Essential Korean Phrases for Travelers: A Must-Know Guide Before Visiting Korea

Essential Korean Phrases for Travelers

 

Planning a trip to South Korea? While many Koreans, especially in tourist areas, speak some English, knowing a few basic Korean phrases can make your travel experience smoother and more enjoyable. Whether you’re ordering food, asking for directions, or shopping in a local market, these phrases will help you navigate Korea like a pro!

 

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🗣 Basic Greetings & Polite Expressions

1️⃣ Hello & Goodbye

✔ "Hello" – 안녕하세요! (Annyeonghaseyo!)
✔ "Goodbye" (when you’re leaving) – 안녕히 계세요! (Annyeonghi gyeseyo!)
✔ "Goodbye" (when someone else is leaving) – 안녕히 가세요! (Annyeonghi gaseyo!)

💡 Tip: Bow slightly when greeting or saying goodbye—Korean culture values respect!

2️⃣ Thank You & Sorry

✔ "Thank you" – 감사합니다! (Gamsahamnida!)
✔ "Sorry" – 죄송합니다! (Joesonghamnida!)

💡 When to use? If you bump into someone on the subway or need to apologize, "죄송합니다" (Joesonghamnida!) is the best way to be polite.

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📍 Asking for Directions

3️⃣ Where is [place]?

✔ "Where is the bathroom?" – 화장실 어디에 있어요? (Hwajangsil eodie isseoyo?)
✔ "Where is the subway station?" – 지하철역 어디에 있어요? (Jihacheollyeok eodie isseoyo?)

💡 Useful Tip: If you're lost, show a map on your phone and say "여기 어떻게 가요?" (Yeogi eotteoke gayo?), meaning "How do I get here?"

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🍽 Ordering Food Like a Local

4️⃣ At a Restaurant

✔ "Can I see the menu?" – 메뉴판 주세요. (Menyupan juseyo.)
✔ "Please recommend a dish." – 추천해 주세요. (Chucheonhae juseyo.)
✔ "I don’t eat spicy food." – 매운 음식 못 먹어요. (Maeun eumsik mot meogeoyo.)

💡 Tip: Many Korean dishes are spicy! If you’re unsure, ask "이거 맵나요?" (Igeo maemnayo?) – "Is this spicy?"

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🛍 Shopping & Bargaining

5️⃣ Essential Shopping Phrases

✔ "How much is this?" – 이거 얼마예요? (Igeo eolma-eyo?)
✔ "Do you have this in a different color?" – 이거 다른 색 있어요? (Igeo dareun saek isseoyo?)
✔ "Can I pay with a card?" – 카드 되나요? (Kadeu dwenayo?)

💡 Tip: Cash is still widely used in traditional markets, so carrying some won (₩) is a good idea!

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🚨 Emergency Phrases

6️⃣ In Case of Emergency

✔ "Help!" – 도와주세요! (Dowajuseyo!)
✔ "Call the police!" – 경찰을 불러 주세요! (Gyeongchareul bulleo juseyo!)
✔ "I need a hospital." – 병원이 필요해요. (Byeongwon-i piryoh-eyo.)

💡 Emergency Numbers in Korea:
📞 Police – 112
📞 Ambulance/Fire – 119