Tap and Speak! Essential Korean for Using Apps Like a Native

From ordering dinner to checking your bus schedule, apps are your daily companion — especially in a tech-savvy country like Korea. But once your phone starts asking you things in Korean, even simple steps like “Sign Up” or “Reset Password” can feel like decoding a mystery.

This guide teaches you the exact Korean phrases you'll need to handle apps and online services like a local — clearly, naturally, and confidently.

 

Whether you’re trying to log in to a delivery app, adjust your push notifications, or delete an unused service, we’ve got you covered. All examples include Korean script, pronunciation (Romanization), and English meaning — so you won’t just read Korean, you’ll actually use it.

 

Ready to unlock the Korean you need for apps? Let’s dive in and get started! 😉

🔐 Login & Sign-Up Made Easy

When using Korean apps for the first time, one of the biggest hurdles is the login and registration process. Whether it’s signing up for a shopping app or logging into a banking service, you'll often face forms and messages entirely in Korean.

 

The good news? Most of the expressions used in these interfaces are consistent across different apps. Once you learn them, you’ll see the same language in ride-sharing, delivery, shopping, or even government apps.

 

Let’s start with the basics. To sign up, you’ll usually see “회원가입” (hoe-won-ga-ip), which literally means “join membership.” If you already have an account, look for “로그인” (ro-geu-in), which sounds almost like the English “login.”

 

You may also run into options like “카카오로 로그인” (ka-ka-o-ro ro-geu-in) or “애플로 로그인” (ae-peul-ro ro-geu-in), meaning “Log in with Kakao” or “Log in with Apple.” Many Korean apps offer social logins for faster access — this is especially common in e-commerce and travel booking apps.

 

Another common expression is “아이디” (a-i-di) for “username” and “비밀번호” (bi-mil-beon-ho) for “password.” If a field is required, you’ll see a red warning saying “필수입력” (pil-su-ip-ryeok), meaning “required input.”

 

Sometimes, apps ask you to confirm your identity via SMS. Look for “본인인증” (bo-nin-in-jeung), which refers to “identity verification.” In many cases, foreign phone numbers might not work with this — so you may need a local Korean SIM card to proceed.

 

Once you're registered, a button like “가입완료” (ga-ip-wan-ryo) will confirm that the sign-up was successful. You’ll often be redirected to the home screen right after.

 

Let’s say you forget your login info — in the next section, we’ll look at how to reset your password in Korean. But first, here’s a handy table with some of the most useful sign-up and login terms you’ll encounter:

 

📝 Login & Sign-Up Korean Phrase Table

Korean	Romanization	Meaning
로그인	ro-geu-in	Login
회원가입	hoe-won-ga-ip	Sign Up
비밀번호	bi-mil-beon-ho	Password
아이디	a-i-di	Username
본인인증	bo-nin-in-jeung	Identity Verification
가입완료	ga-ip-wan-ryo	Sign-Up Complete

 

With just a few of these phrases, you'll feel way more confident signing in to your favorite Korean apps — and less likely to panic when something looks unfamiliar. 💡

 

🔑 Resetting Passwords in Korean

Forgetting your password is frustrating in any language — and even more so when the recovery steps are in Korean. Thankfully, most apps follow a similar structure when it comes to resetting passwords, and learning a few key phrases will help you navigate it with ease.

 

The most common phrase you’ll need is “비밀번호 찾기” (bi-mil-beon-ho chat-gi), which literally means “find password.” This is the equivalent of “Forgot Password” and usually appears near or below the login button.

 

After clicking this, you’ll often be asked to verify your identity. You might see the phrase “인증번호를 입력하세요” (in-jeung-beon-ho-reul ip-ryeok-ha-se-yo), which means “Enter the verification code.” This is usually sent via SMS or email.

 

If you’re using a Korean phone number, you’ll likely receive the code quickly. But if you’re using an international number, the code may not arrive — a common frustration for travelers. In that case, look for an option labeled “이메일로 받기” (e-mail-lo bat-gi), meaning “Receive via email.”

 

Once you verify your identity, the next screen will ask you to set a new password. This is usually labeled as “새 비밀번호” (sae bi-mil-beon-ho), which means “new password.” You may need to enter it twice for confirmation.

