Traveling to South Korea can be an incredibly enriching experience, filled with beautiful landscapes, delicious food, and friendly people. However, to truly enjoy and immerse yourself in the culture, it’s helpful to know some basic Korean phrases. Whether you’re navigating through bustling cities like Seoul or exploring the serene countryside, understanding and using these phrases can make your journey smoother and more enjoyable. This guide aims to provide you with essential phrases that will come in handy during your travels.
Greetings and Basic Expressions
The first step to making a good impression is knowing how to greet people properly. Here are some basic greetings and expressions that will help you start conversations on the right foot.
안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo) – Hello
– This is the most common way to say hello and is appropriate in most situations.
안녕 (Annyeong) – Hi/Bye (informal)
– Use this with friends or people you are close to.
감사합니다 (Gamsahamnida) – Thank you
– A polite and formal way to express gratitude.
죄송합니다 (Joesonghamnida) – I’m sorry
– Use this to apologize formally.
네 (Ne) – Yes
– A simple and straightforward way to agree or affirm.
아니요 (Aniyo) – No
– Use this to disagree or decline.
제 이름은 [Your Name] 입니다 (Je ireumeun [Your Name] imnida) – My name is [Your Name]
– A helpful way to introduce yourself.
Directions and Transportation
Navigating a new country can be challenging, but these phrases will help you ask for directions and understand local transportation options.
여기 어디에요? (Yeogi eodieyo?) – Where is this place?
– Use this when you’re unsure of your location.
화장실 어디에요? (Hwajangsil eodieyo?) – Where is the bathroom?
– An essential question for any traveler.
지하철역 어디에요? (Jihacheol-yeok eodieyo?) – Where is the subway station?
– Helpful for navigating cities with extensive subway systems.
이 버스 [Location] 가요? (I beoseu [Location] gayo?) – Does this bus go to [Location]?
– Useful for making sure you’re on the right bus.
얼마에요? (Eolmaeyo?) – How much is it?
– Essential for shopping and paying for services.
이거 주세요 (Igeo juseyo) – Please give me this
– Use this phrase when pointing to something you want to buy or order.
Dining and Food
Korean cuisine is a highlight of any trip to South Korea. Here are some phrases that will help you navigate menus, order food, and enjoy your dining experience.
메뉴 주세요 (Menyu juseyo) – Please give me the menu
– Use this when you need to see the menu.
물 주세요 (Mul juseyo) – Please give me water
– Helpful for asking for water at a restaurant.
이거 뭐에요? (Igeo mweoeyo?) – What is this?
– Use this when you’re curious about a dish or ingredient.
맛있어요 (Masisseoyo) – It’s delicious
– Compliment the chef or restaurant staff with this phrase.
계산서 주세요 (Gyesanseo juseyo) – Please give me the bill
– Use this when you’re ready to pay.
포장해 주세요 (Pojanghae juseyo) – Please pack this to go
– Useful if you want to take leftovers with you.
Shopping
Shopping in South Korea can be a delightful experience, whether you’re in a bustling market or a chic boutique. Here are some phrases to help you shop with confidence.
이거 얼마에요? (Igeo eolmaeyo?) – How much is this?
– Use this to inquire about the price of an item.
좀 깎아 주세요 (Jom kkakka juseyo) – Please give me a discount
– A polite way to ask for a discount, especially in markets.
다른 색 있어요? (Dareun saek isseoyo?) – Do you have a different color?
– Useful when you’re looking for a specific color.
사이즈 있어요? (Saijeu isseoyo?) – Do you have this size?
– Use this to ask for a different size.
영수증 주세요 (Yeongsujeung juseyo) – Please give me a receipt
– Helpful for keeping track of your purchases.
Emergencies
While we hope you never have to use these phrases, it’s always good to be prepared for emergencies. Here are some essential phrases to know.
도와주세요! (Dowajuseyo!) – Help!
– Shout this if you need immediate assistance.
경찰서 어디에요? (Gyeongchalseo eodieyo?) – Where is the police station?
– Important to know in case you need police assistance.
병원 어디에요? (Byeongwon eodieyo?) – Where is the hospital?
– Use this if you need medical attention.
아프다 (Apeuda) – I am sick/in pain
– Useful for describing your condition to someone.
약국 어디에요? (Yakguk eodieyo?) – Where is the pharmacy?
