How to Say Thank You in Korean — The Guide I Wish I Had When I Arrived in Seoul

The First Lesson I Learned in Seoul (The Hard Way)

When I arrived in Seoul in 2014, I knew one word: 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida). I said it to everyone, all the time. At the convenience store, restaurant, taxi. One day, a Korean friend told me: "You know, you can say 고마워요 too. 감사합니다 at the convenience store is a bit... formal."

That day, I understood that thanking in Korean is an art. And the wrong choice of word can make you seem distant — or too familiar.

The Two Families of "Thank You"

Korean has two roots for thanking:

감사 (gamsa) — Sino-Korean Origin

More formal, more respectful. The "thank you" for professional situations, respected strangers, elders.

• 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida) — Very formal
• 감사해요 (gamsahaeyo) — Polite formal

고맙다 (gomapda) — Native Korean Origin

Warmer, more personal. The heartfelt "thank you" for friends and family.

• 고맙습니다 (gomapseumnida) — Formal but warm
• 고마워요 (gomawoyo) — Polite standard: most used daily
• 고마워 (gomawo) — Casual: close same-age friends

💡 From Seoul: At the office, everyone uses 감사합니다. But once you go for after-work drinks (회식), it switches to 고마워요.

When to Use What — Real Situation Guide

At a Restaurant

• When the waiter brings food: a simple nod is enough
• When leaving: 잘 먹었습니다 (jal meogeosseumnida — "I ate well") rather than thank you

With Friends

• 고마워 (gomawo) — simple and warm
• 아 진짜 고마워! — "Oh seriously, thank you!"

At Work

• To superiors: 감사합니다, always
• To same-rank colleagues: 고마워요
• To juniors: 고마워 or 수고했어 (good job)

Advanced Gratitude Expressions

• 잘 먹겠습니다 — "I will eat well" → said BEFORE a meal when someone invites you
• 잘 먹었습니다 — "I ate well" → said AFTER the meal
• 덕분에 — "Thanks to you"

💡 From Seoul: Koreans LOVE it when a foreigner says 잘 먹겠습니다 before a meal. It instantly creates a connection.

Mistakes to Avoid

1. Saying thank you too often: in Korea, too many 감사합니다 can make people uncomfortable
2. Using 고마워 with elders: it's casual speech, perceived as rude
3. Forgetting the gesture: a slight head bow almost always accompanies thanks

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