 

Security tip: Some apps require passwords to include Korean characters, numbers, and special characters. If your password keeps getting rejected, the error message may say “비밀번호 조건을 확인하세요” (bi-mil-beon-ho jo-geon-eul hwak-in-ha-se-yo), which means “Check the password requirements.”

 

Once successfully updated, you might see “변경 완료” (byeon-gyeong wan-ryo), meaning “change complete.” This will usually return you to the login screen, where you can try again with your new password.

 

If you're helping someone else reset their password, these phrases will be helpful too. Staff at stores, PC rooms, or phone shops may ask, “비밀번호를 잊으셨어요?” (Did you forget your password?), which is “bi-mil-beon-ho-reul i-jeu-syeoss-eo-yo?”

 

Here’s a quick reference table you can screenshot and use whenever you need to recover your Korean app passwords:

 

🔐 Password Reset Phrase Table

Korean	Romanization	Meaning
비밀번호 찾기	bi-mil-beon-ho chat-gi	Forgot Password
인증번호를 입력하세요	in-jeung-beon-ho-reul ip-ryeok-ha-se-yo	Enter verification code
이메일로 받기	e-mail-lo bat-gi	Receive via email
새 비밀번호	sae bi-mil-beon-ho	New password
비밀번호 조건을 확인하세요	bi-mil-beon-ho jo-geon-eul hwak-in-ha-se-yo	Check password requirements
변경 완료	byeon-gyeong wan-ryo	Change complete

 

With just a few key expressions like these, you can confidently handle password issues in any Korean app — and avoid that awkward “what now?” moment.

 

🔔 Managing App Notifications

Notification overload is real — especially when every app on your phone keeps buzzing in Korean. From new coupons to service updates, Korean apps are known for sending frequent push notifications. Learning how to manage them means fewer distractions and better control of your device.

 

The most common phrase you’ll encounter is “알림 설정” (al-lim seol-jeong), which means “notification settings.” You’ll usually find it under the app’s main menu or in the settings gear icon ⚙️.

 

To turn notifications off, look for “알림 끄기” (al-lim kkeu-gi), meaning “turn off notifications.” Conversely, “알림 켜기” (al-lim kyeo-gi) means “turn on notifications.” These options are typically toggles or checkboxes in the app interface.

 

If an app keeps interrupting your day with constant updates, try changing the type of notifications you receive. You may see categories like “이벤트 알림” (i-ben-teu al-lim, event alerts), “마케팅 수신” (ma-ke-ting su-sin, marketing reception), or “긴급 알림” (gin-geup al-lim, emergency alerts).

 

Many apps allow you to control notifications by topic. For example, a delivery app may have different settings for order status, promotions, and service notices. You’ll often see checkboxes labeled “수신 동의” (su-sin dong-ui), which means “agree to receive.”

 

If you want to silence notifications without turning them off entirely, look for “소리 끄기” (so-ri kkeu-gi), which means “mute sound.” Some apps also offer “야간 모드” (ya-gan mo-deu), or “night mode,” which delays or silences notifications during sleep hours.

 

Sometimes, apps ask for permission to send alerts when you first install them. If you see a pop-up with “알림 허용하시겠어요?” (al-lim heo-yong-ha-si-geot-seo-yo?), it’s asking, “Would you like to allow notifications?” Tap “허용” (heo-yong) to accept, or “거부” (geo-bu) to decline.

 

Not sure which settings you've enabled? Head to the main settings menu of your phone, go to the app list, and look for “앱 알림” (aeb al-lim), which manages notifications across all installed apps.

 

Whether you're trying to focus on work, conserve battery, or just avoid clutter, managing your app notifications in Korean can help you take back control. Here's a useful reference chart for the most common notification-related terms:

 

🔔 App Notification Korean Phrase Table

Korean	Romanization	Meaning
알림 설정	al-lim seol-jeong	Notification Settings
알림 끄기	al-lim kkeu-gi	Turn Off Notifications
알림 켜기	al-lim kyeo-gi	Turn On Notifications
소리 끄기	so-ri kkeu-gi	Mute Sound
야간 모드	ya-gan mo-deu	Night Mode
허용 / 거부	heo-yong / geo-bu	Allow / Deny

 

Now you can silence unnecessary buzzes and stay focused — all while understanding exactly what you’re turning off (or on). 😉

 

⚙️ Changing App Settings Confidently

App settings are where all the magic happens — but in a Korean app, they can feel like a maze. Whether you're trying to change your language, update your personal info, or tweak app behavior, knowing the right Korean words will save you lots of time and confusion.

