Korean Travel Phrases:
40+ Must-Knows Before You Visit Korea

You don't need to be fluent to travel Korea comfortably. But having 40+ situational phrases ready — the right ones for restaurants, taxis, shopping, and emergencies — will unlock a completely different level of experience. Koreans genuinely appreciate any effort a foreigner makes with the language, and a few well-placed phrases can turn an awkward situation into a warm interaction.

"But translation apps exist" — true, and you should absolutely have Papago (much better than Google Translate for Korean) installed. Here's what apps can't do: they can't say 맛있어요! with a genuine smile at the right moment, they're useless with your hands full of luggage and a taxi driver waiting, and pulling out a phone mid-interaction breaks the human connection that makes travel worth it. The winning combo is a small set of spoken phrases for the frequent moments, and the app as backup for the complicated ones.

This guide is organised by situation so you can dip in and out depending on what you need right now. Each phrase includes the Hangul (Korean script), romanization, and a note on when and how to use it.

The basics — start here

These 10 phrases cover the majority of your daily interactions.

• 1
  안녕하세요 Annyeonghaseyo Hello / Good day Your universal polite greeting. Use it when entering any shop, restaurant, or taxi. Koreans will immediately warm to you.
• 2
  감사합니다 Gamsahamnida Thank you (formal) The most formal thank you. For everyday use, 고맙습니다 (gomapseumnida) or 감사해요 (gamsahaeyo) are slightly less stiff and just as appreciated.
• 3
  죄송합니다 / 미안해요 Joesonghamnida / Mianhaeyo I'm sorry / Excuse me (apology) 죄송합니다 is the formal apology — use when you bump into someone or make a mistake. 미안해요 is casual. Both mean sincere apology, not "excuse me to get past."
• 4
  저기요 Jeogiyo Excuse me (to get attention) The word for "excuse me" when you want to get someone's attention — a server, a passerby, a shop assistant. Essential everywhere.
• 5
  네 / 아니요 Ne / Aniyo Yes / No 네 (ne) is "yes" and 아니요 (aniyo) is "no." In informal speech, 응 (eung) and 아니 (ani) are the casual equivalents. You'll use these constantly.
• 6
  영어 할 수 있어요? Yeongeo hal su isseoyo? Can you speak English? A polite way to ask. Don't be surprised if the answer is a hesitant "a little" followed by perfectly serviceable English — many Koreans underestimate their own ability.
• 7
  모르겠어요 Moreugesseoyo I don't know / I don't understand Use when you genuinely don't understand what's being said to you. Pair it with a smile and it's never rude.
• 8
  다시 한번 말해주세요 Dasi hanbeon malhaejuseyo Please say that again Ask someone to repeat themselves. You can also say 천천히 말해주세요 (Please speak slowly) — cheoncheonhi malhaejuseyo.
• 9
  이거 뭐예요? Igeo mwoyeyo? What is this? Point at a dish, ingredient, or item and ask. Works in menus, markets, and shops. Koreans will happily explain.
• 10
  화장실 어디예요? Hwajangsil eodiyeyo? Where is the toilet? One of the most universally important travel phrases in any language. 화장실 (hwajangsil) is "bathroom/toilet." Korean public bathrooms are generally excellent.

Getting around — directions and transport

Two practical notes before the phrases. First, get a T-money card (or its app equivalent) at any convenience store on day one — it covers subway, bus, and most taxis, and removes 90% of your transport interactions entirely. Second, Korean addresses confuse even Koreans; locals navigate by landmarks and station exits, so when you ask for directions, expect an answer like "exit 4, then straight" rather than a street name — that's normal, follow it.

