Getting around Korea is easier when you know a few key phrases. Whether you’re dining out, asking for directions, or handling emergencies, these basic Korean phrases should make your stay a little bit easier.
Basic Phrases
Use these basic phrases to handle common interactions with ease.
English | Korean (Hangul) | Romanization |
Yes | 네 | ne |
No | 아니요 | aniyo |
Thank you | 감사합니다 | kamsamnida |
Excuse me (getting attention) | 저기요 | jeogiyo |
Sorry | 죄송합니다 | chwe-song hamnida |
Self-Introductions & Greetings
Greet new people and introduce yourself confidently with these essential phrases.
English | Korean (Hangul) | Romanization |
Hello | 안녕하세요 | annyeonghaseyo |
Goodbye (other person leaving) | 안녕히 가세요 | annyeonghi gaseyo |
Goodbye (other person staying) | 안녕히 계세요 | annyeonghi gyeseyo |
Nice to meet you | 만나서 반가워요 | mannaseo bangawoyo |
What is your name? | 이름이 뭐예요? | ireumi mwoyeyo |
Restaurants & Cafes
Whether ordering food or asking about dietary restrictions, these phrases are helpful when dining out.
English | Korean (Hangul) | Romanization |
Do you have any seating available? | 빈자리 있어요? | binjari isseoyo? |
Please make it less spicy | 덜 맵게 해주세요 | deol maepge hae-juseyo |
I have an allergy | 알레르기가 있어요 | allerugiga isseoyo |
I’m vegan | 저는 비건이에요 | jeoneun bigeonieyo |
I’m a vegetarian | 저는 채식주의자예요 | jeoneun chaesikjuuijayeyo |
Do you have any halal options? | 할랄 음식 있어요? | hallal eumsik isseoyo? |
Directions
Finding your way is simple when you know these phrases to ask for and give directions.
English | Korean (Hangul) | Romanization |
Is it far from here? | 멀어요? | meoreoyo? |
Is it close? | 가까워요? | gakkawoyo? |
Go straight | 쭉 가세요 | jjuk gaseyo |
Go left | 왼쪽 가세요 | oenjjok gaseyo |
Go right | 오른쪽에 가세요 | oreunjjoge gaseyo |
Health & Emergencies
In case of illness or emergencies, these phrases will help you communicate your needs clearly.
English | Korean (Hangul) | Romanization |
My stomach hurts | 배가 아파요 | baega apayo |
I need to go to the hospital | 병원에 가야 해요 | byeongwone gaya haeyo |
I have a headache | 머리가 아파요 | meoriga apayo |
I have a sore throat | 목이 아파요 | mogi apayo |
Common Medical Conditions
Condition | Korean (Hangul) | Romanization |
Fever | 열이 있어요 | yeori isseoyo |
Cold | 감기 걸렸어요 | gamgi geollyeosseoyo |
Cough | 기침이 나요 | gichimi nayo |
Nausea | 메스꺼워요 | meseukkeowoyo |
Diarrhea | 설사를 해요 | seolsareul haeyo |
Allergy | 알레르기 있어요 | allerugiga isseoyo |
Asthma | 천식 있어요 | cheonsik isseoyo |
Dizziness | 어지러워요 | eojireowoyo |
Back pain | 허리가 아파요 | heoriga apayo |
Sore muscles | 근육이 아파요 | geunyugi apayo |
Diabetes | 당뇨병 있어요 | dangnyobyeong isseoyo |
High blood pressure | 고혈압 있어요 | gohyeorap isseoyo |
Low blood pressure | 저혈압 있어요 | jeohyeorap isseoyo |
Heart disease | 심장병 있어요 | simjangbyeong isseoyo |
Mastering just a few of these simple Korean phrases will make your life in Korea more convenient, whether you’re a student or traveler. Keep practicing, and keep a copy on nearby just in case.
Comments