You do not need to speak Korean to travel in Korea, but knowing these phrases makes every interaction significantly easier and is warmly received.
Korea has good English signage at tourist sites, major subway stations, and most international hotels. You can travel in Korea comfortably without Korean. But the country rewards visitors who make even a basic effort with the language in ways that go beyond practical utility. Koreans genuinely appreciate when foreigners try, and a few key phrases open doors that English alone does not.
This guide covers the most useful Korean phrases for travellers, organized by situation, with pronunciation guidance that prioritizes being understood over being perfect.
Learn Hangul first: Korean’s alphabet (Hangul) is phonetically systematic and learnable to basic reading proficiency in 2 to 3 hours. Once you can read it, menus, signs, and subway stations become partially accessible. It is the single best investment you can make before visiting Korea.
Pronunciation Basics
Korean pronunciation is more consistent than English; once you know the sounds, they do not change based on context. A few key points:
- eo: Pronounced like the ‘u’ in ‘but’, not like ‘ee-oh.’
- eu: A neutral vowel sound with no English equivalent close to the sound in ‘uh.’
- ae: Similar to ‘e’ in ‘bed.’
- Double consonants (gg, dd, bb, ss, jj): Pronounced with more tension and force than single consonants
Do not worry about tones; Korean is not a tonal language. Getting the vowels approximately right is the main goal.
Greetings and Basic Courtesy
Hello / Hi
Annyeonghaseyo (안녕하세요) The standard polite greeting, used in any formal or semi-formal situation. Pronounced approximately ‘ahn-nyong-ha-say-yo’.
Annyeong (안녕). The casual version is used with close friends or with young children. Do not use this with adults you do not know.
Thank you
Gamsahamnida (감사합니다) is the formal version. Pronounced ‘gam-sa-ham-ni-da’. Use this in shops, restaurants, and with staff.
Gomawo (고마워) The casual version. Only for close relationships.
Yes / No
Ne (네) Yes. Also used as ‘I understand’ or ‘okay’.
Aniyo (아니요) No.
Sorry / Excuse me
Joesonghamnida (죄송합니다) I’m sorry (formal, for genuine apologies). Pronounced ‘jweh-song-ham-ni-da’.
Sillyehamnida (실례합니다). Excuse me (to get someone’s attention). Pronounced ‘shil-yeh-ham-ni-da’.
At a Restaurant
Ordering
Igeo juseyo (이거 주세요) ‘This one, please.’ The most useful restaurant phrase is to point at the menu item and say this. Pronounced ‘ee-guh joo-say-yo’.
Hana / dul / set juseyo ‘One / two / three, please.’ Hana (one), dul (two), set (three). Add juseyo after the number.
Maepji anke haejuseyo (맵지 않게 해주세요) ‘Please make it not spicy.’ Essential for anyone who cannot handle Korean spice levels.
Baesik isseoyo? (배식 있어요?) ‘Do you have a set meal?’ Useful for getting the recommended fixed menu at traditional restaurants.
Getting the bill
Gyesan haejuseyo (계산해주세요) ‘Please give me the bill.’ Pronounced ‘gyeh-san hay-joo-say-yo’. Or press the table button where one exists.
Eolmayeyo? (얼마예요?) ‘How much is it?’ Useful at markets and street food stalls.
Dietary phrases
Gogi an meogeoyo (고기 안 먹어요) ‘I don’t eat meat.’
Haemul an meogeoyo (해물 안 먹어요) ‘I don’t eat seafood.’
Yachae sikdang isseoyo? (채식 식당 있어요?) ‘Is there a vegetarian restaurant?’
Shopping and Markets
Eolmayeyo? (얼마예요?) ‘How much is it?’
Neomu bissayo (너무 비싸요) ‘It’s too expensive.’ Occasionally useful at traditional markets, not at chain stores.
Ileom juseyo (이것 주세요) ‘I’ll take this one, please.’
Geunyang bol게요 (그냥 볼게요) ‘I’m just looking.’ Useful when shop staff approach you.
Yeongsujeung juseyo (영수증 주세요) ‘Can I have a receipt, please?’ Useful for tax refund purposes.
Transport and Navigation
…eodi isseoyo? (…어디 있어요?) ‘Where is…?’ Add the place name before eodi. Example: ‘Seoul Station eodi isseoyo?’
Yeogi sewo juseyo (여기 세워 주세요) ‘Please stop here.’ For taxis. Pronounced ‘yuh-gi say-wuh joo-say-yo’.
…ga juseyo (…가 주세요) ‘Please take me to…’ Add destination before ga. Example: ‘Seoul Station ga juseyo.’
Jigido juseyo (지도 주세요) ‘Please give me a map.’
Emergencies and Practical
Byeongwon eodi isseoyo? (병원 어디 있어요?) ‘Where is the hospital?’
Gyeongchal bureojuseyo (경찰 불러주세요) ‘Please call the police.’
Yeongeo hal su isseoyo? (영어 할 수 있어요?) ‘Can you speak English?’
Moreugesseoyo (모르겠어요) ‘I don’t understand.’ A useful phrase for when a conversation goes beyond your Korean.
Bonus: Phrases Koreans Love Hearing from Visitors
Hanguk eumsik neomu mashisseoyo (한국 음식 너무 맛있어요) ‘Korean food is so delicious.’ This will earn you a warm response at any restaurant.
Hanguk neomu johayo (한국 너무 좋아요) ‘I love Korea.’ Simple and universally appreciated.
Dasi olgeyo (다시 올게요) ‘I’ll come back again.’ A lovely way to end a visit to a restaurant or shop.
Apps for Korean Translation
Papago (by Naver) is significantly more accurate than Google Translate for Korean. Download the Korean language pack offline before arriving. The camera translation function points your phone at a menu or sign, and sees the translation overlaid in real time, which is accurate and fast for reading Korean text in restaurants and markets.
