Are you planning an exciting trip to Korea and want to ensure smooth communication during your travels? Whether you're exploring the vibrant streets of Seoul or wandering through picturesque landscapes, having essential Korean phrases at your fingertips can make your journey even more memorable.
In this comprehensive guide, we've compiled 100 must-know words and expressions categorized by common situations travelers often encounter. From greetings and basic communication to asking for help, directions, and handling emergencies, you'll be well-prepared to navigate Korea like a pro. So, let's dive in and equip you with the language skills you need for a fantastic adventure in the Land of the Morning Calm!
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| street signage with a korean word meaning dream ⓒ insung yoon, Unsplash |
Greetings and Basic Communication:
Hello - 안녕하세요? (annyeonghaseyo?)
Goodbye - 안녕히 가세요 (annyeonghi gaseyo) (said to someone leaving)
안녕히 계세요 (annyeonghi gyeseyo) (said to someone staying)
Yes - 네 (ne) / 예 (ye)
No - 아니오 (a-ni-yo)
Thank you - 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida)
You're welcome - 천만에요 (cheonman-eoyo)
Excuse me (to get attention) - 저기요 (jeogiyo)
Excuse me (to apologize) - 실례합니다 (sillyehamnida)
Nice to meet you - 반갑습니다 (bangapseumnida)
Ordering Food
Menu - 메뉴 (menyu)
Water - 물 (mul)
I'm vegetarian - 저는 채식주의자에요 (jeoneun chaesikjuuija-eoyo)
I'm allergic to peanuts. - 저는 땅콩에 알레르기가 있어요 (jeoneun ddangkong e alleoreugiga issseoyo)
Check, please - 계산서 주세요 (gyesanseo juseyo)
I want to order Bulgogi. – 불고기 주문하고 싶어요 (bulgogi jumunhago sip-eoyo)
What do you recommend? - 추천해 주세요 (chucheonhae juseyo)
Emergency Situations
I need help - 도와주세요 (dowajuseyo)
Call the police - 경찰을 불러주세요 (gyeongchal-eul bulleo juseyo)
I'm not feeling well - 기분이 안 좋아요 (gibun-i an joh-ayo)
Is there a hospital nearby? - 주변에 병원이 있나요? (jubyeon-e byeong-won-i issnayo?)
I lost my bag - 가방을 잃어버렸어요 (gabang-eul ilheobeoryeosseoyo)
I lost my passport - 여권을 잃어버렸어요 (yeogwoneul ilheobeoryeosseoyo)
Shopping
Receipt - 영수증 (yeongsujeung)
How much is this? - 이거 얼마에요? (igeo eolmaeyo?)
Can I get a discount? - 할인해 주세요 (halinghae juseyo)
Do you have this in a different size? - 이건 다른 사이즈로 있나요? (igeon dareun saijeu ro innayo?)
Transportation
Where is W.C.? – 화장실 어디에 있어요? (hwajangshil eodie issseoyo?)
How do I get to Seoul? – 서울 가는 방법은 어떻게 되나요? (seoul ganeun bangbeobeun eotteoke doenayo?)
Where is the bus stop? - 버스 정류장은 어디에 있나요? (beoseu jeongnyujang-eun eodie issnayo?)
Is this the right bus for Busan? - 이 버스가 부산으로 가는 올바른 버스인가요? (i beoseuga busan euro ganeun olbaneun beoseungayo?)
How much is a ticket to Seoul? - 서울로 가는 티켓 얼마에요? (seoul ro ganeun tiket eolmaeyo?)
Where is the nearest subway station? - 가장 가까운 지하철역은 어디에 있나요? (gajang gakkawun jihacheolyeogeun eodie issnayo?)
Which platform for the train to Busan? - 부산으로 가는 기차는 몇 번 승강장인가요? (busan euro ganeun gichaneun myeot beon seunggangjang-ingayo?)
Accommodation
Hotel - 호텔 (hotel)
Room - 방 (bang)
Reservation - 예약 (yeyak)
I have a reservation - 예약했어요 (yeyakhaesseoyo)
Check-in - 체크인 (chekeu-in)
Check-out - 체크아웃 (chekeu-aus)
Can I have the key, please? - 열쇠 주세요 (yeolsoe juseyo)
Is breakfast included? - 조식이 포함되어 있나요? (josig-i pohamdoeeo issnayo?)
Where is the nearest ATM? - 가장 가까운 ATM은 어디에 있나요? (gajang gakkawun ATM-eun eodie issnayo?
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| korean letters on a table ⓒ ibmoon Kim, Unsplash |
Congratulations! You've now unlocked the essential Korean phrases to enhance your travel experience in Korea. From warm greetings to confidently seeking directions and handling emergencies, these words and phrases will be your trusty companions throughout your journey. Embrace the rich culture, indulge in the delectable cuisine, and connect with the friendly locals using your newfound language skills.
Remember, even a simple "안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo)" can open doors to exciting encounters and unforgettable memories. So, embark on your Korean adventure with confidence, and let these phrases be your bridge to an extraordinary travel experience.
Safe travels!
