Living in Korea or planning to stay for a while? Delivery services will quickly become your best friend — from fried chicken to groceries to online shopping, nearly everything can be delivered to your door. But using these services in Korean can be tricky, especially when it comes to giving your address or talking to drivers.
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In this guide, you'll learn the essential phrases and skills to communicate your address, respond to calls and texts, and receive your packages smoothly — all in Korean. We’ll also break down cultural tips and pronunciation guides to help you speak confidently, even if your Korean is still beginner-level.
Let’s get started with everything you need to know about mastering delivery conversations in Korea!
Understanding Korean Addresses
If you’ve ever tried filling out a Korean address form or telling a driver where to go, you’ve probably realized it’s not as simple as it sounds. Korean addresses follow a different order from English ones, and small errors in pronunciation or spelling can send your package to the wrong place. Let’s look at how Korean addresses are structured and how you can understand them better.
In Korean, addresses typically go from large to small: province or city → district → neighborhood → street name → building number → apartment/unit. For example: 서울특별시 마포구 합정동 월드컵로 10길 5-2. In Romanized form, this would be “Seoul-teukbyeol-si Mapo-gu Hapjeong-dong World Cup-ro 10-gil 5-2.” Unlike many Western formats, there are no commas, and the street name can sometimes include a number (e.g., 10-gil).
Korean addresses were changed in 2011 from the old “lot number” system to the current “road name” system. However, many locals — and especially taxi drivers or older delivery people — still recognize the old system. That’s why having your address saved both in Korean and in Romanized format on your phone is incredibly helpful.
Here’s another difference: The postal code (zip code) in Korea is 5 digits and comes before the full address when writing it in official forms. For example: 04001 서울특별시 마포구 월드컵로 10길 5-2. Always double-check the zip code on online platforms, especially when ordering from Coupang or Gmarket.
If you live in an apartment, the delivery address also needs to include your building (동/dong) and unit (호/ho). For instance, 101동 203호 means Building 101, Unit 203. Say it as: baek-il dong i-baek sam ho (101동 203호).
It’s useful to keep a screenshot of your full address in Korean on your phone. You can simply show it to drivers or copy and paste it into apps like Baemin or Yogiyo. If you're using voice, practice saying the district and street name clearly and slowly.
Koreans also frequently use landmarks when giving directions. If your building is hard to find, learn to say things like “next to the GS25” or “behind the church.” In Korean: GS25 옆이에요 (GS25 yeop-i-e-yo) or 교회 뒤에 있어요 (gyo-hoe dwi-e it-seo-yo).
Understanding these structure differences will help you avoid delays, lost packages, and confused delivery people. Don’t worry about being perfect — even locals have to repeat their address twice!
🏠 Korean Address Format Table
| Component | Korean Example | Romanization | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| City | 서울특별시 | Seoul-teukbyeol-si | Seoul Special City |
| District | 마포구 | Mapo-gu | Mapo District |
| Neighborhood | 합정동 | Hapjeong-dong | Hapjeong Neighborhood |
| Street | 월드컵로 10길 | World Cup-ro 10-gil | World Cup Road 10-gil |
| Building + Unit | 101동 203호 | 101-dong 203-ho | Building 101, Unit 203 |
How to Say Your Address Over the Phone
Telling your address over the phone can be stressful, especially if you're worried about pronunciation or making mistakes. Unlike typing or sending a map, speaking your address requires you to follow Korean word order and say street names or numbers clearly. Luckily, with a few simple tips and some practice, you can master it!
First, remember the Korean order: city → district → neighborhood → street name → building number → unit number. Start slow and break your address into chunks. For example, to say 서울특별시 마포구 합정동 월드컵로 10길 5-2, 101동 203호, you would say: Seoul-teukbyeol-si, Mapo-gu, Hapjeong-dong, World Cup-ro ship-gil, o-dash-i, baek-il dong, i-baek sam ho.
Practice pausing slightly after each section. Most delivery drivers will ask you to repeat parts of your address if they miss something. You can politely say: 다시 말씀드릴게요 (da-si mal-sseum deu-ril-ge-yo) — “Let me repeat that.”
Here are a few helpful expressions for confirming your address over the phone:
- 주소가 [맞나요]? (ju-so-ga [mat-na-yo]?) — “Is this the correct address?”
- 여기로 오시면 돼요 (yeo-gi-ro o-si-myeon dwae-yo) — “You can come to this location.”
