Traveling in Korea is much easier when you can speak even a little Korean. Locals appreciate the effort, and it helps you feel more at home in busy streets, markets, and cafés. This guide gives you clear, practical phrases you can use right away.
Essential Greetings
- 안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo): Hello. A polite greeting for almost any situation.
- 안녕히 가세요 (annyeonghi gaseyo): Goodbye. Said to someone who is leaving.
- 안녕히 계세요 (annyeonghi gyeseyo): Goodbye. Said when you are leaving and the other person stays.
- 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida): Thank you. The most common polite form.
- 죄송합니다 (joesonghamnida): I’m sorry. Use this in formal or polite situations.
Handy Basics for Day-to-Day Interactions
- 네 / 아니요 (ne / aniyo): Yes / No.
- 괜찮아요 (gwaenchanayo): It’s okay / I’m fine. Used to say “I’m okay,” “No, thank you,” or “Don’t worry.”
- 알겠어요 (algesseoyo): I understand / Got it.
- 모르겠어요 (moreugesseoyo): I don’t understand.
- 잠시만요 (jamsimanyo): Excuse me / Just a moment. Useful when passing through crowds or asking someone to wait.
Asking for Help
- 도와주세요 (dowajuseyo): Please help me.
- 영어 하실 수 있으세요? (yeongeo hasilsu isseuseyo?): Do you speak English?
- 다시 말해 주세요 (dasi malhae juseyo): Please say it again.
- 이게 뭐예요 (ige mwoyeyo): What is this?
Directions and Navigation
- 어디예요 (eodiyeyo): Where is it? (Use with a place word before it, e.g. 화장실이 어디예요?)
- 여기요 (yeogiyo): Excuse me / Over here, please. Used to get someone’s attention in restaurants or stores.
- 오른쪽 / 왼쪽 (oreunjjok / oenjjok): Right / Left.
- 지하철역이 어디예요? (jihacheol-yeok-i eodiyeyo?): Where is the subway station?
Eating Out and Ordering
- 이거 주세요 (igeo juseyo): This one, please. (Useful when pointing at a menu or display.)
- 메뉴판 주세요 (menyupan juseyo): The menu, please.
- 물 주세요 (mul juseyo): Water, please.
- 안 맵게 해 주세요 (an maepge hae juseyo): Please don’t make it spicy.
- 계산서 주세요 (gyesanseo juseyo): The bill, please.
Shopping and Prices
- 얼마예요 (eolmayeyo): How much is this/that?
- 좀 깎아 주세요 (jom kkakka juseyo): Please give me a discount. (Common in markets.)
- 다른 색 있어요 (dareun saek isseoyo): Do you have another color?
Getting Around Smoothly
- 택시 타고 싶어요 (taeksi tago sipeoyo): I’d like to take a taxi.
- 택시 불러 주세요 (taeksi bulleo juseyo): Please call a taxi.
- 카카오택시로 불러 주세요 (kakaotaeksiro bulleo juseyo): Please call a Kakao Taxi. (Popular taxi app in Korea.)
- 여기에서 내려 주세요 (yeogieseo naeryeo juseyo): Please drop me off here.
Quick Conversation Boosters
- 좋아요 (joayo): Good / Sounds good.
- 정말요? (jeongmallyo?): Really?
- 멋져요 (meotjeyo): That’s cool / That’s awesome.
- 행운을 빌어요 (haenguneul bireoyo): Good luck.
Final Tips
A few polite Korean words go a long way in Korea. Even if your pronunciation isn’t perfect, people will usually try to help. Practice the sounds slowly, keep these phrases handy on your phone, and try using one or two each day. Small steps make your trip smoother and your interactions warmer.
