Essential Korean Travel Phrases for Restaurants, Taxis, Hotels and Emergencies
You do not need to speak fluent Korean to travel comfortably in Korea. A small set of polite, practical expressions can make restaurant orders, taxi rides, hotel requests and unexpected problems much easier to manage.
English is used at many major hotels, airports and popular attractions, but it may be limited at traditional markets, local restaurants, pharmacies, small accommodations and in taxis. In these situations, a short Korean sentence combined with a map, menu, gesture or translation screen is often more effective than a long English explanation.
This guide covers essential Korean travel phrases for restaurants, cafés, taxis, hotels, public transportation, shopping, medical care and emergencies. Each section includes Korean text, easy pronunciation and an English meaning so you can speak the phrase or show it directly on your phone.
Table of Contents
- How to Use Korean Travel Phrases
- Basic Korean Phrases Every Tourist Should Know
- Korean Restaurant Phrases
- Food Allergy and Dietary Phrases
- Korean Café Phrases
- Korean Taxi Phrases
- Korean Hotel Phrases
- Subway, Bus and Direction Phrases
- Shopping and Payment Phrases
- Pharmacy and Hospital Phrases
- Emergency, Police and Lost-Item Phrases
- Korean Numbers and Quantities
- What to Say When You Do Not Understand
- How to Use a Translation App
- Korean Pronunciation and Politeness Tips
- Short Korean Travel Dialogues
- Quick Phrase Reference Table
- Common Korean Phrase Mistakes
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Recommendation
How to Use Korean Travel Phrases
The best Korean phrase is usually the shortest sentence that clearly explains what you need. You do not need to memorize a long conversation before entering a restaurant or taxi.
Start with Short, Flexible Sentences
- 이거 주세요. — This one, please.
- 여기로 가 주세요. — Please go here.
- 화장실 어디예요? — Where is the restroom?
- 카드 돼요? — Can I pay by card?
- 도와주세요. — Please help me.
- 천천히 말해 주세요. — Please speak slowly.
Combine Korean with Visual Information
Pointing is not rude when it is used politely and helps avoid confusion. You can point to a menu, show a hotel pin, display a Korean address or type a number on your phone.
For taxis, show the full Korean address rather than trying to pronounce it from English. For restaurants, point to the exact menu item while saying 이거 하나 주세요.
Use Polite Sentence Endings
The following endings are useful for travelers:
- 주세요 — please give me
- 해 주세요 — please do
- 있어요? — do you have it?
- 어디예요? — where is it?
- 맞아요? — is this correct?
- 돼요? — is it possible or allowed?
Basic Korean Phrases Every Tourist Should Know
| Korean | Easy Pronunciation | English | Situation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 안녕하세요 | an-nyeong-ha-se-yo | Hello | Greeting |
| 감사합니다 | gam-sa-ham-ni-da | Thank you | Showing gratitude |
| 죄송합니다 | joe-song-ham-ni-da | I am sorry | Apology |
| 실례합니다 | sil-lye-ham-ni-da | Excuse me | Getting attention politely |
| 네 | ne | Yes | Agreement |
| 아니요 | a-ni-yo | No | Disagreement |
| 괜찮아요 | gwaen-cha-na-yo | It is okay / No, thank you | Reassuring or declining |
| 잘 모르겠어요 | jal mo-reu-ge-sseo-yo | I am not sure | Uncertainty |
| 한국어를 잘 못해요 | han-gu-geo-reul jal mot-hae-yo | I do not speak Korean well | Explaining language ability |
| 영어 하세요? | yeong-eo ha-se-yo? | Do you speak English? | Asking about English |
| 천천히 말해 주세요 | cheon-cheon-hi mal-hae ju-se-yo | Please speak slowly | Understanding speech |
| 다시 말해 주세요 | da-si mal-hae ju-se-yo | Please say it again | Requesting repetition |
| 적어 주세요 | jeo-geo ju-se-yo | Please write it down | Written clarification |
| 보여 주세요 | bo-yeo ju-se-yo | Please show me | Requesting visual help |
| 도와주세요 | do-wa-ju-se-yo | Please help me | Requesting help |
Understanding 괜찮아요
괜찮아요 can mean “I am okay,” “That is fine,” “No problem” or “No, thank you.” Use your tone, facial expression and hand gesture to make the meaning clear.
