Vocabulary

30 Must-Know Korean Phrases for Your Trip to Korea

ByHangeulMate Editorial Team··12 min read
Travel illustration of Seoul landmarks with a suitcase and Korean travel phrases 얼마예요? and 어디예요?
A few key phrases like 얼마예요? (how much?) and 어디예요? (where is it?) transform any trip to Korea.

Why Learn Korean Phrases Before Your Trip

Korea has become one of the most popular travel destinations in Asia, and while you can get by with English in major tourist areas like Myeongdong or Gangnam, stepping off the beaten path reveals a different reality. Taxi drivers, convenience store clerks, street food vendors, and bus drivers often speak little to no English. Knowing even a handful of Korean phrases transforms your trip from a series of awkward pointing gestures into genuine human connection. Koreans are famously warm to visitors who make the effort to speak their language -- even a simple "thank you" in Korean earns you bigger smiles and better service.

This guide gives you 30 practical phrases organized by the situations you will actually encounter: getting around, eating, shopping, staying at a hotel, and handling emergencies. Every phrase uses standard polite speech (해요체), which is appropriate for strangers and service situations.

1. The Basics: Your Everyday Foundation

These five phrases are the backbone of every interaction in Korea. Memorize them before anything else. You will use them dozens of times a day.

안녕하세요
annyeonghaseyo
Hello
💡Works for any time of day. Accompany it with a slight bow of the head for extra politeness.
감사합니다
gamsahamnida
Thank you
💡The formal version. Use it everywhere -- shops, restaurants, taxis, hotels. You cannot overuse this phrase in Korea.
죄송합니다
joesonghamnida
I am sorry
💡A sincere apology. Use when you bump into someone, make a mistake, or need to express regret.
실례합니다
sillyehamnida
Excuse me
💡Use to get someone's attention politely or when passing through a crowd. Pair it with a small bow.
네 / 아니요
ne / aniyo
Yes / No
💡네 sounds like "neh" (not "knee"). 아니요 is the polite no. You will need these constantly.
💡

Bowing is a natural part of Korean greetings. You do not need a deep bow -- a slight nod of the head (about 15 degrees) is perfect for casual interactions with shop staff, waiters, and strangers. Save the deeper bow for formal situations.

2. At the Airport and Hotel

Incheon International Airport is well-equipped with English signage, but once you leave the airport and check into your hotel or guesthouse, Korean becomes much more useful. These phrases cover arrival and accommodation.

___이/가 어디에 있어요?
___i/ga eodie isseoyo?
Where is ___?
💡Fill in the blank: 화장실 (hwajangshil, bathroom), 출구 (chulgu, exit), 지하철역 (jihacheollyeok, subway station). The most versatile question you can ask.
체크인 하고 싶어요
chekeuIn hago sipeoyo
I would like to check in
💡Hotels and guesthouses understand "check-in" as a loanword, but wrapping it in Korean makes communication smoother.
방 카드 키 주세요
bang kadeu ki juseyo
Room key card, please
💡Most Korean hotels use card keys. 주세요 (juseyo, "please give me") is one of the most useful words in Korean.
와이파이 비밀번호가 뭐예요?
waipai bimilbeonhoga mwoyeyo?
What is the Wi-Fi password?
💡Wi-Fi (와이파이) is a loanword Koreans use daily. Expect the password to be written down at the front desk or on a card in your room.
짐 맡아 주실 수 있어요?
jim mata jusil su isseoyo?
Can you hold my luggage?
💡Useful on check-out day when you want to explore before heading to the airport. Most hotels offer this service free.
💡

Korea has some of the fastest and cheapest public Wi-Fi in the world. Look for "KT Free WiFi" or "Public WiFi Free" networks in airports, subway stations, cafes, and many restaurants. You can also rent a portable Wi-Fi egg (와이파이 에그) at the airport for unlimited data during your trip.

3. At a Restaurant

Eating out in Korea is one of the great joys of traveling there. From street food stalls to barbecue joints, knowing these phrases will help you order confidently and enjoy the full experience. Most restaurants do not bring the bill to your table -- you pay at the counter when leaving.

메뉴판 주세요
menyupan juseyo
Menu, please
💡Some smaller restaurants have picture menus or wall menus in Korean only. Point and use the next phrase to order.
이거 주세요
igeo juseyo
This one, please
💡Point at the menu item or the food display and say this. The single most useful restaurant phrase. Works at street food stalls too.
물 주세요
mul juseyo
Water, please
💡Water is free at virtually every Korean restaurant. It is usually self-serve from a dispenser, but at sit-down places you can ask.
계산해 주세요
gyesanhae juseyo
The bill, please
💡In many Korean restaurants, you simply walk to the counter to pay. But at table-service places, this phrase gets you the check.
맛있어요!
masisseoyo!
It is delicious!
💡Telling the cook or server that the food is delicious is a wonderful compliment in Korea. They will genuinely appreciate it.
💡

Tipping is not customary in Korea and can even cause confusion. The price on the menu is the price you pay. Service is included. If you try to leave a tip at a restaurant, the staff may chase you down thinking you forgot your change.

