30 Essential Korean Phrases for Traveling in Korea

Here are useful basic Korean expressions to know when traveling in Korea. Learning just these phrases will make your trip to Korea much smoother.

## Essential Phrases Reference Table

Korean	Pronunciation	Meaning
안녕하세요	annyeonghaseyo	Hello / Good day
감사합니다	gamsahamnida	Thank you
미안합니다	mianhamnida	I’m sorry
괜찮아요	gwaenchanayo	It’s okay / No problem
네 / 아니오	ne / aniyo	Yes / No
~ 어디에 있어요?	~ eodie isseoyo?	Where is ~?
여기에 어떻게 가요?	yeogie eotteoke gayo?	How do I get here? (pointing at map)
이 버스 … 가요?	i beoseu … gayo?	Does this bus go to …?
여기로 가주세요	yeogiro gajuseyo	Please go here (pointing at map)
얼마에요?	eolmayeyo?	How much is it?
이거 주세요	igeo juseyo	Please give me this
물 주세요	mul juseyo	Water, please
메뉴판 주세요	menyupan juseyo	Menu, please
추천해주세요	chucheonhaejuseyo	Please recommend
안매운거 있어요?	anmaeungeo isseoyo?	Do you have non-spicy food?
맛있어요	masisseoyo	It’s delicious
계산서 주세요	gyesanseo juseyo	Check, please / Bill, please
카드돼요?	kadeudwaeyo?	Do you accept cards?
현금만 돼요?	hyeongeumman dwaeyo?	Cash only?
좀 깍아주세요	jom kkakajuseyo	Can you give me a discount?
다른 색 있어요?	dareun saek isseoyo?	Do you have other colors?
봉투주세요 / 봉투필요없어요	bongtujuseyo / bongtupilyoeopseoyo	Please give me a bag / I don’t need a bag
도와주세요	dowajuseyo	Please help me
사진 찍어주실 수 있어요?	sajin jjigeojusil su isseoyo?	Can you take a picture for me?
영어하실 수 있어요?	yeongeohasil su isseoyo?	Can you speak English?
와이파이 있어요?	waipai isseoyo?	Do you have Wi-Fi?
약국 어디에 있어요?	yakguk eodie isseoyo?	Where is the pharmacy?
경찰 불러주세요	gyeongchal bulleojuseyo	Please call the police
안녕히 계세요	annyeonghi gyeseyo	Goodbye (to someone staying)
또 봐요	tto bwayo	See you again

Below are simple explanations of how and when to use these 30 expressions in real situations.

1. 안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo)
   This is a basic greeting used when meeting someone for the first time, or when entering a shop or restaurant. In Korea, staff often greet customers first when they enter, but customers can also greet with “안녕하세요” to make a friendly impression.
   Example sentences:

   • When entering a restaurant: “안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo), 2명이요 (du myeongiyo).” (Hello, table for two, please.)
   • At hotel lobby: “안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo), 체크인 하고 싶어요 (chekeuin hago sipeoyo).” (Hello, I’d like to check in.)

2. 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida)
   Use this when someone helps you, when you receive something, or after paying. In Korea, it’s polite to say thank you frequently. You can use it in various situations: when receiving food at a restaurant, when paying, when getting directions, etc.
   Example sentences:

   • When receiving food: “감사합니다! (gamsahamnida!)” (Thank you!)
   • After paying: “감사합니다 (gamsahamnida), 안녕히 계세요 (annyeonghi gyeseyo).” (Thank you, goodbye.)
   • After receiving help: “정말 감사합니다! (jeongmal gamsahamnida!)” (Thank you very much!)

3. 미안합니다 (mianhamnida)
   Use this to apologize when you make a mistake, block someone’s way, or cause inconvenience. It’s useful when you bump into someone on the subway or bus, stand in the wrong line, or accidentally block someone’s path.
   Example sentences:

   • When bumping into someone on the subway: “아 (a), 미안합니다! (mianhamnida!)” (Oh, I’m sorry!)
   • When standing in the wrong line: “미안합니다 (mianhamnida), 여기 줄이에요? (yeogi jurieyo?)” (Sorry, is this the line?)

