🙏 Korean Greetings & Etiquette — 한국식 인사법과 문화 예절
.jpg "Korean Greetings & Etiquette — 한국식 인사법과 문화 예절")
This post will guide you through essential Korean greetings, bowing etiquette, and common mistakes to avoid. Let’s dive in!
📑 Table of Contents
🎯 Learning Goal
By the end of this post, you will be able to greet people politely in Korean, bow properly, and apply key etiquette rules in both daily and formal situations.
💬 Say What?
| Korean | Romanization | English |
|---|---|---|
| 안녕하세요 | Annyeonghaseyo | Hello |
| 반갑습니다 / 처음 뵙겠습니다 | Bangapseumnida / Cheoeum boepgetseumnida | Nice to meet you |
| 잘 지냈어요? | Jal jinaesseoyo? | How have you been? |
| 잘 부탁드립니다 | Jal butakdeurimnida | Please take care of me (formal) |
| 실례합니다 | Sillyehamnida | Excuse me |
⚠️ Common Mistakes
❌ Using 안녕 with elders or strangers (too casual).
✅ Use 안녕하세요 / 안녕하십니까 depending on formality.
❌ Bowing too low in casual situations or bowing while walking.
✅ Stop, make brief eye contact, and give a small nod for daily situations; deeper bow for formal events.
❌ Handing items (business card, gift) with one hand.
✅ Use two hands, or support your right hand with your left forearm to show respect.
🗣️ Practice Dialogue
| Korean | Romanization | English |
|---|---|---|
| A: 안녕하세요. | A: Annyeonghaseyo. | A: Hello. |
| B: 반갑습니다. 처음 뵙겠습니다. | B: Bangapseumnida. Cheoeum boepgetseumnida. | B: Nice to meet you. |
| A: 네, 잘 지내셨어요? | A: Ne, jal jinaesyeosseoyo? | A: Yes, how have you been? |
| B: 덕분에 잘 지냈습니다. | B: Deokbune jal jinaetseumnida. | B: Thanks to you, I’ve been well. |
| A: 앞으로 잘 부탁드립니다. | A: Apeuro jal butakdeurimnida. | A: I look forward to your kind cooperation. |
📝 Quick Quiz
1) Which greeting is too casual for elders?
❌ 안녕 (Annyeong)
2) Choose the most formal combination for a first meeting.
✅ 처음 뵙겠습니다 + polite bow
3) What is the respectful way to hand a business card?
✅ With two hands, or supporting your right hand with your left forearm.
📚 Teacher’s Tips
Many students struggle with deciding when to use polite levels like -haeyo vs -hamnida. In my classes, I notice beginners often use casual greetings in formal settings because they memorize them first. A helpful method is to practice role-plays: imagine greeting a professor, a new colleague, and a close friend. Switching tone based on context trains your ear and builds confidence.
Mirror practice also works wonders. Pair phrases with slight bow angles: about 15° for “안녕하세요,” a small nod for “감사합니다,” and a deeper bow for “처음 뵙겠습니다.” By repeating this routine, you’ll naturally link body language with expressions.
Recording your own greetings on your phone can also help. Pay attention to speed and clarity. Students who slow down slightly and keep eye contact often leave a stronger impression than those who rush. Politeness in Korea is about clear words + respectful attitude.
학생들이 자주 어려워하는 부분은 해요체와 합니다체의 선택입니다. 처음에는 외운 대로 캐주얼하게 사용하다가 격식 있는 자리에서 실수하는 경우가 많습니다. 교수님, 상사, 친구 등 상황별 역할극을 하면서 존댓말을 연습하면 자연스럽게 구분할 수 있습니다.
또한, 인사말과 고개 각도를 연결하는 연습이 큰 도움이 됩니다. “안녕하세요”(15°), “감사합니다”(작게 끄덕), “처음 뵙겠습니다”(30° 이상)처럼 각도와 표현을 짝지어 반복하면 몸에 익습니다.
마지막으로, 휴대폰에 녹음해서 발음을 확인하세요. 빠르지 않게 또렷하게 말하고, 미소와 눈맞춤을 함께 하면 훨씬 자연스럽게 보입니다. 한국에서의 예의는 명확한 말 + 태도로 완성됩니다.
📌 Did You Know?
In Korea, bowing is more than just politeness — it reflects respect and hierarchy. During Chuseok and Seollal, families perform 세배 (sebae), a deep bow to elders, who then give blessings (and often money).
✨ Final Thoughts
Korean greetings are more than words — they reflect respect and culture. Now that you know how to greet and bow properly, try using them in your daily encounters. Share your experience in the comments!
🚀 Take Action
👋 Practice Today!
After reading this article, try greeting three people around you in Korean. Say 안녕하세요 with a smile, give a light bow, and notice their reaction. Record yourself saying 안녕하세요, 반갑습니다, 잘 부탁드립니다 and check your tone and clarity.
👋 Take a Lesson with Me!
Want feedback on your greetings and bowing style? Join my italki Korean lessons and get personalized guidance.
💬 Stay Connected
Bookmark this page, share it, and leave a comment below about your experience using these greetings today!
👤 About the Author
I teach Korean on italki and share practical tips about Korean language, culture, and travel.
⏭️ Coming Up Next
In the next article, we’ll explore TOPIK Essential Vocabulary: 500 Words PDF. You’ll get a free downloadable resource with must-know Korean words for beginners, plus tips on how to memorize them effectively. Stay tuned!
