70 Common Korean Phrases to Learn for a Trip

Traveling to a new country isn’t just about seeing the sights; it’s about immersing yourself in the culture. And what better way to do that than learning at least a few bits of the local language? While many Koreans in major cities speak English, arming yourself with some common Korean phrases can make your trip smoother, more fun, and more authentic. Not only will you feel more confident, but you’ll also impress the locals with your efforts. Buckle up and get ready to explore a wealth of vocabulary that’ll make you a mini-Korean superstar during your visit!

You’ll find different categories of expressions to help you navigate various situations, from restaurants to public transportation. We’ll start with some basic Korean words and phrases to get you grounded, and then move on to more detailed sections. Ready to level up your travel adventures?

Basic Korean Greetings and Polite Expressions

No travel experience in Korea is complete without at least mastering a few everyday pleasantries. Koreans place a big emphasis on respect and politeness, and you’ll find that using even simple phrases can earn you a smile. Use these to break the ice and start conversations on the right foot.

1. 안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo) – Hello (Formal)
   • This is your go-to greeting for anyone you meet, whether a shopkeeper or a new friend. It literally means “Are you at peace?”
2. 안녕 (Annyeong) – Hi/Bye (Casual)
   • Perfect for greeting close friends or when you want to sound casual. It works as both “hi” and “bye.”
3. 감사합니다 (Gamsahamnida) – Thank you
   • Expressing gratitude is crucial in any culture, and Korean is no exception. If you want an in-depth look at how to say thank you in multiple contexts, check out how to thank you in Korean.
4. 죄송합니다 (Joesonghamnida) – I’m sorry
   • This is the most formal way to apologize. You can also use 미안해요 (mianhaeyo) for a slightly less formal version.
5. 제발 (Jebal) – Please
   • You might hear this less often than the English “please,” but it’s still good to know when you need to make a polite request.
6. 네 (Ne) – Yes
   • Pronounced like “neh.” Use it in most polite situations.
7. 아니요 (Aniyo) – No
   • Useful for politely declining offers or requests.
8. 실례합니다 (Sillyehamnida) – Excuse me
   • Great for getting someone’s attention, like when you need directions.
9. 알겠습니다 (Algessseumnida) – I understand / Got it
   • Typically used in more formal situations, indicating that you understand what’s being asked.
10. 알겠어요 (Algesseoyo) – I understand / OK
    • A step down in formality from 알겠습니다, for casual to semi-formal situations.

These are among the most basic yet essential expressions. Once you’re comfortable greeting people in Korean and being polite, you’ll find it easier to build rapport and, in turn, learn more.

Navigating Food and Restaurants

Korean cuisine is legendary—from sizzling Korean barbecue to piping hot kimchi stew. There’s so much to explore, but it can feel intimidating to order if you don’t speak the language. Here are some expressions to help you confidently handle restaurant menus and chat with staff.

1. 이거 주세요 (Igeo juseyo) – Please give me this
   • Use it when pointing to an item on the menu or display.
2. 메뉴 좀 보여주세요 (Menu jom boyeojuseyo) – Please show me the menu
   • A simple request if the menu isn’t immediately offered.
3. 추천해 주세요 (Chucheonhae juseyo) – Please recommend something
   • Not sure what to order? Ask the server for a recommendation.
4. 물 좀 주세요 (Mul jom juseyo) – Please give me some water
   • Tap water or bottled water is usually free in Korean restaurants.
5. 맛있어요 (Mashisseoyo)? – Is it delicious?
   • You can use this to confirm if a particular dish is tasty.
6. 잘 먹겠습니다 (Jal meokgetseumnida) – I will eat well
   • A polite phrase said before meals.
7. 잘 먹었습니다 (Jal meogeotseumnida) – I ate well
   • Say this after the meal to thank your host or the chef.
8. 계산서 주세요 (Gyesanseo juseyo) – The bill, please
   • Perfect for when you’re ready to pay.
9. 포장 돼요 (Pojang dwaeyo)? – Can I get this to go?
   • If you couldn’t finish your food and want to take it away.
10. 안 맵게 해주세요 (An maepge haejuseyo) – Please make it not spicy
    • If you’re not a fan of spiciness, this can help.

Want to get more comfortable speaking Korean in real time? Download Tandem to practice with native speakers anytime!