- 건물 이름은 [OO]입니다 (geon-mul i-reum-eun [OO]-im-ni-da) — “The building name is [___].”
If you live in a building with a name (e.g., 한강아파트 – Han River Apartment), mention it after your street address. That helps the driver locate it faster. You can also say 엘리베이터 있는 입구로 와 주세요 (el-li-be-i-teo it-neun ip-gu-ro wa ju-se-yo) — “Please come to the entrance with the elevator.”
Not sure how to pronounce your street or neighborhood? Type the Korean into Papago or Google Translate and click the speaker icon. Practice repeating slowly a few times. Korean drivers are used to foreign accents, so don’t panic — as long as you're polite and try your best, they’ll usually figure it out.
Another tip: Keep your address saved as a voice memo on your phone in both Korean and English. If the line is bad or your pronunciation isn’t clear, you can send the recording through text apps like KakaoTalk or show it when they arrive.
Being prepared and confident will make your deliveries smoother and less stressful. With a few calls, you’ll get the hang of it and be surprised how fast you improve!
📞 Useful Phrases for Phone Delivery Calls
| English | Korean Phrase | Romanization |
|---|---|---|
| Is this the right address? | 주소가 맞나요? | ju-so-ga mat-na-yo? |
| Let me repeat the address | 다시 말씀드릴게요 | da-si mal-sseum deu-ril-ge-yo |
| Please come to the main entrance | 정문으로 와 주세요 | jeong-mun-eu-ro wa ju-se-yo |
| Come to the elevator entrance | 엘리베이터 있는 입구로 와 주세요 | el-li-be-i-teo it-neun ip-gu-ro wa ju-se-yo |
| The building name is ___ | 건물 이름은 ___입니다 | geon-mul i-reum-eun ___ im-ni-da |
Common Delivery Phrases in Korean
When your food or package is on its way, you might get a call or text from the delivery person asking for clarification. Knowing a few common Korean phrases can save you a lot of time and confusion. These are the kinds of phrases that are often short, polite, and to the point.
Most delivery drivers will call to confirm the address or ask how to enter your building. If they say 문 앞에 뒀어요 (mun ap-e dwot-seo-yo), it means “I left it in front of the door.” You can respond with 감사합니다! (gam-sa-ham-ni-da) — “Thank you!”
If your building requires a password or key code, you’ll need to say it clearly. For example: 비밀번호는 1234입니다 (bi-mil-beon-ho-neun il-i-sam-sa im-ni-da) — “The door code is 1234.” Many buildings have keypad locks, so this phrase is very useful.
Sometimes drivers ask questions like: 어디에 두면 될까요? (eo-di-e du-myeon doel-kka-yo?) — “Where should I leave it?” You can reply: 문 앞에 두세요 (mun ap-e du-se-yo) — “Please leave it at the door.”
For high-rise apartments, you might hear: 엘리베이터 있어요? (el-li-be-i-teo it-seo-yo?) — “Is there an elevator?” or 몇 층이에요? (myeot cheung-i-e-yo?) — “Which floor are you on?”
Another helpful phrase is: 도착하면 전화 주세요 (do-chak-ha-myeon jeon-hwa ju-se-yo) — “Please call me when you arrive.” This helps when your building is hard to find or has multiple entrances.
Korean culture emphasizes politeness, so even when you’re in a rush, try to include a polite ending like 주세요 (ju-se-yo) or 감사합니다 (gam-sa-ham-ni-da). It’ll go a long way toward making the interaction smoother!
Here’s a tip: If the driver speaks too fast, simply say 천천히 말씀해 주세요 (cheon-cheon-hi mal-sseum-hae ju-se-yo) — “Please speak slowly.” Most drivers will immediately slow down and try to help.
📮 Common Phrases Used in Delivery Calls
| English Meaning | Korean Phrase | Romanization |
|---|---|---|
| I left it at the door | 문 앞에 뒀어요 | mun ap-e dwot-seo-yo |
| What’s the door code? | 비밀번호가 뭐예요? | bi-mil-beon-ho-ga mwo-ye-yo? |
| Please leave it at the door | 문 앞에 두세요 | mun ap-e du-se-yo |
| Please speak slowly | 천천히 말씀해 주세요 | cheon-cheon-hi mal-sseum-hae ju-se-yo |
| Please call me when you arrive | 도착하면 전화 주세요 | do-chak-ha-myeon jeon-hwa ju-se-yo |
Texting Delivery Drivers in Korean
In Korea, many delivery drivers prefer texting over calling, especially if you're hard to reach or there's background noise. Whether it’s through standard SMS or apps like KakaoTalk, understanding basic texting phrases in Korean can make a big difference.
