Must-Know Korean Phrases for Travelers 🇰🇷🗣️

 

Why Learn Korean Travel Phrases?

Traveling to Korea is an unforgettable experience—but the language barrier can be tricky. Whether you're navigating public transport, ordering at a restaurant, or asking for directions, a few basic Korean phrases can go a long way. This guide offers essential expressions categorized by real-life travel situations, with Korean, Romanization, and English translations.

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🍽️ At Restaurants (식당에서)

Korean

Romanization

English

이거 주세요	I-geo ju-se-yo	This one, please
메뉴 있어요?	Me-nyu i-sseo-yo?	Do you have a menu?
추천 좀 해주세요	Chu-cheon jom hae-ju-se-yo	Please recommend something
맵지 않게 해주세요	Maep-ji an-ge hae-ju-se-yo	Please make it not spicy
계산서 주세요	Gye-san-seo ju-se-yo	Please give me the bill

💡 Local Tips:

• Water is usually provided for free.
• In some restaurants, side dishes or water may be self-service. Look for signs on the wall or near the entrance.
• Chopsticks and spoons are often stored in a drawer built into the table—check before asking.
• You can call the server by saying “Jeo-gi-yo!” (Excuse me!) or pressing a table bell.

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🚋 Transportation (교통)

Korean	Romanization	English
어디로 가요?	Eo-di-ro ga-yo?	Where does this go?
이거 인천 가요?	I-geo Incheon ga-yo?	Does this go to Incheon?
카드 돼요?	Ka-deu dwae-yo?	Can I use a card?
내려주세요	Nae-ryeo-ju-se-yo	Please let me off
다음 역은 어디예요?	Da-eum yeok-eun eo-di-ye-yo?	What’s the next stop?

💡 Local Tips:

• Some buses in Korea do not accept cash. Be sure to get a T-money card for convenient payment.
• Use the KakaoMetro and KakaoBus apps to check real-time subway and bus arrivals.

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🛍️ Shopping (쇼핑)

Korean	Romanization	English
이거 얼마예요?	I-geo eol-ma-ye-yo?	How much is this?
더 싼 거 있어요?	Deo ssan geo i-sseo-yo?	Do you have a cheaper one?
봉투 주세요	Bong-tu ju-se-yo	Please give me a bag
카드 돼요?	Ka-deu dwae-yo?	Do you take cards?

💡 Local Tips:

• Haggling is not common in most Korean stores—traditional markets may be an exception.
• At supermarkets and convenience stores, you need to pay for shopping bags (usually 100–300 KRW).
• Bringing a reusable tote bag is both eco-friendly and practical!

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🆘 Asking for Help (도움 요청)

Korean	Romanization	English
도와주세요!	Do-wa-ju-se-yo!	Please help me!
길을 잃었어요	Gil-eul ilh-eoss-eo-yo	I’m lost
영어 가능하신가요?	Yeong-eo ga-neung-ha-sin-ga-yo?	Do you speak English?
병원 어디예요?	Byeong-won eo-di-ye-yo?	Where is the hospital?

💡 Local Tips:

• When approaching strangers, it's polite to start with “Jeo-gi-yo” (Excuse me).
• This also works in restaurants to get the attention of a waiter.
• In public places, speak gently and respectfully—politeness goes a long way.

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✨ Final Travel Tip

Don't worry about grammar or perfect pronunciation—just saying key words with a smile goes a long way in Korea. Locals appreciate your effort, and many are happy to help!

📌 Want a printable version or downloadable PDF? Let me know in the comments!