Getting Around: Transportation and Directions

South Korea boasts an efficient public transportation system, from subways to buses to high-speed trains. Still, knowing how to ask for directions can be incredibly helpful in a pinch. Use these phrases to navigate subway stops, bus routes, and even intercity travel.

1. 어디예요 (Eodiyeyo)? – Where is it?
   • Attach a location in front, for example, “서울역(Seoul Station) 어디예요?”
2. (장소) 가려면 어떻게 가요 (… garyeomyeon eotteoke gayo)? – How do I get to (place)?
   • Handy for asking for directions. Just plug in the location.
3. 오른쪽 / 왼쪽 (Oreunjjok / Oenjjok) – Right / Left
   • Use these for basic direction-based communication.
4. 직진 (Jikjin) – Go straight
   • Don’t get lost! This is your “straight ahead.”
5. 내려요 (Naeryeoyo) – I’m getting off
   • Say this while on a bus or taxi if you need to let the driver know.
6. 택시 불러주세요 (Taeksi bulleojuseyo) – Please call a taxi
   • If you’re in a hotel or restaurant, they’ll usually be happy to help.
7. 지하철역 어디예요 (Jihacheolyeok eodiyeyo)? – Where is the subway station?
   • Subways are a prime mode of transport in major cities.
8. 버스 카드 있어요 (Beoseu kadeu isseoyo)? – Do you have a bus card?
   • A T-money card is widely used for subways and buses.
9. 시간 얼마나 걸려요 (Sigan eolmana geollyeoyo)? – How long does it take?
   • Great for planning when you’re short on time.
10. 갈아타야 해요 (Garathaya haeyo)? – Do I have to transfer?
    • Useful to confirm if your bus or subway route needs a change.

Shopping and Bargaining

Whether you’re exploring Seoul’s Myeongdong or Busan’s street markets, you’re bound to find amazing souvenirs and treats. While many stores have fixed prices, haggling is possible in traditional markets. Here are some Korean phrases that’ll help you shop like a pro.

1. 얼마예요 (Eolmayeyo)? – How much is it?
   • The fundamental question for any shopper.
2. 너무 비싸요 (Neomu bissayo) – It’s too expensive
   • A lighthearted way to indicate you’d like a discount.
3. 좀 깎아주세요 (Jom kkakkajuseyo) – Can you give me a discount?
   • Perfect for markets or smaller shops.
4. 다른 색 있어요 (Dareun saek isseoyo)? – Do you have another color?
   • Useful if you like the item but prefer another shade.
5. 카드 돼요 (Kadeu dwaeyo)? – Do you take cards?
   • Many places do, but always good to confirm.
6. 영수증 주세요 (Yeongsujeung juseyo) – Please give me a receipt
   • In case you need it for your records.
7. 입어 봐도 돼요 (Ibeo bwado dwaeyo)? – Can I try it on?
   • Especially helpful for clothing shops.
8. 사이즈가 어떻게 돼요 (Saijeu ga eotteoke dwaeyo)? – What’s the size?
   • Clothing sizes in Korea can differ from Western standards.
9. 한 개 주세요 (Han gae juseyo) – Please give me one
   • Swap “한 (han)” for other numbers to match how many items you want.
10. 현금만 돼요 (Hyeongeumman dwaeyo) – We only accept cash
    • Usually said by the shopkeeper, but good to know.

Emergency and Medical Situations

Hopefully, your trip goes smoothly, but it never hurts to be prepared. You might need to talk to a pharmacist or ask for help during an emergency. These emergency Korean phrases could be lifesavers—literally.

1. 도와주세요 (Dowajuseyo) – Help me
   • Simple, direct, and crucial in urgent times.
2. 119 불러주세요 (119 bulleojuseyo) – Call 119, please
   • 119 is the emergency medical number in Korea (like 911 in the U.S.). 112 is for the police.
3. 아파요 (Apayo) – I’m sick / It hurts
   • Useful when consulting a pharmacist or doctor.
4. 약국 어디예요 (Yakguk eodiyeyo)? – Where is the pharmacy?
   • Pharmacies are commonly found in city areas.
5. 병원 어디예요 (Byeongwon eodiyeyo)? – Where is the hospital?
   • Good to know in case of more serious situations.
6. 구급차 불러주세요 (Gugeupcha bulleojuseyo) – Call an ambulance, please
   • Emergencies can happen anywhere; be prepared.
7. 여기 아파요 (Yeogi apayo) – It hurts here
   • Point to the part of your body that’s in pain.
8. 보험 있어요 (Boheom isseoyo)? – Do you have insurance?
   • Medical staff might ask this, or you might need to mention you do.
9. 통역사 있나요 (Tongyeoksa innayo)? – Is there an interpreter?
   • Hospitals sometimes provide translation services.
10. 진료비 얼마예요 (Jinryobi eolmayeyo)? – How much is the treatment?
    • If you need to discuss costs before proceeding.

