Basic Korean Phrases for Getting Around

Whether you're traveling, studying, or living in Korea, knowing a few essential Korean phrases can make your life a lot easier. From ordering food to asking for directions, these simple yet useful expressions will help you navigate everyday situations with confidence.

Greetings & Basic Etiquette

• Hello – 안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo)
• Goodbye (when you’re leaving) – 안녕히 계세요 (Annyeonghi gyeseyo)
• Goodbye (when someone else is leaving) – 안녕히 가세요 (Annyeonghi gaseyo)
• Thank you – 감사합니다 (Gamsahamnida) / 고맙습니다 (Gomapseumnida)
• Excuse me / Sorry – 죄송합니다 (Joesonghamnida) / 미안합니다 (Mianhamnida)
• Yes – 네 (Ne)
• No – 아니요 (Aniyo)

Ordering Food & Dining Out

• I would like this, please. – 이거 주세요 (Igeo juseyo)
• Can I get the menu, please? – 메뉴 주세요 (Menu juseyo)
• Do you have an English menu? – 영어 메뉴 있어요? (Yeongeo menyu isseoyo?)
• No spicy, please. – 안 맵게 해주세요 (An maepge haejuseyo)
• The food is delicious! – 맛있어요! (Masisseoyo!)
• Check, please. – 계산서 주세요 (Gyesanseo juseyo)

Shopping & Payments

• How much is this? – 이거 얼마예요? (Igeo eolmayeyo?)
• Do you take card? – 카드 돼요? (Kadeu dwaeyo?)
• Do you have ________? – 여기 ___ 있어요?" (___ isseoyo?)

Emergencies & Important Situations

• Help! – 도와주세요! (Dowajuseyo!)
• Call the police! – 경찰 불러주세요! (Gyeongchal bulleojuseyo!)
• I need a doctor. – 의사 필요해요. (Uisa piryohaeyo.)
• I don’t understand. – 이해 못 해요 (Ihae mot haeyo)
• I don’t speak Korean well. – 한국어 잘 못 해요 (Hangukeo jal mot haeyo)

Final Thoughts

Learning these essential Korean phrases will help you navigate daily interactions in Korea more smoothly. Even if you're not fluent, making an effort to speak Korean can go a long way in connecting with locals and showing respect for their culture. Try using these phrases in real-life situations, and you'll quickly see the benefits!