Making a phone call in Korean can feel intimidating, especially if you’re still learning the language. Unlike texting or face-to-face conversation, phone calls remove body language and visual cues, making it harder to interpret what’s being said. But don’t worry—with the right phrases and strategies, you can build confidence quickly and speak naturally over the phone in Korean.
.jpg)
This guide is designed for English-speaking learners who want to understand and practice the basics of calling in Korean. Whether you're making a reservation, asking for information, or contacting customer service, you'll need a specific set of expressions that are both polite and efficient.
In this article, you'll learn the most essential phone-related expressions, along with their Korean spelling and pronunciation in Romanization. We've also included cultural tips, example dialogues, and structured tables to help you master phone conversations step by step. Saying 여보세요 (yeo-bo-se-yo) is just the beginning—soon, you'll be asking questions like a local!
Why Phone Calls Matter in Korean Culture
Phone calls are still widely used in Korea for everything from making reservations to asking for directions or scheduling appointments. Despite the popularity of messaging apps like KakaoTalk, many services—especially formal ones—still rely heavily on voice communication. In government offices, hospitals, and even small restaurants, phone calls are considered a reliable and respectful way to interact.
In Korean society, communication is built on the concepts of respect for hierarchy, politeness, and clarity. These values become even more important over the phone, where non-verbal cues such as facial expressions and gestures are unavailable. That’s why phone conversations follow a more structured and formal tone than casual speech.
Using formal expressions is not optional. For instance, starting a call with 여보세요 (yeo-bo-se-yo) is standard practice. When speaking to someone older or in a professional setting, learners are expected to use polite language such as 말씀 좀 여쭤봐도 될까요? (mal-sseum jom yeo-jjwo-bwa-do doel-kka-yo?), which means "May I ask you something?" This level of formality helps you show proper respect and avoid misunderstandings.
Another unique aspect of Korean phone culture is the importance of concise communication. Many phone calls are kept short and to the point. For example, if you're calling to make a reservation, you’d simply state your purpose clearly: 예약하고 싶습니다 (ye-yak-ha-go sip-seum-ni-da), meaning "I’d like to make a reservation."
Tone of voice also plays a critical role. Since the listener can only rely on your voice, using a soft and respectful tone conveys sincerity. Even if your grammar isn’t perfect, a respectful tone can still leave a positive impression.
Foreigners who use even basic Korean during phone calls are often met with appreciation. It shows an effort to understand the culture and communicate effectively. This can also open doors—more staff are willing to assist if they see you're trying, even with limited vocabulary.
Korean phone culture also emphasizes clear roles during conversation. The caller is expected to identify themselves first, then explain the reason for calling. After the request is handled, ending the call with 감사합니다 (gam-sa-ham-ni-da) or 수고하세요 (su-go-ha-se-yo) is considered polite and professional.
Understanding why phone calls matter in Korea not only improves your speaking skills but also helps you build better social and professional relationships. Once you grasp the cultural expectations, speaking on the phone becomes less scary and more empowering.
📊 Key Aspects of Korean Phone Etiquette
| Aspect | Korean Example | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Greeting | 여보세요 (yeo-bo-se-yo) | Hello (on the phone) |
| Polite Inquiry | 말씀 좀 여쭤봐도 될까요? | May I ask you something? |
| Closing | 감사합니다 | Thank you |
Essential Korean Phrases to Ask for Information
Whether you're calling a hotel, clinic, or immigration office, there are key Korean phrases that will help you request information clearly and politely. These expressions can be adjusted for any situation by changing one or two words. The more natural you sound, the easier it will be for the person on the other end of the line to assist you.
One of the most polite ways to begin asking a question is by saying 실례하지만 (sil-lye-ha-ji-man), which means “Excuse me, but…” You can follow this with your request. For example, if you want to ask about opening hours, you might say: 영업시간이 어떻게 되나요? (yeong-eop-si-ga-ni eo-tteo-ke doe-na-yo?), meaning “What are your business hours?”
If you’re not sure how to begin, start with 질문이 있는데요 (jil-mun-i it-neun-de-yo), which translates to “I have a question.” This is a gentle way to let the other person know that you're about to ask something. It prepares them and makes the conversation smoother.