4. Shopping

Whether you are browsing Myeongdong cosmetics shops, haggling at Namdaemun Market, or picking up souvenirs in Insadong, these phrases cover the essentials. Note that bargaining is acceptable at traditional markets but not at regular stores or brand shops.

이거 얼마예요?
igeo eolmayeyo?
How much is this?
💡Point at the item and ask. At markets, the vendor might type the price on a calculator and show you.
너무 비싸요
neomu bissayo
It is too expensive
💡Use this at traditional markets where bargaining is common. Say it with a friendly smile -- it opens the door for negotiation.
깎아 주세요
kkakka juseyo
Please give me a discount
💡The classic market bargaining phrase. Works best when buying multiple items. Not appropriate at department stores or chain shops.
카드 돼요?
kadeu dwaeyo?
Can I pay by card?
💡Korea is nearly cashless -- credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere, even at small street food stalls. But it is good to ask.
봉투 주세요
bongtu juseyo
A bag, please
💡Plastic bags cost a small fee (around 100-500 won) at most stores in Korea due to environmental regulations. Bring a reusable bag to save money.
💡

Korea is one of the most cashless societies in the world. Samsung Pay and credit cards work virtually everywhere, including subway stations, convenience stores, and most street food vendors. That said, keep about 10,000-20,000 won in cash for the occasional small market vendor or vending machine that only accepts coins.

5. Transportation

Korea has an outstanding public transportation system. The subway in Seoul is clean, punctual, and has announcements in Korean, English, Chinese, and Japanese. Buses are cheap but harder to navigate for non-Korean speakers. Taxis are abundant and affordable. These phrases will get you where you need to go.

버스 정류장이 어디에 있어요?
beoseu jeongnyujangi eodie isseoyo?
Where is the bus stop?
💡Bus stops (정류장) are everywhere. Look for the blue or green signs. Most stops have route maps and real-time arrival displays.
___역에서 내려 주세요
___yeogeseo naeryeo juseyo
Please let me off at ___ station
💡Use this in a taxi. Fill in the station or landmark name. Korean taxi drivers rely on destination names and addresses rather than maps.
택시 타는 곳이 어디예요?
taeksi taneun gosi eodiyeyo?
Where is the taxi stand?
💡Taxi stands (택시 타는 곳) are at airports, major stations, and hotels. You can also hail taxis on the street or use the Kakao T app.
___까지 얼마나 걸려요?
___kkaji eolmana geollyeoyo?
How long does it take to get to ___?
💡Useful for planning your day. Fill in your destination. Works for asking about subway rides, walks, or taxi trips.
지하철 노선도 있어요?
jihacheol noseondo isseoyo?
Do you have a subway map?
💡Available for free at any subway station information desk. The Seoul Metro app (available in English) is also excellent for route planning.
💡

Get a T-money card (티머니 카드) as soon as you arrive. Available at any convenience store for 2,500 won, it works on all buses, subways, and even taxis across the country. Tap it when you board and when you exit. You get a small discount on each ride compared to paying cash, and transfers between bus and subway within 30 minutes are free.

6. Emergencies

You probably will not need these phrases, but knowing them provides peace of mind. Korea is one of the safest countries in the world for travelers, but accidents and unexpected situations can happen anywhere. Emergency services in Korea are efficient and responsive.

도와주세요!
dowajuseyo!
Help me, please!
💡Use in any urgent situation. Koreans are generally very willing to help foreigners in distress. Shouting this will get immediate attention.
병원에 가야 해요
byeongwone gaya haeyo
I need to go to the hospital
💡Emergency room is 응급실 (eunggeupsil). Dial 119 for ambulance services. Many major hospitals in Seoul have international clinics with English-speaking staff.
경찰을 불러 주세요
gyeongchareul bulleo juseyo
Please call the police
💡Dial 112 for police. Korea also has a tourist police hotline at 1330 with English, Japanese, and Chinese support available 24 hours.
길을 잃었어요
gireul irheosseoyo
I am lost
💡Show the person your hotel address or destination on your phone. Most Koreans will go out of their way to help you find your way, sometimes walking you to your destination.
한국어를 못해요
hangugeoreul mothaeyo
I cannot speak Korean
💡Use when a conversation goes beyond your ability. Follow it with 영어 괜찮아요? (yeongeo gwaenchanayo?, "Is English okay?") to ask if they speak English.
💡

Save these numbers in your phone before your trip: 119 (fire and ambulance), 112 (police), 1330 (Korea Travel Hotline -- English, Japanese, Chinese support 24/7). The 1330 hotline can help with everything from translation assistance to tourist information and reporting lost items.