Useful Noun Plus 주세요 Phrases
- 물 주세요. — Water, please.
- 메뉴 주세요. — Menu, please.
- 영수증 주세요. — Receipt, please.
- 수건 주세요. — Towel, please.
- 사진 찍어 주세요. — Please take a photo.
- 택시 불러 주세요. — Please call a taxi.
Korean Restaurant Phrases
Entering a Restaurant
| Korean | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| 한 명이에요 | han myeong-i-e-yo | One person |
| 두 명이에요 | du myeong-i-e-yo | Two people |
| 자리 있어요? | ja-ri i-sseo-yo? | Is there a table? |
| 예약했어요 | ye-yak-hae-sseo-yo | I have a reservation |
| 예약 안 했어요 | ye-yak an hae-sseo-yo | I do not have a reservation |
| 여기서 먹을게요 | yeo-gi-seo meo-geul-ge-yo | I will eat here |
| 포장할게요 | po-jang-hal-ge-yo | I will take it to go |
Ordering Food
| Korean | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| 이거 하나 주세요 | i-geo ha-na ju-se-yo | One of this, please |
| 이거 두 개 주세요 | i-geo du gae ju-se-yo | Two of these, please |
| 추천해 주세요 | chu-cheon-hae ju-se-yo | Please recommend something |
| 제일 인기 있는 메뉴가 뭐예요? | je-il in-gi it-neun me-nyu-ga mwo-ye-yo? | What is the most popular menu item? |
| 같은 걸로 주세요 | ga-teun geol-lo ju-se-yo | The same one, please |
| 이것만 주세요 | i-geot-man ju-se-yo | Just this, please |
Asking About Spicy Food
| Korean | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| 매워요? | mae-wo-yo? | Is it spicy? |
| 많이 매워요? | ma-ni mae-wo-yo? | Is it very spicy? |
| 안 맵게 해 주세요 | an maep-ge hae ju-se-yo | Please make it not spicy |
| 덜 맵게 해 주세요 | deol maep-ge hae ju-se-yo | Please make it less spicy |
| 매운 소스 빼 주세요 | mae-un so-seu ppae ju-se-yo | Please leave out the spicy sauce |
| 소스 따로 주세요 | so-seu tta-ro ju-se-yo | Sauce on the side, please |
Some dishes use a sauce, broth or seasoning that was prepared in advance. In those cases, the restaurant may not be able to remove the spice completely.
Asking About Ingredients
- 돼지고기 들어가요? — Does it contain pork?
- 소고기 들어가요? — Does it contain beef?
- 닭고기 들어가요? — Does it contain chicken?
- 해산물 들어가요? — Does it contain seafood?
- 견과류 들어가요? — Does it contain nuts?
- 우유 들어가요? — Does it contain milk?
- 달걀 들어가요? — Does it contain egg?
- 밀가루 들어가요? — Does it contain wheat flour?
- 육수에 고기 들어가요? — Does the broth contain meat?
During the Meal
- 물 주세요. — Water, please.
- 반찬 더 주세요. — More side dishes, please.
- 앞접시 주세요. — A small plate, please.
- 젓가락 주세요. — Chopsticks, please.
- 숟가락 주세요. — A spoon, please.
- 휴지 주세요. — Tissue, please.
- 불판 바꿔 주세요. — Please change the grill plate.
- 이거 어떻게 먹어요? — How do I eat this?
Paying and Leaving
- 계산해 주세요. — Please calculate the bill.
- 카드 돼요? — Can I pay by card?
- 현금만 돼요? — Is it cash only?
- 따로 계산할 수 있어요? — Can we pay separately?
- 영수증 주세요. — Receipt, please.
- 남은 음식 포장해 주세요. — Please pack the remaining food.
Food Allergy and Dietary Phrases
Food allergies require more detail than saying that you do not like or cannot eat something. State the exact ingredient, explain whether a small amount is dangerous and ask about shared utensils or cooking oil when cross-contact is a concern.
