Planning to stay in a Korean Airbnb or guesthouse? Learning a few practical Korean expressions can make your trip smoother and more respectful. Whether you're messaging your host, checking in, or asking for extra towels — knowing how to express yourself in Korean builds confidence and often results in warmer hospitality.
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In this guide, you'll learn essential Korean phrases for booking, messaging, check-in/check-out, and more. Each section includes practical examples, pronunciation tips, and cultural context so that you're ready to communicate clearly and politely during your stay in Korea.
🏡 Introduction to Korean Guesthouse Culture
Staying in a Korean guesthouse or Airbnb offers a unique chance to experience local hospitality and culture. Many guesthouses in Korea are run by families or individuals who take pride in creating a cozy, respectful atmosphere. Unlike hotels, communication is often more personal, and polite language goes a long way in leaving a good impression.
Guesthouses (게스트하우스) and homestays often share facilities like kitchens, washing machines, and even living rooms. You may encounter notes written in Korean or verbal instructions from your host. That’s why learning basic Korean for everyday interaction is so helpful—especially if your host doesn’t speak fluent English.
The guesthouse environment also encourages more casual, friendly interactions. Hosts may recommend places to visit, invite you for tea, or offer assistance with public transportation. Responding kindly or understanding simple phrases will build mutual respect and make your stay more enjoyable.
It's also common in Korea to remove your shoes indoors, use shared slippers, and sort trash into recycling. A basic understanding of these habits can prevent awkward moments. If you're unsure, a simple question like "어떻게 해요?" (eotteoke haeyo?) – “How do I do this?” can help you navigate unfamiliar routines respectfully.
One thing to note is that Korean hosts deeply appreciate guests who show effort in using Korean. Even small greetings like "안녕하세요" (annyeonghaseyo) – “Hello” or "감사합니다" (gamsahamnida) – “Thank you” make a great first impression.
Overall, the guesthouse experience in Korea is warm, welcoming, and highly interactive. With a little preparation in Korean, you’ll be able to connect better with your host, follow house rules easily, and show respect for the culture—all of which enhance your overall travel experience.
Next, let’s look at key phrases you can use when booking your stay through a website or app. These will come in handy when selecting dates, confirming prices, or asking about amenities.
📋 Common Korean Expressions in Guesthouses
| Korean (Hangul) | Romanization | Meaning in English | When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 안녕하세요 | annyeonghaseyo | Hello | When first greeting your host |
| 감사합니다 | gamsahamnida | Thank you | When receiving help or service |
| 어떻게 해요? | eotteoke haeyo? | How do I do this? | When you're unsure of rules or customs |
| 이거 써도 돼요? | igeo sseodo dwaeyo? | Can I use this? | When asking about shared items |
📆 Useful Booking Phrases in Korean
Booking a guesthouse or Airbnb in Korea is usually done online, but sometimes you may need to contact the host directly. Knowing a few useful Korean phrases can help you confirm details, request amenities, or ask questions. Even if the host responds in English, your effort in using Korean will be appreciated and may even lead to better service.
Let’s start with basic booking expressions. If you're messaging a host or checking availability, use polite and clear phrases. Korean is a hierarchical language, so it's important to use formal endings like -요 to sound respectful.
Here are some common phrases:
- 예약하고 싶어요 (yeyakago sipeoyo) – I want to make a reservation.
- 빈 방 있어요? (bin bang isseoyo?) – Do you have a room available?
- 얼마예요? (eolmayeyo?) – How much is it?
- 1박이에요? (ilbagi-eyo?) – Is it per night?
You might also need to confirm the dates and number of guests. Try these:
- 2박 3일 예약하고 싶어요 (i-bak sam-il yeyakago sipeoyo) – I want to book for 2 nights and 3 days.
- 두 명이에요 (du myeong-ieyo) – There are two people.
If you're asking about facilities or services, use:
- 와이파이 있어요? (waipai isseoyo?) – Do you have Wi-Fi?
- 세탁기 사용 가능해요? (setakgi sayong ganeunghaeyo?) – Can I use the washing machine?
If you're nervous about using Korean, remember that short, polite expressions work well. Add a smile and bow slightly when meeting your host in person. Your effort will go a long way in building trust and friendliness.
