Going to South Korea? Whether you are an expat, student, or just visiting, learning a few essential Korean phrases will make your life much easier and help you connect with locals!

Here is your quick guide with simple Korean expressions used in everyday life.

👋 Basics

안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo) = Hello
감사합니다 (gamsahamnida) = Thank you
죄송합니다 (joesonghamnida) = I’m sorry
만나서 반가워요 (mannaseo bangawoyo) = Nice to meet you
괜찮아요 (gwaenchanayo) = It’s okay / I’m okay
몰라요 (mollayo) = I don’t know
영어 하세요? (yeongeo haseyo?) = Do you speak English?
이해 못 했어요 (ihae mot haesseoyo) = I didn’t understand
천천히 말해 주세요 (cheoncheonhi malhae juseyo) = Please speak slowly

🛒 Shopping

이거 얼마예요? (igeo eolmayeyo?) = How much is this?
이게 뭐예요? (ige mwoyeyo?) = What is this?
카드 돼요? (kadeu dwaeyo?) = Do you accept cards?
현금 돼요? (hyeongeum dwaeyo?) = Do you accept cash?
봉투 주세요 (bongtu juseyo) = Please give me a bag
포장해주세요 (pojanghae juseyo) = Please wrap it (takeout)

🍽️ Eating Out

메뉴 주세요 (menyu juseyo) = Please give me the menu
추천 해주세요 (chucheon hae juseyo) = Please recommend something
안 매운 거 있어요? (an maeun geo isseoyo?) = Do you have something not spicy?
주문할게요 (jumunhalgeyo) = I am ready to order
계산이요 (gyesaniyo) = Check, please

🚍 Getting Around

어디예요? (eodieyo?) = Where is it?
화장실 어디예요? (hwajangsil eodieyo?) = Where is the bathroom?
지하철 어디예요? (jihacheol eodieyo?) = Where is the subway?
은행 어디예요? (eunhaeng eodieyo?) = Where is the bank?
마트 어디예요? (mateu eodieyo?) = Where is the mart?

😊 Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, Koreans will appreciate your effort!

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