Traveling in Korea is easier than ever thanks to smartphones, signs in English, and friendly locals—but nothing connects you to people like speaking even a few words in their language. Learning some basic Korean expressions not only helps you navigate daily life, it also shows respect for the culture and opens the door to more authentic experiences.
From ordering food in a bustling market to asking for directions in a subway station, these phrases are your toolkit for traveling with ease—and maybe even making a few new friends along the way.
Greetings and Polite Basics
The universal polite greeting. Use it when entering shops, restaurants, or meeting someone new.
Koreans appreciate politeness, and this phrase will serve you everywhere.
Useful if you bump into someone or need to squeeze past on the subway.
- Greetings go a long way in building good first impressions.
- Even if you say it with an accent, Koreans will appreciate the effort.
Eating Out
Point to the menu or food item and use this phrase to order.
Most restaurants serve water for free, but you'll usually need to ask.
A simple compliment that will light up any server or chef's face.
- Handy when exploring food markets like Gwangjang.
- Pair with a smile and you might even get extra side dishes.
Getting Around
Always good to know—especially when traveling.
Essential for shopping in markets or smaller stores.
If you're lost or confused, this polite plea will usually get someone's attention quickly.
- Public transport signs are in English, but interactions are smoother with Korean phrases.
- Don't be shy—locals are used to helping travelers.
Social Situations
Useful in many contexts—declining more food politely, or letting someone know you're okay.
Simple but powerful for everyday exchanges.
Perfect when you want someone to capture that Seoul Tower shot.
- Social interactions feel smoother when you can politely accept or decline.
- Helpful for travelers who want authentic photos of their adventures.
Don't think it's necessary?
Truthfully, the phrases would come in handy if you're traveling somewhere without an internet connection to open up Google Translate or Papago. You don't need to memorize entire conversations—but a handful of words will help you shop, eat, and explore with ease. Plus, it's often the small things, like saying "thank you" in Korean, that leave the biggest impression.
Bonus Tip from Daniel
If you're worried about pronunciation, don't be! Koreans are generally patient and happy when foreigners try. My advice? Learn five phrases before your trip: annyeonghaseyo (hello), gamsahamnida (thank you), igeo juseyo (i'll have that one), eolmayeyo (how much is it?), and jesong hapnida (i'm sorry). With those alone, you'll already feel more confident—and locals will notice your effort.
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