70 Common Korean Phrases to Learn for a Trip

Key Takeaways 

• Learning practical Korean phrases helps you travel confidently and independently. 

• Simple greetings and polite words create positive interactions with locals. 

• You don’t need fluency; everyday phrases cover most travel situations. 

• Preparation reduces stress and improves cultural understanding. 

Introduction 

Traveling to South Korea is exciting, but I learned early on that language can shape the entire experience. On my first visit, I relied heavily on English and translation apps. It worked sometimes, but small moments felt awkward, especially in local markets and small restaurants. Once I started using simple Korean phrases, everything changed. People smiled more, conversations flowed better, and getting help became easier. 

That experience taught me something important. You don’t need advanced grammar or long conversations to travel comfortably. What you really need is a set of practical phrases you can use confidently. This guide covers 70 common Korean phrases that help students, graduates, working professionals, and business travelers handle everyday situations smoothly while exploring Korea.  

Let’s get started. 

Basic Greetings and Polite Expressions 

Basic greetings and polite expressions are essential in Korean culture because respect plays a major role in communication. Using polite words helps you make a good first impression and encourages locals to respond warmly. 

1. Hello – Annyeonghaseyo 

1. Hi (casual) – Annyeong 

1. Goodbye (you are leaving) – Annyeonghi gyeseyo 

1. Goodbye (they are leaving) – Annyeonghi gaseyo 

1. Thank you – Gamsahamnida 

1. Thanks (casual) – Gomawo 

1. Excuse me – Sillyehamnida 

1. Sorry – Mianhamnida 

1. Please – Juseyo 

1. Nice to meet you – Mannaseo bangapseumnida 

Essential Travel and Survival Phrases 

Travel and survival phrases help you manage common situations such as confusion, language gaps, or unexpected problems. These expressions allow you to ask for help, clarify doubts, and stay calm when things don’t go as planned. 

1. Yes – Ne 

1. No – Aniyo 

1. I don’t understand – Jal moreugesseoyo 

1. Please speak slowly – Cheoncheonhi malhae juseyo 

1. Do you speak English? – Yeongeo halsu isseoyo? 

1. Help me, please – Dowajuseyo 

1. It’s okay – Gwaenchanayo 

1. No problem – Munje eopseoyo 

1. Just a moment – Jamkkanman 

1. I’m lost – Gil eul ireosseoyo 

Asking for Directions 

Asking for directions becomes easier when you know simple location-related words. These phrases help you navigate streets, stations, tourist spots, and local neighborhoods without constantly relying on maps or translation apps. 

1. Where is…? – … eodi isseoyo? 

1. How do I get there? – Eotteoke gayo? 

1. Left – Oenjjok 

1. Right – Oreunjjok 

1. Straight ahead – Jikjin 

1. Near – Gakkaun 

1. Far – Meon 

1. Here – Yeogi 

1. There – Geogi 

1. Is it far? – Meoreoyo? 

Transportation Phrases 

Transportation phrases are useful when using buses, subways, taxis, or trains in Korea. Knowing these terms helps you understand signs, ask questions, and reach your destination without confusion or delays. 

1. Bus – Beoseu 

1. Subway – Jihacheol 

1. Taxi – Taeksi 

1. How much is it? – Eolmayeyo? 

1. Please stop here – Yeogi sewo juseyo 

1. Entrance – Ipgu 

1. Exit – Chulgu 

1. Transfer – Hwansung 

1. Last train – Makcha 

1. Station – Yeok 

Food and Restaurant Phrases 

Food is a major part of Korean culture, and restaurant phrases help you order confidently. These expressions allow you to ask for recommendations, request changes, and enjoy meals without misunderstandings. 

1. Menu, please – Menyu juseyo 

1. What do you recommend? – Chucheon haejuseyo 

1. Delicious – Masisseoyo 

1. I’m vegetarian – Chaesikjuuimnida 

1. Not spicy, please – An maepge haejuseyo 

1. Very spicy – Aju maewoyo 

1. Water, please – Mul juseyo 

1. Check, please – Gyesan haejuseyo 

1. I’m full – Baebulleoyo 

1. I have food allergies – Eumsik allereugi isseoyo 

Shopping and Money Phrases 

Shopping phrases help you communicate prices, payments, and preferences while visiting markets, malls, or convenience stores. These phrases make transactions smoother and reduce confusion during purchases. 

1. How much is this? – Igeo eolmayeyo? 

1. Too expensive – Neomu bissaeyo 

1. A little cheaper, please – Jom kkakka juseyo 

1. I’ll take it – Igeo salgeyo 

1. Just looking – Gyeongnyeongman hago isseoyo 

1. Cash – Hyeongeum 

1. Credit card – Sin-yong kadeu 

1. Receipt, please – Yeongsujeung juseyo 

1. Open – Yeollin 

1. Closed – Dacheun 

Emergency and Health Phrases 

Emergency and health-related phrases are important for safety. Even if you never use them, knowing these expressions helps you seek help quickly during medical issues or unexpected emergencies. 

1. Hospital – Byeongwon 

1. Pharmacy – Yakguk 

1. Police – Gyeongchal 

1. I’m sick – Aparaeyo 

1. Call an ambulance – Gugeupcha bureo juseyo 

1. It hurts here – Yeogi apeoyo 

1. I lost my passport – Yeogwon eul ileosseoyo 

1. Fire – Bbul 

1. Emergency – Bi-sang 

1. Please help me – Jebal dowajuseyo 

Why Learning These Korean Phrases Before Your Trip Matters 

Making an effort to speak Korean improves how locals respond to you. Travelers who want deeper learning often explore Korean classes in Mumbai, flexible Korean courses in Mumbai, or a professional Korean institute in Mumbai for structured guidance. 

Conclusion 

You don’t need fluency to travel confidently in Korea. These 70 phrases cover real situations and help you communicate clearly, show respect, and enjoy a smoother, more meaningful travel experience. 

About ReSOLT 

ReSOLT provides practical language training, cultural awareness, and career-focused learning programs that help students and professionals build confidence and succeed in global communication environments. 

FAQs 

1. Are these phrases enough for first-time travelers?

Yes, they cover most daily travel needs comfortably. 

2. Do Koreans appreciate foreigners trying their language?

Yes, effort is always welcomed and respected. 

3. How fast can I learn these phrases?

With daily practice, most learners memorize them within two weeks.