You do not need to speak fluent Korean to travel in Korea.
But learning a few simple phrases can make your trip much easier.
Basic Korean phrases for travelers can make everyday situations in Korea much easier, even if you do not speak the language fluently.
You do not need to memorize complicated grammar or hold a long conversation. A few polite expressions can help you order food, ask for directions, use a taxi, shop, check into a hotel, and handle unexpected situations.
Korean people do not expect foreign visitors to speak perfect Korean. A short phrase, a polite tone, and a simple gesture are usually enough.
This guide focuses on expressions that travelers can actually use in real situations.
Basic Korean Phrases for Travelers: Start With These
The most useful Korean phrases are often the simplest.
Hello
“안녕하세요.”
Annyeonghaseyo.
Hello.
This is the standard polite greeting. You can use it when entering a restaurant, cafe, hotel, shop, clinic, or taxi.
Thank You
“감사합니다.”
Gamsahamnida.
Thank you.
This is one of the most useful expressions in Korea.
You can say it after receiving food, getting directions, paying, or receiving help.
Excuse Me
“저기요.”
Jeogiyo.
Excuse me.
Use this to get someone’s attention in a restaurant or shop.
Do not shout it aggressively. Say it clearly and politely.
I’m Sorry
“죄송합니다.”
Joesonghamnida.
I’m sorry.
Use this when you bump into someone, make a mistake, or need to apologize politely.
It’s Okay
“괜찮아요.”
Gwaenchanayo.
It’s okay.
This can mean “I am okay,” “That is fine,” or “No problem,” depending on the situation.
Phrases for Restaurants and Cafes
Restaurants and cafes are some of the easiest places to practice Korean.
This One, Please
“이거 주세요.”
Igeo juseyo.
This one, please.
Point to a menu item and use this phrase.
It is simple, polite, and extremely useful.
One of These, Please
“이거 하나 주세요.”
Igeo hana juseyo.
One of these, please.
Use this when ordering one drink, snack, or menu item.
Please Make It Takeout
“포장해 주세요.”
Pojanghae juseyo.
Please make it takeout.
This phrase works at restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and food stalls.
I Will Eat Here
“먹고 갈게요.”
Meokgo galgeyo.
I will eat here.
Use this when staff ask whether your order is dine-in or takeout.
Please Make It Less Spicy
“덜 맵게 해 주세요.”
Deol maepge hae juseyo.
Please make it less spicy.
Not every dish can be made milder, but it is still worth asking.
Please Give Me Water
“물 주세요.”
Mul juseyo.
Water, please.
In many Korean restaurants, water is self-service. Look for a water dispenser before asking.
The Bill, Please
“계산해 주세요.”
Gyesanhae juseyo.
The bill, please.
In many Korean restaurants, you pay at the counter rather than at the table.
For more information, read Korean Restaurant Etiquette: What Foreign Visitors Should Know.
Phrases for Shopping
Korean shops often display prices clearly, but these phrases can still help.
How Much Is It?
“얼마예요?”
Eolmayeyo?
How much is it?
Point to the item while asking.
Do You Have This?
“이거 있어요?”
Igeo isseoyo?
Do you have this?
This is useful when showing a picture or product name on your phone.
Do You Have a Larger Size?
“더 큰 사이즈 있어요?”
Deo keun saijeu isseoyo?
Do you have a larger size?
Do You Have a Smaller Size?
“더 작은 사이즈 있어요?”
Deo jageun saijeu isseoyo?
Do you have a smaller size?
Can I Pay by Card?
“카드 돼요?”
Kadeu dwaeyo?
Can I pay by card?
Cards are widely accepted in Korea, but small stalls and traditional markets may prefer cash.
I Don’t Need a Bag
“봉투 괜찮아요.”
Bongtu gwaenchanayo.
I do not need a bag.
A simpler option is:
“봉투 필요 없어요.”
Bongtu piryo eopseoyo.
I do not need a bag.
Phrases for Directions
Local map apps are often more useful than asking for long verbal directions, but these expressions can help.
Where Is the Subway Station?
“지하철역 어디예요?”
Jihacheol-yeok eodiyeyo?
Where is the subway station?
Where Is the Bathroom?
“화장실 어디예요?”
Hwajangsil eodiyeyo?
Where is the bathroom?
This is one of the most useful travel phrases.
Where Is This Place?
“여기 어디예요?”
Yeogi eodiyeyo?
Where is this place?
Is It Far?
“멀어요?”
Meoreoyo?
Is it far?
Is It Within Walking Distance?
“걸어서 갈 수 있어요?”
Georeoseo gal su isseoyo?
Can I walk there?
When showing an address, use Naver Map or KakaoMap instead of relying only on English spelling.
Read How to Use Naver Map and KakaoMap in Korea Without Getting Lost for more help.
Phrases for Taxis
Showing the destination on your phone is often easier than saying a Korean address aloud.
Please Go Here
“여기로 가 주세요.”
Yeogiro ga juseyo.
Please go here.
Show the driver the destination on your map app.
Please Stop Here
“여기 세워 주세요.”
Yeogi sewo juseyo.
Please stop here.
Please Go to This Hotel
“이 호텔로 가 주세요.”
