Are you dreaming of a trip to Korea? Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time explorer, knowing some essential Korean phrases can make your journey even more magical. Imagine walking into a bustling street market and greeting the locals with a friendly “annyeonghaseyo,” or ordering in fluent Korean at Korean restaurants.
Being able to communicate with people and connect with the culture can transform your travel experience from ordinary to extraordinary. In this article, we’ll share some must-know Korean travel phrases that will help you navigate through different situations and make the most out of your travels in Korea.
Don’t worry if you’re a beginner or have limited knowledge of the language; these Korean phrases will equip you with the tools you need to communicate effectively and confidently. So get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant and beautiful Korean culture with these words and phrases!
Traveling In Korea
As you plan your journey to this enchanting land, deciding on the mode of transportation should be one of your priorities. Luckily, Korea has an efficient and comprehensive public transportation system that makes it easy to navigate the country. The subway system is a popular and convenient option, offering clean and safe rides to all major cities and tourist attractions. You can also opt for buses that connect smaller towns and rural areas. And if you prefer the comfort and speed of a train, the KTX high-speed train system has got you covered.
Once you’re on the move, the sheer number of fascinating places to visit in Korea can be overwhelming. Among the must-see historical sites is Gyeongbokgung Palace, a majestic 14th-century palace that served as the main palace of the Joseon Dynasty. Bukchon Hanok Village, located in the heart of Seoul, offers a glimpse into traditional Korean culture and architecture, while Gyeongju, the ancient capital of the Silla Dynasty, is home to numerous historical sites and artifacts.
Korea’s natural beauty is another reason to visit this country. The island of Jeju, a popular vacation spot, boasts stunning beaches, natural wonders, and mouth-watering local Korean food. Seoraksan National Park, located in the northern part of Korea, is a hiker’s paradise, with beautiful mountains, waterfalls, and scenic trails that offer a unique experience of Korea’s natural beauty.
Busan, the port city known for its beaches, seafood, and nightlife, is an excellent place to experience Korean culture. And for those who want a bird’s eye view of the city, the Namsan Tower in Seoul offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the city and is a popular spot for couples to take romantic photos.
Basic Korean Words For Travel
When traveling to Korea, it’s important to know some basic Korean phrases to communicate with locals. “안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo)” is a polite greeting to say “Hello.” “감사합니다 (gamsahamnida)” means “Thank you,” and “실례합니다 (sillyehamnida)” is the Korean word for “Excuse me.”
But that’s not all; there’s a long list of words that you should know about.
| English | Korean | Romanization |
| Accommodation | 숙소 | sugso |
| Adventure | 모험 | moheom |
| Backpack | 배낭 | baenang |
| Bar | 술집 | suljib |
| Beach | 해변 | haebyeon |
| Bus | 버스 | beoseu |
| Café | 카페 | kape |
| Camera | 카메라 | kamela |
| Check-in | 체크인 | chekeu-in |
| Check-out | 점검 | jeomgeom |
| Compass | 나침반 | nachimban |
| Currency | 통화 | tonghwa |
| Destination | 목적지 | mogjeogji |
| Explore | 탐구하다 | tamguhada |
| Flight | 비행 | bihaeng |
| Forest | 숲 | sup |
| Gallery | 갤러리 | gaelleoli |
| Guide | 가이드 | gaideu |
| Hat | 모자 | moja |
| Hotel | 호텔 | hotel |
| Itinerary | 여정 | yeojeong |
| Jacket | 재킷 | jaekis |
| Journey | 여행 | yeohaeng |
| Lake | 호수 | hosu |
| Landmark | 경계표 | gyeong-gyepyo |
| Luggage | 수화물 | suhwamul |
| Map | 지도 | jido |
| Market | 시장 | sijang |
| Monument | 기념물 | ginyeommul |
| Mountain | 산 | san |
| Museum | 박물관 | bagmulgwan |
| Park | 공원 | gong-won |
| Passport | 여권 | yeogwon |
| Reservation | 예약 | yeyag |
| Restaurant | 식당 | sigdang |
| River | 강 | gang |
| Sandals | 샌들 | saendeul |
| Sneakers | 운동화 | undonghwa |
| Souvenir | 기념품 | ginyeompum |
| Sunglasses | 색안경 | saeg-angyeong |
| Sunscreen | 자외선 차단제 | jaoeseon chadanje |
| Swimsuit | 수영복 | suyeongbog |
| Taxi | 택시 | taegsi |
| Ticket | 티켓 | tikes |
| Tour | 관광 | gwangwang |
| Train | 기차 | gicha |
| Travel | 여행하다 | yeohaenghada |
| Trip | 여행 | yeohaeng |
| Visa | 비자 | bija |
Korean Travel Phrases
Let’s now learn Korean travel phrases for different situations; you might need them if you are traveling to Korea or are accompanying a Korean person on your journey.