 

The most common word you’ll need is “설정” (seol-jeong), which means “settings.” This usually appears as a menu item or a gear icon in the top-right or bottom tab of the app. Tap this, and a whole world of submenus will open.

 

To change your profile, look for “내 정보” (nae jeong-bo), meaning “My Info.” Here, you can edit your name, email, phone number, or even your profile picture, which is typically labeled “프로필 사진 변경” (peu-ro-pil sa-jin byeon-gyeong).

 

If the app supports multiple languages, the option will likely be under “언어 설정” (eon-eo seol-jeong), meaning “Language Settings.” While not all apps offer English, many large platforms (like banking or delivery services) do.

 

Want to change your password from the settings menu? Look for “비밀번호 변경” (bi-mil-beon-ho byeon-gyeong). This will lead to a form where you enter your current and new password, often followed by a confirmation step marked as “확인” (hwak-in), which means “Confirm.”

 

You might also see “앱 테마 변경” (aeb te-ma byeon-gyeong), or “Change App Theme,” especially in lifestyle or social media apps. This could allow you to switch between light and dark mode or customize the app’s appearance.

 

Concerned about privacy? Head to “개인정보 설정” (gae-in-jeong-bo seol-jeong), meaning “Privacy Settings.” Here, you can control what data the app collects or shares, and sometimes delete your account completely, marked as “탈퇴” (tal-toe).

 

Many apps also include “알림 설정” (al-lim seol-jeong), which we've covered earlier, but from inside this settings menu, you can manage notification behavior in more detail — such as vibrate, popup, or sound preferences.

 

In some cases, you’ll find a tab called “고객센터” (go-gaek-sen-teo), or “Customer Center,” where users can submit inquiries, request changes, or access FAQs. It’s often found at the bottom of the settings page and can be a lifesaver if you need support.

 

Changing app settings in Korean doesn’t have to be scary. With a few essential words, you can take full control of your apps — just like a native user would.

 

⚙️ App Settings Phrase Table

Korean	Romanization	Meaning
설정	seol-jeong	Settings
내 정보	nae jeong-bo	My Info
언어 설정	eon-eo seol-jeong	Language Settings
비밀번호 변경	bi-mil-beon-ho byeon-gyeong	Change Password
앱 테마 변경	aeb te-ma byeon-gyeong	Change App Theme
개인정보 설정	gae-in-jeong-bo seol-jeong	Privacy Settings

 

Now you're ready to confidently navigate settings menus in any Korean app — and customize your experience like a pro. 💪

 

🗑️ Deleting Apps & Managing Storage

Running out of space? We’ve all been there — especially when Korean apps can take up more room than expected. Managing storage and deleting unused apps is essential to keeping your phone fast and organized.

 

The first phrase you’ll need is “앱 삭제” (aeb sak-je), meaning “delete app.” This option often appears when you long-press the app icon on your home screen, especially on Android devices.

 

On iOS, you may instead see “앱 제거” (aeb je-geo), which also means “remove app.” Some Korean interfaces may use both terms interchangeably, but their function is the same — to uninstall the app from your device.

 

Before deleting, you might get a pop-up asking, “앱을 삭제하시겠습니까?” (aeb-eul sak-je-ha-si-geot-seum-ni-kka?), which means “Do you want to delete this app?” Choose “예” (ye) to confirm or “아니오” (a-ni-o) to cancel.

 

You may also encounter “앱 데이터 삭제” (aeb de-i-teo sak-je), meaning “delete app data.” If you’re just clearing space but plan to reinstall the app later, it’s helpful to know the difference between deleting the app and clearing just the data.

 

Want to check which apps are taking up the most space? Go to your settings and look for “저장 공간” (jeo-jang gong-gan), meaning “storage.” This section gives you an overview of how much space apps, media, and files are using.