Allergy Phrases
| Korean | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| 저는 견과류 알레르기가 있어요 | jeo-neun gyeon-gwa-ryu al-le-reu-gi-ga i-sseo-yo | I have a nut allergy |
| 저는 땅콩 알레르기가 있어요 | jeo-neun ttang-kong al-le-reu-gi-ga i-sseo-yo | I have a peanut allergy |
| 저는 해산물 알레르기가 있어요 | jeo-neun hae-san-mul al-le-reu-gi-ga i-sseo-yo | I have a seafood allergy |
| 저는 새우 알레르기가 있어요 | jeo-neun sae-u al-le-reu-gi-ga i-sseo-yo | I have a shrimp allergy |
| 조금만 들어가도 안 돼요 | jo-geum-man deu-reo-ga-do an dwae-yo | Even a small amount is not safe |
| 같은 조리도구를 사용하면 안 돼요 | ga-teun jo-ri-do-gu-reul sa-yong-ha-myeon an dwae-yo | Shared utensils are not safe |
| 정확히 확인해 주세요 | jeong-hwak-hi hwa-gin-hae ju-se-yo | Please check carefully |
Vegetarian Phrases
- 저는 채식주의자예요. — I am vegetarian.
- 고기 안 먹어요. — I do not eat meat.
- 생선 안 먹어요. — I do not eat fish.
- 육수에 고기 들어가요? — Does the broth contain meat?
- 멸치육수 들어가요? — Does it contain anchovy broth?
- 달걀은 괜찮아요. — Egg is okay.
- 우유는 괜찮아요. — Milk is okay.
Halal-Related Phrases
- 돼지고기 안 먹어요. — I do not eat pork.
- 돼지고기 들어가요? — Does it contain pork?
- 술 들어가요? — Does it contain alcohol?
- 할랄 음식이에요? — Is this halal food?
- 할랄 인증이 있어요? — Is it halal-certified?
- 같은 조리도구를 사용해요? — Do you use the same cooking utensils?
Korean Café Phrases
Ordering Drinks
| Korean | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| 아메리카노 한 잔 주세요 | a-me-ri-ka-no han jan ju-se-yo | One Americano, please |
| 따뜻한 걸로 주세요 | tta-tteut-han geol-lo ju-se-yo | Hot, please |
| 아이스로 주세요 | a-i-seu-ro ju-se-yo | Iced, please |
| 우유 빼 주세요 | u-yu ppae ju-se-yo | No milk, please |
| 시럽 빼 주세요 | si-reop ppae ju-se-yo | No syrup, please |
| 디카페인 있어요? | di-ka-pe-in i-sseo-yo? | Do you have decaf? |
| 포장해 주세요 | po-jang-hae ju-se-yo | To go, please |
| 여기서 마실게요 | yeo-gi-seo ma-sil-ge-yo | I will drink it here |
Seats and Café Systems
- 자리 먼저 잡아요? — Should I find a seat first?
- 진동벨로 불러요? — Will you call me with a pager?
- 주문번호가 뭐예요? — What is my order number?
- 화장실 어디예요? — Where is the restroom?
- 와이파이 있어요? — Is Wi-Fi available?
- 콘센트 있어요? — Is there a power outlet?
- 1인 1음료예요? — Is one drink required per person?
- 식기는 어디에 반납해요? — Where should I return the dishes?
Photos and Takeaway
- 사진 찍어도 돼요? — May I take photos?
- 남은 음료 포장할 수 있어요? — Can you pack the remaining drink?
- 케이크도 포장돼요? — Can the cake be packed to go?
- 빨대 주세요. — A straw, please.
- 컵 캐리어 주세요. — A cup carrier, please.
Korean Taxi Phrases
Showing the Destination
| Korean | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| 여기로 가 주세요 | yeo-gi-ro ga ju-se-yo | Please go here |
| 이 주소로 가 주세요 | i ju-so-ro ga ju-se-yo | Please go to this address |
| 이 호텔로 가 주세요 | i ho-tel-lo ga ju-se-yo | Please go to this hotel |
| 이 지도 위치로 가 주세요 | i ji-do wi-chi-ro ga ju-se-yo | Please go to this map location |
| 입구 앞에 내려 주세요 | ip-gu a-pe nae-ryeo ju-se-yo | Please drop me at the entrance |
During the Ride
- 얼마나 걸려요? — How long will it take?
- 여기 맞아요? — Is this the correct place?
