계획을 세우다

You use this phrase by combining the noun 계획 (plan) with the verb 세우다 (to set up). In a sentence, you usually add the object marker 을 to make it 계획을 세우다. You can use it in almost any tense. For example, 계획을 세워요 (I make a plan) or 계획을 세웠어요 (I made a plan). It is a very versatile collocation that fits into both casual and professional settings. Just remember to conjugate the verb based on who you are talking to!

Use this when you are talking about something that requires a bit of forethought. Are you planning a trip to Jeju Island? Use it. Are you trying to figure out how to pass the TOPIK exam? Use it. It’s perfect for business meetings when discussing the next quarter. You can also use it when texting a friend to ask if they’ve figured out what to do for the weekend. It sounds proactive and organized.

Don't use this for tiny, split-second decisions. If you are just deciding what to eat for lunch right now, 계획을 세우다 sounds a bit too dramatic. It would be like saying, 'I am formulating a strategic initiative for my sandwich.' Also, avoid using it when a plan already exists and you are just following it. In that case, use 계획을 따르다 (to follow a plan) instead. Keep it for the actual 'building' phase of the idea.

In modern Korea, people are obsessed with the MBTI personality test. You will often hear people talk about being a 'J' (Judging) or a 'P' (Perceiving). A 'J' person is someone who loves to 계획을 세우다. They have spreadsheets for their vacations! On the other hand, a 'P' might be teased for never 'setting up plans.' Being someone who can 계획을 잘 세우다 (make plans well) is generally seen as a very positive, reliable trait in Korean society.

You might also hear 계획을 짜다. While 세우다 feels like 'building,' 짜다 feels like 'weaving' or 'squeezing.' 계획을 짜다 is slightly more casual and often used for brainstorming sessions with friends. Another common one is 계획이 있다, which simply means 'to have a plan.' If you want to sound more formal or professional, stick with 계획을 세우다.