So, you’ve mastered the transport card, figured out that pressing random buttons on a food kiosk is a gamble, and politely removed your shoes at the correct doorway. You are feeling confident… until someone responds to you in Korean at lightning speed.
Deep breath.
While English is common in major cities, using a few Korean phrases will earn you warmer smiles, smoother service, and the occasional impressed nod. Korean might sound quick and precise at first, but it is wonderfully structured and surprisingly forgiving when spoken by travellers.
Here are 10 useful phrases to help you get around, be polite, and feel slightly brilliant while travelling in South Korea.
1. Annyeonghaseyo
👋 Hello
Pronunciation: an-nyeong-ha-se-yo
A respectful greeting that works in shops, restaurants, taxis, hotels, and basically anywhere with people.
💡 Tip: Add a small nod of the head. Instant politeness upgrade.
2. Gamsahamnida
🙏 Thank you
Pronunciation: gam-sa-ham-ni-da
Polite, formal, and used constantly.
💡 Tip: Say it often. Gratitude travels very well here.
3. Ne / Aniyo
👍 Yes / No
Pronunciation: neh / a-ni-yo
Essential for quick decisions, confirming orders, and agreeing that yes, you definitely want that extra side dish.
💡 Tip: “Ne” is softer than it looks. Keep it gentle.
4. Juseyo
🤝 Please give me
Pronunciation: ju-se-yo
Add this after a food or item name when ordering.
💡 Tip: Say the item confidently, then add “juseyo.” Simple and effective.
5. Igeo eolmayeyo?
💰 How much is this?
Pronunciation: ee-geo eol-ma-ye-yo
Perfect for markets, shops, and spontaneous shopping decisions you will justify later.
💡 Tip: Point at the item while asking to avoid confusion.
6. Hwajangsil eodiyeyo?
🚻 Where is the toilet?
Pronunciation: hwa-jang-shil eo-di-ye-yo
Critical knowledge. Truly critical.
💡 Tip: Learn this before you urgently need it.
7. Ihae mot haeyo
🤔 I do not understand
Pronunciation: ee-hae mot hae-yo
Ideal when someone replies with enthusiastic speed and you catch exactly one word.
💡 Tip: Smile while saying it. Help usually appears.
8. Yeongeo hal su isseoyo?
🌍 Do you speak English?
Pronunciation: yeong-eo hal su iss-eo-yo
Polite and useful, especially outside busy areas of Seoul.
💡 Tip: Asking this in Korean already earns respect points.
9. Masisseoyo
😋 It is delicious
Pronunciation: ma-shi-sseo-yo
You will need this at Korean barbecue, street markets, and any meal involving noodles.
💡 Tip: Say it enthusiastically. Chefs love hearing it.
10. Annyeonghi gaseyo / Annyeonghi gyeseyo
👋 Goodbye
Pronunciation: an-nyeong-hi ga-se-yo / an-nyeong-hi gye-se-yo
Use “gaseyo” when the other person is leaving. Use “gyeseyo” when you are leaving.
💡 Tip: If you mix them up, do not panic. A polite smile fixes most things.
✨ Final Language Thoughts
You do not need perfect pronunciation to communicate in South Korea. Effort, politeness, and a sense of humour matter far more than flawless delivery. Locals genuinely appreciate travellers who try, even if the accent goes slightly off script.
Learn a few of these phrases, say them confidently, and enjoy the reactions. In South Korea, a little language goes a very long way.