🛏️ Key Booking Phrases Table
| Korean (Hangul) | Romanization | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 예약하고 싶어요 | yeyakago sipeoyo | I want to make a reservation |
| 빈 방 있어요? | bin bang isseoyo? | Do you have a room available? |
| 얼마예요? | eolmayeyo? | How much is it? |
| 세탁기 사용 가능해요? | setakgi sayong ganeunghaeyo? | Can I use the washing machine? |
Next, let’s explore what to say when you’re actually messaging the host before arrival or during your stay. These phrases will help you handle real-time communication like a pro.
📱 Messaging the Host in Korean
Once you've made a booking, communication with your host becomes very important. Most Airbnb and guesthouse hosts in Korea are helpful and responsive. Even if they understand English, sending polite and clear Korean messages can make a great impression and prevent misunderstandings.
When messaging through the app or texting, short and respectful language works best. Use simple grammar and polite endings like -요. Start your message with a greeting and then explain your situation clearly.
Here are some useful Korean expressions you can use when messaging your host:
- 안녕하세요, 저는 [이름]입니다 (annyeonghaseyo, jeoneun [ireum] imnida) – Hello, I’m [name].
- 체크인 시간이 몇 시예요? (chekeuin sigani myeot siyeyo?) – What time is check-in?
- 도착이 늦어질 것 같아요 (dochagi neujeojil geot gatayo) – I might arrive late.
- 도움이 필요해요 (doumi piryohaeyo) – I need help.
- 비밀번호를 다시 알려 주세요 (bimilbeonhoreul dasi allyeo juseyo) – Please send me the password again.
Korean hosts are usually prompt in replying. If they don’t respond quickly, be patient and try sending a gentle reminder. You can say:
- 혹시 메시지 보셨나요? (hoksi mesiji bosyeonnayo?) – Have you seen my message?
If something breaks or you need assistance, clearly describe the problem. For example:
- 에어컨이 작동하지 않아요 (eeokeoni jakdonghaji anayo) – The air conditioner isn’t working.
💬 Common Host Messaging Phrases
| Korean (Hangul) | Romanization | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 체크인 시간이 몇 시예요? | chekeuin sigani myeot siyeyo? | What time is check-in? |
| 도착이 늦어질 것 같아요 | dochagi neujeojil geot gatayo | I might arrive late |
| 비밀번호를 다시 알려 주세요 | bimilbeonhoreul dasi allyeo juseyo | Please send the password again |
| 에어컨이 작동하지 않아요 | eeokeoni jakdonghaji anayo | The air conditioner isn’t working |
Clear, polite messaging helps you solve problems quickly and keeps your relationship with the host friendly. Ready to meet them in person? Let's move to useful phrases for check-in and check-out next.
🗝️ Check-in & Check-out Phrases
Arriving at your guesthouse or Airbnb in Korea can feel exciting but also a bit intimidating if you’re not sure what to say. Check-in and check-out are key moments where simple Korean phrases can help you communicate smoothly and respectfully. Most hosts appreciate even a small effort in using the local language, especially face-to-face.
When you arrive, start with a friendly greeting and introduce yourself. For example:
- 안녕하세요, 예약한 [이름]입니다 (annyeonghaseyo, yeyakhan [ireum] imnida) – Hello, I’m [name], I made a reservation.
If you're unsure about how to enter the building, you might ask:
- 입구가 어디예요? (ipguga eodieyo?) – Where is the entrance?
Other common check-in phrases include:
- 체크인하러 왔어요 (chekeuin hareo wasseoyo) – I came to check in.
- 여권 필요해요? (yeogwon piryohaeyo?) – Do you need my passport?
- 비밀번호가 뭐예요? (bimilbeonhoga mwoyeyo?) – What’s the password?
At check-out, polite phrases help close your stay on a good note. Try:
- 체크아웃하러 왔어요 (chekeuaut hareo wasseoyo) – I came to check out.
- 감사합니다, 잘 지냈어요 (gamsahamnida, jal jinaesseoyo) – Thank you, I had a good stay.
- 열쇠 여기 있어요 (yeolsoe yeogi isseoyo) – Here is the key.
These phrases are not only practical but also reflect good manners. In Korean culture, showing appreciation is a sign of respect, especially after using someone’s space. Even a simple thank-you in Korean will go a long way.
