
  [vahr is ayn/deh]
• What's the address?Wat is het adres?
  [vaht is hut ah-dres]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Kunt u mij dat tonen (op de kaart)?
  [kunt oo may daht toh-nun (op deh kart)]
• When's the next (bus)?Wanneer is de volgende (bus)?
  [vehn-ehr is deh vol-guhn-duh (bus)]
• A ticket (to ....)Een ticket (naar ....)
  [ayn ticket (nar)]

Korenmarkt, meaning 'Grain Market', has been a central hub of Ghent since the Middle Ages. In the 12th century, it served as a bustling marketplace where merchants gathered to trade grain and other goods, reflecting the city's status as a vital trading point in the region. The square was often filled with vendors, and its importance in the economy of Ghent cannot be overstated.

The architecture of Korenmarkt showcases a blend of Gothic and Renaissance styles, with significant buildings such as the St. Nicholas Church, constructed in the early 13th century. This church is a prime example of the rich architectural heritage of Ghent, and its presence in the square highlights the area's historical significance as a center of commerce and community.

During the 14th century, Korenmarkt played a pivotal role in the Revolt of Ghent against the oppressive rule of the Counts of Flanders. The square became a gathering place for citizens rallying for their rights, reflecting the growing sense of civic identity and resistance among the people of Ghent. This period of unrest was crucial in shaping the city's political landscape.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, Korenmarkt evolved into a cultural and social hotspot. The introduction of cafes and shops transformed the square into a lively meeting place for locals and tourists alike. Today, Korenmarkt is known not only for its historical significance but also for its vibrant atmosphere, hosting various events and festivals that celebrate Ghent's rich cultural heritage.

During World War II, Korenmarkt, like many areas in Ghent, experienced the repercussions of occupation and conflict. The square was affected by the wartime economy and social changes, but it also became a symbol of resilience for the people of Ghent. Post-war recovery saw the square revitalized, reinforcing its role as a focal point for community life in the city.

Korenmarkt is centrally located in Ghent and easily accessible from various neighborhoods. If you're arriving by train, the main train station, Gent-Sint-Pieters, is about 3 kilometers away. You can take tram line 1 directly to Korenmarkt, which takes approximately 20 minutes. Buses also run frequently from other neighborhoods, with stops at key locations leading to Korenmarkt. If you prefer walking, the city center is pedestrian-friendly, and you can enjoy a scenic stroll along the canals.

Korenmarkt is within the heart of Ghent and is best explored on foot. However, if you're looking to venture further, public transport options include trams and buses, which are operated by De Lijn. Bicycles can be rented from various bike-sharing services throughout the city. Note that Ghent has a bike-friendly infrastructure, making it easy to navigate the area. Taxis are available, but walking or cycling is often more convenient due to the traffic in the city center.

Korenmarkt is generally a safe area for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Be cautious in crowded places, especially during events or festivals, as pickpocketing can occur. While there are no specific high-crime areas in Korenmarkt, it’s advisable to avoid poorly lit streets at night and to stay alert. Areas such as the outskirts of the city may have higher crime rates, so it’s best to remain in well-populated areas.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical assistance in Belgium. Familiarize yourself with the location of the nearest hospital; the AZ Sint-Lucas Hospital is a reliable option. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available throughout the city. Ensure you have travel insurance that covers emergencies, and keep a copy of important documents, including your insurance information, easily accessible.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable shoes for walking, as cobblestone streets can be uneven. Don’t wear overly casual attire when dining in upscale restaurants. Religion: Do respect local customs, particularly when visiting churches. Ensure shoulders and knees are covered. Public Transport: Do be polite and considerate to fellow passengers. Don’t play loud music or speak loudly on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'hallo' or 'goedendag.' Don’t presume that everyone speaks English; a few words in Dutch or French can go a long way. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like 'stoverij' and sample Belgian beers. Don’t rush your meal; dining is often a leisurely affair in Belgium.

To experience Korenmarkt like a local, start your day with a coffee at one of the nearby cafes, and enjoy people-watching. Visit the nearby 'Gravensteen' castle for a dose of history, and consider exploring the local artisanal shops for unique souvenirs. Attend the local markets if your visit coincides with them, where you can sample local delicacies. Engage with locals at the bars and eateries, as they are often eager to share recommendations or stories about the area.