Korean Survival Phrases for Travelers
Hello, dear travelers! Are you planning a trip to Korea but feeling a bit anxious about the language barrier? Don’t worry — even if you don’t speak fluent Korean, knowing just a few key phrases can make a huge difference in your journey. In this guide, we'll cover essential Korean survival phrases that will help you navigate transportation, order food, ask for help, and more. Let’s make your adventure in Korea smoother and more enjoyable!
Essential Greetings and Polite Phrases
First impressions matter! In Korea, politeness is an important part of communication. Learning some basic greetings will not only help you connect with locals but also show respect for the culture.
| English | Korean | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | 안녕하세요 | An-nyeong-ha-se-yo |
| Thank you | 감사합니다 | Gam-sa-ham-ni-da |
| Excuse me / I'm sorry | 죄송합니다 | Jwe-song-ham-ni-da |
| Yes / No | 네 / 아니요 | Ne / A-ni-yo |
Tip: Always smile and bow slightly when greeting — it adds a lot of warmth to your words!
Directions and Transportation Vocabulary
When you're on the move, knowing how to ask for directions or find transportation can save you time and stress.
- Where is the subway station? - 지하철역 어디예요? (Ji-ha-cheol-yeok eo-di-ye-yo?)
- How much is the fare? - 요금이 얼마예요? (Yo-geum-i eol-ma-ye-yo?)
- Please take me to this address. - 이 주소로 가 주세요. (I ju-so-ro ga ju-se-yo.)
- Left / Right / Straight - 왼쪽 / 오른쪽 / 직진 (Oen-jjok / O-reun-jjok / Jik-jin)
Tip: Show a map or use translation apps if pronunciation gets tricky!
Ordering Food and Eating Out
Exploring Korean cuisine is a must-do! Knowing how to order food politely can help you enjoy a stress-free meal at local eateries.
- This, please. - 이거 주세요. (I-geo ju-se-yo.)
- What do you recommend? - 추천 메뉴 있어요? (Chu-cheon me-nyu it-seo-yo?)
- I can’t eat spicy food. - 매운 음식 못 먹어요. (Mae-un eum-sik mot meok-eo-yo.)
- It was delicious! - 맛있었어요! (Ma-shi-sseo-sseo-yo!)
Tip: Many Korean restaurants have picture menus — just point and smile!
Shopping and Bargaining Phrases
Whether you’re picking up souvenirs or exploring street markets, these phrases will help you shop with confidence.
- How much is this? - 이거 얼마예요? (I-geo eol-ma-ye-yo?)
- Can you give me a discount? - 깎아 주세요. (Kkak-ka ju-se-yo.)
- Too expensive! - 너무 비싸요! (Neo-mu bi-ssa-yo!)
- I’m just looking. - 그냥 보고 있어요. (Geu-nyang bo-go it-seo-yo.)
Tip: Bargaining is more common in traditional markets than in department stores.
Emergency and Help Expressions
In case of any emergency, being able to communicate your needs quickly can be crucial. Here are some vital phrases to know:
- Help! - 도와주세요! (Do-wa-ju-se-yo!)
- I need a doctor. - 의사가 필요해요. (Ui-sa-ga pi-ryo-hae-yo.)
- Call the police. - 경찰 불러 주세요. (Gyeong-chal bul-leo ju-se-yo.)
- I’m lost. - 길을 잃었어요. (Gil-eul il-eoss-eo-yo.)
Tip: Keep a card with your hotel’s name and address in Korean — it helps a lot in emergencies.
Cultural Etiquette and Conversation Tips
Understanding Korean cultural etiquette will help you make a great impression. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Use two hands when giving or receiving items from elders.
- Avoid touching others casually, especially elders or strangers.
- Take your shoes off when entering someone's home.
- Respect hierarchy — age and titles matter in conversation.
Tip: Koreans appreciate when foreigners try to use their language — don’t be shy to try!
Final Words
Thank you so much for reading through our guide! With just a handful of phrases, you can open doors to wonderful experiences, connect with locals, and enjoy Korea to the fullest. Don’t worry about being perfect — the effort you make is what truly counts! If this was helpful, feel free to share your favorite phrase in the comments!
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