🏨 Check-in/Check-out Phrase Table
| Korean (Hangul) | Romanization | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 체크인하러 왔어요 | chekeuin hareo wasseoyo | I came to check in |
| 체크아웃하러 왔어요 | chekeuaut hareo wasseoyo | I came to check out |
| 비밀번호가 뭐예요? | bimilbeonhoga mwoyeyo? | What’s the password? |
| 여권 필요해요? | yeogwon piryohaeyo? | Do you need my passport? |
Now that you’re checked in, what if something goes wrong? Let's look at emergency or complaint phrases you might need next.
🚨 Korean for Emergencies or Complaints
While most stays go smoothly, there might be times when you face unexpected situations during your trip. Whether it’s a broken appliance, a loud neighbor, or a safety concern, knowing how to express emergencies or complaints in Korean will help you resolve the issue more effectively and respectfully.
Hosts usually want to help, but communication barriers can slow things down. Using clear and polite Korean phrases shows that you're not being aggressive — just seeking a solution. Tone and word choice matter, especially in Korean culture where confrontation is often avoided.
Here are some helpful phrases to express that something is wrong or needs attention:
- 문제가 있어요 (munjega isseoyo) – There’s a problem.
- 에어컨이 고장났어요 (eeokeoni gojangnasseoyo) – The air conditioner is broken.
- 물이 안 나와요 (muri an nawayo) – There's no water.
- 화장실이 막혔어요 (hwajangsiri makhyeosseoyo) – The toilet is clogged.
If you’re concerned about safety or noise, use these expressions:
- 밖이 너무 시끄러워요 (bakki neomu shikkeureowoyo) – It’s too noisy outside.
- 문 잠가 주세요 (mun jamga juseyo) – Please lock the door.
If something serious happens, like a medical emergency, don’t hesitate to call 119 (Korean emergency number). You can also ask the host:
- 병원 어디예요? (byeongwon eodieyo?) – Where is the hospital?
Being prepared with respectful phrases empowers you to handle problems calmly. It also helps the host take quicker action when they understand exactly what's wrong.
🧯 Emergency/Complaint Phrase Table
| Korean (Hangul) | Romanization | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 문제가 있어요 | munjega isseoyo | There’s a problem |
| 화장실이 막혔어요 | hwajangsiri makhyeosseoyo | The toilet is clogged |
| 밖이 너무 시끄러워요 | bakki neomu shikkeureowoyo | It’s too noisy outside |
| 병원 어디예요? | byeongwon eodieyo? | Where is the hospital? |
Now that you've seen how to handle issues during your stay, let’s move on to real-world cultural tips and additional expressions that can elevate your Airbnb experience in Korea.
🌸 Cultural Tips & Real-Life Expressions
Understanding Korean culture will help you enjoy your guesthouse or Airbnb stay more smoothly. It also helps you communicate with your host in a respectful and natural way. From small gestures to language usage, cultural awareness can make a big difference.
Koreans value politeness, cleanliness, and consideration for others. This means you’ll be expected to keep your space tidy, take off your shoes at the entrance, and speak with respectful language—especially if your host is older than you.
Here are some cultural tips that apply in most Korean guesthouses:
- Always remove your shoes before entering the home.
- Sort your trash and recyclables—your host will likely explain the system.
- Use honorifics and formal endings like -요 to show politeness.
- Don’t speak loudly in hallways or shared spaces, especially at night.
When giving or receiving items, use two hands or place one hand under your wrist to show respect. It’s a small gesture that leaves a great impression in Korea.
Here are real-life expressions you might hear or want to say during your stay:
- 조용히 해 주세요 (joyonghi hae juseyo) – Please be quiet.
- 도와주셔서 감사합니다 (dowajusyeoseo gamsahamnida) – Thank you for helping me.
- 불편하게 해서 죄송합니다 (bulpyeonhage haeseo joesonghamnida) – Sorry for the inconvenience.
