🗣️ Navigating Korea Without Speaking Korean: Useful Phrases

Visiting Korea but don’t speak the language? Don’t worry! With just a few handy phrases, you can get around the country, order food, ask for help, and show politeness — all while making a great impression. Here are the most essential Korean phrases for travelers who want to survive (and thrive!) without speaking much Korean.

1. Basic Greetings

한국어: 안녕하세요
발음: an-nyeong-ha-se-yo
영어: Hello / Hi

한국어: 감사합니다
발음: gam-sa-ham-ni-da
영어: Thank you

한국어: 죄송합니다
발음: joe-song-ham-ni-da
영어: I’m sorry / Excuse me

2. Asking for Directions

한국어: ___ 어디예요?
발음: ___ eo-di-ye-yo?
영어: Where is ___?

한국어: 지하철역이 어디예요?
발음: ji-ha-cheol-yeok-i eo-di-ye-yo?
영어: Where is the subway station?

한국어: 이 버스는 인사동 가요?
발음: i beo-seu-neun in-sa-dong ga-yo?
영어: Does this bus go to Insadong?

3. At Restaurants

한국어: 이거 하나 주세요.
발음: i-geo ha-na ju-se-yo
영어: Please give me one of this.

한국어: 고기 없어요?
발음: go-gi eop-seo-yo?
영어: Does this have no meat?

한국어: 물 좀 주세요.
발음: mul jom ju-se-yo
영어: Please give me some water.

4. Emergency or Help

한국어: 도와주세요!
발음: do-wa-ju-se-yo!
영어: Help me!

한국어: 영어 하세요?
발음: yeong-eo ha-se-yo?
영어: Do you speak English?

한국어: 경찰서 어디예요?
발음: gyeong-chal-seo eo-di-ye-yo?
영어: Where is the police station?

5. 🤔 Did you know?

In Korea, being polite is everything. Even if you only speak one or two Korean words, saying them with a respectful tone can earn you smiles, free side dishes, or even extra help from locals. Many Koreans will try to speak English with you, especially if you show effort!

6. Learn Korean with a tutor

🧑‍🏫 Want to go beyond survival phrases?

👉 Book a class with me on italki and learn how to speak with confidence while traveling or living in Korea!