🧭 Asking and Giving Directions in Korean (Beginner Level)
Lost in Seoul? 🚶 Don’t panic! In this post, you’ll learn simple and polite ways to ask and give directions in Korean — perfect for traveling, shopping, or just exploring Korea on your own.
📌 Must-Know Direction Words
| 한국어 | Romanization | English |
|---|---|---|
| 오른쪽 | oreunjjok | right |
| 왼쪽 | oenjjok | left |
| 쭉 가세요 | jjuk gaseyo | go straight |
| 여기 | yeogi | here |
| 거기 | geogi | there |
| 건너편 | geonneopyeon | across the street |
| 근처 | geuncheo | nearby |
📝 Useful Phrases for Asking Directions
[장소] 어떻게 가요?
[jangso] eotteoke gayo?
How do I get to [place]?
[장소] 어디에 있어요?
[jangso] eodie isseoyo?
Where is [place]?
화장실이 어디에 있어요?
Hwajangsil-i eodie isseoyo?
Where is the restroom?
지하철역은 어디예요?
Jihacheol-yeogeun eodieyo?
Where is the subway station?
🗣 Useful Responses
저기 왼쪽에 있어요.
Jeogi oenjjoge isseoyo.
It’s over there on the left.
쭉 가세요. 그리고 오른쪽으로 가세요.
Jjuk gaseyo. Geurigo oreunjjok-euro gaseyo.
Go straight. Then go to the right.
여기에서 가까워요.
Yeogieseo gakkawoyo.
It’s close from here.
🗺️ Practice Dialogue
👨🦰 Tourist: 실례지만, 경복궁이 어디에 있어요?
Sillyejiman, Gyeongbokgung-i eodie isseoyo?
Excuse me, where is Gyeongbokgung Palace?
👩🦱 Local: 쭉 가다가 오른쪽으로 가세요. 지하철역 근처에 있어요.
Jjuk gadaga oreunjjok-euro gaseyo. Jihacheol-yeok geuncheoe isseoyo.
Go straight and then turn right. It's near the subway station.
👨🦰 Tourist: 감사합니다!
Gamsahamnida!
Thank you!
💡 Did You Know?
In Korea, people often use landmarks instead of street names to give directions. You might hear things like “GS25 편의점 지나서 오른쪽으로 가세요” (Pass the GS25 convenience store, then turn right). So pay attention to the signs and shops around you!
💬 Practice Korean with Me on italki!
Want to practice real travel situations? 🌏 I offer beginner-friendly role-play classes for asking directions, shopping, taking taxis, and more. Try it out! 👉 Join my class today
Learning how to ask for directions can save you time and stress while traveling. Just a few key phrases can go a long way. Don’t be afraid to ask — Koreans are kind and willing to help! 😊
