As a traveler to South Korea, it is always helpful to know some basic Korean phrases to help you navigate your way around the country and make your experience more enjoyable. Here are some must-know Korean phrases that will help you in a variety of situations.
Greeting Phrases
- "Annyeonghaseyo" (안녕하세요) - Hello (formal)
- "Annyeonghi gyeseyo" (안녕히 계세요) - Bye (formal), when you are leaving
- "Annyeonghi gaseyo" (안녕히 가세요) - Bye (formal), when someone is leaving
- "Annyeong" (안녕) - Hello or Bye (casual)
- "Jal jinaesseoyo?" (잘 지내세요?) - How are you? (formal)
- "Jeoneun jal jinaeyo" (저는 잘 지내요) - I'm fine, thanks.
Shopping Phrases
- "Eolma-eyo" (얼마예요) - How much is this?
- "Yeongsujeung juseyo" (영수증 주세요) - Receipt, please.
- "Yeongsujeung pil-yo eobs-eoyo" (영수증 필요 없어요) - I don't need a receipt.
- "Gamsahamnida" (감사합니다) - Thank you.
- "Igeo hangug brand euyeyo?" (이거 한국 브랜드예요?) - Is this a Korean brand?
Food Phrases
- "Juseyo" (주세요) - You can say this after mentioning the food you want to order.
- "Bab juseyo" (밥 주세요) - Rice, please.
- "Mul juseyo" (물 주세요) - Water, please.
- "Igeo maewoyo" (이거 매워요?) - Is this spicy?
- "Deol maebge haejuseyo" (덜 맵게 해주세요) - Please make it less spicy.
Travel Phrases
- "Sillyehabnida" (저에게?) - Excuse me.
- "Igeo mwoyeyo?" (이거 뭐예요?) - What's this?
- "Dowajuseyo" (도와주세요) - Can you help me?
- "Hangugmal moshaeyo" (한국말 못해요) - I cannot speak Korean.