- 이 길이 맞아요? — Is this the correct route?
- 조금 천천히 가 주세요. — Please drive a little more slowly.
- 에어컨 켜 주세요. — Please turn on the air conditioner.
- 창문 열어도 돼요? — May I open the window?
- 여기서 세워 주세요. — Please stop here.
- 다음 신호에서 세워 주세요. — Please stop at the next traffic light.
Taxi Payment
- 카드 돼요? — Can I pay by card?
- 현금으로 낼게요. — I will pay in cash.
- 영수증 주세요. — Receipt, please.
- 다른 카드로 할게요. — I will use another card.
- 결제가 안 됐어요? — Did the payment fail?
When Something Is Wrong
- 목적지가 달라요. — The destination is different.
- 이 주소가 아니에요. — This is not the correct address.
- 길을 잘못 가는 것 같아요. — I think we are going the wrong way.
- 여기서 내려 주세요. — Please let me out here.
- 택시 번호를 알려 주세요. — Please tell me the taxi number.
Korean Hotel Phrases
Check-In
| Korean | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| 예약했어요 | ye-yak-hae-sseo-yo | I have a reservation |
| 제 이름은 ___예요 | je i-reum-eun ___ye-yo | My name is ___ |
| 여권 여기 있어요 | yeo-kkwon yeo-gi i-sseo-yo | Here is my passport |
| 체크인하고 싶어요 | che-keu-in-ha-go si-peo-yo | I would like to check in |
| 조식 포함이에요? | jo-sik po-ham-i-e-yo? | Is breakfast included? |
| 와이파이 비밀번호가 뭐예요? | wa-i-pa-i bi-mil-beon-ho-ga mwo-ye-yo? | What is the Wi-Fi password? |
| 체크아웃은 몇 시예요? | che-keu-a-ut-eun myeot si-ye-yo? | What time is checkout? |
| 보증금이 있어요? | bo-jeung-geum-i i-sseo-yo? | Is there a deposit? |
Luggage Storage
- 짐을 맡길 수 있어요? — Can I store my luggage?
- 체크인 전에 맡길 수 있어요? — Can I leave it before check-in?
- 체크아웃 후에 맡길 수 있어요? — Can I leave it after checkout?
- 몇 시까지 찾으면 돼요? — What time should I collect it by?
- 이 영수증이 필요해요? — Do I need this receipt?
Room Problems
- 방이 너무 추워요. — The room is too cold.
- 방이 너무 더워요. — The room is too hot.
- 에어컨이 안 돼요. — The air conditioner is not working.
- 난방이 안 돼요. — The heating is not working.
- 온수가 안 나와요. — There is no hot water.
- 와이파이가 안 돼요. — The Wi-Fi is not working.
- 문이 안 열려요. — The door will not open.
- 방에 냄새가 나요. — There is a smell in the room.
- 너무 시끄러워요. — It is too noisy.
- 다른 방으로 바꿀 수 있어요? — Can I change to another room?
Requesting Items
- 수건 더 주세요. — More towels, please.
- 물 더 주세요. — More water, please.
- 휴지 더 주세요. — More toilet paper, please.
- 베개 하나 더 주세요. — One more pillow, please.
- 충전기 빌릴 수 있어요? — Can I borrow a charger?
- 어댑터 있어요? — Do you have an adapter?
- 방 청소해 주세요. — Please clean the room.
- 오늘은 청소 안 해도 돼요. — The room does not need cleaning today.
Check-Out
- 체크아웃할게요. — I would like to check out.
- 추가 요금이 있어요? — Is there an additional charge?
- 영수증 주세요. — Receipt, please.
- 택시 불러 주세요. — Please call a taxi.
- 공항까지 얼마나 걸려요? — How long does it take to the airport?
- 늦게 체크아웃할 수 있어요? — Is late checkout possible?