The most common text you’ll receive is: 도착했습니다 (do-chak-haet-seum-ni-da) — “I’ve arrived.” Sometimes it comes with 문 앞에 뒀어요 (mun ap-e dwot-seo-yo), meaning “I left it in front of the door.” These short messages let you know your food or parcel is waiting outside.
You can reply with 감사합니다 (gam-sa-ham-ni-da) — “Thank you” or 고생하셨어요 (go-saeng-ha-syeot-seo-yo) — “Thanks for your hard work.” This is a polite way to end the exchange and show appreciation for their effort.
If your building has multiple entrances or hidden corners, you might want to guide the driver. Use simple sentences like: 정문으로 와 주세요 (jeong-mun-eu-ro wa ju-se-yo) — “Please come to the main entrance.” Or 2층으로 올라오세요 (i-cheung-eu-ro ol-la-o-se-yo) — “Please come up to the 2nd floor.”
Here are other useful phrases:
- 잠시만 기다려 주세요 (jam-si-man gi-da-ryeo ju-se-yo) — “Please wait a moment.”
- 곧 내려갈게요 (got nae-ryeo-gal-ge-yo) — “I’ll be down soon.”
- 입구가 반대편이에요 (ip-gu-ga ban-dae-pyeon-i-e-yo) — “The entrance is on the other side.”
Be aware that many drivers use very short, even slang-like texts. For instance, instead of saying the full sentence, they might just write 도착 (“arrived”) or 문 앞 (“at door”). Don’t worry — it’s totally normal in delivery communication.
You can prepare by saving a few pre-typed Korean messages in your phone’s notes app. Copy and paste them when needed. This saves time and prevents mistakes during rushed situations.
Most importantly, keep things polite and brief. You don’t need to explain too much. A short “Thanks” and simple directions go a long way. Even just saying 감사합니다! can brighten someone’s day.
💬 Korean Texting Phrases for Delivery
| English Message | Korean Text | Romanization |
|---|---|---|
| I have arrived | 도착했습니다 | do-chak-haet-seum-ni-da |
| Left it at the door | 문 앞에 뒀어요 | mun ap-e dwot-seo-yo |
| I’ll be down soon | 곧 내려갈게요 | got nae-ryeo-gal-ge-yo |
| Please wait a moment | 잠시만 기다려 주세요 | jam-si-man gi-da-ryeo ju-se-yo |
| Come to the main entrance | 정문으로 와 주세요 | jeong-mun-eu-ro wa ju-se-yo |
How to Receive and Sign for Packages
In Korea, package delivery is often so fast and efficient that you may not even see the delivery person — but sometimes you’ll need to meet them in person, especially for high-value or registered items. In these cases, knowing how to speak politely and sign correctly becomes important.
When someone rings your doorbell or calls to say they’ve arrived, go to the main entrance or lobby if needed. Upon meeting them, you can say 안녕하세요 (an-nyeong-ha-se-yo) — “Hello” with a polite tone. Then, receive the parcel with two hands to show respect, a small cultural gesture that’s appreciated.
If the package requires a signature, the delivery person might say: 서명해 주세요 (seo-myeong-hae ju-se-yo) — “Please sign here.” Use your finger or a stylus on their handheld device. Don’t worry — you can usually just sign your name in English.
For identification-required packages, you might be asked: 신분증 있으세요? (sin-bun-jeung it-seu-se-yo?) — “Do you have your ID?” In this case, show a passport, ARC (Alien Registration Card), or Korean ID. Many couriers just glance at it and move on quickly.
If you’re not at home, some couriers leave the package with your neighbor or at a security office (경비실). In that case, they may text: 경비실에 맡겼어요 (gyeong-bi-sil-e mat-gyeot-seo-yo) — “I left it with the security guard.”
When accepting something heavy or fragile, you can say: 무거워요? (mu-geo-wo-yo?) — “Is it heavy?” or 조심히 들게요 (jo-sim-hi deul-ge-yo) — “I’ll carry it carefully.” It’s a good idea to check the box for damage before signing anything.