Another very useful expression is 어디에 있나요? (eo-di-e it-na-yo?), which means “Where is it located?” You can use this when calling to find a business, clinic, or even a lost item. You can add a noun before it like: 약국이 어디에 있나요? (yak-guk-i eo-di-e it-na-yo?) – “Where is the pharmacy?”
Sometimes you’ll need to ask if a service is available. For this, you can use 가능한가요? (ga-neung-han-ga-yo?) after stating your request. For example: 오늘 예약 가능한가요? (o-neul ye-yak ga-neung-han-ga-yo?) – “Is a reservation possible today?”
If you're not sure you understood something, a helpful phrase is 다시 말씀해 주시겠어요? (da-si mal-sseum-hae ju-si-ge-seo-yo?), which means “Could you say that again, please?” This shows politeness and encourages the speaker to repeat more slowly or clearly.
It’s also common to ask for clarification. For instance: 무슨 뜻이에요? (mu-seun tteu-si-e-yo?) – “What does that mean?” or 그게 무슨 말이에요? (geu-ge mu-seun mal-i-e-yo?) – “What are you saying exactly?” Both are polite and non-confrontational ways to double-check.
Always end with gratitude. Even if your question was simple, saying 감사합니다 (gam-sa-ham-ni-da) or 정말 고맙습니다 (jeong-mal go-map-seum-ni-da) can leave a positive impression. In Korean culture, ending a conversation with respect is just as important as how you begin it.
📋 Useful Phone Phrases
| Korean | Romanization | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 영업시간이 어떻게 되나요? | yeong-eop-si-ga-ni eo-tteo-ke doe-na-yo? | What are your business hours? |
| 질문이 있는데요 | jil-mun-i it-neun-de-yo | I have a question. |
| 오늘 예약 가능한가요? | o-neul ye-yak ga-neung-han-ga-yo? | Is a reservation possible today? |
| 다시 말씀해 주시겠어요? | da-si mal-sseum-hae ju-si-ge-seo-yo? | Could you say that again, please? |
How to Start and End a Korean Phone Call
When making a phone call in Korean, your first words set the tone for the entire conversation. A polite and well-structured opening builds trust and shows respect. The most common opening is 여보세요 (yeo-bo-se-yo), which is used when you or the other person answers the phone. It’s the Korean equivalent of “Hello?” but only used on the phone.
If you’re calling a business or service, it’s polite to introduce yourself right after the greeting. For example: 안녕하세요. 저는 Alex입니다 (an-nyeong-ha-se-yo. jeo-neun Alex-im-ni-da) – “Hello, I’m Alex.” This simple introduction helps the receiver understand who you are and makes the call more personal and clear.
After your introduction, clearly state your purpose. A useful phrase is 문의드리려고 전화했습니다 (mun-ui deu-ri-ryeo-go jeon-hwa-haet-seum-ni-da), which means “I’m calling to inquire about something.” This expression sounds professional and respectful, commonly used in customer service or reservation situations.
You might also want to confirm that you’re speaking to the right person. Try saying: ~씨 맞으신가요? (~ssi ma-jeu-sin-ga-yo?), which means “Are you Mr./Ms. ~?” It’s polite and useful when contacting someone you don’t know personally or in formal situations.
As the conversation ends, it’s important to close politely. Common phrases include 감사합니다 (gam-sa-ham-ni-da) – “Thank you,” and 좋은 하루 되세요 (jo-eun ha-ru doe-se-yo) – “Have a nice day.” These leave a positive final impression and show cultural awareness.
In more formal or service-related calls, you may hear 이용해 주셔서 감사합니다 (i-yong-hae ju-syeo-seo gam-sa-ham-ni-da), which means “Thank you for using our service.” You can respond with 수고하셨습니다 (su-go-ha-syeot-seum-ni-da), meaning “Thank you for your effort.” This mutual politeness is a hallmark of Korean communication.
For casual conversations with friends or acquaintances, simpler phrases like 나중에 또 연락할게요 (na-jung-e tto yeon-rak-hal-ge-yo) – “I’ll contact you again later” work well. Still, ending with warmth and courtesy is a good habit to build, no matter the context.
Knowing how to properly start and end a phone call in Korean doesn’t just improve fluency—it also builds relationships. You show that you respect the culture and the person you're talking to, which often leads to smoother, more successful communication.
