⏰ Telling Time and Dates in Korean (Beginner Level Guide)
🕒 Tick-Tock: Mastering Time and Dates in Korean
What time is it now? 🎂 When is your birthday? Teacher Hoon explains the Number Mixing Rule to help you navigate daily schedules and appointments with 100% accuracy.
The "Native vs. Sino" Mixing Secret (EEAT Tip)
As a teacher with 20 years of experience, I know the biggest frustration for beginners: Numbers. In Korean time, we use Native numbers for HOURS and Sino-Korean numbers for MINUTES. For dates, it's all Sino-Korean. It sounds complex, but once you master the "Rhythm of 12," you'll speak like a native. Let's decode the patterns.
1. Telling Time: The Dual Number System
Remember this simple formula: [Native Hours] + 시 (Si) | [Sino Minutes] + 분 (Bun).
| Korean Time | Romanization | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 🕙 한 시 | Han si | 1 o'clock |
| 🕒 세 시 십오 분 | Se si sibo bun | 3:15 |
| 🕜 열두 시 반 | Yeoldu si ban | 12:30 (half past) |
| ❓ 지금 몇 시예요? | Jigeum myeot si-yeyo? | What time is it? |
💡 Teacher Hoon's Pro "Half Past" Tip
Instead of saying 30분 (sam-sip-bun), Koreans almost always use 반 (Ban), which means "half." For example, "두 시 삼십 분" is correct, but "두 시 반" is what you'll hear in 99% of daily conversations!
2. Talking About Dates: Big to Small
Unlike Western formats, Korean dates always follow the order: Year → Month → Day. All use Sino-Korean numbers.
- 📅 2025년 12월 18일
(icheon isip-o nyeon sibi-wol sib-pal il) - 🎂 생일이 언제예요? (When is your birthday?)
- 🏠 제 생일은 5월 10일이에요. (My birthday is May 10th.)
🗣 Practice Dialogue: Scheduling
A: 지금 몇 시예요? (What time is it now?)
B: 세 시 반이에요. (It's 3:30.)
A: 오늘 며칠이에요? (What is today's date?)
B: 12월 18일이에요. (It's December 18th.)
💡 Did You Know? The 24-Hour Reality
Korea uses the 24-hour system for almost all formal schedules. If you look at a bus ticket or a movie schedule, you'll see "15:00" or "21:30." Even though it's written as 15:00, Koreans still read it as 오후 세 시 (3 PM) in casual talk. Master both to never miss your train!
Want to Practice Numbers with Hoon?
Numbers are the hardest part of Korean for beginners! Book a 1:1 "Numbers & Schedule" session with Hoon on italki. We'll practice telling time, asking for appointment dates, and understanding 24-hour schedules until you feel like a local.
🚀 Master Korean Numbers with Hoon
More Beginner Essentials:
Greetings Guide |
Birthday Talk
