Traveling to Korea and staying at a hotel? Learning a few simple Korean phrases can make your stay smoother and more enjoyable. Hotel staff in major cities like Seoul or Busan may speak basic English, but communication becomes easier when you speak a few words in Korean.
Whether you're checking in, asking for extra towels, or ordering room service, this guide will help you get what you need—politely and clearly.
From greetings at the front desk to making polite requests, we’ll walk you through real-world Korean that you can use today. Tables are included for pronunciation help, and each section covers practical, useful expressions for different hotel situations. 🏨
✍️ Why You Should Learn Hotel Korean
Learning hotel-related Korean isn't about becoming fluent overnight—it's about reducing stress and avoiding awkward misunderstandings. Many hotel workers appreciate even a small effort to speak their language. It shows respect, which is highly valued in Korean culture. Saying "안녕하세요" instead of “Hello” can change the tone of an interaction instantly.
Plus, outside of large hotel chains or tourist zones, English fluency may be limited. You may find yourself needing to explain your reservation, check-in details, or special requests without much support. Knowing a few phrases like “예약했어요” (I have a reservation) or “수건 좀 주세요” (Please give me a towel) can go a long way.
In short, speaking a bit of Korean enhances your travel experience, builds connection, and often leads to better service. And the best part? It’s easier than you think!
🗣️ Benefits of Learning Hotel Korean
| Reason | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Better Service | Staff respond more helpfully to polite Korean phrases |
| Less Misunderstanding | Avoid confusion about booking, room details, etc. |
| Cultural Respect | Shows effort and understanding of Korean etiquette |
🛎️ Basic Korean for Hotel Check-In
Checking into a hotel is usually your first point of contact in Korea, and knowing what to say makes the process faster and friendlier. Most front desk staff will greet you with “어서 오세요!” (Welcome!), and you can respond with “안녕하세요” (Hello). To say you have a reservation, use “예약했어요” (I have a reservation).
If they ask for your name, listen for “성함이 어떻게 되세요?” (What is your name?), and you can reply with “제 이름은 [name]입니다.” You may also be asked for your passport — the word is the same in Korean: “여권.” Simply say, “여권 여기 있어요” (Here is my passport).
After check-in, they might give you your room number and key card while saying, “이쪽으로 가세요” (Go this way) or “엘리베이터는 저쪽이에요” (Elevator is that way). Even if you're not fluent, understanding key words makes you feel more confident.
Here’s a table of useful check-in expressions and how to pronounce them. Practice saying them before your trip for a smoother experience at the front desk!
📘 Hotel Check-In Phrases
| Korean | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 예약했어요 | yae-yak-hae-sseo-yo | I have a reservation |
| 여권 여기 있어요 | yeo-gwon yeo-gi i-sseo-yo | Here is my passport |
| 제 이름은 [name]입니다 | je i-reum-eun [name] im-ni-da | My name is [name] |
📅 Making a Reservation in Korean
If you're booking a hotel in person or over the phone in Korea, it helps to know how to express your reservation details in Korean. Start by saying “방을 예약하고 싶어요” (I want to reserve a room). You may then need to provide the dates, number of guests, and bed type.
Use “1박” for one night, “2인실” for two-person room, and “트윈 베드” or “더블 베드” for bed type. Staff may ask “며칠 숙박하시나요?” (How many nights will you stay?) or “몇 분이세요?” (How many people?).
If you're calling, it’s good to start with “혹시 영어 하세요?” (Do you speak English?) — then continue in Korean if needed. In person, having a note or showing your info in writing helps.
Below is a table of common reservation-related expressions to help you book your stay clearly and confidently.
📝 Reservation Vocabulary
| Korean | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 방을 예약하고 싶어요 | bang-eul yae-yak-ha-go sip-eo-yo | I’d like to reserve a room |
| 며칠 숙박하시나요? | myeo-chil suk-bak-ha-si-na-yo | How many nights? |
| 2인실 예약이요 | i-in-sil yae-yak-i-yo | Reservation for two people |
🙋♀️ How to Ask for Help or Requests
During your stay, you might need extra items or have special requests. These are easy to ask for in Korean with polite language. The basic structure is: “~ 좀 주세요” which means “Please give me ~”. For example, “수건 좀 주세요” (Please give me a towel) or “물 좀 주세요” (Please give me water).
If something isn't working in the room, you can say, “에어컨이 안 돼요” (The air conditioner isn't working) or “화장실에 문제가 있어요” (There's a problem with the bathroom). Don't worry about perfect grammar—just say it kindly, and staff will try their best to help.
When asking for help, use “도와주세요” (Please help me). If you’re not sure what to say, try showing an image on your phone or using a translation app. Koreans are generally helpful and used to assisting travelers.
Use the phrases in the table below when making requests or reporting issues. They are simple but very useful!