 

In many phones, you’ll also see “용량 부족” (yong-ryang bu-jok), meaning “insufficient storage.” This message often appears when installing a new app or downloading a file. It’s your cue to start clearing things up!

 

Some apps let you clear cached data from inside their settings menu. Look for “캐시 삭제” (kae-si sak-je), meaning “delete cache,” or “임시파일 정리” (im-si-pa-il jeong-ri), meaning “temporary file cleanup.” These tools help free up space without removing the app itself.

 

If you're using a shared or older phone, deleting apps might require admin permission. The message “관리자 권한이 필요합니다” (gwan-ri-ja gwon-han-i pil-yo-ham-ni-da) means “Administrator permission required.”

 

It’s also common to see cloud cleanup options, such as “클라우드로 백업 후 삭제” (keul-ra-u-deu-ro baek-eop hu sak-je), meaning “Backup to cloud then delete.” This is great for saving photos or chat history before freeing space.

 

🗂️ App Deletion & Storage Korean Phrase Table

Korean	Romanization	Meaning
앱 삭제	aeb sak-je	Delete App
앱 제거	aeb je-geo	Remove App
저장 공간	jeo-jang gong-gan	Storage
캐시 삭제	kae-si sak-je	Delete Cache
용량 부족	yong-ryang bu-jok	Insufficient Storage
클라우드로 백업 후 삭제	keul-ra-u-deu-ro baek-eop hu sak-je	Backup to Cloud Then Delete

 

Now you’ve got the tools to clean up your phone — Korean-style. Whether you’re deleting or decluttering, your device will thank you for it. 📱✨

 

📞 How to Get Help Inside Korean Apps

Ever felt stuck inside a Korean app and didn’t know where to click for help? Whether it’s a bug, payment issue, or language confusion, getting support in Korean apps can be tricky — unless you know what to look for.

 

Most apps include a section called “고객센터” (go-gaek-sen-teo), which means “Customer Service Center.” You can usually find this at the bottom of the settings menu or in a separate “Help” tab.

 

Another useful term is “문의하기” (mun-ui-ha-gi), meaning “Make an Inquiry.” This button usually takes you to a form where you can type your issue and submit it to the app’s support team.

 

If live chat is available, look for “채팅 상담” (chae-ting sang-dam), which means “Chat Support.” Some apps also label this as “실시간 상담” (sil-si-gan sang-dam), or “real-time consultation.”

 

You might be asked to select a category for your question. Common options include “결제 오류” (gyeol-je o-ryu, payment error), “계정 문제” (gye-jang mun-je, account issue), and “앱 사용법” (aeb sa-yong-beop, how to use the app).

 

If you prefer to browse answers yourself, find “자주 묻는 질문” (ja-ju mut-neun ji-mun), which means “Frequently Asked Questions.” This section usually contains step-by-step guides, screenshots, and troubleshooting tips — though often in Korean only.

 

Some apps also offer help via email or phone. Look for “이메일 문의” (e-mail mun-ui) or “전화 상담” (jeon-hwa sang-dam), meaning “Email Inquiry” and “Phone Support” respectively.

 

If you need to submit a screenshot or file, tap the upload option labeled “파일 첨부” (pa-il cheom-bu), meaning “Attach File.” This helps the support team understand your problem better.

 

One useful trick: Use the translation feature in your phone’s browser or app settings to translate Korean help pages into English. Many Korean apps are webview-based, which means translation tools work well.

 

Don’t forget to check operating hours — many Korean apps only provide human support during business hours (usually 9:00–18:00). If you see “운영 시간” (un-yeong si-gan), it means “service hours.”

 

🆘 Korean Support Phrases Table

Korean	Romanization	Meaning
고객센터	go-gaek-sen-teo	Customer Service
문의하기	mun-ui-ha-gi	Make an Inquiry
채팅 상담	chae-ting sang-dam	Chat Support
자주 묻는 질문	ja-ju mut-neun ji-mun	Frequently Asked Questions
파일 첨부	pa-il cheom-bu	Attach File
운영 시간	un-yeong si-gan	Operating Hours

 

Now you can get support inside any Korean app without feeling lost. Whether it's through chat, email, or FAQ, you've got the right phrases to get the help you need! 🙌

 

📚 FAQ

Q1. What does "로그인" (ro-geu-in) mean in Korean apps?

