Essential Korean Greetings: Say Hello Like a Local
Want to make a great first impression in Korea? 😊 Mastering greetings is the easiest way to start! Whether you’re entering a shop, joining a Zoom meeting, or greeting friends, these phrases help you sound natural and polite.
📚 Table of Contents
- Why Greetings Matter in Korean Culture
- Top 15 Greetings with Romanization
- Formal vs. Informal Usage
- Did You Know?
- Practice Plan (10 Minutes a Day)
- Final Thoughts
👋 Why Greetings Matter
In Korean culture, greetings are more than words — they express respect and acknowledge hierarchy. Bowing slightly, using polite forms, and timing your greeting properly sets the tone for conversations, whether in casual or formal settings.
🔤 Top 15 Greetings with Usage
| Hangul | Romanization | Meaning / Usage |
|---|---|---|
| 안녕하세요 | annyeong-haseyo | Hello (standard polite) |
| 안녕 | annyeong | Hi / Bye (casual) |
| 안녕하십니까 | annyeong-hasimnikka | Hello (formal/business) |
| 좋은 아침입니다 | joeun achim-imnida | Good morning (formal) |
| 굿모닝 | gut-moning | Good morning (Konglish/casual) |
| 좋은 밤 되세요 | joeun bam doeseyo | Have a good night (polite) |
| 잘 자요 | jal jayo | Sleep well (polite) |
| 잘 자 | jal ja | Sleep well (casual) |
| 반갑습니다 | bangapseumnida | Nice to meet you (formal) |
| 반가워요 | bangawoyo | Nice to meet you (polite) |
| 반가워 | bangawo | Nice to meet you (casual) |
| 오랜만이에요 | oraenmanieyo | Long time no see (polite) |
| 어서 오세요 | eoseo oseyo | Welcome (shop/host) |
| 다녀오세요 | danyeo-oseyo | See you later (said to someone leaving) |
| 다녀오겠습니다 | danyeo-ogetseumnida | I’ll be back (said by person leaving) |
🏷️ Formal vs. Informal: Choosing the Right Level
- Formal (안녕하십니까) — For job interviews, presentations, or military contexts.
- Standard Polite (안녕하세요) — Use with strangers, colleagues, or customer service staff.
- Casual (안녕) — Use with close friends, younger people, or siblings.
If unsure, default to 안녕하세요 — it’s safe and respectful in most situations.
🌏 Did You Know?
The 90-degree deep bow, seen during Korean New Year (Seollal), symbolizes the highest respect and is performed mainly for parents and grandparents when giving New Year’s greetings.
📝 Practice Plan (10 Minutes a Day)
- Repeat each greeting aloud 3 times for pronunciation.
- Record yourself and compare with native audio (YouTube/K-drama).
- Role-play scenarios: entering a café, meeting a teacher, greeting friends.
- Shadow short clips from K-dramas to practice intonation.
- Place sticky notes with Hangul + romanization on your desk or phone.
📦 Final Thoughts
Mastering greetings is your first step toward sounding natural in Korean. Start small, repeat daily, and notice how people respond more warmly when you greet them politely.
I hope that as you explore more posts on my blog, you’ll gain confidence in Korean and discover the beauty of its culture. Come back anytime for new tips and expressions!
🔗 Related Posts
- At the Airport in Korean – Essential Phrases
Useful greetings and phrases for check-in, boarding, and customs. - Talking About Your Daily Routine in Korean
Learn how to describe your everyday habits with simple grammar. - Korean Proverbs and Their Everyday Use
Understand proverbs that enrich greetings and conversations.
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