Subway, Bus and Direction Phrases
Asking for Directions
| Korean | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| 지하철역 어디예요? | ji-ha-cheol-lyeok eo-di-ye-yo? | Where is the subway station? |
| 버스 정류장 어디예요? | beo-seu jeong-ryu-jang eo-di-ye-yo? | Where is the bus stop? |
| 화장실 어디예요? | hwa-jang-sil eo-di-ye-yo? | Where is the restroom? |
| 약국 어디예요? | yak-guk eo-di-ye-yo? | Where is the pharmacy? |
| 병원 어디예요? | byeong-won eo-di-ye-yo? | Where is the hospital? |
| 여기에서 멀어요? | yeo-gi-e-seo meo-reo-yo? | Is it far from here? |
| 걸어서 갈 수 있어요? | geo-reo-seo gal su i-sseo-yo? | Can I walk there? |
Subway Phrases
- 몇 호선이에요? — Which subway line is it?
- 어느 방향이에요? — Which direction is it?
- 어디에서 갈아타요? — Where do I transfer?
- 몇 번 출구예요? — Which exit number is it?
- 이 열차 맞아요? — Is this the correct train?
- 이 역에 내려요? — Do I get off at this station?
- 막차가 몇 시예요? — What time is the last train?
Bus Phrases
- 이 버스가 ___에 가요? — Does this bus go to ___?
- 어디에서 내려요? — Where should I get off?
- 몇 정거장 남았어요? — How many stops are left?
- 내릴 때 알려 주세요. — Please tell me when to get off.
- 이 카드 사용할 수 있어요? — Can I use this card?
When You Are Lost
- 길을 잃었어요. — I am lost.
- 지금 어디예요? — Where am I now?
- 이 주소로 어떻게 가요? — How do I get to this address?
- 지도에서 보여 주세요. — Please show me on the map.
- 택시를 타는 게 좋아요? — Is it better to take a taxi?
Shopping and Payment Phrases
Asking About Products
- 이거 얼마예요? — How much is this?
- 더 작은 사이즈 있어요? — Do you have a smaller size?
- 더 큰 사이즈 있어요? — Do you have a larger size?
- 다른 색 있어요? — Do you have another color?
- 입어 봐도 돼요? — May I try it on?
- 신어 봐도 돼요? — May I try these shoes on?
Payment Phrases
| Korean | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| 카드 돼요? | ka-deu dwae-yo? | Can I pay by card? |
| 현금만 돼요? | hyeon-geum-man dwae-yo? | Is it cash only? |
| 해외카드 돼요? | hae-oe-ka-deu dwae-yo? | Do you accept foreign cards? |
| 다른 카드로 할게요 | da-reun ka-deu-ro hal-ge-yo | I will use another card |
| 영수증 주세요 | yeong-su-jeung ju-se-yo | Receipt, please |
| 면세 돼요? | myeon-se dwae-yo? | Is tax-free shopping available? |
| 여권이 필요해요? | yeo-kkwon-i pi-ryo-hae-yo? | Do I need my passport? |
Exchange and Refund
- 교환할 수 있어요? — Can I exchange it?
- 환불할 수 있어요? — Can I get a refund?
- 영수증 있어요. — I have the receipt.
- 사이즈가 안 맞아요. — The size does not fit.
- 제품에 문제가 있어요. — There is a problem with the product.
- 언제까지 교환할 수 있어요? — Until when can I exchange it?
Traditional Market Phrases
- 하나만 살게요. — I will buy only one.
- 두 개 주세요. — Two, please.
- 봉투 주세요. — A bag, please.
- 포장해 주세요. — Please pack it.
- 가격이 얼마예요? — What is the price?
Do not assume that bargaining is expected at every market or shop. Check for a displayed price and observe how the seller handles other customers.
Pharmacy and Hospital Phrases
Describing Symptoms
| Korean | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| 머리가 아파요 | meo-ri-ga a-pa-yo | I have a headache |
| 배가 아파요 | bae-ga a-pa-yo | My stomach hurts |
| 목이 아파요 | mo-gi a-pa-yo | My throat hurts |
| 열이 있어요 | yeol-i i-sseo-yo | I have a fever |
| 기침이 나요 | gi-chi-mi na-yo | I have a cough |
| 설사를 해요 | seol-sa-reul hae-yo | I have diarrhea |
| 토했어요 | to-hae-sseo-yo | I vomited |
| 어지러워요 | eo-ji-reo-wo-yo | I feel dizzy |
| 숨쉬기 힘들어요 | sum-swi-gi him-deu-reo-yo | I am having trouble breathing |
| 다쳤어요 | da-chyeo-sseo-yo | I am injured |
| 피가 나요 | pi-ga na-yo | I am bleeding |
Pharmacy Phrases
- 감기약 주세요. — Cold medicine, please.
