If you’re just starting to learn Korean, introducing yourself is one of the most important skills to master. Whether you're joining a language exchange, visiting Korea, or just chatting online, knowing how to say who you are makes communication smoother and more confident.
Korean self-introductions follow a polite and structured format. This makes it easier to learn—and easier to be understood! In this post, we’ll go step-by-step through the phrases and cultural tips you need to introduce yourself like a native speaker.
Don’t worry if you’re a complete beginner. We’ll include pronunciation help, essential vocabulary, and examples in tables you can refer to any time. Let’s start speaking Korean today! 🇰🇷
🎯 Why Self-Introductions Matter in Korea
In Korean culture, introducing yourself properly is more than just saying your name. It sets the tone for respect, hierarchy, and formality in a conversation. From classrooms and workplaces to casual meetups, how you introduce yourself can shape the first impression you make.
Unlike in some Western cultures, where you might jump into conversation informally, Koreans often start with respectful greetings, their name, and sometimes even age or job. This helps establish social context—an important part of Korean communication norms.
If you’re visiting Korea or joining a Korean language class, a self-introduction (자기소개) will likely be one of the first things you’re asked to do. Being prepared with a few memorized sentences will make you feel confident and connected right away.
Koreans appreciate when foreigners use even basic Korean expressions. A good self-introduction shows effort and respect, even if you make small mistakes. It’s not about perfection—it’s about politeness and sincerity. 🌸
💡 When Do Koreans Use Self-Introductions?
| Situation | Korean Expression | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Job Interview | 자기소개 해 주세요 | Please introduce yourself |
| Language Class | 처음 뵙겠습니다 | Nice to meet you |
| Meeting Friends | 안녕하세요, 저는 … | Hello, I am … |
🧱 Basic Structure of a Korean Self-Introduction
Korean self-introductions follow a polite and simple structure that you can easily memorize and customize. Once you understand the format, you can change the details to suit different situations like a language class, job interview, or meeting friends.
A typical Korean self-introduction includes a greeting, your name, nationality, occupation (if needed), hobbies or interests, and a polite closing. You can add or remove parts depending on how formal or casual the setting is.
Here’s a general format: ① Greeting → ② Name → ③ Nationality → ④ Job/School → ⑤ Hobby → ⑥ Thank you or polite closing. Each part builds on the one before to give the listener a full picture of who you are.
You don’t need to be fluent to introduce yourself well. Using short, complete sentences with polite grammar endings like “~입니다” or “~이에요” will help you sound respectful and confident. Let’s look at a typical self-introduction format below!
📋 Example Structure of a Basic Self-Introduction
| Order | Korean Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Greeting | 안녕하세요 | Hello |
| 2. Name | 저는 [이름]입니다 | I am [name] |
| 3. Nationality | [나라] 사람입니다 | I am from [country] |
| 4. Job/School | [직업/학교]에 다녀요 | I work/study at [place] |
| 5. Hobby | 취미는 [취미]예요 | My hobby is [hobby] |
| 6. Closing | 잘 부탁드립니다 | Please take care of me / Nice to meet you |
👋 Korean Greeting Phrases to Start
Every good self-introduction in Korean starts with a proper greeting. The way you say “hello” can set the tone for the rest of your conversation. Whether you're in a formal or casual setting, choosing the right greeting is essential in Korean culture.
The most common and safe phrase to use is “안녕하세요” (annyeonghaseyo), which is polite and used in almost all everyday situations. If you're in a formal business or classroom setting, you can go one step higher with “안녕하십니까?” (annyeonghasimnikka), which is very formal.
When meeting someone for the first time, it’s also polite to say “처음 뵙겠습니다” (cheoeum boepgetseumnida), which means “Nice to meet you for the first time.” This phrase shows respect and is often used when introducing yourself in Korean class or at work.
For casual or friendly settings, especially among peers or younger people, “안녕” (annyeong) is okay. However, be careful—it can come across as too casual if used with elders or in formal scenarios.