It means "Login." You'll usually find it at the top of the welcome screen or under a profile icon.

 

Q2. How do I find "Sign Up" on a Korean app?

Look for "회원가입" (hoe-won-ga-ip). It usually appears near the login button.

 

Q3. I forgot my password. What should I click?

Click "비밀번호 찾기" (bi-mil-beon-ho chat-gi), which means "Find Password."

 

Q4. What is "알림 설정" (al-lim seol-jeong)?

It means "Notification Settings" — where you can turn app alerts on or off.

 

Q5. How can I switch languages in the app?

Go to "언어 설정" (eon-eo seol-jeong) — usually found in the Settings menu.

 

Q6. What does "탈퇴" (tal-toe) mean?

It means "Delete Account" or "Withdraw Membership."

 

Q7. What if I see “관리자 권한이 필요합니다”?

It means "Admin permission required." You'll need device owner access.

 

Q8. How can I stop getting marketing messages?

Disable "마케팅 수신" (ma-ke-ting su-sin) under Notification Settings.

 

Q9. What is “앱 삭제” (aeb sak-je)?

It means "Delete App." Usually appears when you long-press the app icon.

 

Q10. How do I clean cache in a Korean app?

Look for "캐시 삭제" (kae-si sak-je) — it deletes temporary data only.

 

Q11. What is “프로필 사진 변경”?

It’s "Change Profile Picture" — usually found in "내 정보" (nae jeong-bo).

 

Q12. How do I mute app sounds?

Choose "소리 끄기" (so-ri kkeu-gi) under the notification menu.

 

Q13. What is "실시간 상담" (sil-si-gan sang-dam)?

It means "Live Chat Support."

 

Q14. Where can I find FAQs in Korean apps?

Look for "자주 묻는 질문" (ja-ju mut-neun ji-mun).

 

Q15. What does “저장 공간” (jeo-jang gong-gan) mean?

It means "Storage Space." Check this to manage file size and app usage.

 

Q16. What’s the Korean word for “Attach File”?

That’s "파일 첨부" (pa-il cheom-bu). You’ll see it when uploading images or documents.

 

Q17. How do I find my account info?

Go to "내 정보" (nae jeong-bo), which means "My Info."

 

Q18. What is "비밀번호 변경" (bi-mil-beon-ho byeon-gyeong)?

It means "Change Password" — often in the settings section.

 

Q19. How do I unsubscribe from email updates?

Look for "수신 거부" (su-sin geo-bu), which means "Unsubscribe."

 

Q20. What’s “이용 약관” (i-yong yak-gwan)?

It means "Terms of Service." You usually agree to it during sign-up.

 

Q21. How can I check app version in Korean?

Look for "버전 정보" (beo-jeon jeong-bo), meaning "Version Info."

 

Q22. What does “자동 로그인” (ja-dong ro-geu-in) mean?

It means "Auto Login." Toggle it on/off to stay logged in.

 

Q23. How do I switch to dark mode?

Tap "다크 모드" (da-keu mo-deu) under "테마 설정" (te-ma seol-jeong).

 

Q24. Where’s “Help” in Korean apps?

Usually it’s labeled "도움말" (do-um-mal) or found under "고객센터" (go-gaek-sen-teo).

 

Q25. What is “백업” (baek-eop)?

It means "Backup" — saving your data to the cloud or device.

 

Q26. How do I check notification preferences?

Go to "알림 설정" (al-lim seol-jeong) and adjust by type or time.

 

Q27. What’s the Korean word for “App Theme”?

That’s "앱 테마" (aeb te-ma) or "테마 설정" (te-ma seol-jeong).

 

Q28. What if I see “이메일 인증”? (e-mail in-jeung)

It means "Email Verification." You’ll need to enter a code sent to your inbox.

 

Q29. How can I report a bug in the app?

Look for "오류 신고" (o-ryu sin-go), which means "Report an Error."

 

Q30. What’s “앱 권한 설정” (aeb gwon-han seol-jeong)?

It means "App Permission Settings." Manage camera, mic, or GPS access here.