4. 괜찮아요 (gwaenchanayo)
   Use this to say “It’s okay” when someone is worried about you or apologizes. “괜찮아요?” can also be used to ask if someone is okay when they’re hurt.
   Example sentences:

   • When someone apologizes: “괜찮아요 (gwaenchanayo), 신경 쓰지 마세요 (singyeong sseuji maseyo).” (It’s okay, don’t worry about it.)
   • When asking if someone is hurt: “괜찮아요? (gwaenchanayo?)” (Are you okay?)
   • When saying everything is fine: “네 (ne), 괜찮아요! (gwaenchanayo!)” (Yes, I’m fine!)

5. 네 / 아니오 (ne / aniyo)
   These are used very frequently to answer “yes” or “no” to questions. “네” means yes (affirmative), and “아니오” means no (negative). In Korean, even if a question is negative, you answer “네” or “아니오” based on your actual intention.
   Example sentences:

   • “이거 주세요? (igeo juseyo?)” → “네 (ne), 여기 있어요 (yeogie isseoyo).” (Can I have this? → Yes, here it is.)
   • “맵지 않아요? (maepji anayo?)” → “아니오 (aniyo), 좀 매워요 (jom maewoyo).” (Is it not spicy? → No, it’s a bit spicy.)
   • “카드 되나요? (kadeu doenayo?)” → “네 (ne), 됩니다 (doemnida).” (Do you accept cards? → Yes, we do.)

6. ~ 어디에 있어요? (~ eodie isseoyo?)
   Use this to ask for the location of something. Replace “~” with the place or thing you’re looking for. You can ask about various places like restrooms, subway stations, convenience stores, etc.
   Example sentences:

   • “화장실 어디에 있어요? (hwajangsil eodie isseoyo?)” (Where is the restroom?)
   • “지하철역 어디에 있어요? (jihacheollyeok eodie isseoyo?)” (Where is the subway station?)
   • “편의점 어디에 있어요? (pyeonuijeom eodie isseoyo?)” (Where is the convenience store?)

7. 여기에 어떻게 가요? (…yeogie eotteoke gayo?)
   Use this when showing a map or your phone to ask how to get to your destination. It’s more effective when you show a map app or paper map. This expression is also useful when using public transportation.
   Example sentences:

   • Showing a map: “여기에 어떻게 가요? (yeogie eotteoke gayo?)” (How do I get here?)
   • Showing phone map: “이곳으로 가려면 어떻게 해야 해요? (igoseuro garyeomyeon eotteoke haeya haeyo?)” (How should I get to this place?)

8. 이 버스 … 가요? (i beoseu … gayo?)
   Use this to confirm with the driver or other people whether the bus/subway goes to a specific destination. Replace “…” with the name of the place you want to go. This is one of the most commonly used expressions when taking a bus.
   Example sentences:

   • “이 버스 서울역 가요? (i beoseu seoullyeok gayo?)” (Does this bus go to Seoul Station?)
   • “이 버스 명동 가요? (i beoseu myeongdong gayo?)” (Does this bus go to Myeongdong?)
   • “이 지하철 강남역 가요? (i jihacheol gangnamyeok gayo?)” (Does this subway go to Gangnam Station?)

9. 여기로 가주세요 (yeogiro gajuseyo)
   This is useful when asking a taxi driver to go to a destination shown on a map. When taking a taxi, show your phone map or address while using this expression to get to the exact destination.
   Example sentences:

   • In a taxi showing a map: “여기로 가주세요 (yeogiro gajuseyo).” (Please go here.)
   • Showing an address: “이 주소로 가주세요 (i jusoro gajuseyo).” (Please go to this address.)