🧾 Useful Hotel Requests
| Korean | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 수건 좀 주세요 | su-geon jom ju-se-yo | Please give me a towel |
| 에어컨이 안 돼요 | e-eo-keon-i an dwae-yo | The air conditioner isn’t working |
| 도와주세요 | do-wa-ju-se-yo | Please help me |
🍽️ Room Service & Common Facilities Phrases
Many hotels in Korea offer room service, laundry, gyms, saunas, or cafés. Knowing how to ask about these in Korean makes your stay easier and more enjoyable. To ask if room service is available, say “룸서비스 돼요?” If you want to order food, try “음식 주문할 수 있어요?” (Can I order food?).
When asking about hotel amenities, you can say “헬스장 어디에 있어요?” (Where is the gym?) or “세탁 서비스 있나요?” (Do you have laundry service?). These are polite and easy to use.
If you want to ask when something closes, use “언제까지 열어요?” (Until what time is it open?). For example, “사우나 언제까지 열어요?” (What time does the sauna close?).
Use this table to remember some key phrases related to hotel services and amenities. They’ll help you navigate your stay more confidently.
💡 Facilities & Service Phrases
| Korean | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 룸서비스 돼요? | rum-seo-bi-seu dwae-yo? | Do you have room service? |
| 헬스장 어디에 있어요? | hel-seu-jang eo-di-e i-sseo-yo? | Where is the gym? |
| 세탁 서비스 있나요? | se-tak seo-bi-seu it-na-yo? | Do you offer laundry service? |
🌸 Polite Language & Cultural Tips
Politeness is central in Korean culture, especially in customer service settings like hotels. Always start with a greeting like “안녕하세요” and end with “감사합니다” when speaking with hotel staff. Even if your Korean is limited, this shows respect and makes a good impression.
Koreans appreciate calm and polite tones, even in difficult situations. Instead of raising your voice, repeat your request gently or ask for help in English with a soft tone. Staff will usually do their best to assist you.
Avoid speaking too casually or skipping polite endings like “~요” or “~주세요.” These small words can make a big difference in how you're perceived. Using honorifics (존댓말) is a simple way to gain respect and kindness in return.
Also, bowing lightly when saying hello or thank you is very common and always appreciated. Use these cultural tips along with your new Korean phrases to connect more genuinely with people during your stay.
🙏 Politeness Cheat Sheet
| Action | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Greeting | Say “안녕하세요” with a small bow |
| Saying thanks | Use “감사합니다” every time |
| Requesting | Always add “~ 주세요” to requests |
❓ FAQ – 20 Common Questions About Korean Hotel Phrases
Q1. Do I need to speak Korean to stay in Korean hotels?
A1. No, but learning a few key phrases helps a lot, especially in smaller or local hotels where staff may not speak English.
Q2. How do I say "I have a reservation" in Korean?
A2. Say “예약했어요” (yae-yak-hae-sseo-yo).
Q3. What’s the polite way to ask for help?
A3. Use “도와주세요” (do-wa-ju-se-yo), which means “Please help me.”
Q4. How do I ask for extra towels?
A4. Say “수건 좀 주세요” (su-geon jom ju-se-yo).
Q5. Can I ask hotel staff in English?
A5. In major hotels, yes. But it’s polite to ask “혹시 영어 하세요?” (Do you speak English?) first.
Q6. How do I order food in the hotel?
A6. Say “음식 주문할 수 있어요?” (Can I order food?).
Q7. What if the air conditioner is broken?
A7. You can say “에어컨이 안 돼요” (The air conditioner isn’t working).
Q8. Is it rude to speak English in Korean hotels?
A8. No, but using Korean greetings or basic phrases is seen as respectful and appreciated.
Q9. How do I say "Check-out, please"?
A9. Say “체크아웃 할게요” (che-keu-a-ut hal-ge-yo).
Q10. How can I ask where the gym is?
A10. Say “헬스장 어디에 있어요?” (Where is the gym?).
Q11. What does “룸서비스 돼요?” mean?
A11. It means “Do you have room service?”
Q12. How do I ask what time something closes?
A12. Use “언제까지 열어요?” (Until what time is it open?).
Q13. Can I request a wake-up call in Korean?
A13. Yes, say “모닝콜 부탁해요” (mo-ning-kol bu-tak-hae-yo).
Q14. How do I ask for Wi-Fi?
A14. Say “와이파이 비밀번호 있어요?” (Do you have the Wi-Fi password?).
Q15. Is it common to tip hotel staff in Korea?
A15. No, tipping is not expected or common in Korean hotels.
Q16. Can I leave my luggage at the front desk?
A16. Yes, say “짐 맡길 수 있어요?” (Can I leave my luggage?).
Q17. How do I say “I lost my room key” in Korean?
A17. Say “방 키를 잃어버렸어요” (bang ki-reul ilh-eo-beo-ryeo-sseo-yo).
Q18. What do I say when checking in?
A18. Start with “예약했어요” and give your name: “제 이름은 [name]입니다.”
Q19. How do I report a problem in my room?
A19. Say “방에 문제가 있어요” (There’s a problem in the room).
Q20. Can I ask for a different room?
A20. Yes, say “다른 방으로 바꿀 수 있어요?” (Can I change to a different room?).
This blog post is for educational and informational purposes only. Korean language usage may vary slightly depending on region, hotel type, or staff. Always check with the hotel directly for the most accurate service details.