📋 Sample Call Structure
| Step | Korean | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Greeting | 여보세요 | Hello (on the phone) |
| Introduction | 저는 Alex입니다 | I’m Alex |
| Purpose | 문의드리려고 전화했습니다 | I’m calling to inquire |
| Closing | 감사합니다 | Thank you |
Formal vs. Informal Language on the Phone
Korean is a language deeply rooted in social hierarchy, and this is especially clear during phone calls. One of the most important things to remember is when to use formal language (존댓말, jon-daet-mal) versus informal language (반말, ban-mal). Using the wrong level of speech can come across as disrespectful, even if your intention is friendly.
When speaking to someone older, someone you don’t know well, or a service provider, you must always use formal language. Phrases like 계세요? (gye-se-yo?) for “Are you there?” or 전화드렸습니다 (jeon-hwa deu-ryeot-seum-ni-da) for “I called you” are expected in these situations. Using informal equivalents such as 있어? (i-sseo?) is considered rude unless you are close friends.
Formal language often uses honorific forms and verb endings like -요 (yo) or -습니다 (seum-ni-da). For example, instead of saying 알았어 (a-rat-sseo) to mean “Got it,” the formal version would be 알겠습니다 (al-get-seum-ni-da). These changes in tone and structure reflect respect and professionalism.
It’s also common to use humble speech, especially when talking about your own actions. For example, you might say 말씀드리겠습니다 (mal-sseum deu-ri-get-seum-ni-da) instead of 말할게요 (mal-hal-ge-yo). This shows deference and humility, which are appreciated in both business and personal calls.
Informal speech is generally reserved for family, close friends, or people younger than you. Even then, phone calls often retain a bit more formality compared to in-person chats. It's common to hear younger people still say 고마워요 (go-ma-wo-yo) instead of the completely informal 고마워 (go-ma-wo).
A mistake many learners make is mixing both levels of speech in one call. This inconsistency can confuse or offend the listener. It’s better to stay fully formal, especially if you're unsure. Koreans will appreciate your effort to be polite, even if the sentence isn't perfect.
One helpful tip: listen closely to how the other person is speaking to you. If they are using formal speech, mirror it. If a friend shifts to informal language, it’s often a sign that you can relax a bit, but only after they do so first.
Understanding when and how to use formal versus informal language on the phone is essential to sounding natural and respectful. It builds trust, especially in unfamiliar or professional settings, and helps you avoid awkward social mistakes.
📋 Formal vs. Informal Expressions
| Meaning | Formal | Informal |
|---|---|---|
| Hello (on phone) | 여보세요 | (Same) |
| Thank you | 감사합니다 | 고마워 |
| Got it | 알겠습니다 | 알았어 |
| May I ask you something? | 말씀 좀 여쭤봐도 될까요? | 물어봐도 돼? |
Common Mistakes and Cultural Tips
Even with the best intentions, language learners often make mistakes on the phone in Korean. Fortunately, most of these errors are easy to fix once you understand the cultural expectations and common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to avoid and tips to sound more natural and respectful when calling in Korean.
A common mistake is speaking too informally. For instance, beginners may forget to use honorifics or say phrases like 있어? (it-sseo?) instead of the formal 계세요? (gye-se-yo?). Using informal speech in professional or unfamiliar situations can sound rude or uneducated, even if you don’t mean it that way.
Another issue is hesitation due to nervousness. It’s completely normal to feel nervous during a phone call in a second language, but long pauses or mumbling can make it hard for the other person to understand. Practicing key phrases like 잠시만요 (jam-si-man-yo) for “One moment, please” can help you manage the flow of the conversation with confidence.
Pronunciation mistakes are also common. For example, confusing similar sounds such as ㅂ and ㅍ, or ㅈ and ㅊ, may cause misunderstandings. That’s why speaking slowly and clearly is key. Don’t be afraid to ask the listener to repeat or clarify as needed.
One cultural error that learners often make is not properly ending the call. Unlike in some cultures where it’s okay to just hang up after the main topic is done, in Korea it’s expected to end with formal gratitude and a polite phrase such as 감사합니다. 좋은 하루 되세요 (gam-sa-ham-ni-da. jo-eun ha-ru doe-se-yo) – “Thank you. Have a nice day.”
Koreans also value quick and efficient calls. Dragging a conversation without a clear point may frustrate the listener. That’s why it helps to plan your main questions in advance and get to the point politely but directly.
