Introducing yourself is often the first step to starting conversations, building relationships, and expressing confidence in a new language. In Korean, how you introduce yourself can vary depending on the situation—formal, casual, work-related, or even romantic.
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This guide is here to help you master the phrases, vocabulary, and cultural nuances you need to confidently say who you are in Korean, no matter the context.
Whether you're meeting a Korean friend for the first time, joining a class in Seoul, or applying for a job at a Korean company, self-introduction plays a big role.
In this hub post, we’ve collected essential beginner topics like greetings, job titles, and hobbies—and expanded them with deeper cultural insights and practical examples. Let’s get started! 🇰🇷
🗣️ How to Introduce Yourself in Korean – Easy Phrases for Beginners
When you're learning Korean, one of the most rewarding and useful things you can master early is how to introduce yourself. Korean self-introductions are structured, polite, and often follow set patterns depending on whether the situation is formal, casual, or professional. Knowing how to say your name, nationality, job, or even hobbies can help you connect better with native speakers.
In Korean, the basic phrase for introducing yourself is “안녕하세요, 저는 [name]입니다.” This translates to “Hello, I’m [name].” If you’re in a formal setting, such as a classroom or a company meeting, using honorifics is essential to show respect. Casual versions like “나 [이름]야” are fine among friends, but inappropriate in professional settings.
Cultural context matters too. For example, Koreans rarely say “nice to meet you” directly. Instead, they use phrases like “잘 부탁드립니다,” which literally means “Please take good care of me” but is used to express cooperation and mutual respect. This shows that introductions in Korea are not just linguistic but social rituals as well.
Another key aspect is bowing while greeting or introducing yourself. A small bow with your self-introduction adds politeness and aligns with Korean etiquette. It’s a non-verbal cue that carries as much importance as the spoken words, especially in formal scenarios like job interviews or university presentations.
To keep things simple and practical, start with just three sentences: greeting, name, and short fact about yourself (e.g., nationality, job, or reason you're learning Korean). This gives you a clear structure to follow and builds your confidence.
As you get more comfortable, you can add sentences like “한국어를 배우고 있어요” (I’m learning Korean) or “한국 문화에 관심이 많아요” (I’m very interested in Korean culture). These additions make your introduction feel more personal and engaging.
To go even further, you can describe what you do, your hobbies, or your goals—especially useful in language exchange or social meetups. These elements help create longer conversations naturally.
Want to dive deeper into beginner-friendly Korean self-introduction phrases with more examples and pronunciation tips? 👉 Read the full guide here
📄 Sample Beginner Self-Introduction in Korean
| Korean | English | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| 안녕하세요, 저는 마크입니다. | Hello, I'm Mark. | Any setting (formal) |
| 한국어를 배우고 있어요. | I'm learning Korean. | Language exchange, friends |
| 잘 부탁드립니다. | Please take care of me (Let's work well together). | Business, team, school |
With just these few phrases and cultural tips, you can confidently introduce yourself in Korean—and make a great first impression!
💼 Must-Know Korean Job Titles and Workplace Phrases for Beginners
If you plan to live, study, or work in Korea, understanding job titles and workplace phrases is a must. In Korean culture, titles are deeply tied to respect and hierarchy, and using the wrong title can create awkward or even offensive situations. For beginners, learning the correct terms is the first step toward successful communication in professional settings.
For example, while in English we might refer to someone simply as “Mr.” or “Manager,” Koreans use specific role-based titles like 과장 (gwajang – Manager) or 부장 (bujang – General Manager). These are not just formalities—they indicate someone’s exact position within the company structure.
You’ll also hear titles used instead of names. Instead of saying “Mr. Kim,” it’s common to say “김 과장님” (Manager Kim). Even in emails or meetings, titles are preferred over first names, especially in formal settings.
Korean offices also use a set of common expressions that are essential to workplace communication. Phrases like “수고하셨습니다” (Thank you for your effort) or “회의 시작하겠습니다” (Let's begin the meeting) appear daily in office life.
Understanding these terms will help you navigate office environments more naturally, whether you're a student applying for internships or a professional aiming to network in Korea. It also shows cultural awareness, something highly valued by Korean employers.
