You don't need to study Korean to travel well, but a handful of phrases earns warmth and smooths every counter interaction. These are the highest-leverage ones, written the way they sound.
- 1
Greetings and courtesy
Hello — 안녕하세요 (annyeong-haseyo). Thank you — 감사합니다 (gamsa-hamnida). Sorry / excuse me — 죄송합니다 (joesong-hamnida). Yes / no — 네 (ne) / 아니요 (aniyo).
- 2
Getting a server's attention and ordering
Excuse me (to call staff) — 저기요 (jeogiyo). This one, please — 이거 주세요 (igeo juseyo). The check, please — 계산서 주세요 (gyesanseo juseyo).
How to order food → - 3
Directions and getting around
Where is …? — …어디예요? (…eodi-yeyo?). Subway station — 지하철역 (jihacheol-yeok). Restroom — 화장실 (hwajangsil). How much is it? — 얼마예요? (eolma-yeyo?).
- 4
Help and basics
I don't speak Korean — 한국어 못해요 (hangugeo mot-haeyo). Please help me — 도와주세요 (dowajuseyo). Do you speak English? — 영어 하세요? (yeongeo haseyo?). It's delicious — 맛있어요 (masisseoyo).
Common questions
Is romanization good enough, or do I need Hangul?+
Will people switch to English if I struggle?+
Sources & official links
- Korea Tourism Organization ↗checked 2026-06-01
Fares, schedules, and app details change. Always confirm on the official site before you rely on anything time- or money-critical.