If you’re visiting South Korea, then we recommend learning the top 20 useful Korean phrases for tourists. Read on to get prepared for your next holiday!
Is it important to learn Korean phrases?
Starting with a basic knowledge of Korean phrases provides an excellent entry point into conservations and helps you navigate the country. Learning about Korean culture and the common phrases is also important when ordering Korean food, speaking to taxi drivers and hotel staff, and interacting with locals.
Formal vs informal Korean phrases
In Korean, it's important to know the difference between formal and informal phrases. Formal language is used in respectful situations, such as when meeting someone for the first time or talking to someone older. Informal phrases are used with friends and family.
For tourists, using formal phrases is key to making a good impression and showing respect. It helps you communicate politely and avoid any misunderstandings during the trip.
20 South Korean phrases for tourists
Here are 20 South Korean phrases (formal) to help you manage your communication on your trip.
1. Hello - 안녕하세요
Pronunciation: An-nyeong-ha-se-yo
2. Yes - 네
Pronunciation: Ney
3. No - 아니요
Pronunciation: An-ni-yo
4. Good Morning (Formal) - 안녕하세요
Pronunciation: An-nyeong-ha-se-yo
5. Good Bye - 안녕히 계세요
Pronunciation: Ann-yeo-nghi gyes-eyo
6. Thank you - 감사합니다
Pronunciation: Kam-sa-ham-ni-da
7. Nice to meet you - 반갑습니다
Pronunciation: Ban-gap-sum-ni-da
8. How are you? - 밥 먹었어요?
Pronunciation: Bap meo-geo-seo-yo?
9. Excuse me/just a moment - 잠시만요
Pronunciation: Jam-shi-man-yo
10. I'm sorry - 최성합니다 / 미안합니다
Pronunciation: Chway-seong-ham-ni-da / Mi-an-ham-ni-da
11. Please (please give me...) - 주세요
Pronunciation: Ju-se-yo
12. Where is the...? - 어디예요
Pronunciation: Eo-di-ye-yo…?
13. How much is it? - 얼마예요
Pronunciation: Eol-ma-ye-yo?
14. The meal was good - 잘 먹었습니다
Pronunciation: Jal meo-geo-sseum-ni-da
15. I'm lost - 길을 잃었어요
Pronunciation: Gil-eul ilh-uht-suh-yo
16. Do you speak English? - 영어 할 수 있어요
Pronunciation: Yung-uh hal su-eet-suh-yo?
17. I don't understand - 잘 모르겠네요
Pronunciation: Jal mo-reu-geht-neh-yo
18. Where is the bathroom? - 화장실이 어디예요?
Pronunciation: Hwa-jang-shil-ee uh-di-eh-yo?
19. I have an allergy - 저 알러지 있어요
Pronunciation: Juh ahl-luh-ji eet-suh-yo
20. My name is - 제 이름은 데이비드입니다
Pronunciation: Je ee-reum-eun yib-nee-da
Explore South Korea on a small group tour with Bunnik Tours
Now that you know the top South Korean phrases, you’ll be conversing with the locals in no time!
If you’d like to travel to South Korea with a small group tour, now is the perfect time to book with us. Whether you’re looking to Discover South Korea & Japan or just explore South Korea in Depth we have the tour for you.
Discover the tours online or contact our friendly Travel Specialists today.
South Korean phrases FAQs
What helps you to learn Korean phrases?
If you’re learning how to speak Korean, we recommend:
- Using repetition: The best way to learn something new, especially a language, is to repeat yourself over and over again. This can be done by reading aloud and writing down the phrases multiple times.
- Using pictures: A good way to remember these phrases is by associating the words with pictures and drawings.
- Watching Korean media: Another way to recognise basic Korean words and phrases is to watch Korean TV shows and movies, and read Korean books!
What is the easiest thing to say in Korean?
The easiest thing to say in Korean is "안녕하세요" (An-nyeong-ha-se-yo), which means "Hello." It's a polite and commonly used greeting in everyday conversations.
What are some non-verbal communication practices in Korea?
In Korea, non-verbal communication is very important. One of the most common practices is bowing. Bowing is used to express respect, politeness, and can be a way to greet someone, show gratitude, or offer an apology. It is a significant part of Korean culture and helps convey your respect and sincerity in various social interactions.
