Learning Korean for travel or daily life? You don’t need to master grammar or complicated expressions right away. With just 30 core phrases, you can greet locals, ask for help, shop, eat, and even navigate the subway. 📚
This guide breaks down essential phrases into six key situations every beginner faces in Korea. Each section also links to a deeper guide for more practice.
Let’s get started with the Korean phrases that will actually help you speak right away! 🇰🇷🗣️
👋 Korean Greetings & Introductions
The first impression matters—and greetings are a big part of Korean culture. Whether you're meeting a new friend or talking to a shopkeeper, knowing how to say hello, thank you, or introduce yourself makes all the difference.
Start with “안녕하세요” (annyeonghaseyo) for a polite “hello.” Want to be more casual? “안녕” (annyeong) is used between friends. To introduce yourself, say “저는 ___이에요” (jeoneun ___ ieyo) — “I’m ___.” These basics will immediately help you connect with locals and show respect. 🙇♀️
Learn more in the full guide 👉 Korean Greetings – How to Say Hello and Introduce Yourself
🗺️ Asking for Directions
Lost in Seoul? Don’t panic. Knowing a few phrases can make finding your way much easier. Start with “___ 어디예요?” (___ eodieyo?) — “Where is ___?” You can insert landmarks, restaurants, or even “화장실” (hwajangsil = restroom).
If you're navigating by subway, “지하철역 어디예요?” means “Where is the subway station?” Another great phrase: “이 근처에 있어요?” — “Is it nearby?” Locals will usually point, draw on maps, or even walk with you. 🧭
Learn more in the full guide 👉 How to Ask for Directions in Korean – Easy Phrases & Maps
🍱 Ordering Food in Korean
Hungry? Whether you're at a Korean BBQ or tiny tteokbokki stall, you’ll need some survival Korean to order confidently. The most used phrase? “이거 주세요” (igeo juseyo) — “Please give me this.” Just point and say it!
For vegetarians, “고기 빼 주세요” (please remove meat) is life-saving. Want water? “물 주세요” (mul juseyo). If you’re full and want the check, say “계산이요” (gyesan-iyo). 🍜
Learn more in the full guide 👉 How to Order Food in Korean – Restaurant Survival Guide
🛍️ Shopping Essentials
Korea is a shopping paradise! But don’t get lost in translation. Ask “이거 얼마예요?” (igeo eolmayeyo?) — “How much is this?” Want a discount? Try “좀 깎아 주세요” (jom kkakka juseyo).
To try something on, say “입어봐도 돼요?” (Can I try this on?). When you're ready to pay, “카드 돼요?” (Do you take card?) is essential. And always ask for “영수증 주세요” (receipt, please). 🧾
Learn more in the full guide 👉 Shopping in Korea – Phrases You Need to Know
🚆 Using Public Transport
Navigating buses and subways in Korea is simple, but Korean phrases help in unexpected situations. Ask “이 버스 어디 가요?” (i beoseu eodi gayo?) — “Where does this bus go?” or “이거 지하철 타는 곳이에요?” — “Is this the subway entrance?”
To buy a ticket, say “표 하나 주세요” (pyo hana juseyo) — “One ticket, please.” You can also ask “몇 정거장 남았어요?” — “How many stops left?”
🚉 Common Transport Phrases
| English | Korean |
|---|---|
| Where does this bus go? | 이 버스 어디 가요? |
| How many stops left? | 몇 정거장 남았어요? |
🚨 Emergency Phrases
Safety first! Hopefully, you won’t need them—but knowing these can be very helpful. “도와주세요!” (dowajuseyo!) means “Help me!” You can also say “경찰 불러 주세요” (Call the police) or “병원 어디예요?” (Where’s the hospital?).
If you lose something: “지갑을 잃어버렸어요” — “I lost my wallet.” If you feel sick: “아파요” (apayo) — “I’m sick.”
🆘 Emergency Phrases
| English | Korean |
|---|---|
| Help me! | 도와주세요! |
| I’m sick | 아파요 |
❓ FAQ
Q1. What’s the #1 phrase I should learn first?
A1. “안녕하세요” (Hello) — It’s polite, friendly, and used everywhere.
Q2. Is it okay if my pronunciation isn’t perfect?
A2. Absolutely! Koreans appreciate the effort even if it’s not perfect.
Q3. Can I survive in Korea with just English?
A3. In major cities, yes—but outside of Seoul, Korean basics are helpful.
Q4. What’s the best way to practice phrases?
A4. Practice with native speakers, language apps, or flashcards daily.
Q5. How do I ask someone to speak slowly?
A5. Say “천천히 말해 주세요” — “Please speak slowly.”
Q6. Should I bow when greeting someone?
A6. A small head nod or slight bow is respectful in Korea.
Q7. How many phrases should I memorize before traveling?
A7. Around 30 core phrases are enough for most travel situations.
Q8. Are phrasebooks still useful?
A8. Yes—especially offline ones when there’s no Wi-Fi!
⚠️ This content is for educational purposes only. Actual usage may vary by region, dialect, or context. Always be polite and observe local cues.