Essential Korean Phrases To Ask for Help
As you explore the vibrant streets of South Korea, you may find yourself in need of some assistance, especially if you only speak English. Don’t worry; the friendly locals are always happy to help! If you’re unsure of how to communicate your needs, try using some of these handy phrases.
| English | Korean | Romanization |
| Can you recommend a good restaurant/hotel/tourist attraction? | 좋은 레스토랑/호텔/관광 명소를 추천해 주시겠습니까? | Joh-eun leseutolang/hotel/ gwangwang myeongsoleul chucheonhae jusigessseubnikka? |
| Could you give me some advice on [topic]? | [주제]에 대한 조언을 해주실 수 있나요? | [Juje]e daehan jo-eon-eul haejusil su issnayo? |
| Could you lend me a hand with [task]? | [작업]에 도움을 주시겠어요? | [Jag-eob]e doum-eul jusigess-eoyo? |
| Could you please tell me how to get to [destination]? | [목적지]에 가는 방법을 알려주시겠습니까? | [Mogjeogji]e ganeun bangbeob-eul allyeojusigessseubnikka? |
| Excuse me, can you help me? | 실례지만 저좀 도와 주실 래요? | Sillyejiman jeojom dowa jusil laeyo? |
| I don’t understand, could you explain that to me again? | 이해가 안되는데 다시한번 설명해주실수있나요? | Ihaega andoeneunde dasihanbeon seolmyeonghaejusilsu-issnayo? |
| I need some help with [task/activity], could you show me how to do it? | [작업/활동]에 도움이 필요합니다. 방법을 알려 주시겠습니까? | [Jag-eob/hwaldong]e doum-i pil-yohabnida. bangbeob-eul allyeo jusigessseubnikka? |
| Is there someone who can help me with my luggage? | 짐을 들어줄 사람이 있습니까? | Jim-eul deul-eojul salam-i issseubnikka? |
| I’m having difficulty communicating, could you translate for me? | 의사소통에 어려움이 있습니다. 통역해 주시겠습니까? | Uisasotong-e eolyeoum-i issseubnida. tong-yeoghae jusigessseubnikka? |
| I’m having trouble with my [device/equipment], could you help me fix it? | 내 [장치/장비]에 문제가 있습니다. 해결하는 데 도움을 주시겠습니까? | Nae [jangchi/jangbi]e munjega issseubnida. haegyeolhaneun de doum-eul jusigessseubnikka? |
| I’m lost, could you point me in the right direction? | 길을 잃었습니다. 올바른 방향을 알려 주시겠습니까? | Gil-eul ilh-eossseubnida. olbaleun banghyang-eul allyeo jusigessseubnikka? |
| I’m not feeling well, do you know where the nearest hospital/clinic is? | 몸이 안 좋은데 가장 가까운 병원이 어디인지 아세요? | Mom-i an joh-eunde gajang gakkaun byeong-won-i eodiinji aseyo? |
| I’m running late, could you tell me the fastest way to [destination]? | 늦을 것 같아요. [목적지]까지 가는 가장 빠른 길을 알려 주시겠어요? | Neuj-eul geos gat-ayo. [mogjeogji]kkaji ganeun gajang ppaleun gil-eul allyeo jusigess-eoyo? |
| Sorry to bother you, but could you assist me with something? | 귀찮게 해서 죄송합니다만, 저를 도와주실 수 있으신가요? | Gwichanhge haeseo joesonghabnidaman, jeoleul dowajusil su iss-eusingayo? |
Basic Korean Phrases For Travel
You should also know that there are certain common Korean phrases widely spoken in South Korea. You should know the importance of these basic phrases from a cultural perspective to use them properly when talking with Korean people.