🌍 Cultural Awareness & Politeness Table
| Expression | Romanization | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| 조용히 해 주세요 | joyonghi hae juseyo | Asking others to keep quiet |
| 도와주셔서 감사합니다 | dowajusyeoseo gamsahamnida | When thanking your host or staff |
| 불편하게 해서 죄송합니다 | bulpyeonhage haeseo joesonghamnida | When apologizing for any inconvenience |
Respecting cultural norms and learning a few heartfelt Korean phrases will make your travel experience smoother and more rewarding. Your host will notice your effort, and you'll leave with a much more meaningful connection to Korean hospitality.
❓ FAQ – Korean for Airbnb & Guesthouses
Q1. What is the Korean word for reservation?
A1. The Korean word is 예약 (yeyak).
Q2. How do I ask if a room is available?
A2. Say 빈 방 있어요? (bin bang isseoyo?).
Q3. How can I politely ask for the Wi-Fi password?
A3. Use 비밀번호 알려 주세요 (bimilbeonho allyeo juseyo).
Q4. What is the emergency number in Korea?
A4. Dial 119 for emergencies.
Q5. How do I say “check-out” in Korean?
A5. Use 체크아웃 (chekeuaut).
Q6. Can I speak in English with Korean hosts?
A6. Many young hosts understand basic English, but using Korean is appreciated.
Q7. How do I apologize if I cause trouble?
A7. Say 죄송합니다 (joesonghamnida) or 불편하게 해서 죄송합니다.
Q8. What’s a polite way to ask for help?
A8. Use 도와주세요 (dowajuseyo).
Q9. How do I express gratitude after the stay?
A9. You can say 감사합니다, 잘 지냈어요.
Q10. How do I say "I will arrive late" in Korean?
A10. Say 늦게 도착할 것 같아요 (neutge dochakhal geot gatayo).
Q11. Are hosts okay with texting in Korean?
A11. Yes! Short, polite Korean texts are welcomed.
Q12. What does ‘jamga juseyo’ mean?
A12. It means “Please lock [it]” – 문 잠가 주세요.
Q13. How do I request a facility like a washing machine?
A13. Use 세탁기 사용 가능해요?
Q14. What does ‘입구’ mean?
A14. It means “entrance.”
Q15. Can I say just “Hello” in Korean?
A15. Yes, use 안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo).
Q16. How do I ask “Where is the entrance?”
A16. Say 입구가 어디예요? (ipguga eodieyo?).
Q17. What’s the difference between 감사합니다 and 고마워요?
A17. 감사합니다 is more formal. 고마워요 is casual polite.
Q18. How do I say “The air conditioner doesn’t work”?
A18. Say 에어컨이 작동하지 않아요.
Q19. How do I ask for a trash bag?
A19. Try 쓰레기봉투 있어요?
Q20. Can I use Google Translate for Airbnb communication?
A20. Yes, but check for politeness and accuracy.
Q21. How do I say “I’ll check out early” in Korean?
A21. Say 일찍 체크아웃할게요 (iljjik chekeuauthalgeyo).
Q22. What’s the polite way to ask if laundry is available?
A22. Ask 세탁기 사용할 수 있어요? (setakgi sayonghal su isseoyo?).
Q23. How do I say “Please recommend a restaurant nearby”?
A23. Say 근처 식당 추천해 주세요 (geuncheo sikdang chucheonhae juseyo).
Q24. Can I ask for extra blankets in Korean?
A24. Yes, say 이불 더 있어요? (ibul deo isseoyo?).
Q25. How do I say “The toilet is broken”?
A25. Say 화장실이 고장났어요 (hwajangsiri gojangnasseoyo).
Q26. What is a respectful way to say goodbye?
A26. Use 안녕히 계세요 (annyeonghi gyeseyo) if the host stays behind.
Q27. How do I say “Please show me how to use it”?
A27. Say 사용법 알려 주세요 (sayongbeop allyeo juseyo).
Q28. Is tipping expected in Korea?
A28. No, tipping is not customary in Korea.
Q29. What do I do if I lose the key?
A29. Message your host immediately and say 열쇠를 잃어버렸어요 (yeolsoe-reul ilheobeoryeosseoyo).
Q30. How do I say “I really enjoyed my stay”?
A30. Use 정말 즐거운 시간이었어요 (jeongmal jeulgeoun siganieosseoyo).
Disclaimer: This content is intended for educational purposes and cultural understanding only. Situations may vary depending on host policies and regional customs. Always double-check with your host if you're unsure about local etiquette or accommodation rules.
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