– Use this when you need to buy medicine.
Making Friends
One of the joys of traveling is meeting new people. Here are some phrases that can help you make friends and engage in more personal conversations.
한국어 잘 못해요 (Hangukeo jal mothaeyo) – I don’t speak Korean well
– A humble way to let people know you’re still learning.
영어 하실 수 있어요? (Yeongeo hasil su isseoyo?) – Can you speak English?
– Useful for finding someone who can help you in English.
친구가 되고 싶어요 (Chinguga doego sipeoyo) – I want to be friends
– A friendly way to express your interest in forming a friendship.
카톡 있어요? (Katok isseoyo?) – Do you have KakaoTalk?
– KakaoTalk is a popular messaging app in Korea. Use this to stay in touch with new friends.
좋은 하루 되세요 (Joeun haru doeseyo) – Have a nice day
– A pleasant way to end a conversation.
Numbers and Time
Understanding numbers and telling time are crucial skills, especially when making travel arrangements or shopping. Here are some basic phrases and numbers to get you started.
하나 (Hana) – One
둘 (Dul) – Two
셋 (Set) – Three
넷 (Net) – Four
다섯 (Daseot) – Five
일 (Il) – One (Sino-Korean)
이 (I) – Two (Sino-Korean)
삼 (Sam) – Three (Sino-Korean)
사 (Sa) – Four (Sino-Korean)
오 (O) – Five (Sino-Korean)
몇 시에요? (Myeot sieyo?) – What time is it?
– Use this to ask for the time.
몇 시에 [Location] 가요? (Myeot sie [Location] gayo?) – What time does [Location] open/close?
– Useful for planning your visits.
Public Transport
Getting around South Korea is convenient thanks to its extensive public transport system. Here are some phrases to help you navigate buses, subways, and taxis.
택시 타는 곳 어디에요? (Taeksi taneun got eodieyo?) – Where can I get a taxi?
– Use this to find a taxi stand.
지하철 몇 호선 타요? (Jihacheol myeot hoseon tayo?) – Which subway line should I take?
– Useful for figuring out subway routes.
카드로 결제할 수 있어요? (Kadeuro gyeoljaehal su isseoyo?) – Can I pay with a card?
– Handy for checking if you can use your credit or transport card.
다음 정류장에서 내려요 (Daeum jeongryujangeseo naeryeoyo) – I get off at the next stop
– Use this to inform the driver or fellow passengers.
Accommodation
Finding the right place to stay is crucial for a comfortable trip. Here are some phrases to help you with accommodation-related queries.
예약했어요 (Yeyakhaesseoyo) – I have a reservation
– Use this when checking into a hotel.
체크인/체크아웃 언제에요? (Chekeuin/chekeuaut eonjeeyo?) – When is check-in/check-out?
– Useful for planning your arrival and departure.
방 바꿔 주세요 (Bang bakkwo juseyo) – Please change my room
– Use this if you need to switch rooms.
추가 요금 있어요? (Chuga yogeum isseoyo?) – Is there an extra charge?
– Handy for understanding additional costs.
비밀번호 뭐에요? (Bimilbeonho mweoeyo?) – What is the password?
– Use this when asking for Wi-Fi or other access codes.
Culture and Etiquette
Understanding cultural norms and etiquette can enhance your travel experience and show respect to the locals. Here are some additional phrases and tips.
실례합니다 (Sillyehamnida) – Excuse me
– Use this to get someone’s attention politely.
천천히 말씀해 주세요 (Cheoncheonhi malsseumhae juseyo) – Please speak slowly
– Useful if you’re having trouble understanding.
문화재 (Munhwajae) – Cultural heritage
– Use this term when talking about historical sites.
사진 찍어도 돼요? (Sajin jjigeodo dwaeyo?) – Can I take a picture?
– Always ask for permission before taking photos, especially of people.
구경하고 있어요 (Gugyeonghago isseoyo) – I’m just looking
– Use this when browsing in shops to indicate you’re not ready to buy yet.
Traveling in South Korea can be a truly rewarding experience, and knowing these common phrases will help you navigate the country with ease. Remember, the effort you put into learning and using these phrases will be greatly appreciated by the locals and will enrich your travel experience. Enjoy your journey through South Korea, and happy travels!