In Korean culture, these phrases hold great importance, as they represent the value placed on politeness and respect in communication. Using these Korean phrases appropriately and in the right context can help you to communicate more effectively and respectfully with native Korean speakers.
So, here are some more phrases for you to learn and embrace Korean culture with open arms!
| English | Korean | Romanization |
| Can you recommend a good local restaurant? | 좋은 현지 식당을 추천해 줄 수 있습니까? | Joh-eun hyeonji sigdang-eul chucheonhae jul su issseubnikka? |
| Can you recommend a good place to stay in this area? | 이 지역에 좋은 숙소를 추천해 주시겠어요? | I jiyeog-e joh-eun sugsoleul chucheonhae jusigess-eoyo? |
| Can you tell me where the nearest public restroom is located? | 가장 가까운 공중화장실이 어디에 있는지 알려주실 수 있나요? | Gajang gakkaun gongjunghwajangsil-i eodie issneunji allyeojusil su issnayo? |
| Do you accept credit cards or only cash? | 신용카드를 받나요 아니면 현금만 받나요? | Sin-yongkadeuleul badnayo animyeon hyeongeumman badnayo? |
| Hello, how can I help you? | 안녕하세요, 무엇을 도와 드릴까요? | Annyeonghaseyo, mueos-eul dowa deulilkkayo? |
| How much does it cost to take a taxi to [destination]? | [목적지]까지 택시를 타는 데 얼마의 비용이 듭니까? | [Mogjeogji]kkaji taegsileul taneun de eolmaui biyong-i deubnikka? |
| I need a map of the city, do you have one available? | 도시 지도가 필요한데 구할 수 있나요? | Dosi jidoga pil-yohande guhal su issnayo? |
| Is there a bus/metro/train station nearby? | 근처에 버스/지하철/기차역이 있습니까? | Geuncheoe beoseu/jihacheol/gichayeog-i issseubnikka? |
| I’m a tourist, can you recommend some must-see attractions? | 저는 관광객입니다. 꼭 봐야 할 명소를 추천해 주시겠어요? | Jeoneun gwangwang-gaeg-ibnida. kkog bwaya hal myeongsoleul chucheonhae jusigess-eoyo? |
| What time does the [attraction/restaurant/shop] open/close? | [어트랙션/레스토랑/상점]은(는) 몇 시에 열거나 닫나요? | [Eoteulaegsyeon/leseutolang/sangjeom] eun(neun) myeoch sie yeolgeona dadnayo? |
| What’s the best way to get around the city? | 도시를 돌아다니는 가장 좋은 방법은 무엇인가요? | Dosileul dol-adanineun gajang joh-eun bangbeob-eun mueos-ingayo? |
Learn To Speak Korean With Ling
If you want to speak the Korean language like a pro, then Ling is a perfect start. This amazing language-learning app will definitely help you get fluent in Korean in no time, so you can speak and read Korean like a pro. With Ling, you can boost your language skills and learn any of the 60+ languages offered.
Did that catch your attention? If yes, why not download the Ling app on the App Store or Play Store to start learning Korean?
Happy Learning!
