Useful Basic Korean Phrases for Travelers

You do not need Korean to travel here, but saving a few phrases in Hangul, romanization, and plain meaning makes everyday situations easier. Romanization is only a pronunciation aid; it cannot reproduce every Korean sound exactly.

Greetings and basics

• 안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo) — Hello.
• 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida) — Thank you.
• 죄송합니다 / 실례합니다 (joesonghamnida / sillyehamnida) — Sorry / excuse me.
• 네 / 아니요 (ne / aniyo) — Yes / no.

Restaurants and shops

• 이거 주세요 (igeo juseyo) — “This one, please.”
• 얼마예요? (eolmayeyo?) — “How much is it?”
• 계산할게요 (gyesanhalgeyo) — “I’d like to pay.”
• 화장실 어디예요? (hwajangsil eodiyeyo?) — “Where is the restroom?”

Directions, health, and diet

• 여기 어떻게 가요? (yeogi eotteoke gayo?) — “How do I get here?”
• 영어 가능하세요? (yeongeo ganeunghaseyo?) — “Do you speak English?”
• 도와주세요 (dowajuseyo) — “Please help me.”
• 알레르기가 있어요 (allereugiga isseoyo) — “I have an allergy.”
• 고기·생선 없이 해주세요 (gogi, saengseon eopsi haejuseyo) — “Please make it without meat or fish.”