Most Useful Korean Phrases Every Traveler Should Know
Traveling to South Korea? Whether you’re exploring bustling Seoul, hiking through scenic mountains, or relaxing in coastal towns, knowing a few key Korean phrases can make your trip smoother and more fun! While many Koreans in major cities understand basic English, locals really appreciate it when visitors make the effort to speak their language, even if it’s just a little.
Here’s a list of super useful phrases for travelers, covering everything from greetings to ordering food, asking for help, and showing good manners.
👋 Basic Greetings
안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo) – Hello (formal)
안녕 (annyeong) – Hi / Bye (informal, use with close friends)
감사합니다 (gamsahamnida) – Thank you
죄송합니다 (joesonghamnida) – I’m sorry
안녕히 계세요 (annyeonghi gyeseyo) – Goodbye (to someone staying)
안녕히 가세요 (annyeonghi gaseyo) – Goodbye (to someone leaving)
💡 Tip: Always go with the formal version when you're unsure, it's safer and more polite!
🍜 Ordering Food & Dining
이거 주세요 (igeo juseyo) – Please give me this one
맛있어요 (masisseoyo) – It’s delicious!
물 주세요 (mul juseyo) – Water, please
포장해 주세요 (pojanghae juseyo) – Please make it to-go
채식주의자예요 (chaesikjuuijayeyo) – I’m a vegetarian
🥢 At many casual places, you might need to press a call button at your table to get service. Don’t worry, it’s normal and very convenient!
🥢 When paying you usually pay at the counter or sometimes at the table at the tablet you ordered!
🚇 Getting Around & Directions
이거 어디예요? (igeo eodiyeyo?) – Where is this?
화장실 어디예요? (hwajangsil eodiyeyo?) – Where is the bathroom?
도와주세요 (dowajuseyo) – Please help me
지하철역 어디예요? (jihacheolyeok eodiyeyo?) – Where is the subway station?
왼쪽 / 오른쪽 (oenjjok / oreunjjok) – Left / Right
🚕 If you’re taking a taxi, having the address in Korean or on Naver/Kakao Maps will help big time!
🛍 Shopping & Buying Things
얼마예요? (eolmayeyo?) – How much is it?
현금으로 계산할게요 (hyeongeumeuro gyesanhalgeyo) – I’ll pay in cash
카드 돼요? (kadeu dwaeyo?) – Do you accept cards?
🛒 T-Money cards (for subway/buses) can also be used in convenience stores!
🧳 At Your Accommodation
체크인 하고 싶어요 (chekeuin hago sipeoyo) – I’d like to check in
예약했어요 (yeyakhaesseoyo) – I have a reservation
와이파이 되나요? (waipai dwenayo?) – Do you have wifi?
🙏 Politeness & Manners
괜찮아요 (gwaenchana yo) – It’s okay / I’m okay
천천히 말씀해 주세요 (cheoncheonhi malsseumhae juseyo) – Please speak slowly
한국어 못해요 (hangugeo mothaeyo) – I can’t speak Korean
영어 하세요? (yeongeo haseyo?) – Do you speak English?
🙇♂️ Manners matter! Even a slight bow when thanking someone goes a long way.
🧠 Final Tips
Learn Hangul (Korean alphabet)! It’s easier than it looks and can help you read signs and menus.
Download Papago (translation app by Naver) it works better than Google Translate in Korea.
Practice saying phrases out loud or jot them down in a note app with pronunciation cues.
✨ Bonus: Make a Great Impression
진짜 좋아요! (jinjja johayo!) – I really like it!
한국 정말 멋져요! (hanguk jeongmal meotjyeoyo!) – Korea is really amazing!
재미있어요! (jaemi isseoyo!) – It’s fun!
With just a little effort, you'll break the ice, win smiles, and connect with locals more meaningfully. And who knows, maybe you’ll fall in love with the language and want to learn more!