10. 얼마에요? (eolmayeyo?)
    Use this to ask about prices at markets, shops, taxis, etc. This is the most commonly used expression when asking about prices. It’s also useful when checking prices before bargaining at markets.
    Example sentences:

    • At a market: “이거 얼마에요? (igeo eolmayeyo?)” (How much is this?)
    • In a taxi: “여기까지 얼마에요? (yeogikkaji eolmayeyo?)” (How much to here?)
    • At a shop: “이 옷 얼마에요? (i ot eolmayeyo?)” (How much is this clothing?)

11. 이거 주세요 (igeo juseyo)
    Point at the item (or food) you want to buy and say “이거 주세요!” You can make it clearer by pointing with your finger or at the menu. This expression can be used not only at restaurants but also at shops.
    Example sentences:

    • At a restaurant pointing at menu: “이거 주세요 (igeo juseyo).” (This one, please.)
    • At a shop pointing at an item: “이거 주세요 (igeo juseyo), 2개요 (du gaeyo).” (This one, please. Two of them.)
    • At a convenience store: “이거랑 이거 주세요 (igeorang igeo juseyo).” (This and this, please.)

12. 물 주세요 (mul juseyo)
    Use this expression when you need water at a restaurant, etc. In Korean restaurants, water is usually provided automatically, but you can request it this way when needed.
    Example sentences:

    • During a meal: “물 주세요 (mul juseyo).” (Water, please.)
    • When water runs out: “물 좀 더 주세요 (mul jom deo juseyo).” (More water, please.)

13. 메뉴판 주세요 (menyupan juseyo)
    Use this to request a menu when it’s not visible at a restaurant. In Korean restaurants, menus are often posted on walls or not on tables, so asking this way will prompt staff to bring you a menu.
    Example sentences:

    • When entering a restaurant: “메뉴판 주세요 (menyupan juseyo).” (Menu, please.)
    • When menu is not visible: “메뉴판 좀 볼 수 있을까요? (menyupan jom bol su isseulkkayo?)” (Can I see the menu, please?)

14. 추천해주세요 (chucheonhaejuseyo)
    Use this when asking staff to recommend what’s delicious. This expression is especially useful when Korean food is unfamiliar to you. Staff will recommend popular or signature dishes.
    Example sentences:

    • While looking at menu: “뭐가 맛있어요? (mwoga masisseoyo?) 추천해주세요 (chucheonhaejuseyo).” (What’s delicious? Please recommend.)
    • “이 식당에서 뭐가 유명해요? (i sikdangeseo mwoga yumyeonghaeyo?) 추천해주세요 (chucheonhaejuseyo).” (What’s famous at this restaurant? Please recommend.)

15. 안매운거 있어요? (anmaeungeo isseoyo?)
    Use this when you can’t eat spicy food and are looking for less spicy options. Korean food has many spicy dishes, so this is an essential expression for those who can’t handle spicy food.
    Example sentences:

    • “안매운거 있어요? (anmaeungeo isseoyo?)” (Do you have non-spicy food?)
    • “이거 안 매워요? (igeo an maewoyo?)” (Is this not spicy?)
    • “덜 매운 메뉴 있어요? (deol maeun menyu isseoyo?)” (Do you have less spicy menu items?)

16. 맛있어요 (masisseoyo)
    Use this to tell restaurant staff when the food is delicious or to compliment the service. Koreans like to tell staff directly when food is delicious, and you’ll get a friendly response.
    Example sentences:

    • While eating: “정말 맛있어요! (jeongmal masisseoyo!)” (It’s really delicious!)
    • When paying: “맛있었어요 (masisseosseoyo), 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida).” (It was delicious, thank you.)
    • “이거 진짜 맛있어요! (igeo jinjja masisseoyo!)” (This is really delicious!)

17. 계산서 주세요 (gyesanseo juseyo)
    Use this expression when you’ve finished your meal and want to request the check. In Korea, some restaurants have you pay at the counter, while others allow payment at the table.
    Example sentences:

    • After meal: “계산서 주세요 (gyesanseo juseyo).” (Check, please.)
    • “여기 계산해주세요 (yeogi gyesanhaejuseyo).” (Please check out here.)
    • “계산할게요 (gyesanalgeyo).” (I’ll pay now.)