• 11
  [장소] 어떻게 가요? [Place] eotteoke gayo? How do I get to [place]? Replace [장소] with a destination — e.g. 경복궁 어떻게 가요? (How do I get to Gyeongbokgung Palace?)
• 12
  지하철역 어디예요? Jihacheollyeok eodiyeyo? Where is the subway station? Korea's subway system (especially Seoul Metro) is world-class and has English signs everywhere. Still useful to ask if you're disoriented above ground.
• 13
  [장소]까지 가주세요 [Place]-kkaji gajuseyo Please take me to [place] (taxi) Show the driver the destination in Korean on your phone and say this. Most Seoul taxis also have a built-in translation app — tap the flag icon on the console.
• 14
  여기서 내려주세요 Yeogiseo naeryeojuseyo Please let me off here (taxi/bus) For when you spot your stop or want to get out. Works in taxis and on buses.
• 15
  버스 / 기차 / 지하철 Beoseu / Gicha / Jihacheol Bus / Train / Subway Core transport vocabulary. 공항버스 (gonghanbeoseu) = airport bus; 공항철도 (gonghang cheoldo) = airport rail link (AREX).
• 16
  걸어서 갈 수 있어요? Georeoseo gal su isseoyo? Can I walk there? Korea's cities are very walkable but distances can deceive on phone maps. Koreans will give you an honest answer including how long it takes.

At the restaurant

Korean food culture is amazing — and knowing these phrases will help you order correctly, ask about spice levels, and handle the bill like a local.

• 17
  2인분 주세요 I-inbun juseyo Two servings, please Replace 2 with any number — 일인분 (one), 삼인분 (three). Most Korean restaurants serve dishes per person. 주세요 (juseyo) = "please give me" — attach it to almost anything.
• 18
  이거 주세요 Igeo juseyo I'll have this, please Point at the menu item and say this. Works when you don't know the name or can't pronounce it.
• 19
  맵지 않게 해주세요 Maepji ange haejuseyo Please make it not spicy If you can't handle spice, say this early. In Korean cuisine, "not spicy" may still be mildly spiced by Western standards. You can also ask 안 맵죠? (It's not spicy, right?)
• 20
  맛있어요! Massisseoyo! It's delicious! One of the most powerful phrases in Korea. Say this to your server or host and watch their face light up. 진짜 맛있어요! (jinjja — "really delicious!") doubles the effect.
• 21
  계산해주세요 Gyesanhaejuseyo The bill, please Say this or press the call button to get your bill. Most places accept cards — 카드로 할게요 (kadeu-ro halgeyo) = "I'll pay by card."
• 22
  포장해주세요 Pojanghaejuseyo To take away / pack it up, please Ask for your food to go. Most Korean restaurants will pack leftovers without question if you ask.
• 23
  물 더 주세요 Mul deo juseyo More water, please Water is usually free and served in pitchers or a self-serve station. 물 (mul) = water; 더 (deo) = more. This template works for any refill: 밥 더 주세요 = more rice.
• 24
  잘 먹겠습니다 / 잘 먹었습니다 Jal meokgesseumnida / Jal meogeosseumnida I will eat well / I ate well (thank you for the food) Say 잘 먹겠습니다 before eating and 잘 먹었습니다 after — they're the Korean equivalent of bon appétit and "that was delicious." Hosts deeply appreciate this cultural gesture.

Here's how a typical meal actually plays out with the phrases above — read it once and the restaurant section stops being a list and becomes a script:

You walk in. Staff: 몇 분이세요? ("How many?") — hold up fingers.
You sit, point at the menu: 이거 주세요. 맵지 않게 해주세요. ("This please, not spicy.")
Food arrives: 잘 먹겠습니다!
Mid-meal, water runs out — press the table bell or: 저기요! 물 더 주세요.
Done: 잘 먹었습니다! 계산해주세요. Pay at the counter by the door (common in Korea), say 맛있어요! on the way out, and watch the owner beam.

