Hey there, fellow travelers! Planning a trip to South Korea? You're in for such an amazing adventure! From the bustling streets of Seoul to the serene temples of Gyeongju, Korea offers incredible experiences that you'll remember forever.
While you could definitely get by with just English in major tourist areas, learning a few basic Korean phrases will totally transform your trip. Trust me on this one!
When I first visited Korea without knowing any Korean, I missed out on so many authentic interactions. But once I learned just a handful of phrases, locals brightened up, doors opened, and my entire experience changed for the better!
Koreans really appreciate when visitors make an effort to speak their language, even if it's just a simple "thank you" or "hello." Your attempts will be met with smiles, encouragement, and often much better service!
Plus, the Korean alphabet (Hangul) is actually super easy to learn! Seriously, you can learn it in just a couple of hours. King Sejong designed it to be simple on purpose! Check out 90 Day Korean's guide if you're interested in picking it up before your trip.
In this blog, I'll share the most useful Korean phrases that helped me during my travels. Don't worry about perfect pronunciation – even a simple attempt will be appreciated! I'll include easy-to-follow pronunciation guides for each phrase.
| Phrase Benefits Learning basic phrases shows respect and opens up authentic experiences. |
Pronunciation Tips Korean pronunciation is consistent once you learn the rules. |
| Korean Alphabet Hangul can be learned in just a few hours and makes reading much easier. |
Language Apps Apps like Papago and Google Translate can help when you get stuck. |
| Cultural Impact Speaking even basic Korean shows respect and earns goodwill from locals. |
Regional Differences These phrases work throughout Korea with minor regional variations. |
| Formal vs. Casual The phrases provided use polite forms appropriate for travelers. |
Konglish Words Many English words are used in Korean with slight pronunciation changes. |
👋 Essential Greetings and Polite Expressions
🙏 First impressions matter everywhere, but especially in Korea! These basic greetings will help you start conversations on the right foot and show respect for Korean culture.
안녕하세요 (an-nyeong-ha-se-yo) - "Hello" / "Good day"
This is your go-to greeting in almost any situation! It works throughout the day and is appropriately polite for most interactions with strangers, service staff, or people older than you. It literally means "Are you at peace?" but functions just like "hello" in English.
감사합니다 (gam-sa-ham-ni-da) - "Thank you"
This is the formal way to say thank you, perfect for most situations you'll encounter while traveling. For a slightly less formal but still polite version, you can use 고마워요 (go-ma-wo-yo).
실례합니다 (shil-lye-ham-ni-da) - "Excuse me" / "Pardon me"
Use this phrase to get someone's attention or when you need to pass by someone. It's also perfect for beginning a question when approaching someone for help.
🙂 네 (ne) - "Yes"
A simple but essential word! This is a polite "yes" that works in most situations. You'll hear Koreans use this frequently, sometimes multiple times in a row to show they're actively listening.
아니요 (a-ni-yo) - "No"
The standard polite way to say "no." Remember that in Korean culture, a direct "no" can sometimes be avoided in favor of more indirect refusals, but as a tourist, it's perfectly fine to use this word.
안녕히 계세요 (an-nyeong-hi gye-se-yo) - "Goodbye" (when you're leaving)
Use this phrase when you're the one leaving and the other person is staying. For example, when leaving a store or restaurant.
안녕히 가세요 (an-nyeong-hi ga-se-yo) - "Goodbye" (when someone else is leaving)
Use this phrase when you're staying and the other person is leaving. Korean distinguishes between these two goodbye scenarios!
For more detailed explanations of Korean greetings and audio pronunciations, check out How to Study Korean.
🚇 Getting Around: Transportation Phrases
🚆 Korea has an amazing public transportation system, especially in Seoul. These phrases will help you navigate with confidence!
이것이 어디에 가요? (i-geo-shi eo-di-e ga-yo?) - "Where does this go?"
Perfect for confirming if you're on the right bus or train. Point to the vehicle while asking to make your question clear.
얼마예요? (eol-ma-ye-yo?) - "How much is it?"
Essential for taxi rides or if you're not sure about the fare for any transportation. Most buses and subway systems have fixed prices, but this is especially useful for taxis.
여기 세워 주세요 (yeo-gi se-wo ju-se-yo) - "Please stop here"
Use this phrase to ask a taxi driver to stop at your destination. In buses, you'll usually just press a stop button, but this phrase can come in handy if you need to request an unscheduled stop.
🗺️ 이곳이 어디입니까? (i-got-i eo-di-im-ni-kka?) - "Where am I?"
