If you're worried about language barriers during your trip to Korea, knowing just these 5 basic expressions can help you handle most situations.You don't need to have perfect conversations. Just knowing basic greetings and "thank you" will get you warm responses from locals.
5 Essential Korean Phrases You Must Know
- Hello— Greetings. Available for use anywhere
- Thank you (Kamsahamnida)— Expressions of Gratitude
- I apologize— Sincere apology/excuse me
- That's okay— Also used to mean 'It's okay' or 'No, thank you'
- ~ please— Can be used in various ways such as 'Please give me water', 'Please give me this', etc.
With just these five expressions, you can handle most tourist situations!
Korean phrases for restaurants, convenience stores, and shops
Food is truly the highlight of travel! Learn expressions you can use when ordering.
Order & Payment
- Please calculate the bill— When paying
- I'd like this one, please.— Used while pointing to the menu
- Is it spicy?— When asking if it's spicy
Number of people
When asked 'How many people? (Myeot bun-iseyo?)', please respond as follows:
- 2 people: It's two people (Du myeong-ieyo)
- 3 people: That's three people
- 4 people: That's four people
- 5 people: That's five people (Daseot myeong-imnida)
Transportation card recharge
Please top up my transportation card— Please hand over cash equal to the amount you want to top up.Transportation Card GuidePlease also refer to this.
Korean phrases to use when traveling
- Please go to ~— When telling the taxi driver your destination
- I'm getting off.— When getting off the bus. Korean bus drivers can be impatient!
Tip:For accurate communication, please write your destination in Korean and show it on your phone screen.Korean Travel Essential App GuideCheck out useful apps at
When Language Doesn't Work — Essential App Usage Guide
Papago — The Ultimate Korean Translator
Papago, created by NAVER, is much more accurate than Google Translate for Korean translation.It has voice input and camera translation features (for menus and signs), making it an essential app for traveling in Korea.
ChatGPT — Utilizing in Complex Situations
When you need detailed explanations for food allergies or complaints, you can input them into ChatGPT and request "Please translate this into polite Korean" to get accurate Korean sentences.
Last resort expression
- I don't speak Korean.— I don't speak Korean
- I'm from [country]— Nationality Introduction
When you say this, people will often help you using translation apps or gestures. Korean people are generally very kind to tourists!
Korean & More Convenient Travel with NAMANE Card
Along with Korean expressionsNAMANE CardUsing it makes your travel even more convenient. As an all-in-one transportation card + prepaid payment card, you can receive instant cashback benefits at popular stores without overseas payment fees.
- Advance Purchase:Qoo10 / Klook / Creatrip / KKday
- Local purchase in Korea:Convenience store or subway station vending machine
NAMANE Card Getting Started Guide
Essential Korean Expressions FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I travel even if I don't know Korean at all?
Yes, even if you don't know any Korean at all, you can travel comfortably with just the Papago translation app and 5 basic expressions.Seoul's subway system and tourist attractions have excellent English signage, and the younger generation can communicate in basic English.
Q. What are the most commonly used expressions at restaurants?
'Igeo juseyo (I'd like this)' and 'Gyesanhae juseyo (Please calculate the bill)' are the most commonly used phrases.You can place an order simply by pointing at a menu item with your finger and saying "I'll have this, please."
Q. How do I communicate my destination to the taxi driver?
The most reliable way is to search for your destination on NAVER MAP or KakaoMap and show the Korean address on your screen.By saying "Please take me to ~" while showing the screen, you can arrive accurately without any misunderstandings.