🗣️ Common Korean Greeting Phrases
| Korean | Pronunciation | Meaning | When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 안녕하세요 | annyeong-haseyo | Hello (polite) | Everyday polite conversation |
| 안녕하십니까? | annyeong-hasimnikka | Hello (formal) | Business, presentations |
| 안녕 | annyeong | Hi / Bye (casual) | Friends, kids, casual settings |
| 처음 뵙겠습니다 | cheoeum boepgetseumnida | Nice to meet you | First-time meetings |
Getting the greeting right helps build trust and opens the door to better conversation. It shows that you're trying to follow Korean customs, even if you're just starting out. So always begin your self-introduction with a warm “안녕하세요!” 😊
🧑🎓 How to Say Your Name, Age, and Nationality
Now that you’ve greeted someone politely, it’s time to tell them a bit more about yourself. In Korean, saying your name, age, and where you're from is very common and expected in a basic self-introduction. Let’s learn how to say each clearly and politely.
For your name, the most polite format is “저는 [name]입니다” (jeoneun [name]-imnida) or the slightly more casual “저는 [name]이에요/예요” (jeoneun [name]-ieyo/yeyo). If your name ends in a consonant, use “이에요”; if it ends in a vowel, use “예요.”
To say your age, you can say “저는 [number]살이에요” (jeoneun [number] sal-ieyo). While Koreans traditionally used Korean age, today’s younger generation mostly uses international age, so you can simply state your real age in this format.
Nationality is expressed with “[country] 사람입니다” (saram-imnida), which means “I am from [country].” For example, “미국 사람입니다” means “I am American,” and “캐나다 사람입니다” means “I am Canadian.”
These three details — name, age, and nationality — form the foundation of your Korean self-introduction. Keep them short and polite. No need to overthink or over-explain; clear, confident delivery is key.
🧾 Korean Phrases for Name, Age, and Nationality
| Category | Korean Phrase | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Name | 저는 제이슨입니다 | jeo-neun Jason-im-ni-da | I’m Jason |
| Name (casual polite) | 저는 리사예요 | jeo-neun Lisa-ye-yo | I’m Lisa |
| Age | 저는 25살이에요 | jeo-neun seum-mul-da-seot-sal-i-e-yo | I’m 25 years old |
| Nationality | 미국 사람입니다 | mi-guk sa-ram-im-ni-da | I’m American |
Practice these basic sentences out loud to get comfortable. You can even write them down and rehearse in front of a mirror or record your voice for better fluency! 🗣️📱
🎨 Extra Details: Hobbies, Job, and Personality
Once you’ve introduced your name, age, and nationality, you can share more about yourself with details like your job, hobbies, or personality. This helps create a more personal connection and shows that you’re comfortable expressing yourself in Korean.
To talk about your job, you can say “저는 [job]입니다” (jeoneun [job]-imnida). For example, “저는 선생님입니다” means “I am a teacher.” If you're a student, you can say “학생이에요” (haksaeng-ieyo).
When it comes to hobbies, the format is “제 취미는 [hobby]입니다” or “취미는 [hobby]예요.” For example, “제 취미는 요리예요” means “My hobby is cooking.” This is an easy way to keep conversations going naturally.
You can also describe your personality with phrases like “저는 활발한 사람이에요” (I’m an outgoing person) or “조용한 편이에요” (I’m on the quiet side). These are great for casual situations like language exchanges or meeting new people.
🧩 Phrases to Describe Job, Hobby, and Personality
| Category | Korean Phrase | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Job | 저는 엔지니어입니다 | jeo-neun en-ji-ni-eo-im-ni-da | I am an engineer |
| Student | 저는 학생이에요 | jeo-neun hak-saeng-i-e-yo | I am a student |
| Hobby | 취미는 영화 보기예요 | chwi-mi-neun yeong-hwa bo-gi-ye-yo | My hobby is watching movies |
| Personality | 저는 외향적인 사람이에요 | jeo-neun oe-hyang-jeok-in sa-ram-i-e-yo | I’m an extroverted person |
These extra phrases help you build a natural, complete introduction. You don't need to say everything—choose what fits your context best. Most importantly, speak with confidence and a smile. 😄
🙏 Politeness & Body Language Tips
In Korean culture, what you say is just as important as how you say it. Politeness and respectful body language go hand-in-hand, especially when you're introducing yourself for the first time. Even if your Korean isn't perfect, showing humility and good manners goes a long way. 🌟
Always speak in a calm and steady tone when introducing yourself. Avoid slouching, crossing your arms, or making overly dramatic hand gestures. Instead, maintain gentle eye contact and nod occasionally to show attentiveness.