I hotello ga juseyo.
Please go to this hotel.
Is Card Payment Available?
“카드 돼요?”
Kadeu dwaeyo?
Can I pay by card?
Most city taxis accept cards, but it is still useful to ask if you are unsure.
For app-based taxis, read How to Use Kakao T in Korea: Taxi Guide for Foreign Visitors.
Phrases for Hotels
I Have a Reservation
“예약했어요.”
Yeyakhaesseoyo.
I have a reservation.
Show your passport and booking confirmation at the front desk.
Can I Leave My Luggage Here?
“짐 맡길 수 있어요?”
Jim matgil su isseoyo?
Can I leave my luggage here?
What Time Is Check-Out?
“체크아웃 몇 시예요?”
Chekeua-ut myeot siyeyo?
What time is check-out?
Can You Help Me?
“도와주실 수 있어요?”
Dowajusil su isseoyo?
Can you help me?
This is useful when you need assistance with transportation, delivery, directions, or communication.
Phrases for Emergencies and Medical Situations
In a serious emergency, call 112 for police or 119 for fire and ambulance services.
Please Help Me
“도와주세요.”
Dowajuseyo.
Please help me.
I Am Sick
“아파요.”
Apayo.
I am sick or in pain.
Point to the area that hurts if necessary.
I Need a Doctor
“의사가 필요해요.”
Uisaga piryohaeyo.
I need a doctor.
Where Is the Hospital?
“병원 어디예요?”
Byeongwon eodiyeyo?
Where is the hospital?
I Have an Allergy
“알레르기가 있어요.”
Allereugiga isseoyo.
I have an allergy.
For medical visits, read How to Visit a Clinic in Korea as a Foreigner and What to Do If You Get Sick in Korea.
What to Say When You Do Not Understand
You will sometimes hear a question you do not understand.
Do not panic.
I Don’t Understand
“잘 모르겠어요.”
Jal moreugesseoyo.
I do not understand.
Please Say It Again
“다시 말해 주세요.”
Dasi malhae juseyo.
Please say it again.
Please Speak Slowly
“천천히 말해 주세요.”
Cheoncheonhi malhae juseyo.
Please speak slowly.
Do You Speak English?
“영어 하세요?”
Yeongeo haseyo?
Do you speak English?
Ask politely and do not assume everyone is comfortable speaking English.
Please Write It Down
“적어 주세요.”
Jeogeo juseyo.
Please write it down.
This can help with addresses, prices, and directions.
Korean Numbers You May Hear
Travelers do not need to master the full Korean number system, but a few numbers are useful.
- 하나 — hana — one
- 둘 — dul — two
- 셋 — set — three
- 넷 — net — four
- 다섯 — daseot — five
When ordering, saying the item name and holding up a finger is completely acceptable.
For example:
“아메리카노 하나 주세요.”
Amerikano hana juseyo.
One Americano, please.
Tips for Using Korean Phrases Naturally
You do not need perfect pronunciation.
Speak slowly, smile, and keep the phrase short.
A useful pattern is:
- Say hello.
- State the request.
- Say thank you.
For example:
“안녕하세요. 이거 하나 주세요. 감사합니다.”
Annyeonghaseyo. Igeo hana juseyo. Gamsahamnida.
Hello. One of these, please. Thank you.
Avoid trying to translate a long English sentence word for word.
Short phrases are easier for both you and the listener.
It is also helpful to save important phrases in your phone before your trip.
Common Mistakes Travelers Make
The first mistake is trying to memorize too many phrases.
Start with five or six expressions that you will actually use.
The second mistake is speaking too quietly.
Korean cafes, markets, and restaurants can be noisy, so speak clearly.
The third mistake is worrying too much about pronunciation.
A polite attempt is usually appreciated.
The fourth mistake is using informal Korean learned from television dramas.
Travelers should use polite endings such as “-요” or formal expressions such as “감사합니다.”
The fifth mistake is relying only on romanization.
Reading Hangul is more accurate, so keep both the Korean text and romanization available.
Related Korea Compass Guides
For dining situations, read Korean Restaurant Etiquette: What Foreign Visitors Should Know.
For transportation, see How to Use Public Transportation in Korea: A Simple Guide for First-Time Visitors.
For maps and addresses, read How to Use Naver Map and KakaoMap in Korea Without Getting Lost.
For useful mobile tools, see Best Apps for Traveling in Korea: What to Install Before You Arrive.
For official travel information, visit VisitKorea.
Korea Compass Note
The most useful Korean phrase is not always the longest one.
“안녕하세요,” “이거 주세요,” and “감사합니다” can handle a surprising number of everyday situations.
Save a screenshot of the phrases you expect to use most. This is especially useful when your internet connection is weak or a translation app is slow.
A polite greeting, one clear request, and a thank-you are often all you need.
Final Thoughts
Basic Korean phrases for travelers can reduce stress and make everyday interactions feel much more comfortable.
You do not need to speak perfectly.
Learn how to say hello, thank you, this one please, where is the bathroom, and please help me.
Use local map apps for addresses, show pictures when needed, and keep your sentences short.
Even a small effort to speak Korean can make your trip easier and create warmer interactions with the people you meet.