- 진통제 주세요. — Pain medicine, please.
- 소화제 주세요. — Digestive medicine, please.
- 알레르기약 주세요. — Allergy medicine, please.
- 처방전이 필요해요? — Do I need a prescription?
- 하루에 몇 번 먹어요? — How many times a day should I take it?
- 식사 전에 먹어요? — Should I take it before a meal?
- 식사 후에 먹어요? — Should I take it after a meal?
- 부작용이 있어요? — Are there side effects?
Hospital Phrases
- 의사를 만나야 해요. — I need to see a doctor.
- 응급실이 어디예요? — Where is the emergency room?
- 영어 가능한 의사 있어요? — Is there an English-speaking doctor?
- 여행자 보험이 있어요. — I have travel insurance.
- 이 약을 먹고 있어요. — I am taking this medicine.
- 이 약에 알레르기가 있어요. — I am allergic to this medicine.
- 여권이 필요해요? — Do I need my passport?
- 진료비가 얼마예요? — How much is the medical fee?
Emergency, Police and Lost-Item Phrases
In Korea, 112 is commonly used for police emergencies and 119 for fire and medical emergencies. Save the numbers before traveling and verify current official guidance for any tourism-assistance service you plan to use.
Immediate Help
| Korean | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| 도와주세요 | do-wa-ju-se-yo | Please help me |
| 긴급 상황이에요 | gin-geup sang-hwang-i-e-yo | This is an emergency |
| 경찰을 불러 주세요 | gyeong-chal-eul bul-leo ju-se-yo | Please call the police |
| 구급차를 불러 주세요 | gu-geup-cha-reul bul-leo ju-se-yo | Please call an ambulance |
| 병원에 가야 해요 | byeong-won-e ga-ya hae-yo | I need to go to a hospital |
| 지금 위험해요 | ji-geum wi-heom-hae-yo | I am in danger now |
| 영어 가능한 사람 있어요? | yeong-eo ga-neung-han sa-ram i-sseo-yo? | Is there someone who speaks English? |
Lost Items
- 지갑을 잃어버렸어요. — I lost my wallet.
- 휴대전화를 잃어버렸어요. — I lost my phone.
- 여권을 잃어버렸어요. — I lost my passport.
- 가방을 두고 왔어요. — I left my bag behind.
- 택시에 물건을 두고 내렸어요. — I left an item in a taxi.
- 분실물 센터가 어디예요? — Where is the lost-and-found office?
- 신고하고 싶어요. — I would like to report it.
Theft
- 지갑을 도난당했어요. — My wallet was stolen.
- 카드가 없어졌어요. — My card is missing.
- 누가 가방을 가져갔어요. — Someone took my bag.
- 카드를 정지해야 해요. — I need to block my card.
- 경찰서가 어디예요? — Where is the police station?
Medical Emergency
- 사람이 다쳤어요. — Someone is injured.
- 숨을 못 쉬어요. — The person cannot breathe.
- 의식이 없어요. — The person is unconscious.
- 피가 많이 나요. — There is heavy bleeding.
- 심한 알레르기 반응이에요. — This is a severe allergic reaction.
- 응급약이 필요해요. — Emergency medicine is needed.
Korean Numbers and Quantities
You do not need to learn the entire Korean number system before your trip. Focus on the forms commonly used for people, menu items, drinks and servings.
| Use | One | Two | Three | Four |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| People | 한 명 | 두 명 | 세 명 | 네 명 |
| Items | 한 개 | 두 개 | 세 개 | 네 개 |
| Drinks | 한 잔 | 두 잔 | 세 잔 | 네 잔 |
| Bottles | 한 병 | 두 병 | 세 병 | 네 병 |
| Servings | 1인분 | 2인분 | 3인분 | 4인분 |
Useful Time Words
- 지금 — now
- 오늘 — today
- 내일 — tomorrow
- 오전 — morning or a.m.
- 오후 — afternoon or p.m.
- 몇 시 — what time
- 몇 분 — how many minutes
For reservation times, platform numbers and prices, displaying the number on your phone is often safer than relying on pronunciation.