Socializing and Making Friends

Korea is known for its vibrant nightlife and lively social scene. Whether you’re hitting up a karaoke bar or having coffee in a cozy café, a few casual Korean phrases can make all the difference in making new buddies.

1. 친구 할래요 (Chingu hallaeyo)? – Shall we be friends?
   • A cute, direct way to propose friendship (often used jokingly).
2. 이름이 뭐예요 (Ireumi mwoyeyo)? – What’s your name?
   • Standard conversation starter.
3. 어디에서 왔어요 (Eodieseo wasseoyo)? – Where are you from?
   • Another common get-to-know-you question.
4. 반가워요 (Bangawoyo) – Nice to meet you
   • Slightly more polite than the casual 반가워 (bangawo).
5. 카톡 아이디 있어요 (Katok aidi isseoyo)? – Do you have a KakaoTalk ID?
   • KakaoTalk is the main messaging app in Korea.
6. 잘 지내요 (Jal jinaeyo)? – How are you?
   • Quick check-in with friends.
7. 같이 놀래요 (Gachi nollaeo)? – Want to hang out?
   • Great for making spontaneous plans.
8. 맛집 알아요 (Matjip arayo)? – Do you know a good restaurant?
   • “Matjip” means a tasty restaurant or eatery.
9. 취미가 뭐예요 (Chwimiga mwoyeyo)? – What is your hobby?
   • Perfect for finding common interests.
10. 재밌어요 (Jaemisseoyo)? – Is it fun?
    • Use this when talking about events or activities.

To keep up with the latest trends in casual chat, including Korean slang, don’t miss the breakdown on Korean slang, so you’re fully armed for all sorts of friendly banter.

Fun Bonus Phrases

Some Korean phrases are just plain fun. They might not fit into a neat category, but they can make people smile or laugh, which is often the best way to build connections. Use these when you want to sprinkle a bit of extra personality into your conversations.

1. 대박 (Daebak) – Awesome / Jackpot
   • Expresses excitement or surprise.
2. 화이팅 (Hwaiting) – Fighting / Let’s go!
   • Commonly used to cheer someone on.
3. 헐 (Heol) – Oh my god / OMG
   • Slang expression for shock or disbelief.
4. 진짜요 (Jinjjayo)? – Really?
   • Use it to show surprise or to confirm.
5. 귀여워요 (Gwiyeowoyo) – It’s cute
   • Describing something (or someone) adorable.
6. 멋있어요 (Meosisseoyo) – That’s cool
   • A compliment for style or vibe.
7. 힘내요 (Himnaeyo) – Cheer up / Stay strong
   • Offering encouragement.
8. 괜찮아요 (Gwaenchanayo) – It’s okay / I’m okay
   • A versatile phrase for many everyday scenarios.
9. 몰라요 (Mollayo) – I don’t know
   • Good to communicate when you truly don’t understand or aren’t sure.
10. 재미있어요 (Jaemiisseoyo) – It’s fun / I enjoy it
    • Perfect for describing a good time.

Putting Some Common Korean Phrases to Use

Congratulations! You now have a hefty stash of common Korean words and phrases under your belt—enough to order food, ask for directions, shop, and even chit-chat with new friends. Mastering these expressions not only helps you navigate daily life in Korea but also shows that you respect the local culture. Koreans really appreciate visitors who make an effort to speak the language, no matter how small.

Remember, this guide is just a starting point. If you want to keep expanding your knowledge of common Korean phrases, you can always immerse yourself further by speaking directly with native speakers. One easy way to do that is by downloading Tandem. Whether you’re on the subway or chilling at your hotel, you can squeeze in some valuable language practice anytime you want.

Now that you’re armed with these essential expressions, get ready to explore this vibrant country on a deeper level. From the bustling streets of Seoul to the peaceful temples in the mountains, each experience will become even richer when you use your newfound Korean skills. Happy travels, and 화이팅!