After receiving your package, a polite phrase to end the interaction is 수고하셨습니다 (su-go-ha-syeot-seum-ni-da) — “Thank you for your effort.” This phrase shows gratitude and is commonly used for delivery staff.
If you’re ever unsure about something the delivery person says, simply respond with 잠시만요 (jam-si-man-yo) — “Just a moment” while checking your phone or asking for help. A calm attitude will help both sides feel more comfortable.
With just a few respectful phrases and awareness of the process, you can confidently receive packages in Korea — even without being fluent in the language.
📦 Key Phrases When Receiving Deliveries
| Situation | Korean Phrase | Romanization |
|---|---|---|
| Please sign here | 서명해 주세요 | seo-myeong-hae ju-se-yo |
| Do you have your ID? | 신분증 있으세요? | sin-bun-jeung it-seu-se-yo? |
| I left it with the security guard | 경비실에 맡겼어요 | gyeong-bi-sil-e mat-gyeot-seo-yo |
| Is it heavy? | 무거워요? | mu-geo-wo-yo? |
| Thanks for your effort | 수고하셨습니다 | su-go-ha-syeot-seum-ni-da |
Useful Apps and Services for Delivery in Korea
Whether you’re craving fried chicken at midnight or need to order groceries, Korea’s delivery ecosystem is incredibly efficient. With just a smartphone, you can access a wide range of services. But as a non-Korean speaker, navigating those apps might seem overwhelming at first. Let’s explore the most helpful delivery apps and how to make the most of them.
The most popular food delivery apps in Korea are 배달의민족 (Baemin), 요기요 (Yogiyo), and 쿠팡이츠 (Coupang Eats). These apps allow you to browse menus, customize orders, and track delivery in real-time. Baemin has started to offer limited English support, but overall, these apps are still mostly in Korean.
For parcel and shopping delivery, 쿠팡 (Coupang) is the leader. If you have a Coupang account, you can order everything from clothes to electronics and get it delivered next-day — sometimes even same-day with the “Rocket” service. The app also supports login with Google or Apple ID, which is helpful for foreigners.
Another great service is 마켓컬리 (Market Kurly), perfect for ordering fresh produce, meat, or daily groceries. Their app and website provide some English translation, and they’re known for early morning delivery.
If you're using these apps for the first time, you’ll need to enter your full address in Korean. Use Naver Map or KakaoMap to copy your Korean address format accurately. Some apps allow you to save multiple addresses, which is useful if you move around or travel often.
Most apps let you leave a delivery memo. In this memo, you can write things like 문 앞에 두세요 (mun ap-e du-se-yo) — “Leave it at the door.” Or 전화하지 마세요 (jeon-hwa-ha-ji ma-se-yo) — “Please don’t call.” These memos help avoid unnecessary interaction if you prefer contactless delivery.
Payments can be made via credit card, KakaoPay, or bank transfer. Foreign cards may not always work, so setting up a Korean bank account or using prepaid mobile cards is a smart option.
To summarize, Korean delivery apps are fast, diverse, and convenient. With a bit of preparation — like having your address ready and knowing basic memo phrases — you can confidently order almost anything from anywhere in the country!
📱 Top Delivery Apps for Foreigners in Korea
| App | Type | English Support | Best Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baemin | Food delivery | Basic (limited) | Custom orders + tracking |
| Yogiyo | Food delivery | None | Lots of options |
| Coupang Eats | Food delivery | Basic (limited) | Fast delivery |
| Coupang | Online shopping | Partial (auto-translate) | Next-day shipping |
| Market Kurly | Groceries | Yes | Morning delivery |
FAQ
Q1. Can I use a foreign credit card for delivery apps in Korea?
Yes, some apps like Baemin and Coupang accept foreign cards, but many users report issues. A Korean bank card or payment app like KakaoPay is more reliable.
Q2. What should I do if the delivery driver calls and I don’t speak Korean?
Politely say, "Hanguk-mal mot-hae-yo" (I can't speak Korean) and ask them to text. You can also send a message in advance with simple instructions.
Q3. Can I pre-schedule a delivery time?
Some services like Market Kurly and Coupang allow scheduled delivery slots. Food delivery apps usually operate on real-time delivery only.
Q4. What do I write in the delivery memo?
You can write things like “Leave it at the door” (문 앞에 두세요) or “Call me when you arrive” (도착하면 전화 주세요).