What to Say When You Do Not Understand
| Korean | English |
|---|---|
| 잘 모르겠어요 | I am not sure |
| 이해 못 했어요 | I did not understand |
| 다시 말해 주세요 | Please say it again |
| 천천히 말해 주세요 | Please speak slowly |
| 쉽게 말해 주세요 | Please explain simply |
| 적어 주세요 | Please write it down |
| 영어로 써 주세요 | Please write it in English |
| 지도에서 보여 주세요 | Please show me on the map |
| 번역기로 보여 주세요 | Please show me with a translator |
| 잠깐만요 | One moment, please |
| 확인할게요 | I will check |
Use Short Confirmation Questions
When the answer is too long, reduce the conversation to a short yes-or-no question.
- 네, 맞아요? — Yes, is that correct?
- 여기예요? — Is it here?
- 지금 가요? — Are we going now?
- 카드 돼요? — Is card payment possible?
- 오늘 안 돼요? — Is it not possible today?
- 몇 시예요? — What time is it?
- 추가 요금 있어요? — Is there an additional charge?
How to Use a Translation App
Show One Sentence at a Time
Short translations are easier to read and less likely to contain confusing references.
A clear allergy sequence is:
- 저는 땅콩 알레르기가 있어요.
- 조금만 들어가도 안 돼요.
- 이 음식에 땅콩이 들어가요?
Save Important Korean Text Offline
- Hotel name and full Korean address
- Accommodation phone number
- Airport or station destination
- Food allergy information
- Current medication list
- Travel-insurance information
- Emergency contacts
- Passport-loss instructions
Use Voice Translation Carefully
- Use it in a quiet place.
- Say one sentence at a time.
- Confirm place names visually.
- Show the Korean result on the screen.
- Do not rely only on automatic translation for medical, legal or severe allergy issues.
Korean Pronunciation and Politeness Tips
Romanization Is an Approximation
Korean sounds do not match English sounds perfectly. The pronunciation guide in this article is designed for practical travel use rather than linguistic precision.
Speak slowly, avoid placing very strong English stress on one syllable and show the Korean text when the listener does not understand.
Use 주세요 Instead of Commands
| Expression | Tone |
|---|---|
| 물 | Only the word “water”; incomplete but understandable |
| 물 줘 | Casual speech used with close people |
| 물 주세요 | Polite and practical for travelers |
Avoid Casual Phrases Learned from Entertainment
Expressions heard in dramas and entertainment programs may be informal speech used between close friends or family members. Travelers should prioritize sentences ending in -요 or -주세요.
Perfect Pronunciation Is Not Required
Clear intent matters more than sounding like a native speaker. Combine speech with Korean text, a map, menu photo, reservation screen or gesture.
Short Korean Travel Dialogues
Restaurant
Traveler: 이거 하나 주세요.
Staff: 맵게 해 드릴까요?
Traveler: 안 맵게 해 주세요.
Meaning: One of this, please. / Would you like it spicy? / Please make it not spicy.
Taxi
Traveler: 이 주소로 가 주세요.
Driver: 여기 맞아요?
Traveler: 네, 맞아요.
Meaning: Please go to this address. / Is this the correct place? / Yes, that is correct.
Hotel
Traveler: 예약했어요. 제 이름은 Alex예요.
Staff: 여권 보여 주세요.
Traveler: 네, 여기 있어요.
Meaning: I have a reservation. My name is Alex. / Please show me your passport. / Yes, here it is.
Pharmacy
Traveler: 배가 아파요.
Pharmacist: 설사해요?
Traveler: 네, 설사해요.
Meaning: My stomach hurts. / Do you have diarrhea? / Yes, I do.
Lost Phone
Traveler: 휴대전화를 잃어버렸어요.
Staff: 어디에서 잃어버렸어요?
Traveler: 택시에 두고 내렸어요.
Meaning: I lost my phone. / Where did you lose it? / I left it in a taxi.