In professional settings, another helpful cultural tip is identifying your affiliation. For instance, if you're calling from a school or company, saying ~에서 전화드렸습니다 (~e-seo jeon-hwa deu-ryeot-seum-ni-da) – “I'm calling from ~” helps establish credibility and builds trust.
Finally, smiling while speaking on the phone actually improves your tone. Even though the person can't see you, your voice will sound warmer and more approachable. It’s a small habit, but one that can make a big difference in tone and flow.
📋 Mistakes vs. Better Phrases
| Mistake | Better Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 있어? | 계세요? | Are you there? (formal) |
| 뭐라고? (What?) | 다시 말씀해 주시겠어요? | Could you say that again? |
| 누구야? | 누구십니까? | Who is this? (formal) |
| 끊을게 | 통화 감사했습니다 | Thank you for the call |
Practice Dialogue and Listening Strategies
Learning Korean for phone conversations can feel intimidating, but practicing real-life dialogues and using smart listening strategies can help you build confidence quickly. Just like learning music or sports, repetition and structured input are key. Here’s how to develop your speaking and listening skills for phone calls in Korean.
Start by listening to short Korean phone dialogues. These are often available on language apps or YouTube. Look for conversations that involve greetings, asking questions, and polite closings. Try repeating each line aloud after the speaker, focusing on pronunciation, tone, and pacing. For example: 안녕하세요. 무엇을 도와드릴까요? (an-nyeong-ha-se-yo. mu-eot-eul do-wa-deu-ril-kka-yo?) – “Hello. How may I help you?”
Shadowing is another effective method. Listen to a phrase and immediately try to mimic it. This helps with intonation and rhythm. For example, practice saying 예약하고 싶은데요 (ye-yak-ha-go sip-eun-de-yo) – “I’d like to make a reservation” – until it sounds natural.
Break down long sentences into chunks. Take the phrase 지금 가능한 시간이 있을까요? (ji-geum ga-neung-han si-gan-i it-seul-kka-yo?) – “Is there an available time right now?” – and repeat it in parts, then gradually build it back together.
Role-playing is excellent for building confidence. Practice with a friend or tutor by taking turns being the caller and the receiver. You can simulate real situations, like making a doctor’s appointment or calling a delivery service. Write down your script in advance to stay focused.
Pay close attention to pauses and sentence endings in Korean. Many sentences end with polite suffixes like -요 or -습니다. These help signal politeness, and getting the ending right is just as important as the main message.
To improve listening comprehension, don’t just rely on subtitles. After watching a dialogue, re-listen with your eyes closed and focus only on the sound. Can you identify key words like 예약 (ye-yak) – reservation, or 주소 (ju-so) – address? Train your ears to pick up patterns.
Finally, use spaced repetition tools like Anki or Memrise to regularly review key phrases. Add audio to your flashcards to reinforce sound recognition. The more often you hear a phrase, the more naturally it will come to mind when you need it in a real call.
📋 Sample Practice Dialogue
| Speaker | Korean | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| A | 안녕하세요. 예약하려고 전화했어요. | Hello. I’m calling to make a reservation. |
| B | 네, 어떤 날짜로 예약하시겠어요? | Sure. What date would you like to book? |
| A | 이번 주 금요일 오후 3시요. | This Friday at 3 PM. |
| B | 확인했습니다. 예약 완료되셨습니다. | Got it. Your reservation is confirmed. |
FAQ
Q1. What’s the best way to start a phone call in Korean?
A1. Say 여보세요 (yeo-bo-se-yo) when answering. It’s the standard Korean phone greeting.
Q2. How do I introduce myself on the phone?
A2. Use 저는 [이름]입니다 (jeo-neun [name] im-ni-da) — “This is [Name].”
Q3. How can I ask “Who is this?” politely?
A3. Say 실례지만 누구시죠? (sil-lye-ji-man nu-gu-si-jyo?)
Q4. How do I ask “Is [name] there?”
A4. Use [Name] 씨 계세요? ([Name] ssi gye-se-yo?)
Q5. What do I say if I called the wrong number?
A5. Say 죄송합니다. 잘못 걸었어요 (joe-song-ham-ni-da. jal-mot geol-eot-seo-yo)
Q6. How can I ask someone to speak slower?
A6. Say 천천히 말씀해 주세요 (cheon-cheon-hi mal-sseum-hae ju-se-yo)
Q7. How do I ask “Can I speak with [name]?”