If you're lost, this phrase will help you ask for your current location. Showing a map on your phone while asking this question makes it even clearer what you're asking.
지하철역이 어디예요? (ji-ha-cheol-yeok-i eo-di-ye-yo?) - "Where is the subway station?"
The subway is often the fastest way to get around Korean cities, and this phrase will help you find the nearest station.
버스 정류장이 어디예요? (beo-seu jeong-ryu-jang-i eo-di-ye-yo?) - "Where is the bus stop?"
Useful for finding the nearest bus stop, especially in areas not served by the subway.
택시 잡는 곳이 어디예요? (taek-si jap-neun got-i eo-di-ye-yo?) - "Where can I catch a taxi?"
While you can usually hail taxis on the street in Korea, some areas have designated taxi stands, especially near major attractions or transportation hubs.
The excellent Visit Korea website offers detailed information about public transportation throughout the country.
| Subway Navigation | Taxi Phrases | Bus Routes |
| Train Tickets | Transportation Cards | Directions Vocabulary |
| Station Names | Transfer Points | Airport Transportation |
| Fare Information | Travel Times | Night Buses |
🍜 Ordering Food and Dining Out
🥢 Korean cuisine is one of the highlights of visiting the country! These phrases will help you order with confidence and enjoy the amazing food culture.
메뉴 주세요 (me-nyu ju-se-yo) - "Please give me the menu"
In most Korean restaurants, you'll need to ask for the menu. This phrase is super helpful when you first sit down.
이것 주세요 (i-geot ju-se-yo) - "I'll have this, please"
Perfect for pointing at menu items you want to order. Sometimes the easiest way to order is simply pointing at pictures or at what others are eating!
물 주세요 (mul ju-se-yo) - "Water, please"
In Korea, water is typically free and self-serve at many restaurants, but this phrase is still useful when you need a refill or at places where it's not self-serve.
🔥 맵지 않은 것 주세요 (maep-ji an-eun geot ju-se-yo) - "Please give me something not spicy"
If you're sensitive to spicy food, this phrase is essential in Korea! Many Korean dishes can be quite spicy, so this helps ensure you get something mild.
얼마예요? (eol-ma-ye-yo?) - "How much is it?"
Useful for asking the price of food, especially at markets or street food stalls where prices might not be displayed.
계산해 주세요 (gye-san-hae ju-se-yo) - "Check, please"
Use this to ask for the bill when you're ready to leave a restaurant. In Korea, you typically pay at the counter rather than at your table in many establishments.
맛있어요 (ma-shi-sseo-yo) - "It's delicious"
A great way to compliment the food! Restaurant staff will appreciate hearing that you're enjoying their food.
For more about Korean food culture and restaurant etiquette, check out Maangchi's excellent guide.
🛍️ Shopping Vocabulary and Bargaining
💰 From traditional markets to trendy boutiques, shopping in Korea is a blast! These phrases will help you navigate markets, ask about prices, and maybe even score some deals.
얼마예요? (eol-ma-ye-yo?) - "How much is it?"
This versatile phrase comes in handy again for shopping! Use it while pointing at or holding the item you're interested in purchasing.
너무 비싸요 (neo-mu bi-ssa-yo) - "It's too expensive"
This can be the beginning of a bargaining conversation at markets where prices are negotiable (though most stores in Korea have fixed prices).
깎아 주세요 (kka-kka ju-se-yo) - "Please give me a discount"
A more direct way to ask for a lower price. This is mainly appropriate at traditional markets, not department stores or boutiques.
👚 다른 색깔 있어요? (da-reun saek-kkal i-sseo-yo?) - "Do you have a different color?"
Useful when shopping for clothing or accessories when you like the style but not the color that's displayed.
다른 사이즈 있어요? (da-reun sa-i-jeu i-sseo-yo?) - "Do you have a different size?"
Note that Korean sizes often run smaller than Western sizes, so you might need to ask for larger sizes than you're used to.
카드 돼요? (ka-deu dwae-yo?) - "Do you accept credit cards?"
While most places in Korea accept credit cards, some smaller stalls or traditional markets might be cash-only.
영수증 주세요 (yeong-su-jeung ju-se-yo) - "Receipt, please"
Important if you plan to claim tax refunds for larger purchases as a tourist. Tax-free shopping is available at many stores for purchases over a certain amount.
For more information about shopping in Korea, including tax refund procedures, visit Visit Korea's shopping guide.
🚨 Emergency and Help Phrases
🆘 While Korea is a very safe country, it's always good to know some emergency phrases just in case. These could really come in handy if you find yourself in a difficult situation.
도와주세요 (do-
