Are you planning a trip to Korea and want to brush up on your Korean language skills? Knowing a few essential Korean phrases can go a long way in making your trip more enjoyable and immersive. Whether you’re ordering food at a restaurant, asking for directions, or just making small talk with locals, knowing some basic Korean can help you navigate everyday situations and connect with people on a deeper level. This blog post will introduce you to essential Korean phrases that every traveller should know. From greetings and expressions of gratitude to more practical phrases like asking for help and ordering food, this guide will help you communicate effectively and confidently during your trip to Korea.
These basic Korean phrases that you will find in this blog are meant for individuals who are not familiar with the Korean language. The phrases have been simplified, some particles have been omitted, and the grammar is mostly in the polite form. For this guide, I have chosen basic Korean phrases that cover a range of topics. This is not only to help you learn them quickly, but also to ensure that Koreans can comprehend what you are saying.
Essential phrases
The following are the essential phrases you should know before visiting Korea. By making an effort to learn even a little bit of the language, you can make a great impression and open doors to meaningful conversations. Being courteous and respectful is always appreciated when travelling, and these basic Korean phrases can help you achieve that. Koreans love when people make an effort to learn their language so this gesture will usually be very appreciated.
안녕하세요 (an-nyeong-ha-se-yo) – Hello
This is the most common greeting in Korean and can be used at any time of the day. It’s also a formal greeting that can be used with people you don’t know well or in formal situations.
감사합니다 (gam-sa-ham-ni-da) – Thank you
A simple and polite way to express gratitude for someone’s help or service.
미안합니다 (mi-an-ham-ni-da) – I’m sorry
Use this phrase to apologize for any inconvenience or mistake you may have caused.
실례합니다 (sil-lye-ham-ni-da) – Excuse me
This phrase can be used to get someone’s attention or to apologize for interrupting someone.
잠시만요 (jam-si-man-yo) – Just a moment
Use this phrase when asking someone to wait for a moment.
괜찮아요 (gwaen-chan-a-yo) – It’s ok.
네 (ne) – Yes
아니요 (a-ni-yo) -No
Greeting phrases
Greeting someone in Korean is one of the first and most important things you’ll need to learn on your trip. It’s a great way to start a conversation and show respect for the local culture. Whether you’re saying hello to a new acquaintance or goodbye to a friend, a friendly greeting can go a long way in making connections and building relationships.
반갑습니다 (ban-gap-seum-ni-da) – Nice to meet you.
제 이름 ______이예요 (je i-reum _____i-ye-yo) – My name is ______.
이름이 뭐예요? (i-reum-i mwo-ye-yo) – What is your name?
잘 지내요? (jal ji-nae-yo) – How are you?/Are you doing well?
네. 잘 지내요 (ne. jal ji-nae-yo) Yes. I am doing well.
한국말 잘 못 해요 (han-guk mal jal mot hae-yo) – I cannot speak Korean well.
영어 할 줄 아세요? (yeong-eo hal jul a-se-yo) Can you speak English?
Dining out
Korean cuisine is famous for its unique flavors and diverse dishes, and experiencing it is a must-do for any traveler visiting Korea. Whether you’re trying Korean barbecue or sampling street food, knowing some essential Korean phrases can enhance your dining experience and help you navigate menus and etiquette with ease. Read on to learn some useful Korean phrases for dining out in Korea. From ordering food and drinks to paying the bill, these phrases will make your dining experience more enjoyable and memorable.
- Ordering food:
- 메뉴 주세요 (Me-nu ju-se-yo) – Can I have a menu, please?
- 영어 매뉴 있어요? (Yeong-eo me-nu iss-sseo-yo?) Do you have English menu?
- 이거 주세요 (I-geo ju-se-yo) – I’ll have this, please.
- 얼마에요? (Eol-ma-e-yo?) – How much is it?
- 이거 매워요? (l-geo mae-wo-yo?) Is this spicy?
- Food preferences:
- 매운 음식이 못 먹어요 (Mae-un eum-sik-i mot meo-geo-yo) – I can’t eat spicy food.
- 저는 알러지가 있어요 (Jeon-eun al-leo-ji-ga i-sseo-yo) – I have allergies.