Shopping

Shopping interactions in Korea run on two phrases — "how much?" and "just looking" — plus one cultural rule: haggling is alive and welcome at traditional markets (시장), and completely absent everywhere with a price tag. Knowing where the line sits keeps things comfortable for everyone:

• 25
  얼마예요? Eolmayeyo? How much is it? The most essential shopping phrase. Point at any item and ask. The seller will either say the price or show you their phone/calculator.
• 26
  더 싸게 해주세요 Deo ssage haejuseyo Please give me a discount Works at traditional markets (시장) and some smaller shops. Not appropriate in department stores or fixed-price shops. A smile helps.
• 27
  입어봐도 돼요? Ibeoboado dwaeyo? Can I try it on? For clothing stores. The fitting room is 탈의실 (tal-uisil) — some staff will guide you there after you ask.
• 28
  이것보다 작은 / 큰 게 있어요? Igeotboda jageun / keun ge isseoyo? Do you have a smaller / bigger one? 작은 (jageun) = smaller; 큰 (keun) = bigger. Korean clothing sizes run small by Western standards — knowing this phrase saves time.
• 29
  그냥 볼게요 Geunyang bolgeyo I'm just looking Politely deflects a pushy sales assistant. Means "I'm just browsing" and is never rude.
• 30
  이걸로 할게요 Igeollo halgeyo I'll take this one Point at the item and say this when you've decided to buy. Very natural Korean for "I'll go with this."

At the hotel

Hotel front desks in tourist areas nearly always speak English, so these phrases are less about survival and more about goodwill — leading with Korean, even one sentence of it, reliably changes the tone of the whole stay:

• 31
  체크인/체크아웃하려고 왔어요 Chekeu-in / chekeu-aut haryeogo wasseoyo I'm here to check in / check out The hotel front desk will almost certainly speak English, but this phrase shows effort and always earns a smile.
• 32
  짐 맡겨도 돼요? Jim matgyeodo dwaeyo? Can I leave my luggage here? Most hotels offer luggage storage before check-in or after check-out. This phrase works at guesthouses and hostels too.
• 33
  와이파이 비밀번호가 뭐예요? Waipayi bimilbeonhoga mwoyeyo? What is the Wi-Fi password? Essential. Korea has excellent internet but some guesthouses don't display the password prominently. 와이파이 (waipayi) = Wi-Fi; 비밀번호 (bimilbeonho) = password.
• 34
  수건 더 주실 수 있어요? Sugeon deo jusil su isseoyo? Could I have more towels? 수건 (sugeon) = towel. You can swap in other items: 베개 (begae) = pillow, 담요 (damyo) = blanket.

Emergencies and health

• 35
  도와주세요! Dowajuseyo! Help me! / Please help! Shout loudly if you need urgent help. Koreans are generally quick to assist strangers in distress.
• 36
  병원 어디예요? Byeongwon eodiyeyo? Where is the hospital? 병원 (byeongwon) = hospital; 약국 (yakguk) = pharmacy. Korea's healthcare is excellent and affordable — even without insurance, costs are low compared to many countries.
• 37
  아파요 Apayo I feel sick / It hurts Point at the affected body part and say 아파요. 배 아파요 = stomach hurts; 머리 아파요 = headache. Simple and always understood.
• 38
  알레르기가 있어요 — [음식] Allereugi ga isseoyo — [food] I have an allergy to [food] Critical for food allergies. Show the written Hangul name of the allergen on your phone alongside this phrase. 견과류 (gyeongwaryu) = nuts; 유제품 (yujepum) = dairy; 글루텐 (geulluten) = gluten.
• 39
  경찰 불러주세요 Gyeongchal bulleojuseyo Please call the police 경찰 (gyeongchal) = police. Korea is one of the safest countries in the world, but it's good to know this phrase.

Conversation starters

Koreans are curious about foreigners and often love to chat. These phrases help you connect.