18. 카드돼요? (kadeudwaeyo?)
    Use this to ask if card payment is possible at shops/restaurants. Korea has very developed card payment systems, so most places accept cards, but small markets or street vendors may only accept cash.
    Example sentences:

    • When paying: “카드돼요? (kadeudwaeyo?)” (Do you accept cards?)
    • “카드로 결제할 수 있어요? (kadeuro gyeoljehal su isseoyo?)” (Can I pay by card?)
    • “신용카드 되나요? (sinyongkadeu doenayo?)” (Do you accept credit cards?)

19. 현금만 돼요? (hyeongeumman dwaeyo?)
    Use this to check if card payment isn’t available or if only cash is accepted. This expression is usually used at small shops or markets.
    Example sentences:

    • “여기 현금만 돼요? (yeogi hyeongeumman dwaeyo?)” (Is cash only accepted here?)
    • “카드 안 되나요? (kadeu an doenayo?) 현금만 되나요? (hyeongeumman doenayo?)” (Cards don’t work? Is it cash only?)

20. 좀 깍아주세요 (jom kkakajuseyo)
    Use this when asking for a price discount (bargaining) at markets or street vendors. At traditional Korean markets or street vendors, bargaining is often possible. Department stores or large marts don’t allow bargaining, but you can try at small shops.
    Example sentences:

    • “좀 깍아주세요 (jom kkakajuseyo).” (Can you give me a discount?)
    • “조금만 깎아주시면 살게요 (jogeumman kkakajusimyeon salgeyo).” (I’ll buy it if you give me a small discount.)
    • “2만원에 깎아주세요 (imanwone kkakajuseyo).” (Can you discount it to 20,000 won?)

21. 다른 색 있어요? (dareun saek isseoyo?)
    Use this when asking if there are other colors or types of items like clothing or shoes. This is a useful expression when shopping and the color you want isn’t available.
    Example sentences:

    • “이거 다른 색 있어요? (igeo dareun saek isseoyo?)” (Do you have this in other colors?)
    • “이 옷 빨간색 있어요? (i ot ppalgansaek isseoyo?)” (Do you have this clothing in red?)
    • “다른 사이즈 있어요? (dareun saijeu isseoyo?)” (Do you have other sizes?)

22. 봉투주세요 / 봉투필요없어요 (bongtujuseyo / bongtupilyoeopseoyo)
    Use this to say you need or don’t need a bag after shopping. In Korea, for environmental protection, bags are often purchased separately, or you can decline them if not needed.
    Example sentences:

    • “봉투 주세요 (bongtu juseyo).” (Please give me a bag.)
    • “봉투 필요 없어요 (bongtu pilyo eopseoyo).” (I don’t need a bag.)
    • “봉투 안 주셔도 돼요 (bongtu an jusyeodo dwaeyo).” (You don’t need to give me a bag.)

23. 도와주세요 (dowajuseyo)
    Use this to urgently ask people around you for help in emergency situations or when in trouble. This expression is used when you’re lost, need help with heavy luggage, or in emergency situations.
    Example sentences:

    • When lost: “도와주세요 (dowajuseyo), 길을 잃었어요 (gireul ireosseoyo).” (Please help me, I’m lost.)
    • When needing help with heavy luggage: “도와주세요 (dowajuseyo), 이거 좀 들어주세요 (igeo jom deureojuseyo).” (Please help me, can you help me carry this?)
    • In emergency: “도와주세요! (dowajuseyo!)” (Help me!)

24. 사진 찍어주실 수 있어요? (sajin jjigeojusil su isseoyo?)
    Use this to politely ask someone nearby to take a photo at tourist spots. Koreans often respond kindly to photo requests from tourists.
    Example sentences:

    • “사진 찍어주실 수 있어요? (sajin jjigeojusil su isseoyo?)” (Can you take a picture for me?)
    • “저희 사진 좀 찍어주세요 (jeohui sajin jom jjigeojuseyo).” (Please take a photo of us.)
    • “여기서 사진 한 장만 찍어주세요 (yeogiseo sajin han jangman jjigeojuseyo).” (Please take just one photo here.)