Q5. Are delivery drivers okay with English?
Most drivers speak Korean only. Use short, polite Korean phrases and rely on texting when possible. Learning a few key expressions helps a lot!
Q6. Is it safe to leave packages unattended in Korea?
Yes, Korea is generally very safe. Leaving packages in front of your door is common and rarely leads to theft.
Q7. Can I track my delivery in real-time?
Yes, most apps show real-time delivery tracking with a map or driver’s status updates. Coupang Eats and Baemin are especially good at this.
Q8. What if I live in a goshiwon or shared housing?
Make sure to specify your room number and any entry codes. Include clear notes in the memo and meet them at the entrance if possible.
Q9. How do I write my Korean address correctly?
Use Naver Map or your resident registration card as reference. Most apps require the Korean format with building and unit number.
Q10. Can I return items ordered online?
Yes, most retailers like Coupang offer easy return options via pickup. Check the app’s return policy and process it directly there.
Q11. Do I need to tip delivery drivers?
Tipping is not common or expected in Korea. However, a sincere thank-you or positive review goes a long way!
Q12. Are there delivery apps with full English support?
Very few offer full English support. Market Kurly and some Coupang menus are partially translated. Google Translate helps a lot!
Q13. What should I do if my food arrives wrong?
Contact customer service through the app. Use screenshots and translation tools. Korean agents are usually quick to respond.
Q14. Do convenience stores offer delivery?
Yes! Some stores like CU and GS25 deliver through apps or their own platforms. You can order snacks, drinks, and essentials easily.
Q15. Can I leave instructions in English?
It's better to use Korean if possible. You can add both, but simple Korean phrases are more effective for smooth communication.
Q16. Is delivery available late at night?
Yes, food delivery is often available until 2–3 AM, especially in large cities. Some services run 24/7 for convenience stores.
Q17. What is the “Rocket Delivery” in Coupang?
It’s a next-day (sometimes same-day) delivery service exclusive to Coupang. Very fast and highly reliable for general products.
Q18. Can I pay cash on delivery?
Cash is rarely accepted now. Most deliveries require online or in-app payment before dispatch.
Q19. Is there a minimum order amount?
Yes. For food, most restaurants set a minimum amount (usually 10,000–15,000 won). Market Kurly and Coupang also have thresholds for free delivery.
Q20. What happens if I miss the delivery?
Drivers usually leave the package at your door or return it to the security office. Check the app or text history to confirm its location.
Q21. Can I talk to delivery drivers through apps?
Yes. Most apps have an in-app messaging or call feature that connects you directly to the driver. Use simple Korean phrases or text.
Q22. What if I gave the wrong address?
Immediately contact the driver via app or customer service. If they haven't picked up the order yet, it may be changed. Otherwise, expect delays or cancellation.
Q23. How do I explain my location if it's confusing?
Use landmarks and phrases like “near the convenience store” or “next to the bank.” Maps screenshots help a lot via text.
Q24. Are delivery services available outside of Seoul?
Absolutely. While coverage may vary slightly, most major cities and many rural areas are covered by Coupang, Baemin, and Kurly.
Q25. How can I track if my package was left with the guard?
Most drivers text or note this in the app. Check for messages like "경비실에 맡겼어요" or ask your security desk if you’re unsure.
Q26. Do I need a Korean phone number to use these apps?
Not always, but it helps. Some apps accept foreign numbers, but verification and customer contact are easier with a local number.
Q27. Can I order delivery if I’m staying in a hotel?
Yes! Include the hotel name, room number, and front desk phone. Let reception know to expect delivery if needed.
Q28. Can I order on behalf of someone else?
Yes. Just input their address and name as the recipient. Be sure they’re available to receive or provide entry details.
Q29. What if I accidentally double-order?
Contact customer support immediately. If the order hasn’t been prepared, you may cancel. Otherwise, you’ll need to accept or negotiate with the restaurant.
Q30. Is there a way to save common messages for reuse?
Yes! Most users save Korean phrases in their Notes app or clipboard. Copy and paste pre-written delivery instructions anytime.
Disclaimer: This content is intended for informational purposes only and does not guarantee the accuracy of third-party app behavior or delivery staff responses. Users are responsible for checking the latest terms and local conditions. Language translations and romanizations are simplified for learner accessibility and may not reflect exact phonetic rules.
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