A7. Use [Name] 씨와 통화할 수 있을까요? ([Name] ssi-wa tong-hwa-hal su it-seul-kka-yo?)
Q8. What’s a polite way to ask for information?
A8. Use 정보를 좀 여쭤봐도 될까요? (jeong-bo-reul jom yeo-jjwo-bwa-do doel-kka-yo?)
Q9. How do I confirm a booking over the phone?
A9. Say 예약 확인하고 싶습니다 (ye-yak hwa-gin-ha-go sip-seum-ni-da)
Q10. What’s the Korean phrase for “Hold on, please”?
A10. Say 잠시만요 (jam-si-man-yo)
Q11. Can I say “I’ll call back later” in Korean?
A11. Use 나중에 다시 전화드릴게요 (na-jung-e da-si jeon-hwa deu-ril-ge-yo)
Q12. How do I politely ask for business hours?
A12. Say 영업 시간이 어떻게 되나요? (yeong-eop si-gan-i eo-tteo-ke doe-na-yo?)
Q13. How do I leave a message?
A13. Use 메시지 남겨도 될까요? (me-si-ji nam-gyeo-do doel-kka-yo?)
Q14. What if I can’t hear the other person?
A14. Say 잘 안 들려요 (jal an deul-lyeo-yo) — “I can’t hear well.”
Q15. How do I say “Thank you for your help” on the phone?
A15. Say 도와주셔서 감사합니다 (do-wa-ju-syeo-seo gam-sa-ham-ni-da)
Q16. What’s a good closing for a business call?
A16. Use 감사합니다. 좋은 하루 보내세요 (gam-sa-ham-ni-da. jo-eun ha-ru bo-nae-se-yo)
Q17. How do I say “I’m calling from [company]”?
A17. Say [회사]에서 전화드렸습니다 ([company] e-seo jeon-hwa deu-ryeot-seum-ni-da)
Q18. How do I ask “Can you repeat that?”
A18. Say 다시 말씀해 주시겠어요? (da-si mal-sseum-hae ju-si-ge-sseo-yo?)
Q19. What’s the polite way to say “Who am I speaking with?”
A19. Use 실례지만 누구시죠? (sil-lye-ji-man nu-gu-si-jyo?)
Q20. How do I say “Is this the [store]?”
A20. Say [가게] 맞나요? ([store] mat-na-yo?)
Q21. What if I don’t understand something?
A21. Ask 무슨 뜻이에요? (mu-seun tteu-si-e-yo?) — "What does that mean?"
Q22. Can I ask someone to call back?
A22. Yes, say 다시 전화해 주세요 (da-si jeon-hwa-hae ju-se-yo) — "Please call me back."
Q23. How do I ask for a business address?
A23. Say 주소가 어떻게 되나요? (ju-so-ga eo-tteo-ke doe-na-yo?) — "What is the address?"
Q24. What’s the Korean phrase for “Hold on, please”?
A24. Say 잠시만요 (jam-si-man-yo).
Q25. What if I need to leave a message?
A25. Say 메시지 남겨도 될까요? (me-si-ji nam-gyeo-do doel-kka-yo?) — "Can I leave a message?"
Q26. How do I ask for available hours?
A26. Use 가능한 시간이 언제예요? (ga-neung-han si-gan-i eon-je-ye-yo?)
Q27. What is a polite way to ask, “Who am I speaking with?”
A27. Say 실례지만 누구시죠? (sil-lye-ji-man nu-gu-si-jyo?)
Q28. How do I ask if someone is available now?
A28. Say 지금 통화 가능하세요? (ji-geum tong-hwa ga-neung-ha-se-yo?)
Q29. What is the polite way to say “I’ll call back later”?
A29. Use 나중에 다시 전화드리겠습니다 (na-jung-e da-si jeon-hwa deu-ri-ge-sseum-ni-da)
Q30. How do I express gratitude for their help?
A30. Say 도와주셔서 감사합니다 (do-wa-ju-syeo-seo gam-sa-ham-ni-da) — "Thank you for helping me."
This article is intended for educational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the Korean phrases and cultural information presented, variations in usage and context may apply. Learners should consult native speakers or certified educators for further clarification. The author and publisher are not liable for any misunderstanding or miscommunication that may result from using this content in real-life situations.
.jpg)