Vocabulary8 min read583 views
30 Essential Phrases for Traveling in South Korea
Heading to Korea? Here are 30 essential phrases to get by at restaurants, on the subway, while shopping, and in emergencies.
Published on February 26, 2026
Why Learn These Phrases Before You Go?
While many young Koreans speak some English, the majority of the population doesn't. Knowing a few basic phrases will:
- Make daily interactions smoother
- Earn you respect from locals
- Make your trip infinitely more enjoyable
The Essentials
| Korean | Romanization | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 안녕하세요 | annyeonghaseyo | Hello |
| 감사합니다 | gamsahamnida | Thank you (formal) |
| 고마워요 | gomawoyo | Thank you (polite) |
| 죄송합니다 | joesonghamnida | I'm sorry / Excuse me |
| 네 | ne | Yes |
| 아니요 | aniyo | No |
| 괜찮아요 | gwaenchanayo | It's okay / No worries |
At a Restaurant
| Korean | Romanization | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 메뉴 주세요 | menyu juseyo | Menu please |
| 이거 주세요 | igeo juseyo | This one please |
| 물 주세요 | mul juseyo | Water please |
| 계산해 주세요 | gyesanhae juseyo | Check please |
| 맛있어요! | massisseoyo! | It's delicious! |
| 매워요? | maewoyo? | Is it spicy? |
| 하나 더 주세요 | hana deo juseyo | One more please |
💡 The magic phrase: 이거 주세요 (igeo juseyo — "this one please"). Point at anything on the menu and say this.
Transportation
| Korean | Romanization | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 여기 가 주세요 | yeogi ga juseyo | Take me here please (showing address) |
| 얼마예요? | eolmayeyo? | How much is it? |
| 내려 주세요 | naeryeo juseyo | I'll get off here please |
| 지하철역이 어디예요? | jihacheol yeogi eodiyeyo? | Where is the subway station? |
Shopping
| Korean | Romanization | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 얼마예요? | eolmayeyo? | How much? |
| 좀 깎아 주세요 | jom kkakka juseyo | Can you give a discount? |
| 카드 돼요? | kadeu dwaeyo? | Do you accept cards? |
| 다른 색 있어요? | dareun saek isseoyo? | Do you have another color? |
Emergencies
| Korean | Romanization | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 도와주세요! | dowajuseyo! | Help me! |
| 경찰을 불러 주세요 | gyeongchareul bulleo juseyo | Call the police please |
| 병원이 어디예요? | byeongwoni eodiyeyo? | Where is the hospital? |
| 한국어 못 해요 | hangugeo mot haeyo | I don't speak Korean |
| 영어 할 수 있어요? | yeongeo hal su isseoyo? | Do you speak English? |
Bonus Phrases That Impress
| Korean | Translation | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| 잘 먹겠습니다 | I will eat well | Before eating (like "bon appétit") |
| 잘 먹었습니다 | I ate well | After a meal (thank you) |
| 수고하세요 | Thanks for your hard work | When leaving a shop |
| 파이팅! | Fighting / Let's go! | To encourage someone |
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