Learn Hardcore Korean: jidoreul bomyeonseo gireul hwaginhaeyo. - I check the route while looking at the map.

-면서 is a connective ending that attaches to a verb stem to indicate that two actions occur simultaneously. In 보면서, it means “while looking (at something).” So 지도를 보면서 literally means “while looking at the map.”

How do you know whether to use -으면서 or just -면서?

If the verb stem ends in a consonant, you add -으면서. If it ends in a vowel, you add -면서.
• 보다 → 보 + 면서 → 보면서
• 먹다 → 먹 + 으면서 → 먹으면서

Can I use -고 instead of -면서 (e.g., 지도를 보고 길을 확인해요)?

Yes, -고 connects actions too, but it usually just lists them or implies sequence.
• 지도를 보고 길을 확인해요 can mean “I look at the map and then check the route.”
By contrast, 보면서 emphasizes doing both at the same time: “I check the route while looking at the map.”

Why does 지도 take -를 (지도를) and 길 take -을 (길을)?

Both 지도를 and 길을 use the object particle -을/를 to mark the direct objects of the verbs 보다 and 확인하다 respectively. Without them, the sentence would sound less clear or more informal: • 지도를 보면서 = looking at the map
• 길을 확인해요 = confirming/checking the route

What does 확인해요 mean, and could I use 찾아봐요 instead?

확인해요 means “check,” “confirm,” or “make sure.”
찾아봐요 means “look (something) up,” “search for,” or “try to find.”
If you want to say “I look for a street,” you could use 길을 찾아봐요, but if you want “I check or confirm the route on the map,” 확인해요 is more precise.

Is this sentence talking about a one-time action or a habitual/general action?

In the present -아요/어요 form, it can be interpreted either as a habitual action (“I usually check the route while looking at the map”) or as a description of what you’re doing right now. Context determines which nuance is intended.

How would you express this sentence in the past or future tense?

Past tense:
• 지도 를 보면서 길을 확인했어요.
Future tense:
• 지도를 보면서 길을 확인할 거예요.

Can I switch the clauses to 길을 확인하면서 지도를 봐요? Does it change the meaning?

Yes, it’s grammatically correct.
• 길을 확인하면서 지도를 봐요 focuses on “I look at the map while checking the route.”
The nuance shifts so that “checking the route” is the first (concurrent) action, and “looking at the map” is presented as the main action. In practice, the original word order is more natural when you want to emphasize “using the map” as the tool for confirming the route.