The table below breaks down common Korean job titles and their meanings, so you can start identifying who's who in any Korean workplace. Learn them, use them, and you'll instantly sound more professional. 👔
Want to learn more about Korean job titles, how to use them, and polite phrases for the office? 👉 Check out the full guide here
📋 Common Korean Job Titles
| Korean Title | English Equivalent | Typical Usage |
|---|---|---|
| 사원 (sawon) | Entry-level employee | New hires, general staff |
| 대리 (daeri) | Assistant Manager | Junior management |
| 과장 (gwajang) | Manager | Mid-level management |
| 부장 (bujang) | General Manager | Senior manager |
| 이사 (isa) | Director | Board-level, senior staff |
Now that you’ve got the basics of workplace structure and respectful titles, you're one step closer to sounding natural and respectful in a Korean office environment. 🧳
🎨 How to Talk About Your Hobbies in Korean – Beginner-Friendly Guide
Talking about your hobbies is a great way to connect with Korean speakers on a personal level. Whether you’re meeting someone for the first time or practicing in a language exchange, sharing what you enjoy doing makes conversations more engaging and memorable. Korean people often talk about hobbies early in social situations, so this is a high-frequency topic for learners.
In Korean, the word for hobby is "취미" (chwimi). A basic way to express your hobby is by saying “제 취미는 ___입니다,” which means “My hobby is ___.” You can also say “저는 ___을/를 좋아해요,” which means “I like ___.” These two sentence structures will carry you through many conversations with ease.
Just like in English, Korean hobby talk can include both common interests like music and reading, and more modern pastimes like gaming or photography. It’s helpful to learn vocabulary for various hobbies so that you’re prepared to talk about your own, and understand others too.
What’s interesting culturally is that certain hobbies are perceived differently in Korea. For example, “등산” (hiking) is very popular among Koreans of all ages and is often considered a national pastime. Saying that you enjoy hiking might make you instantly relatable to many locals.
On the other hand, some hobbies like “넷플릭스 보기” (watching Netflix) might be newer to older generations, but very common among younger people. Choosing hobbies that reflect Korean interests—or asking someone about theirs—can be a great way to keep the conversation going.
Want to learn more phrases, sentence examples, and vocabulary for expressing hobbies? 👉 Read the full hobby guide here
🎯 Common Korean Hobby Phrases
| Korean Phrase | Meaning | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| 제 취미는 독서입니다 | My hobby is reading | Formal conversations |
| 저는 음악 듣는 걸 좋아해요 | I like listening to music | Casual, friendly settings |
| 등산을 자주 해요 | I go hiking often | With older Koreans or coworkers |
Once you're comfortable with these expressions, you’ll find it easier to make small talk in Korean, especially in casual or friendly environments. It also gives others a window into your personality—which helps relationships grow faster. 🌱
📝 Essential Korean Resume Vocabulary for Job Seekers
If you're preparing to apply for jobs or internships in Korea, learning resume-specific vocabulary is essential. Korean resumes follow a very structured format, and the words you choose can impact how professional and serious you appear. Unlike many Western resumes, Korean resumes often include sections like education history, certifications, and even family background.
The Korean word for resume is "이력서" (iryukseo). It's common to include a section for "자기소개서" (self-introduction letter), where you write a short essay about your background and strengths. While it may feel like a formality, this section is often what hiring managers pay the most attention to. Your ability to express yourself clearly and respectfully in Korean matters.
You’ll often need to describe your experience using verbs like “경험하다” (to experience), “참여하다” (to participate), or “수행하다” (to carry out/perform). These verbs are commonly used in job application settings to show that you contributed actively and responsibly to your previous roles.
Korean resumes also emphasize academic history with the word “학력” and work history with “경력.” Certificates or licenses should be listed under “자격증,” and if you’ve completed any military service, that goes under “병역사항.” Each section has its own importance depending on the role you're applying for.
One cultural nuance is the importance of modesty. While you're encouraged to highlight achievements, overly boastful language is frowned upon. Using data-driven, polite, and humble tone will appeal more to Korean employers. It’s better to show results with numbers and facts than adjectives.
Make sure you format your resume neatly—many Koreans use templates from job portals like Saramin or JobKorea. Resumes are often submitted in PDF format and should include a professional-looking photo at the top (a cultural expectation in many companies).
