Essential Korean Phrases Every Traveler Should Know

Hello, this is Editor K.

The Magic Language to Upgrade Your Korea Trip

Planning a trip to Korea? You don't need to be fluent. A few simple Korean words can forge a deeper connection with the locals and double the fun of your travels. We've compiled a list of essential phrases useful in any situation.

The Absolute Basics: Greetings & Gratitude

• 안녕하세요 (An-nyeong-ha-se-yo)
  • The most basic greeting. Use it when entering a store or meeting someone. (Hello / Good morning / Good afternoon)
• 감사합니다 (Gam-sa-ham-ni-da)
  • The formal way to say thank you when you receive help or an item. (Thank you)
• 네 / 아니요 (Ne / A-ni-yo)
  • Expressions of affirmation and negation. (Yes / No)

Useful Phrases at a Restaurant

• 저기요! (Jeo-gi-yo!)
  • Use this to call a staff member. Raise your hand and call out. (Excuse me!)
• 이거 하나 주세요 (I-geo ha-na ju-se-yo)
  • Point to a picture or text on the menu and say this to successfully order! (Please give me one of this.)
• 메뉴판 주세요 (Me-nyu-pan ju-se-yo)
  • Use this when you need a menu. (Menu, please.)
• 계산해주세요 (Gye-san-hae-ju-se-yo)
  • Use this to ask for the bill after your meal. (Check, please.)

Useful Phrases for Shopping

• 이거 얼마예요? (I-geo eol-ma-ye-yo?)
  • Use this to ask for the price of an item. (How much is this?)
• 깎아주세요 (Kka-kka-ju-se-yo)
  • A bargaining phrase mainly used at traditional markets. It works better with a smile! (Can you give me a discount?)

Useful Phrases for Directions

• ...어디예요? (…eo-di-ye-yo?)
  • Put the name of the place in the blank. (Where is...?)
  • Ex: 화장실 어디예요? (Hwa-jang-sil eo-di-ye-yo?) - Where is the restroom?
• ...으로 가주세요 (…eu-ro ga-ju-se-yo)
  • Use this to tell a taxi driver your destination. (Please take me to...)
  • Ex: 명동역으로 가주세요 (Myeong-dong-yeok-eu-ro ga-ju-se-yo) - Please take me to Myeongdong Station.

Pro-Tip

The 'yo' (요) at the end of every phrase plays a crucial role in making the sentence polite. It's a good habit to always include it when you speak!