- 덜 맵게 해주세요 (deol-maep-ke hae-ju-se-yo) – Please make it less spicy.
- Asking for drinks:
- 맥주 한 병 주세요 (Maek-ju han byeong ju-se-yo) – One bottle of beer, please.
- 소주 한 병 주세요 (So-ju han byeong ju-se-yo) – One bottle of soju, please.
- 물 주세요 (Mul ju-se-yo) – Water, please.
- During the meal:
- 맛있게 먹겠습니다 (Ma-sit-ge meok-geot-seum-ni-da) – I will enjoy this meal.
- 너무 맛있어요! (neo-mu ma-shi-sseo-yo) It’s very delicious!
- 양념장 좀 주세요 (Yang-nyeom-jang jom ju-se-yo) – Can I have some sauce, please?
- After the meal:
- 잘 먹었습니다 (Sik-sa jal meo-geo-sseum-ni-da) – Thank you for the meal.
- 계산서 주세요 (kye-san-seo ju-se-yo) – Please give me the bill.
- 카드로 결제할게요 (Ka-deu-ro gyeol-jae-hal-ge-yo) – I’ll pay by card.
- 현금으로 결제할게요 (Hyeon-geum-eu-ro gyeol-jae-hal-ge-yo) – I’ll pay in cash.
Directions
Getting around in a foreign country can be a challenge, especially when you don’t speak the language. This is particularly true when you’re trying to navigate your way around a new city. Luckily, with a few essential Korean phrases, you can ask for directions, understand the responses, and make your way to your destination without any issues.
어디에요? (eo-di-e-yo?) – Where is it?
When you’re looking for a specific place, like a restaurant or attraction, use this phrase to ask where it is. Just add the location name in front of 어디에요 i.e. Hongdae eo-di-e-yo 홍대 어디에요?
여기서 어떻게 가나요? (yeo-gi-seo eo-tteo-ke ga-na-yo?) – How do I get there from here?
If you’re not sure which direction to go, use this phrase to ask for directions from your current location.
지도를 보여주세요 (ji-do-reul bo-yeo-ju-se-yo) – Can you show me on the map?
If someone is giving you directions, but you’re not quite following, ask them to show you on a map.
이쪽으로 가주세요 (i-jjog-eu-ro ga-ju-se-yo) – Please go this way.
If you need someone to point you in the right direction, this phrase can come in handy.
화장실 어디에요? (hwa-jang-sil eo-di-e-yo) – Where is the bathroom?
I guess this one does not need a further comment.
공항은 어디에 있나요? (gong-hang-eun eo-di-e in-na-yo?) – Where is the airport?
If you’re trying to catch a flight, use this phrase to ask for the location of the airport.
지하철역은 어디에 있나요? (ji-ha-cheol-yeog-eun eo-di-e in-na-yo?) – Where is the subway station? When you’re trying to get around the city using the subway, use this phrase to ask for the location of the nearest station.
시내로 가는 버스는 어디에 있나요? (si-nae-ro ga-neun beo-seu-neun eo-di-e in-na-yo?) – Where is the bus to the city centre?
If you’re trying to catch a bus to the city centre, use this phrase to ask for the location of the bus stop.
여기서 어떻게 이동할 수 있나요? (yeo-gi-seo eo-tteo-ke i-dong-hal su in-na-yo?) – How can I get around here?
If you’re in a new area and not sure how to get around, use this phrase to ask for information on transportation options.
어떻게 가야 하나요? (eo-tteok-e ga-ya ha-na-yo?) – How do I get there?
When you’re not sure how to reach your destination, use this phrase to ask for directions.
오른쪽 가세요 (o-reun-jjok ga-se-yo) – Go to the right.
왼쪽 가세요 (wen-jjok ga-se-yo) – Go to the left.
직진 가세요 (jik-jin ga-se-yo) – Go straight.
Shopping
Shopping in Korea is an experience that no traveller should miss. From bustling shopping streets to modern malls, Korea has it all. As a tourist in Korea, shopping can be a fun and exciting experience. However, the language barrier can sometimes make it difficult to communicate with locals and navigate through the shopping areas. Knowing a few useful Korean phrases can help you shop with ease and even score some great deals.
