Essential Korean Words for Travelers: What You Really Need to Know

Traveling to South Korea is like stepping into a delicious stew of culture, technology, history, and fashion — all bubbling together in a way that’s uniquely Korean. But let’s be honest — no matter how amazing the experience is, it can quickly become overwhelming if you don’t speak a word of Korean.

The good news? You don’t need to become fluent. All you need is a handy pocket of words and expressions that will help you survive and even thrive during your Korean adventure. Whether you’re trying to order mouthwatering street food, navigate the subway, or simply say hello, this list is your travel cheat sheet.

Let’s break it down — no dry textbook here, just real phrases you’ll actually use.

1. The Must-Know Basics

Let’s start simple. These are the bread and butter — the “hello,” “thank you,” “sorry,” and “help me!” phrases that get you through just about any situation.

Hello – 안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo)
This is polite and works for almost every situation. Use it when greeting people, entering stores, or passing hotel staff.
Thank you – 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida)
Always appreciated. Use it when someone gives you change, directions, or just great food.
Yes / No – 네 (ne) / 아니요 (aniyo)
Useful when answering questions or acknowledging what someone says.
Excuse me / Sorry – 죄송합니다 (joesonghamnida)
Say this if you bump into someone or want to get someone’s attention.
I don’t understand – 이해하지 못해요 (ihaehaji motaeyo)
Very useful when someone talks to you in rapid-fire Korean.
Do you speak English? – 영어 하세요? (yeongeo haseyo?)
A polite way to find help in your own language.
Help! – 도와주세요! (dowajuseyo!)
Hopefully you won’t need this one, but good to know just in case.

2. Navigating Korean Transportation Like a Pro

Korea’s public transportation is world-class — but only if you can read the signs or at least ask for directions.

Subway – 지하철 (jihacheol)
Bus – 버스 (beoseu)
Taxi – 택시 (taegsi)
How much is the fare? – 요금이 얼마에요? (yogeumi eolmaeyo?)
Where is…? – … 어디예요? (… eodieyo?)
For example, “Gyeongbokgung Palace eodieyo?”
I want to go to… – … 가고 싶어요 (… gago sipeoyo)
Use it to tell a taxi driver where you’re headed.
Stop here, please – 여기서 세워 주세요 (yeogiseo sewo juseyo)
Perfect for when you’re in a taxi and nearing your destination.
Which line is this? – 이거 몇 호선이에요? (igeo myeot hoseonieyo?)
Refers to subway lines — super helpful in places like Seoul.

3. Eating Out Without Looking Lost

Korean cuisine is a whole world in itself. Knowing a few food-related terms can turn a confusing menu into a delicious experience.

Restaurant – 식당 (sikdang)
Menu – 메뉴 (menyu)
Delicious – 맛있어요 (masisseoyo)
Not spicy – 안 매워요 (an maewoyo)
One serving please – 일 인분 주세요 (il inbun juseyo)
Water please – 물 주세요 (mul juseyo)
Bill, please – 계산서 주세요 (gyesanseo juseyo)
No meat – 고기 없어요 (gogi eopseoyo)
Useful for vegetarians or vegans.
Beer – 맥주 (maekju)
Soju – 소주 (soju)
Korea’s national drink — try it with grilled meat!
Bulgogi / Bibimbap / Kimchi – 불고기 / 비빔밥 / 김치
Learn to recognize these beloved dishes on any menu.

4. Shopping, Markets & Haggling

Whether you’re in a bustling street market or a stylish Gangnam boutique, shopping becomes way more fun when you know a few words.

How much is this? – 이거 얼마예요? (igeo eolmaeyo?)
Too expensive! – 너무 비싸요! (neomu bissayo!)
Can I try it on? – 입어봐도 돼요? (ibeobwado dwaeyo?)
I’ll take it – 이거 주세요 (igeo juseyo)
Do you have this in another color? – 다른 색 있어요? (dareun saek isseoyo?)
Discount please – 깎아 주세요 (kkakka juseyo)
You can try this at traditional markets like Namdaemun.