Bowing is a big part of Korean etiquette. A small bow when you say “안녕하세요” or “처음 뵙겠습니다” shows respect. You don’t need to bow too deeply—just a slight nod is enough in casual situations.
Use polite sentence endings like “~입니다” and “~이에요/예요.” These are essential for beginners and make a great impression. Avoid using informal or overly casual phrases unless you're speaking with someone very close in age or rank.
Smiling naturally helps ease tension and shows friendliness. Koreans value a soft and respectful demeanor, especially when meeting someone for the first time. A good smile often speaks louder than your vocabulary! 😊
🧍♂️ Self-Introduction Etiquette in Korea
| Aspect | Do | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Speech | Use polite endings (~요, ~입니다) | Speaking informally or using slang |
| Body Language | Bow slightly, smile, nod | Slouching, folding arms, staring |
| Tone | Speak clearly and slowly | Speaking too fast or loudly |
| Attitude | Show interest and humility | Bragging or overconfidence |
If you follow these simple etiquette tips, you’ll make a positive first impression—no matter how much Korean you know. Cultural awareness is just as important as language skills when communicating across borders. 🎌
💬 FAQ – 20 Beginner Questions About Korean Self-Introductions
Q1. What is the most basic way to introduce myself in Korean?
A1. Say “안녕하세요, 저는 [Your Name]입니다.” It means “Hello, I am [Your Name].”
Q2. Do I need to bow when introducing myself in Korea?
A2. Yes, a small bow is polite and expected in most formal situations.
Q3. Should I say my age when I introduce myself?
A3. In casual or social settings, yes—it helps Koreans understand how to address you.
Q4. How do I say “Nice to meet you” in Korean?
A4. Use “처음 뵙겠습니다” for formal settings and “반가워요” for more casual ones.
Q5. Is it okay to use English if I don’t know the Korean word?
A5. It’s okay as a backup, but trying the Korean word first shows respect and effort.
Q6. What’s the difference between “입니다” and “이에요”?
A6. “입니다” is more formal, while “이에요” is polite but slightly more casual.
Q7. Can I introduce myself informally to Korean friends?
A7. Only if you’re very close and of similar age. Otherwise, stick to polite speech.
Q8. How do I say where I’m from in Korean?
A8. Say “저는 [country] 사람입니다.” For example, “저는 미국 사람입니다.”
Q9. How do I talk about my job or student status?
A9. Use “저는 [job]입니다” or “저는 학생이에요.”
Q10. How do I mention hobbies in a self-introduction?
A10. Say “취미는 [hobby]예요,” like “취미는 여행이에요” (My hobby is traveling).
Q11. Should I include my full name or just first name?
A11. Just your first name is fine unless it’s a formal job or academic situation.
Q12. How long should a self-introduction be?
A12. 3–6 sentences is perfect for beginners. Keep it clear and simple.
Q13. Can I use humor when introducing myself?
A13. Light humor is okay in casual settings, but avoid sarcasm or jokes in formal situations.
Q14. What if I make a mistake while introducing myself?
A14. No worries! Smile and correct yourself politely. Koreans appreciate effort.
Q15. Is pronunciation more important than grammar?
A15. Both matter, but clear pronunciation helps people understand you better early on.
Q16. How do I politely end my self-introduction?
A16. Say “잘 부탁드립니다” which means “Please take care of me / I look forward to knowing you.”
Q17. How can I practice my self-introduction?
A17. Record yourself, practice with a friend, or join a Korean speaking club!
Q18. Can I include my favorite K-pop group or drama?
A18. Yes! It’s a great way to show personality and connect with Korean culture.
Q19. What’s the best phrase for beginners to memorize first?
A19. “안녕하세요. 저는 [name]입니다. 만나서 반가워요.”
Q20. Is it okay to write down my introduction first?
A20. Absolutely. Writing and reading it aloud helps with memory and pronunciation.
Disclaimer: This post is intended for educational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, language learners should consult native speakers or certified instructors for advanced usage and cultural nuances.