Want a deeper breakdown of all the vocabulary you need to write a perfect Korean resume? 👉 View the full resume vocabulary guide here
📌 Korean Resume Vocabulary Cheat Sheet
| Korean Term | English Meaning | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| 이력서 (iryukseo) | Resume | Document overview of experience |
| 자기소개서 (jagisogaeseo) | Self-introduction letter | Short essay about yourself |
| 경력 (gyeongnyeok) | Work Experience | Employment history |
| 자격증 (jagyeokjeung) | Certification / License | List of credentials |
| 학력 (hakryeok) | Educational Background | Schools and degrees |
Equipped with this vocabulary and cultural know-how, you'll be able to write a resume that not only reads well, but feels native. That makes a huge difference in the competitive Korean job market! 💼
🧠 Advanced Tips: Self-Introduction in Formal & Job Settings
Once you've mastered the basics of introducing yourself in Korean, it's time to explore more formal expressions—especially if you're attending job interviews, corporate events, or school orientations in Korea. The level of politeness, vocabulary choice, and tone become much more important in these contexts.
In formal settings, using honorifics and indirect language is expected. For example, instead of saying “저는 미국에서 왔어요” (I came from the U.S.), it's more formal to say “미국에서 왔습니다.” The sentence ends with “-습니다” form, which is the highest level of politeness in most formal introductions.
Additionally, job interview introductions often follow a structure that includes greeting, name, educational background, work experience, and a statement of intent. It may sound formulaic, but in Korean professional culture, it shows preparation, humility, and respect.
A common phrase used in job interviews is “열심히 배우고 기여하겠습니다,” meaning “I will work hard and contribute.” Phrases like this are not just language fillers—they reflect values such as diligence and harmony that Korean companies prioritize in new employees.
Formal introductions also often include subtle self-promotion in a humble way. For example, instead of saying “I’m good at managing teams,” you might say, “팀워크를 중요하게 생각하며, 협업에 강점을 가지고 있습니다,” meaning “I value teamwork and have strength in collaboration.” This tone is confident, yet respectful.
If you’re introducing yourself to a professor or in an academic environment, phrases like “배우고자 하는 열정이 큽니다” (I have a strong passion to learn) or “연구와 실무 모두에 관심이 있습니다” (I am interested in both research and practice) are appropriate and well-received.
Even when meeting seniors at work, adding a polite phrase such as “잘 부탁드립니다” (I look forward to working with you) or “많이 배우겠습니다” (I hope to learn a lot from you) can leave a strong, respectful impression.
Below is a comparison table with basic and advanced self-introduction expressions, so you can choose the right tone depending on your audience. 🎯
🔍 Basic vs. Advanced Korean Self-Introduction
| Purpose | Basic Korean | Advanced Korean |
|---|---|---|
| Saying Name | 저는 마이클이에요 | 마이클이라고 합니다 |
| Saying Nationality | 미국에서 왔어요 | 미국에서 왔습니다 |
| Ending Expression | 잘 부탁해요 | 잘 부탁드립니다 |
| Self-Promotion | 열심히 할게요 | 기여할 수 있도록 노력하겠습니다 |
Knowing when and how to switch from basic to formal self-introductions in Korean will set you apart. It shows language skill, cultural awareness, and emotional intelligence. 🌟
💬 Advanced Phrases for Personality and Passion Statements
In Korean introductions, especially in academic or professional contexts, it’s common to go beyond just name and background. Adding personality traits and passion statements helps paint a fuller picture of who you are and why you belong in a team, school, or company.
Phrases like “책임감이 강한 편입니다” (I’m a responsible person) or “새로운 환경에 잘 적응합니다” (I adapt well to new environments) allow you to present soft skills in a polite and natural way. These expressions are powerful in self-introductions, especially in interviews or networking settings.
The key is to avoid sounding boastful. Korean communication style values modesty and humility, so it's better to say “노력하는 편입니다” (I tend to be hardworking) instead of “나는 최고예요” (I’m the best). The former shows confidence with humility, which resonates well in Korean culture.
When talking about passion, using expressions like “~에 열정을 가지고 있습니다” (I have passion for ~) or “~에 관심이 많습니다” (I'm very interested in ~) helps you explain your motivation in a natural and respectful tone.
For example, if you’re applying for a creative role, you could say “콘텐츠 제작에 열정을 가지고 있으며, 팀워크를 중시합니다” (I’m passionate about content creation and value teamwork). These kinds of statements blend personal interest with professional potential.