Quick Phrase Reference Table
Save or screenshot this table for quick access during your trip.
| Situation | Korean | English |
|---|---|---|
| Help | 도와주세요 | Please help me |
| Order | 이거 하나 주세요 | One of this, please |
| Spice | 안 맵게 해 주세요 | Please make it not spicy |
| Payment | 카드 돼요? | Can I pay by card? |
| Taxi | 여기로 가 주세요 | Please go here |
| Hotel | 예약했어요 | I have a reservation |
| Directions | 화장실 어디예요? | Where is the restroom? |
| Understanding | 천천히 말해 주세요 | Please speak slowly |
| Pharmacy | 배가 아파요 | My stomach hurts |
| Police | 경찰을 불러 주세요 | Please call the police |
| Ambulance | 구급차를 불러 주세요 | Please call an ambulance |
| Lost passport | 여권을 잃어버렸어요 | I lost my passport |
Common Korean Phrase Mistakes
- Speaking too quickly while reading romanization
- Repeating only a noun without adding 주세요
- Reading an English address aloud to a taxi driver
- Failing to distinguish between hotel branches with similar names
- Explaining a serious allergy only as “I cannot eat it”
- Treating spicy food and an allergic reaction as the same problem
- Assuming every dish can be made non-spicy
- Pretending to understand a long answer
- Showing one long translation paragraph
- Relying only on pronunciation in an emergency
- Using casual speech copied from television
- Failing to save the hotel address offline
- Leaving a taxi without keeping the receipt or vehicle information
- Delaying card cancellation after theft
- Showing only a medicine name without explaining allergies or current conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need to Speak Korean to Travel in Korea?
No. Many trips are possible with English, navigation tools and translation apps, but a few basic Korean phrases make restaurants, taxis, markets and pharmacies easier to use.
What Is the Most Useful Korean Phrase for Tourists?
주세요 is one of the most flexible expressions. Add it after an item or request, such as 물 주세요 or 영수증 주세요.
How Do I Say “This One, Please” in Korean?
Say 이거 하나 주세요 while pointing to the menu item or product.
How Do I Ask for Food That Is Not Spicy?
Say 안 맵게 해 주세요. Use 덜 맵게 해 주세요 when you want the dish to be less spicy.
How Do I Ask Whether a Restaurant Accepts Cards?
Say 카드 돼요? For an overseas card, ask 해외카드 돼요?
How Do I Tell a Taxi Driver Where to Go?
Say 여기로 가 주세요 and show the full Korean address, phone number and map pin.
How Do I Ask a Hotel to Store My Luggage?
Say 짐을 맡길 수 있어요?, meaning “Can I store my luggage?”
How Do I Ask Where the Restroom Is?
Say 화장실 어디예요?
How Do I Say I Do Not Understand Korean?
Use 이해 못 했어요 for “I did not understand” or 한국어를 잘 못해요 for “I do not speak Korean well.”
Is Romanized Korean Accurate?
It is an approximation. Show the Korean spelling when the exact meaning is important.
Should Tourists Use Formal Korean?
You do not need highly formal grammar. Polite expressions ending in -요 and -주세요 are practical for most travel situations.
How Do I Explain a Food Allergy?
State the exact allergen, explain whether a small amount is dangerous and ask about shared utensils or cooking oil. Show a written Korean allergy card.
What Korean Phrase Should I Use in an Emergency?
Use 도와주세요 for help, 경찰을 불러 주세요 for police and 구급차를 불러 주세요 for an ambulance.
Should I Use a Translation App in Korea?
Yes, but translate one sentence at a time. Do not rely only on automatic translation for severe allergies, medical emergencies or legal problems.
Final Recommendation
Start with a few flexible phrases rather than trying to memorize every sentence in this guide. The most useful patterns are 주세요, 어디예요?, 있어요? and 돼요?.
At restaurants, point to the menu and say 이거 하나 주세요. Ask about spice separately from allergies, because discomfort from spicy food is not the same as a dangerous reaction.
In taxis, show the full Korean address and phone number. At hotels, explain both the problem and the action you need, such as 에어컨이 안 돼요. 확인해 주세요.
When you do not understand, say so immediately. Use 천천히 말해 주세요, 다시 말해 주세요 or 적어 주세요 instead of pretending to understand.
Save allergy, medical, passport-loss and emergency phrases offline. In urgent situations, show the Korean sentence in large text and ask a nearby person for immediate assistance.
Clear intent, polite endings and a visible Korean sentence are more useful than perfect pronunciation.
