Introduction
Heading to Korea soon? Whether it’s for business, vacation, or study, knowing a handful of common Korean phrases can drastically enhance your experience and interactions with locals. In this guide, we will introduce some Korean phrases you should know for different situations, including greetings, transportation, dining out, shopping, and emergencies.
Greetings and General Conversation
Every interaction in a foreign country begins with a greeting. Being able to exchange basic courtesies will help you break the ice and make a good impression.
- 안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo) – Hello
- 감사합니다 (Gamsahamnida) – Thank you
- 죄송합니다 (Joesonghamnida) – I’m sorry
- 예/아니요 (Ye/Aniyo) – Yes/No
- 저는…입니다 (Jeoneun…imnida) – I am…
- 만나서 반갑습니다 (Mannaseo bangapseumnida) – Nice to meet you
Transportation and Getting Around
Navigating through a foreign country can be a challenge. These phrases can help you ask for directions and find your way around.
- …는 어디에 있어요? (…neun eodie isseoyo?) – Where is…?
- 지하철역은 어디에 있어요? (Jihacheolyeogeun eodie isseoyo?) – Where is the subway station?
- 택시를 불러주세요 (Taeksireul bulleo juseyo) – Please call a taxi
- 여기에서 내려주세요 (Yeogi-eseo naeryeo juseyo) – Please let me off here
- 가장 가까운 버스 정류장은 어디인가요? (Gajang gakkaun beoseu jeongnyujangeun eodiingayo?) – Where is the nearest bus stop?
Dining Out
Eating is a vital part of the travel experience. Here are phrases that will make ordering food and eating out more enjoyable.
- 메뉴판 주세요 (Menupan juseyo) – Can I have the menu, please?
- 이것은 무엇인가요? (Igeoseun mueosingayo?) – What is this?
- 계산서 주세요 (Gyesanso juseyo) – Can I have the bill, please?
- 이 음식은 얼마나 맵나요? (I eumsikeun eolmana maepnayo?) – How spicy is this food?
- 채식 메뉴 있나요? (Chaeshik menyoo innayo?) – Do you have a vegetarian menu?
Shopping
If you plan on shopping, these phrases can help you communicate and bargain better.
- 얼마예요? (Eolmayeyo?) – How much is it?
- 할인 해 주실 수 있나요? (Halinh ae jusil su innayo?) – Can you give a discount?
- 더 큰 사이즈 있나요? (Deo keun saijeu innayo?) – Do you have a larger size?
- 이것을 환불할 수 있나요? (Igeoseul hwanbulhal su innayo?) – Can I return this item?
Emergencies
Knowing some phrases for emergencies can be a lifesaver.
- 도와주세요 (Dowajuseyo) – Help me
- 병원은 어디에 있나요? (Byeongeuneun eodie innayo?) – Where is the hospital?
- 경찰을 부르세요 (Gyeongchareul bureuseyo) – Call the police
- 제가 길을 잃었습니다 (Jega gireul ilheotseumnida) – I am lost
Asking for Help or Clarification
When language barriers arise, these phrases can be useful to ask for assistance or further explanation.
- 영어를 하실 수 있나요? (Yeong-eoreul hasil su innayo?) – Can you speak English?
- 다시 한 번 말씀해주실래요? (Dasi han beon malsseumhaejusillaeyo?) – Can you say that again?
- 이해가 안 가요 (Ihaega an gayo) – I don’t understand
- 더 천천히 말씀해 주시겠어요? (Deo cheoncheonhi malsseumhae jusigesseoyo?) – Could you speak slower?
Sightseeing
To enrich your sightseeing experiences, here are some phrases to ask about attractions and to take photos.
- 이곳이 어떤 곳인가요? (Igosi eotteon gosin gayo?) – What is this place?
- 이 장소의 역사를 알려주세요 (I jangsoui yeoksareul allyeojuseyo) – Please tell me the history of this place
- 사진을 찍어도 될까요? (Sajineul jjigeodo doelkkayo?) – Can I take a picture?
Hotel
These phrases can help you communicate your needs at your accommodation.
- 체크인을 하고 싶어요 (Chekeuineul hago sip-eoyo) – I want to check-in
- 룸서비스를 요청하고 싶습니다 (Rumseobiseureul yocheonghago sip-eumseubnida) – I would like to request room service
- 알람 서비스를 부탁드려요 (Allam seobiseureul butakdeuryeoyo) – I need a wake-up call
Weather
Discussing the weather is a universal ice breaker. These phrases will help you talk about the weather.
- 오늘 날씨가 어때요? (Oneul nalssiga eottaeyo?) – How’s the weather today?
- 비가 오려나 봐요 (Biga oryeona bwayo) – It looks like it will rain
- 날씨가 참 좋네요 (Nalssiga cham jo-ne-yo) – The weather is really nice
Remember, mastering a language takes time and practice, but even a little effort in learning basic phrases in Korean can make a significant difference in your travel experience.