It’s also common to express your goals in a future-oriented way. Instead of just saying what you’ve done, try using phrases like “앞으로도 계속 성장하고 싶습니다” (I want to continue growing) or “배운 것을 실무에 적용하고자 합니다” (I aim to apply what I’ve learned).
To help you build your own personality and passion statements in Korean, here’s a table of useful phrases categorized by their purpose. Feel free to mix and match according to your needs!
💡 Useful Personality & Passion Phrases in Korean
| Expression | English Meaning | Usage Context |
|---|---|---|
| 책임감이 강한 편입니다 | I tend to be responsible | Personality trait |
| 새로운 환경에 잘 적응합니다 | I adapt well to new environments | Adaptability |
| 콘텐츠 제작에 열정을 가지고 있습니다 | I have passion for content creation | Interest & passion |
| 팀워크를 중요하게 생각합니다 | I value teamwork | Teamwork attitude |
| 계속 성장하고 싶습니다 | I want to continue growing | Future goal |
With these expressions, you’ll be able to communicate your character, values, and goals in a culturally respectful and fluent way. And that makes your Korean self-introduction truly memorable. 🌟
❓ FAQ – Korean Self-Introduction
Q1. What’s the most basic way to introduce myself in Korean?
A1. The simplest form is “안녕하세요, 저는 [Your Name]입니다.” It means "Hello, I am [Your Name]."
Q2. Should I bow when I introduce myself?
A2. Yes, a small bow is polite and shows respect in Korean culture, especially in formal settings.
Q3. What’s the difference between ‘저는’ and ‘나는’?
A3. “저는” is formal and polite, while “나는” is casual and used with close friends or younger people.
Q4. How do I say my job in Korean?
A4. Use “저는 [Job Title]입니다.” For example, “저는 디자이너입니다” means "I am a designer."
Q5. Is it okay to just say my name?
A5. In informal settings, yes. But in formal or public situations, a full introduction is preferred.
Q6. How do I say where I'm from?
A6. Say “저는 [Country]에서 왔어요.” Example: “저는 미국에서 왔어요.” = I came from the USA.
Q7. Can I mention my hobbies when introducing myself?
A7. Yes, especially in casual settings or language exchange. Use “저는 ___을/를 좋아해요.”
Q8. What should I avoid in Korean introductions?
A8. Avoid being too casual, using slang, or sounding overconfident. Korean culture values humility.
Q9. Do I have to include age or marital status?
A9. No. That’s outdated in many settings. Stick to your name, job, interests, and intent.
Q10. How do I introduce myself at a job interview?
A10. Use polite, structured sentences: name, background, experience, goals, and respectful closing.
Q11. How can I show I'm motivated in Korean?
A11. Use phrases like “열정을 가지고 있습니다” (I am passionate) or “노력하겠습니다” (I will do my best).
Q12. Is humor appropriate in Korean self-intros?
A12. Mild, polite humor can be okay in casual settings. But keep it respectful and never sarcastic.
Q13. Can I use English words in my Korean intro?
A13. Yes, especially for job titles or majors. But keep the sentence structure Korean.
Q14. What’s “nice to meet you” in Korean?
A14. You can say “만나서 반갑습니다” or “잘 부탁드립니다” in formal introductions.
Q15. Should I memorize full self-intro scripts?
A15. It helps, but understanding structure is more important than memorizing every line.
Q16. Can I include my goals in my self-intro?
A16. Absolutely. Use phrases like “앞으로도 계속 성장하고 싶습니다” (I want to continue growing).
Q17. What if I make a mistake during my intro?
A17. Don’t worry! Just say “죄송합니다” and continue. Koreans appreciate the effort.
Q18. Can I use a nickname in my introduction?
A18. Yes, but clarify by saying “___라고 불러주세요” (Please call me ___).
Q19. Should I introduce my family?
A19. Only if relevant (like school or cultural exchange programs). Otherwise, it’s optional.
Q20. Is body language important in Korean intros?
A20. Yes! Maintain good posture, smile lightly, and use eye contact and a respectful bow.
🛡️ Disclaimer
This blog post is for educational purposes only and is based on general Korean language and cultural practices. Expressions and usage may vary by region, age group, or context. Always consult a native speaker or language educator for formal situations. While we strive for accuracy, we are not responsible for any miscommunication or misinterpretation resulting from the content provided here.
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