10 Korean Phrases You Must Know Before Your Trip! (Survival Guide)
Hi everyone! Are you planning a trip to Korea? That is so exciting! ✈️
Maybe you are a little nervous. You might think, "I don't speak Korean! What should I do?" Please don't worry. Really. You don't need to study difficult grammar. Korean people are very kind. They will love it if you try to speak just a few words.
Today, I have 10 "Survival Korean" phrases for you. They are super easy. If you know these, you will travel like a pro!
Let’s get started!
👋 Saying Hello and Thank You
1. An-nyeong-ha-se-yo (Hello)
This is the most important word. It means "Hello," "Good morning," or "Good afternoon." Say this when you enter a shop, a hotel, or a restaurant.
Tip
Bow your head slightly when you say it. It is very polite!
2. Gam-sa-ham-ni-da (Thank you)
Did someone open the door for you? Did the waiter bring your food? Say "Gam-sa-ham-ni-da." It is a magic word. It makes everyone smile.
🍽️ Ordering Food Like a Boss
3. Jeo-gi-yo (Excuse me / Over here)
This is very useful in restaurants. In Korea, waiters usually don't come to your table until you call them. Raise your hand and say "Jeo-gi-yo!"
Note
Only use this to call someone. Do not use it to apologize.
4. Yeong-eo me-nyu i-sseo-yo? (Do you have an English menu?)
Is the menu only in Korean? Don't panic. Just ask this question. Many places in Seoul have English menus or menus with pictures. It saves your life!
5. ~ Ju-se-yo (Please give me ~)
This is the easiest way to order. Just say the word you want, then add "Ju-se-yo."
Water please: "Mul Ju-se-yo."
This please: "I-geo Ju-se-yo."
Kimchi please: "Kimchi Ju-se-yo."
Simple, right? It works for everything!
🏃 Getting Around the City
6. Joe-song-ham-ni-da (I am sorry)
Did you bump into someone on the street? Did you make a small mistake? Just say this. It shows you are sorry. People will understand.
7. Jam-si-man-yo (Just a moment / Coming through)
Subways and buses in Korea can be very crowded. If you need to get off, but people are blocking the way, say this. It means "Excuse me, I need to pass." People will move for you.
8. Hwa-jang-sil eo-di-ye-yo? (Where is the bathroom?)
This is a true survival phrase! If the sentence is too long, just say "Hwa-jang-sil?" People will point you in the right direction.
🛍️ Shopping and More
9. Eol-ma-ye-yo? (How much is it?)
Korean street food is amazing. The clothes are cool, too. If you want to buy something, ask this. Sometimes, the shop owner might even give you a discount because your Korean is cute!
10. Gwaen-chan-a-yo (It’s okay / No thanks)
This word is a multi-tool. It has many meanings.
If someone apologizes to you: It means "I'm fine."
If a clerk asks if you need help, but you are just looking: It means "No, thank you."
If you fall down but aren't hurt: It means "I'm okay!"
💡 One Last Tip!
Do you still feel worried? Download the "Papago" app on your phone. It is a translation app. It is better than Google Translate for Korean. You can even take a picture of a menu, and it translates it for you!
Language does not have to be perfect. A smile and a simple "Hello" are enough. Have a wonderful trip to Korea!
#KoreaTrip #BasicKorean #TravelTips #SeoulTravel #LearnKorean #SurvivalKorean #KoreaTravelGuide
