You don't need to learn Korean — but knowing a handful of phrases goes a long way. Locals genuinely appreciate the effort.
| Korean | Romanized | Meaning | When to use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 안녕하세요 | Annyeonghaseyo | Hello | Entering any shop, cafe, or greeting someone |
| 감사합니다 | Gamsahamnida | Thank you | After receiving anything — food, help, directions |
| 죄송합니다 | Joesonghamnida | I'm sorry / Excuse me | Getting someone's attention or apologizing |
| 네 / 아니요 | Ne / Aniyo | Yes / No | Any yes/no question |
| 안녕히 계세요 | Annyeonghi gyeseyo | Goodbye | When you're the one leaving a place |
| Korean | Romanized | Meaning | When to use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 이거 주세요 | Igeo juseyo | This one, please | Point at the menu item — works everywhere |
| 하나 / 둘 주세요 | Hana / Dul juseyo | One / Two, please | Ordering quantities |
| 포장이요 | Pojangiyeo | To go / Takeaway | When ordering at a counter to take out |
| 여기서 먹을게요 | Yeogiseo meogeulgeyo | I'll eat here | Dining in |
| 맛있어요 | Masisseoyo | It's delicious | Complimenting the food — will make the chef smile |
| 영수증 주세요 | Yeongsujeung juseyo | Receipt please | After paying, if you need a receipt for expenses |
| Korean | Romanized | Meaning | When to use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 어디예요? | Eodiyeyo? | Where is it? | Point at a map or say a place name before this |
| 코엑스 어디예요? | COEX eodiyeyo? | Where is COEX? | Asking for conference venue directions |
| 화장실 어디예요? | Hwajangsil eodiyeyo? | Where is the bathroom? | Essential in any venue or restaurant |
| 카드 되나요? | Kadeu doenayo? | Do you accept cards? | Before paying at smaller shops |
| 얼마예요? | Eolmayeyo? | How much is this? | Markets, street food, anywhere without clear pricing |
| Korean | Romanized | Meaning | When to use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 영어 하세요? | Yeongeo haseyo? | Do you speak English? | Before starting a conversation in English |
| 도와주세요 | Dowajuseyo | Please help me | When lost or in a difficult situation |
| 모르겠어요 | Moreugeseoyo | I don't understand | When someone speaks to you and you're lost |
| 와이파이 비밀번호가 뭐예요? | Waipai bimilbeonhoga mwoyeyo? | What's the wifi password? | At cafes — though it's often printed on the receipt |