20 survival Korean phrases for travelers

Getting around Korea is much easier once you can handle a few basics in Korean, and smoother still if you can read the script too. Here are 20 phrases worth knowing before you go.

Greetings and basic politeness

Hello

• Korean: 안녕하세요
• Pronunciation: *annyeonghaseyo*
• Usage: A formal greeting used throughout the day when meeting someone or entering a place.

Thank you

• Korean: 감사합니다
• Pronunciation: *gamsahamnida*
• Usage: Express gratitude in any situation.

Excuse me

• Korean: 저기요
• Pronunciation: *jeogiyo*
• Usage: To get someone's attention, such as calling a server in a restaurant.

Dining and ordering food

This one, please

• Korean: 이거 주세요
• Pronunciation: *igeo juseyo*
• Usage: When pointing to a menu item or dish you'd like to order.

Is this spicy?

• Korean: 이거 매워요?
• Pronunciation: *igeo maewoyo?*
• Usage: To inquire about the spiciness of a dish.

Please make it less spicy

• Korean: 덜 맵게 해 주세요
• Pronunciation: *deol maepge hae juseyo*
• Usage: Requesting a milder version of a dish.

Check, please

• Korean: 계산해 주세요
• Pronunciation: *gyesanhae juseyo*
• Usage: Asking for the bill at the end of a meal.

Shopping and payments

How much is this?

• Korean: 얼마예요?
• Pronunciation: *eolmayeyo?*
• Usage: Inquiring about the price of an item.

Do you accept credit cards?

• Korean: 카드 돼요?
• Pronunciation: *kadeu dwaeyo?*
• Usage: Confirming if a store accepts credit card payments.

Can I get a discount?

• Korean: 할인해 주세요
• Pronunciation: *harinhae juseyo*
• Usage: Politely asking for a discount, especially in markets.

Transportation and directions

Where is the subway station?

• Korean: 지하철역 어디예요?
• Pronunciation: *jihacheollyeok eodiyeyo?*
• Usage: Asking for the location of the nearest subway station.

How do I get to [place]?

• Korean: [장소]에 어떻게 가요?
• Pronunciation: *[jangso]e eotteoke gayo?*
• Usage: Seeking directions to a specific place.

Please stop here

• Korean: 여기서 내려 주세요
• Pronunciation: *yeogiseo naeryeo juseyo*
• Usage: Requesting a taxi driver to stop at your current location.

Emergencies and assistance

Help me!

• Korean: 도와 주세요!
• Pronunciation: *dowa juseyo!*
• Usage: Calling for assistance in emergencies.

I need a doctor

• Korean: 의사 필요해요
• Pronunciation: *uisa piryohaeyo*
• Usage: Indicating the need for medical attention.

Call the police

• Korean: 경찰 불러 주세요
• Pronunciation: *gyeongchal bulleo juseyo*
• Usage: Requesting someone to contact the police.

Accommodation and services

Do you have a room available?

• Korean: 방 있어요?
• Pronunciation: *bang isseoyo?*
• Usage: Inquiring about room availability at a hotel or guesthouse.

What time is checkout?

• Korean: 체크아웃 시간이 몇 시예요?
• Pronunciation: *chekeuaut sigani myeot siyeyo?*
• Usage: Asking about the checkout time.

Where is the bathroom?

• Korean: 화장실 어디예요?
• Pronunciation: *hwajangsil eodiyeyo?*
• Usage: Locating the restroom facilities.

Numbers and counting

One

• Korean: 하나
• Pronunciation: *hana*
• Usage: Counting or specifying quantity.

Two

• Korean: 둘
• Pronunciation: *dul*
• Usage: Counting or specifying quantity.

Three

• Korean: 셋
• Pronunciation: *set*
• Usage: Counting or specifying quantity.

Familiarizing yourself with these phrases will enhance your travel experience in Korea. For more language tips, check out our language and Hangeul guide.