🟠 How to Complain or Report a Problem in Korean | Intermediate Level (TOPIK 3–4)

Ever faced a problem at a restaurant, hotel, or subway in Korea but didn’t know how to explain it in Korean?

Learning how to complain or report a problem politely is a vital skill for foreigners living in or visiting Korea. Whether it’s about **bad service, defective products, or reporting lost items**, knowing the right phrases helps you stay calm and resolve situations effectively.

💡 Why Learn to Complain or Report?

Complaining politely in Korea isn’t just about expressing dissatisfaction—it’s about resolving problems **while maintaining harmony and respect**. Koreans value calm and polite expressions even when situations are stressful.

📖 Key Phrases for Complaints

Useful phrases when complaining in shops, restaurants, or services:

이거 불량인 것 같아요.
Igeo bullyang-in geot gatayo.
This seems defective.
환불해 주실 수 있나요?
Hwanbul-hae jusil su innayo?
Can you give me a refund?
서비스가 너무 늦어요.
Seobiseu-ga neomu neujeoyo.
The service is too slow.
책임자를 만나고 싶어요.
Chaegimja-reul mannago sipeoyo.
I want to speak to the person in charge.

🛂 Reporting Problems to Authorities

When reporting issues to police or officials, formality is key:

도난 신고하려고 왔어요.
Donan singo-haryeogo wasseoyo.
I came to report a theft.
지갑을 잃어버렸어요.
Jigab-eul ilheobeoryeosseoyo.
I lost my wallet.
도움을 요청하고 싶어요.
Doum-eul yocheonghago sipeoyo.
I want to request help.
경찰에 연락해야 할까요?
Gyeongchal-e yeonrak-haeya halkkayo?
Should I contact the police?

🗣 Practice Dialogue

A: 저기요, 이 음식에 머리카락이 들어 있어요.
Jeogiyo, i eumsig-e meorikarak-i deul-eo isseoyo.
Excuse me, there’s hair in my food.

B: 정말 죄송합니다. 바로 새로 만들어 드릴게요.
Jeongmal joesonghamnida. Baro saero mandeul-eo deulilgeyo.
I’m so sorry. I’ll make a new one right away.

🧩 Teacher’s Tips

Tip 1: Avoid raising your voice; polite complaints are more effective in Korean culture.

Tip 2: Learn both **soft complaints** (e.g., “조금 불편해요”) and **direct complaints** (e.g., “이거 불량이에요”) to adapt to context.

Tip 3: Practice tone: rising intonation for questions, calm voice for statements.

🌏 Did You Know?

Many Korean stores and restaurants display a **consumer hotline number (1372)** where you can file formal complaints about unfair practices or poor service. This hotline supports multiple languages for foreigners.

✨ Extra Cultural Insight

Unlike some Western countries, direct confrontation is often avoided in Korea. Even complaints are framed to maintain face for both parties, which is why apologetic expressions (죄송합니다, 양해 부탁드립니다) are commonly used during complaints.

📦 Final Thoughts

Knowing how to complain or report problems properly in Korean can prevent misunderstandings and help resolve issues quickly. It also shows respect for Korean cultural norms, making interactions smoother and less stressful.

I write posts like this because many learners only focus on basic greetings or shopping phrases, but advanced survival skills like **reporting problems or complaining politely** are equally important for real-life communication in Korea.

🔗 Related Posts

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How to Give Advice in Korean
Practice giving suggestions politely and naturally.
Making Suggestions with -(으)ㄹ까요?
Polite suggestions for everyday Korean conversations.

🎓 Want to practice complaining politely in Korean with real feedback?
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