얼마예요? (Eol-ma-ye-yo?) – How much is it?
This is perhaps the most useful phrase when shopping in Korea. Simply point to the item you’re interested in and ask 얼마예요? to get the price.
너무 비싸요 (Neo-mu bi-sa-yo) – It’s too expensive.
If you think the price is too high, you can use this phrase to negotiate or express your displeasure.
이거 있나요? (I-geo in-na-yo?) – Do you have this?
If you’re looking for a specific item, use this phrase to ask if it’s available.
깎아 주세요 (kka-kka ju-se-yo) – Please give me a discount.
If you’re bargaining, use this phrase to ask for a discount.
환불해 주세요 (hwan-bul-hae ju-se-yo) – Please give me a refund.
Use this phrase when you want to ask for a refund.
실례합니다 (Sil-lye-ham-ni-da) – Excuse me.
Use this phrase when you need to get someone’s attention or when you need to move past them in a crowded store.
이걸로 주세요 (I-geol-lo ju-se-yo) – I’ll take this one.
When you’re ready to make a purchase, use this phrase to tell the salesperson that you want to buy the item.
영수증 주세요 (Yeong-su-jeung ju-se-yo) – Can I have a receipt?
Don’t forget to ask for a receipt after you make a purchase. This phrase will come in handy.
카드 가능해요? (Ka-deu ga-neung-hae-yo?) – Can I pay with a card?
If you don’t have cash on hand, use this phrase to ask if you can pay with a credit or debit card.
봉투 주세요 (Bong-tu ju-se-yo) – Can I have a bag?
If you need a bag to carry your purchases, use this phrase to ask for one.
감사합니다 (Gam-sa-ham-ni-da) – Thank you
Finally, don’t forget to say 감사합니다 when you’re finished shopping. It’s a polite way to thank the salesperson for their help.
Emergencies
Korea is known for its low crime rates, but it’s always wise to stay cautious. Although it’s unlikely that you’ll need to use emergency Korean phrases, it’s best to be prepared. Additionally, if you find yourself in need of medication during your trip, there are plenty of pharmacies scattered throughout the cities with easily recognizable green + signs.
Emergency numbers in Korea
Dial 112 for the police
Dial 119 for fire & medical services
Dial 1330 for tourist support
도와주세요 (do wa ju se yo) – Help me, please.
If you need immediate assistance, this is the most important phrase to know. Use it to get the attention of anyone nearby and let them know that you need help.
불긴났어요 (bul gin nas seo yo) – There’s a fire.
If you see a fire or smoke, use this phrase to alert others and call for help.
구해주세요 (gu hae ju se yo) – Rescue me, please.
If you’re trapped or in danger, use this phrase to ask for help.
응급실이 어디에 있나요? (eung geup sir i eo di e in-na-yo?) – Where is the emergency room?
If you or someone you know needs medical attention, use this phrase to ask for directions to the emergency room.
경찰을 불러주세요 (gyeong char eul bul leo ju se yo) – Call the police, please.
If you witness a crime or need the police for any reason, use this phrase to call for help.
제 지갑을 잃어버렸어요 (je ji kap eul ir heo beo ryeo sseo yo) – I lost my wallet.
If you lose your wallet or other important belongings, use this phrase to ask for assistance.
제 핸드폰을 잃어버렸어요 (je haen deu pon-eul ir heo beo ryeo sseo yo) – I lost my cellphone.
If you lose your cellphone or other electronic device, use this phrase to ask for help.
도난당했어요 (do nan dang hae sseo yo) – I’ve been robbed.
If you are a victim of theft or robbery, use this phrase to report the incident to the police.
간호사를 불러주세요 (gan ho sa-reul bul leo ju se yo) – Call a nurse, please.
If you need medical attention while in the hospital, use this phrase to call for a nurse.
몸이 아파요 (mom-i a-pa-yo) – I’m sick.
If you feel sick or unwell you can use this phrase.
By learning these essential Korean phrases, you’ll be able to communicate effectively during your trip to Korea and show respect for Korean culture. Don’t be afraid to practice these phrases with locals, as they will appreciate your effort to learn their language. With a little practice, you’ll be able to have meaningful conversations and make unforgettable memories during your trip to Korea.