Korean Phrases for Travel: 30 Basics That Actually Help

You do not need to be fluent to travel in Korea, but a handful of polite Korean phrases makes every day smoother. The 30 phrases below cover greetings, ordering food, shopping, getting around and small emergencies. Each one uses the polite -yo or formal style that is safe with strangers, staff and older people, with a simple English-letter pronunciation guide.

A quick word on politeness

Korean has different speech levels. As a visitor, stick to polite forms ending in -yo (요) or -nida (니다). Casual speech is for close friends, so using it with shop staff can sound rude. A small nod or slight bow when greeting or thanking someone also goes a long way.

Greetings and basics

안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo) – Hello.
감사합니다 (gamsahamnida) – Thank you.
죄송합니다 (joesonghamnida) – I'm sorry (formal).
저기요 (jeogiyo) – Excuse me (to get attention, e.g. a server).
네 / 아니요 (ne / aniyo) – Yes / No.
괜찮아요 (gwaenchanayo) – It's okay / No thanks.
안녕히 계세요 (annyeonghi gyeseyo) – Goodbye (when you leave and the other person stays).

Eating and drinking

이거 주세요 (igeo juseyo) – This one, please. Point at the menu and you can order almost anything.
메뉴판 주세요 (menyupan juseyo) – The menu, please.
물 주세요 (mul juseyo) – Water, please.
두 명이에요 (du myeong-ieyo) – Two people. Swap the number: han (1), se (3), ne (4).
안 맵게 해 주세요 (an maepge hae juseyo) – Not spicy, please.
포장해 주세요 (pojanghae juseyo) – To go, please.
맛있어요 (masisseoyo) – It's delicious.
계산해 주세요 (gyesanhae juseyo) – The bill, please. In many restaurants you pay at the counter by the door.

Shopping

얼마예요? (eolmayeyo?) – How much is it?
카드 돼요? (kadeu dwaeyo?) – Can I pay by card?
봉투 주세요 (bongtu juseyo) – A bag, please. Shops may charge a small fee for bags.
그냥 볼게요 (geunyang bolgeyo) – I'm just looking.
택스 리펀 돼요? (taekseu ripeon dwaeyo?) – Is tax refund available?

Getting around

___ 어디예요? (___ eodiyeyo?) – Where is ___?
화장실 어디예요? (hwajangsil eodiyeyo?) – Where is the restroom?
___ 가 주세요 (___ ga juseyo) – Please go to ___ (to a taxi driver).
여기서 내려 주세요 (yeogiseo naeryeo juseyo) – Please let me off here.
___역 (___ yeok) – ___ Station, e.g. Hongdae-ipgu-yeok.

When you need help

한국어 잘 못해요 (hangugeo jal motaeyo) – I don't speak Korean well.
영어 하세요? (yeong-eo haseyo?) – Do you speak English?
천천히 말해 주세요 (cheoncheonhi malhae juseyo) – Please speak slowly.
도와주세요 (dowajuseyo) – Please help me.
병원 / 약국 (byeongwon / yakguk) – Hospital / pharmacy.

"Learn juseyo first. Add any noun in front of it and you've made a request." – LUMI, POPORO CITY

How to practise before your trip

Learning Hangul, the Korean alphabet, takes many people only a few hours and helps you read signs and menus. Try reading shop names on map apps, and say the phrases out loud a few times a day. Translation apps with a camera mode are useful backups for menus, but a spoken "gamsahamnida" always feels warmer.

Quick tips

Memorise juseyo (please give me) – it covers most requests.
Use jeogiyo to call a server; waving or whistling is not polite.
Show written Korean addresses to taxi drivers.
Smile and nod – effort is appreciated more than perfect pronunciation.

Put the phrases to use with our Korean BBQ ordering guide and convenience store guide.

FAQ

Can I travel in Korea without speaking Korean?

Yes. Seoul and Busan have English signs on the subway and at major sights, and many younger people speak some English. Basic phrases simply make daily interactions easier.

Is "annyeong" okay to say to staff?

It is casual, so use the full annyeonghaseyo with strangers and staff.

What is the difference between gamsahamnida and gomawoyo?

Both mean thank you. Gamsahamnida is more formal and safe everywhere; gomawoyo is polite but softer and more friendly.

Should I learn Hangul before visiting?

It is not required, but it is quick to learn and helps you recognise station names, menus and shop signs.