• 40
  저는 [나라] 사람이에요 Jeoneun [country] saramieyo I'm from [country] 저는 = "I am"; 사람이에요 = "a person from." Examples: 미국 사람이에요 (American), 영국 사람이에요 (British), 호주 사람이에요 (Australian).
• 41
  한국어를 공부하고 있어요 Hangugeoreul gongbuhago isseoyo I'm studying Korean Saying this is a guaranteed conversation starter. Koreans are incredibly encouraging to language learners and will often switch to slower, clearer Korean to help you practise.
• 42
  한국이 너무 좋아요 Hangugi neomu joayo I really love Korea 너무 = very/so much; 좋아요 = I like/love. Genuinely expressed, this phrase lands beautifully with locals. Follow up with your favourite thing about Korea.

If you only fix one pronunciation thing

Don't stress about perfect pronunciation — context does most of the work, and Koreans meet learners more than halfway. But one habit will improve everything at once: keep syllables flat and even. English speakers instinctively stress one syllable (an-nyeong-ha-SE-yo); Korean gives each syllable equal weight and length (an-nyeong-ha-se-yo, evenly). Speak a touch slower than feels natural, keep the rhythm flat, and you'll be understood even when individual sounds are off. And if a phrase fails twice, don't battle through — show the Hangul on your screen. That's also the single best argument for being able to read Hangul before you fly: menus, subway signs, and shopfronts open up overnight.

Quick reference — the top 20

Hangul	Romanization	Meaning
안녕하세요	Annyeonghaseyo	Hello
감사합니다	Gamsahamnida	Thank you
저기요	Jeogiyo	Excuse me
죄송합니다	Joesonghamnida	I'm sorry
얼마예요?	Eolmayeyo?	How much?
이거 주세요	Igeo juseyo	I'll have this
맵지 않게 해주세요	Maepji ange haejuseyo	Not spicy, please
계산해주세요	Gyesanhaejuseyo	Bill, please
맛있어요!	Massisseoyo!	It's delicious!
화장실 어디예요?	Hwajangsil eodiyeyo?	Where's the toilet?
지하철역 어디예요?	Jihacheollyeok eodiyeyo?	Where's the subway?
여기서 내려주세요	Yeogiseo naeryeojuseyo	Let me off here
더 싸게 해주세요	Deo ssage haejuseyo	Please discount
그냥 볼게요	Geunyang bolgeyo	Just looking
도와주세요!	Dowajuseyo!	Help!
아파요	Apayo	I feel sick / It hurts
병원 어디예요?	Byeongwon eodiyeyo?	Where's the hospital?
네 / 아니요	Ne / Aniyo	Yes / No
다시 한번 말해주세요	Dasi hanbeon malhaejuseyo	Please repeat that
잘 먹었습니다	Jal meogeosseumnida	Thank you for the food

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to speak Korean to travel in Korea?

Seoul and major tourist areas have extensive English signage, and hotel staff typically speak English. But in local restaurants, markets, and taxis — especially outside the capital — even 10–20 Korean phrases make a huge difference. The effort is always deeply appreciated. For a broader foundation before your trip, start with our 20 essential Korean phrases for beginners.

How do you say "how much" in Korean?

The most useful shopping phrase is 얼마예요? (eolmayeyo?) — literally "how much is it?" Point at the item and say it. You can also ask 더 싸게 해주세요 (deo ssage haejuseyo) for a discount at markets and smaller shops.

What's the polite way to call a server in a Korean restaurant?

Say 저기요! (jeogiyo!) — it means "excuse me" and is the standard way to get a server's attention. You can also press the call button (호출 벨) built into most tables. Snapping fingers or waving loudly is considered impolite in Korea.

How do you ask for directions in Korean?

The key pattern is [place] + 어디예요? ([place] eodiyeyo?) — "Where is [place]?" For example, 경복궁 어디예요? = "Where is Gyeongbokgung?" If someone speaks too fast, say 다시 한번 말해주세요 (please repeat that) or simply follow where they point. For a deeper dive into speaking practice, see our guide on learning Korean with K-dramas — immersion is the fastest path to confident listening.