Bonus: Phrases That Win Hearts

Beyond the essentials, these bonus phrases show cultural awareness and will make Koreans smile. Use them to go from "polite tourist" to "someone who really gets Korean culture."

잘 먹겠습니다
jal meokgesseumnida
I will eat well (said before a meal)
💡Expresses gratitude to whoever prepared or is paying for the food. Say it with a slight bow before you start eating.
잘 먹었습니다
jal meogeosseumnida
I ate well (said after a meal)
💡Thanks the cook or host after the meal. Using this at a restaurant will genuinely delight the staff.
한국이 너무 좋아요
hangugi neomu joayo
I really like Korea
💡Nothing makes a Korean person happier than hearing a foreigner say they love the country. Use it sincerely and watch faces light up.

Quick Reference: Print-Friendly Cheat Sheet

Here are all 30 phrases at a glance. Screenshot this section or write them on a card to carry with you.

  • Hello: 안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo)
  • Thank you: 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida)
  • I am sorry: 죄송합니다 (joesonghamnida)
  • Excuse me: 실례합니다 (sillyehamnida)
  • Yes / No: 네 / 아니요 (ne / aniyo)
  • Where is ___?: ___이/가 어디에 있어요? (eodie isseoyo?)
  • I would like to check in: 체크인 하고 싶어요 (chekeuIn hago sipeoyo)
  • Room key card, please: 방 카드 키 주세요 (bang kadeu ki juseyo)
  • What is the Wi-Fi password?: 와이파이 비밀번호가 뭐예요? (waipai bimilbeonhoga mwoyeyo?)
  • Can you hold my luggage?: 짐 맡아 주실 수 있어요? (jim mata jusil su isseoyo?)
  • Menu, please: 메뉴판 주세요 (menyupan juseyo)
  • This one, please: 이거 주세요 (igeo juseyo)
  • Water, please: 물 주세요 (mul juseyo)
  • The bill, please: 계산해 주세요 (gyesanhae juseyo)
  • It is delicious!: 맛있어요! (masisseoyo!)
  • How much is this?: 이거 얼마예요? (igeo eolmayeyo?)
  • It is too expensive: 너무 비싸요 (neomu bissayo)
  • Please give me a discount: 깎아 주세요 (kkakka juseyo)
  • Can I pay by card?: 카드 돼요? (kadeu dwaeyo?)
  • A bag, please: 봉투 주세요 (bongtu juseyo)
  • Where is the bus stop?: 버스 정류장이 어디에 있어요? (beoseu jeongnyujangi eodie isseoyo?)
  • Please let me off at ___ station: ___역에서 내려 주세요 (yeogeseo naeryeo juseyo)
  • Where is the taxi stand?: 택시 타는 곳이 어디예요? (taeksi taneun gosi eodiyeyo?)
  • How long does it take to ___?: ___까지 얼마나 걸려요? (kkaji eolmana geollyeoyo?)
  • Do you have a subway map?: 지하철 노선도 있어요? (jihacheol noseondo isseoyo?)
  • Help!: 도와주세요! (dowajuseyo!)
  • I need to go to the hospital: 병원에 가야 해요 (byeongwone gaya haeyo)
  • Please call the police: 경찰을 불러 주세요 (gyeongchareul bulleo juseyo)
  • I am lost: 길을 잃었어요 (gireul irheosseoyo)
  • I cannot speak Korean: 한국어를 못해요 (hangugeoreul mothaeyo)

Pronunciation Tips for Travelers

Korean pronunciation does not have to be perfect to be understood. Here are a few tips that make the biggest difference for travelers.

  • Speak at a steady pace. Rushing through phrases makes you harder to understand. Slow and clear beats fast and mumbled every time.
  • Korean has no stress accent like English. Give each syllable roughly equal weight instead of emphasizing one syllable over others.
  • The double consonants ㄲ, ㄸ, ㅃ, ㅆ, ㅉ are tensed -- tighten your throat slightly. Think of the difference between "sky" (tense k) and "guy" (relaxed g).
  • ㅓ (eo) sounds like the "u" in "bus," not the "o" in "go." This is the most common vowel mistake English speakers make.
  • When in doubt, show the Korean text on your phone. Even if your pronunciation is off, reading the Hangul script will make it immediately clear.
💡

Download Naver Map (not Google Maps) before your trip. It is far more accurate for Korean addresses, bus routes, and walking directions. Kakao Map is another excellent Korean alternative. Both have partial English support.

Your Korean Travel Toolkit

You do not need to be fluent to have an incredible trip to Korea. These 30 phrases cover the situations that matter most: greeting people warmly, finding your way around, eating well, shopping smartly, and staying safe. Start by memorizing the five basics -- 안녕하세요, 감사합니다, 죄송합니다, 실례합니다, and 네/아니요 -- and build from there. Every phrase you learn is one less awkward moment and one more genuine connection with the people and culture of Korea.

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