Common Korean Phrases for Travel You Need to Know

Although trips to foreign countries typically don't require being fluent in the language, knowing at least a few basic words and expressions can be extremely helpful. Today, we'll explore many Korean phrases that will definitely help you during your travels. So, without further ado, let's jump right in!

Greetings and Polite Expressions

First impressions are always important, whether you're meeting new colleagues or simply talking to a stranger. In Korea, where respect is an integral part of the culture, knowing at least a few polite phrases is essential. We've collected the most widespread Korean greetings and other expressions in the list below.

• 안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo) – [an.njʌŋ.ha.sʰe.jo] – Hello.

안녕하세요! 오늘 날씨가 참 좋네요! (Annyeonghaseyo! Oneul nalssiga cham johneyo!) – Hello! The weather is great today!

• 감사합니다 (Gamsahamnida) – [kam.sa.ham.ni.da] – Thank you.

감사합니다! 정말 친절하시네요! (Gamsahamnida! Jeongmal chinjeolhasineyo!) – Thank you! You're really kind!

• 실례합니다 (Sillyehamnida) – [ɕil.ɾje.ham.ni.da] – Excuse me.

실례합니다, 여기가 서울역인가요? (Sillyehamnida, yeogiga Seoulyeok-ingayo?) – Excuse me, is this Seoul Station?

• 만나서 반갑습니다 (Mannaseo bangapseumnida) – [man.na.sʌ pan.gap.sʰim.ni.da] – Nice to meet you.

만나서 반갑습니다! 여행 오셨어요? (Mannaseo bangapseumnida! Yeohaeng osyeosseoyo?) – Nice to meet you! Are you here on a trip?

• 죄송합니다 (Joesonghamnida) – [tɕwe.soŋ.ham.ni.da] – I'm sorry.

죄송합니다, 길을 잘못 들었어요. (Joesonghamnida, gireul jalmos deureosseoyo.) – I'm sorry, I took the wrong path.

• 한국말 못 해요 (Hangukmal mot haeyo) – [haŋ.ɡuk.maɭ mot hɛ.jo] – I can't speak Korean.

한국말 못 해요, 영어로 말해 주실 수 있나요? (Hangukmal mot haeyo, yeongeoro malhae jusil su innayo?) – I can't speak Korean; can you speak in English?

Basic Korean Words: Asking for Directions and Help

Although Google Maps has become an integral part of any travel, it's not always possible to rely on it. Therefore, here are some useful terms that can help you to ask for directions and assistance in Korean.

• 어디에 있어요? (Eodie isseoyo?) – [ʌ.di.e i.sɔ.jo] – Where is it?

화장실이 어디에 있어요? (Hwajangsiri eodie isseoyo?) – Where is the bathroom?

• 길을 잃었어요 (Gireul ilheosseoyo) – [ki.ɾɯl i.ɾʌ.s.sɔ.jo] – I'm lost.

저 길을 잃었어요. 이 근처에 지도 있나요? (Jeo gireul ilheosseoyo. I geuncheoe jido innayo?) – I'm lost. Is there a map nearby?

• 도와주세요 (Dowajuseyo) – [to.wa.dzu.se.jo] – Please help me.

죄송하지만 도와주세요! 길을 모르겠어요. (Joesonghajiman dowajuseyo! Gireul moreugesseoyo.) – Sorry, but please help me! I don't know the way.

• …로 가려면 어떻게 가야 해요? (…ro garyeomyeon eotteoke gaya haeyo?) – [ɾo ka.ɾjʌ.mjʌn ʌ.tʰʌ.kʰe ka.ja hɛ.jo] – How do I get to …?

명동으로 가려면 어떻게 가야 해요? (Myeongdong-euro garyeomyeon eotteoke gaya haeyo?) – How do I get to Myeongdong?

• 왼쪽/오른쪽으로 가세요 (Oenjjok/orenjjok-euro gaseyo) – [wɛn.tɕok / o.ɾɯn.tɕok ɯɾo ka.sɛ.jo] – Turn left/right.

저기서 오른쪽으로 가세요. (Jeogiseo oreunjjok-euro gaseyo.) – Turn right over there.

7

Travel in Korean: Ordering Food and Drinks

Visiting Korea without trying some local food, whether well-known Korean BBQ or tasty bibimbap, almost feels like a crime. And with these useful expressions, you can easily order whatever you like in most cafés and restaurants.

• 메뉴 있어요? (Menyu isseoyo?) – [me.nju i.sɔ.jo] – Do you have a menu?

영어 메뉴 있어요? (Yeongeo menyu isseoyo?) – Do you have an English menu?

• …주세요 (…juseyo) – [dzju.se.jo] – Please give me…

비빔밥 주세요. (Bibimbap juseyo.) – Please give me the bibimbap.

• 얼마예요? (Eolma-yeyo?) – [ʌl.ma.jɛ.jo] – How much is it?

커피는 얼마예요? (Keopineun eolma-yeyo?) – How much is the coffee?

• 이거 뭐예요? (Igeo mwoyeyo?) – [i.gʌ mwo.jɛ.jo] – What is this?

이거 매운 음식이에요? (Igeo maeun eumsig-ieyo?) – Is this spicy food?

Navigating Korean Markets

Another thing Korea is known for is its wonderful street markets where you can find everything, from unique food to souvenirs and even gadgets. And, of course, they are great places to practice conversational language, especially when haggling. Here are some phrases that can come in handy.

• 깎아 주세요 (Kkakka juseyo) – [kka.kka dʑu.se.jo] – Can you give me a discount?

조금만 깎아 주세요! (Jogeumman kkakka juseyo!) – Please give me a small discount!

• 현금으로 할게요 (Hyeongeumeuro halgeyo) – [hjʌn.gɯ.mɯ.ro hal.ge.jo] – I'll pay in cash.

카드 안 되고 현금으로 할게요. (Kadeu an doego hyeongeumeuro halgeyo.) – No card, I'll pay in cash.

• 얼마에요? (Eolma-yeyo?) – [ʌl.ma.jɛ.jo] – How much is it?

이 가방 얼마에요? (I gabang eolma-yeyo?) – How much is this bag?

• … 어디서 살 수 있어요? (… eodiseo sal su isseoyo?) – [ʌ.di.sʌ sal su i.sɔ.jo] – Where can I buy …?

기념품 어디서 살 수 있어요? (Ginyeompum eodiseo sal su isseoyo?) – Where can I buy souvenirs?

Master Korean Phrases for Travel with Promova

Learning a foreign language is a pleasant journey itself, especially when you're equipped with all the necessary tools and resources. Promova is an online language-learning platform that can help you reach your language-learning goals regardless of your fluency level. Whether you are a beginner starting to learn the alphabet or a proficient speaker seeking to expand your knowledge, at Promova, you can find everything you need.

All of our materials are created by language professionals and tailored to different needs and levels. Therefore, you can easily focus on things you really need to learn without getting overwhelmed by unnecessary information. 

With our convenient platform and application, you can learn English, Spanish, Korean, French, Arabic, and many other languages. And don't forget about our blog, where you can find hundreds of articles on different language-related topics. 

Conclusion

Politeness and respect are integral parts of Korean society. So, when you're planning on visiting the country, make sure to memorize at least a few basic expressions to use in communication with locals. This way, you'll not only show your respect for the country and traditions but also expand your vocabulary and practice spoken language.