12 Basic Korean Phrases for Tourists

Are you planning to go to Korea? Traveling to a different country can be exciting but frustrating at the same time. That's why we take a lot of time to prepare.

One of the aspects we can consider in preparing for travel is learning a little bit of the language. Communication is crucial, especially if you are traveling alone. While English is the universal language, learning a little bit of the Korean language can help you know more about the country, and the locals will appreciate it even more. 

You don't need to be fluent right away. However, knowing some basic and important phrases can help you on your memorable journey. So I prepared 12 basic Korean phrases that can be helpful once you go to the Land of the Morning Calm!

Before we begin, I would like to give you the two most used phrases in Korean. Usually, we use “hello” and “thank you” very often when we approach other people, right? It is our way of being respectful. So before, here's how to say 'hello' and 'thank you' in Korean:

Hello: 안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo)

Use this greeting to start conversations with locals.

Thank you: 감사합니다 (Kamsahamnida)

This short phrase can make a better day and feeling for locals and you. 

Be sure to use these when communicating with Koreans!

Now, here are the 12 basic Korean phrases for tourists:

1. Excuse me

저기요 (jeogiyo)

"저기요" (jeogiyo) is a commonly used phrase in Korean, often translated as "Excuse me" in English. It's a versatile phrase that can be used in various contexts, depending on the situation.

Example:

Camille: 저기요, 길 좀 물어볼 수 있을까요?

Excuse me, may I ask for directions?

Hoorimi: 네, 그럼요.

yes, sure.

2. Can you help me?

혹시 도와 줄 수 있어요? (hoksi dowa jul su isseoyo?)

"혹시 도와 줄 수 있어요?" (hoksi dowa jul su isseoyo?) is a polite way to ask someone for help in Korean. The phrase translates to "Can you help me?" or "Could you help me?" in English. The word "혹시" (hoksi) adds a sense of caution or hesitation, making the request more polite and considerate.

Example:

Camille: 혹시 도와 줄 수 있어요?

Can you help me?

Hoorimi: 네, 뭘 도와드릴까요?

Yes, what can I do for you?

3. Where is _____

 _____ 이/가 어디예요? (___ eodiyeyo?)

___ 어디에요? (___ eodieyo?) is an essential phrase for finding facilities while on the go.

Just put the place that you are looking for at the beginning of the phrase.

In this example, 화장실 (hwajangsil) means restroom.

Example:

Camille: 화장실 어디에요?

Where is the restroom?

Hoorimi: 저기 앞에, 왼쪽에 있어요.

It's over there, on the left.

4. How do I get to ___?

 _____에 어떻게 가요? ( ___e eotteoke gayo?)

When you want to go to a certain place, like a restaurant or shopping mall, and you don't know how to get there, just put the name of the place and attach 어떻게 가요? (Eotteoke gayo?). For example, "How do I get to Gangnam Station?" 강남역에 어떻게 가요? (Gangnamyeoge eotteoke gayo?)

Example:

Camille: 혹시, 경복궁에 어떻게 가요?

How do I get to Gyeongbokgung Palace?

Hoorimi: 지하철을 타고, 광화문역으로 가세요.

Take the subway and go to Gwanghwamun Station.

5. I’m from [country].

저는 _____에서 왔어요. (jeoneun _____eseo wasseoyo)

Sometimes, Korean ask travelers which country they are from. Then it's a great opportunity for you to speak in Korean. You fill in the blank with your country or city. The phrase translates to "I’m from [country]" in English. This is commonly used when introducing yourself to someone new.

Example:

Hoorimi: 혹시 어디에서 왔어요?

Where are you from?

Camille: 저는 프랑스에서 왔어요.

I’m from France.

6. I’m not good at speaking Korean.

한국말(을) 잘 못해요. (hanguk mareul jal motaeyo)

Maybe Koreans will praise your Korean even if you just say "hello." And suddenly, I can speak in Korean very quickly. Use this phrase if you want to answer the compliment with humility or if it's hard to understand fast Korean. It’s a useful phrase for foreigners who are still learning the language.

Example:

Hoorimi: 와, 한국말을 잘 하시네요!

Wow, you speak Korean well!

Camille: 아니에요, 한국말(을) 잘 못해요.

No, I’m not good at speaking Korean.

7. I didn’t understand.

이해 못 했어요. (ihae mot haesseoyo)

"이해 못 했어요." (ihae mot haesseoyo) is a phrase used to express that you didn’t understand something. It directly translates to "I didn’t understand" in English. This phrase is helpful when you’re having a conversation in Korean and need to let the other person know that you didn’t catch or comprehend what they said.

Example:

Hoorimi: 이해했어요?

Did you understand?

Camille: 아니요. 죄송합니다. 이해 못했어요.

No, I'm sorry. I didn’t understand.

8. Could you say that again?

다시 한번 말해 줄 수 있어요? (dasi hanbeon malhae jul su isseoyo?)

It is a polite way to ask someone to repeat what they just said. The phrase translates to "could you say that again?" in English. And you can add a word "죄송합니다" (joesonghamnida) that means "I’m sorry," to be more polite to your request.

** Can you speak slowly?  

:천천히 말해 줄 수 있어요? (Cheoncheoni malae jul su isseoyo?)

Example:

Hoorimi: 강남역은 저쪽으로 가면 돼요.

You can go over there to Gangnam Station.

Camille: 죄송합니다, 다시 한번 말해 줄 수 있어요?

Sorry, could you say that again?

9. How much is this?

이거 얼마예요? (Igeo eolmayeyo?)

This question is useful when buying something in Korea, like food, souvenirs, etc.

Point your finger at the object and ask simply.

Example:

Camille: 이거 얼마예요?

How much is this?

Hoorimi: 네, 3만 원이에요.

It's 30,000 won.

10. What is this?

이게 뭐예요? (Ige mwoyeyo?)

When you are shopping or ordering food and you are not familiar with the choices, use this question to ask for information about the item or food.

Example:

Camille: 이게 뭐예요?

What is this?

Hoorimi: 이건 떡이예요. 한번 드셔보시겠어요?.

This is a rice cake. Would you like to try it?

11. Please give me some recommendations.

추천 좀 해주세요. (chucheon jom haejuseyo)

When you are at a Korean restaurant or shopping at a mall and you don't know which item to purchase, you can use this phrase to ask for a recommendation. 

Example:

Camille: 추천 좀 해주세요. 뭐가 맛있어요?

Please give me some recommendations. What's delicious?

Hoorimi: 저희 가게에서는 불고기가 제일 맛있어요.

The most delicious one is bulgogi in my restaurant.

12. Can you speak English?

영어 할 수 있어요? (Yeong-eo hal su isseoyo?)

Finally, use this phrase when you can no longer speak in Korean.

This is very handy when you want to seek assistance from locals who can speak English. 

Example:

Camille: 영어 할 수 있어요?

Can you speak English?

Hoorimi: 네, 조금 할 수 있어요.

Yes, I can speak a little.

There are lots of basic phrases that you may need on your trip to Korea. However, these are the phrases that I can recommend to you first. Which phrase do you think you will use the most? Share it in the comments section below! I'll be happy to know!