5. Staying at Hotels or Guesthouses

Even in the fanciest hotel, knowing a few Korean phrases makes check-in smoother.

Reservation – 예약 (yeyak)
Check-in / Check-out – 체크인 / 체크아웃
Room key, please – 방 키 주세요 (bang ki juseyo)
Wi-Fi password – 와이파이 비밀번호 (waipai bimilbeonho)
I lost my key – 키를 잃어버렸어요 (kireul ileobeoryeosseoyo)
Towel / Blanket / Soap – 수건 / 담요 / 비누 (sugeon / damyo / binu)

6. K-Pop, K-Drama, and Cultural Conversations

Want to talk to locals about BTS, “Crash Landing on You,” or Korean traditions? Sprinkle these words in:

Idol / Singer – 아이돌 / 가수 (aidol / gasu)
Actor / Actress – 배우 (baeu)
Drama / Movie – 드라마 / 영화 (deurama / yeonghwa)
Fan – 팬 (paen)
Photo – 사진 (sajin)
Can I take a picture? – 사진 찍어도 돼요? (sajin jjigeodo dwaeyo?)

7. Useful Adjectives and Everyday Words

You’ll find these sprinkled in casual conversations or even on signs. Easy to pick up, and super helpful.

Big / Small – 크다 / 작다 (keuda / jakda)
Hot / Cold – 덥다 / 춥다 (deopda / chupda)
Open / Closed – 열다 / 닫다 (yeolda / datda)
Good / Bad – 좋아요 / 나빠요 (joayo / nappayo)
Today / Tomorrow / Yesterday – 오늘 / 내일 / 어제 (oneul / naeil / eoje)
Now / Later – 지금 / 나중에 (jigeum / najunge)

8. Emergency and Medical Situations

Just in case, it’s wise to know how to express something’s wrong — especially with health.

Hospital – 병원 (byeongwon)
Pharmacy – 약국 (yakkuk)
Doctor – 의사 (uisa)
I feel sick – 아파요 (apayo)
Headache / Stomachache – 두통 / 복통 (dutong / boktong)
Call the police – 경찰 불러 주세요 (gyeongchal bulleo juseyo)

9. Numbers in Korean

You’ll need numbers for prices, addresses, and ordering food. Korea uses two number systems, but here’s the one tourists use most.

1 – 하나 (hana)
2 – 둘 (dul)
3 – 셋 (set)
4 – 넷 (net)
5 – 다섯 (daseot)
6 – 여섯 (yeoseot)
7 – 일곱 (ilgop)
8 – 여덟 (yeodeol)
9 – 아홉 (ahop)
10 – 열 (yeol)

You’ll also hear:

일 (il) – one
이 (i) – two
삼 (sam) – three
…used for counting subway lines, floors, and dates.

10. Pro Tips to Sound More Local

Want to win hearts? Use these simple expressions Koreans love.

진짜요? (jinjjayo?) – Really?
대박! (daebak!) – Awesome! (Use when something surprises or impresses you.)
괜찮아요 (gwaenchanayo) – It’s okay / I’m okay
잘 먹겠습니다 (jal meokgetseumnida) – Said before eating (like bon appétit)
잘 먹었습니다 (jal meogeotseumnida) – Said after eating (thank you for the meal)

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to speak fluent Korean to enjoy everything the country has to offer. But having just a few key words in your back pocket can be the difference between being a lost tourist and having a magical, smooth, confidence-filled trip.

So whether you’re wandering through palaces in Seoul, hiking in Jeju, dancing to K-pop in Hongdae, or slurping hot tteokbokki in a night market — remember, language is your secret travel tool.

Practice a few phrases, listen closely, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Koreans appreciate the effort more than you know.

Safe travels — or as they say in Korean: 안전한 여행 되세요! (anjeonhan yeohaeng doeseyo!)