25. 영어하실 수 있어요? (yeongeohasil su isseoyo?)
    Use this when it’s difficult to communicate in Korean or when you want help in English. Especially among younger generations or near tourist areas, many people can speak English.
    Example sentences:

    • “영어하실 수 있어요? (yeongeohasil su isseoyo?)” (Can you speak English?)
    • “영어로 말씀해주실 수 있어요? (yeongeoro malsseumhaejusil su isseoyo?)” (Can you speak in English?)
    • “영어 가능하세요? (yeongeo ganeunghaseyo?)” (Do you speak English?)

26. 와이파이 있어요? (waipai isseoyo?)
    Use this when you want to ask for Wi-Fi password at cafes, accommodations, etc. Korea has very well-developed Wi-Fi, so most cafes and accommodations provide free Wi-Fi.
    Example sentences:

    • “와이파이 있어요? (waipai isseoyo?)” (Do you have Wi-Fi?)
    • “와이파이 비밀번호 알려주세요 (waipai bimilbeonho allyeojuseyo).” (Please tell me the Wi-Fi password.)
    • “인터넷 사용할 수 있어요? (inteonet sayonghal su isseoyo?)” (Can I use the internet?)

27. 약국 어디에 있어요? (yakguk eodie isseoyo?)
    Use this when you’re sick or need medicine and want to ask people nearby about the location of a pharmacy. Korean pharmacies are called “약국” or “drugstore,” and you can purchase general medicine without a prescription.
    Example sentences:

    • “약국 어디에 있어요? (yakguk eodie isseoyo?)” (Where is the pharmacy?)
    • “가까운 약국 알려주세요 (gakkaun yakguk allyeojuseyo).” (Please tell me the nearest pharmacy.)
    • “두통약 살 수 있는 곳 어디에 있어요? (dutongyak sal su inneun got eodie isseoyo?)” (Where can I buy headache medicine?)

28. 경찰 불러주세요 (gyeongchal bulleojuseyo)
    Use this to ask people nearby for help when you need police in urgent situations, crimes, or accidents. In emergencies, you can also call 112 directly, but you can also use this expression when asking people nearby for help.
    Example sentences:

    • “경찰 불러주세요! (gyeongchal bulleojuseyo!)” (Please call the police!)
    • “도둑이에요 (dodugieyo), 경찰 불러주세요! (gyeongchal bulleojuseyo!)” (It’s a thief, please call the police!)
    • “사고가 났어요 (sagoga nasseoyo), 경찰 좀 불러주세요 (gyeongchal jom bulleojuseyo).” (There’s been an accident, please call the police.)

29. 안녕히 계세요 (annyeonghi gyeseyo)
    This is a polite farewell greeting used when leaving, said to people who are staying. Use this when leaving shops or restaurants, checking out of hotels, etc.
    Example sentences:

    • When leaving a restaurant: “감사합니다 (gamsahamnida), 안녕히 계세요 (annyeonghi gyeseyo).” (Thank you, goodbye.)
    • When leaving a shop: “안녕히 계세요 (annyeonghi gyeseyo).” (Goodbye.)
    • Hotel checkout: “안녕히 계세요 (annyeonghi gyeseyo), 좋은 하루 되세요 (joeun haru doeseyo).” (Goodbye, have a good day.)

30. 또 봐요 (tto bwayo)
    This is a friendly farewell meaning “see you again” that can be used when parting. This is a casual farewell used among friends or close acquaintances. For shop staff or people you just met, “안녕히 계세요” is more appropriate.
    Example sentences:

    • When parting with a friend: “또 봐요! (tto bwayo!)” (See you again!)
    • “다음에 또 만나요! (daeume tto mannayo!)” (See you next time!)
    • “나중에 또 봐요! (najunge tto bwayo!)” (See you later!)