30 Essential Korean Phrases Every Traveler Needs
You’ve mastered the Seoul subway map, packed your best K-Beauty sunscreen, and you’re ready to dive into the heart of Korea. But let’s be real: while many young Koreans speak English, nothing breaks the ice faster or earns more respect than speaking a little Korean!
Learning the language, even just a few key phrases, shows sincerity and commitment—qualities deeply valued here. Plus, knowing basic Korean is your secret weapon for navigating markets, ordering food like a local, and earning massive smiles from everyone you meet.
As a local, I’ve compiled the ultimate, no-fluff list of 30 Essential Korean Phrases that will turn you from a nervous tourist into a confident traveler. Time to hack your Hangul!
Category 1: Greetings & Manners (The Respect Essentials)
These phrases are your foundation for politeness and will instantly open doors.
Hello / Thank You: Annyeonghaseyo (안녕하세요) / Gamsahamnida (감사합니다)
Excuse Me / Just a moment: Jwesonghamnida (죄송합니다) / Jamkkanman-yo (잠깐만요)
I’m sorry: Mianhaeyo (미안해요)
Please (Give me): Juseyo (주세요) – Use this when ordering!
Yes / No: Ne (네) / Aniyo (아니요)
Category 2: Ordering Food (The Culinary Lifesaver)
Korean food culture is best enjoyed when you can communicate your order clearly.
I want this: Igeo juseyo (이거 주세요) – Point and use phrase #4!
How much is it?: Eolmayeyo? (얼마예요?)
It’s delicious!: Masisseoyo! (맛있어요!) – Use this often!
Water, please: Mul juseyo (물 주세요)
Check, please: Gyesan hae juseyo (계산 해 주세요)
Do you have a menu? (Menu, please): Menyu juseyo (메뉴 주세요)
I’ll take out (To-go): Pojang-haejuseyo (포장해 주세요)
Category 3: Getting Around (Navigation & Transport)
Use these to master the hyper-efficient transport system and find your way.
Where is it?: Eodi-ye yo? (어디예요?)
Go straight: Jikjin-haejuseyo (직진해 주세요)
Turn left / Turn right: Oenjjok / Oreunjjok-euro (왼쪽 / 오른쪽으로)
Stop here: Yeogi sewo juseyo (여기 세워 주세요) – Essential for taxis!
Subway station: Jihacheol yeok (지하철 역)
Bus stop: Beoseu jeongnyujang (버스 정류장)
Category 4: Shopping & Daily Life (The Small Talk)
From the convenience store to the markets, these are your daily tools.
Do you speak English?: Yeong-eo haseyo? (영어 하세요?)
I don’t know Korean: Hangugeo mot haeyo (한국어 못 해요)
It’s okay/It’s fine: Gwaenchanayo (괜찮아요)
I like it!: Joayo! (좋아요!)
This one: Igeo (이거)
Bag, please: Bongtu juseyo (봉투 주세요) – For shopping bags!
Category 5: The K-Culture Bonus (Level Up)
Use these to show sincere interest and score major points with locals.
You’re handsome/beautiful: Jal saenggyeosseoyo (잘생겼어요) / Yeppeoyo (예뻐요)
Please take a photo for me: Sajin jjigeo juseyo (사진 찍어 주세요)
Do you like K-Pop?: K-Pop joahaeyo? (케이팝 좋아해요?)
Cheers!: Geonbae! (건배!)
Have a good meal!: Jal meokgesseumnida (잘 먹겠습니다) – Say this before eating!
I ate well!: Jal meogeosseumnida (잘 먹었습니다) – Say this after eating!
Memorize these 30 phrases, use them often, and watch the doors of Korean hospitality fly open for you! Jal Ga! (Go well!)