Traveling in North Korea is unlike visiting most other countries: tours are tightly organized, language exposure is limited, and small courtesies go a long way. Knowing a handful of local phrases makes interactions smoother, helps show respect, and often draws appreciative smiles from guides and hosts.
There are 34 Useful Phrases for Tourists in North Korea, ranging from “Beer, please” to “You’re welcome”. For each entry you’ll find below the Korean (Hangul),Romanization,Usage so you can see spelling, pronunciation and when to use each phrase — you’ll find below.
How should I practice these phrases before my trip?
Listen to native pronunciations (audio resources or language apps), repeat aloud, and practice short role-plays for common situations like ordering food or thanking a guide. Focus on clear pronunciation and polite intonation; accuracy matters more than perfect fluency, and brief practice sessions each day stick better than one long cram session.
Are these phrases safe and appropriate to use with guides and locals?
Yes — basic greetings, polite phrases and simple requests are appropriate and often appreciated. Follow your guide’s lead on topics and formality, avoid political or sensitive subjects, and use the provided polite forms to show respect while keeping interactions friendly and low-key.
Useful Phrases for Tourists in North Korea
| English phrase | Korean (Hangul) | Romanization | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hello (formal) | 안녕하십니까 | Annyeonghasimnikka | Formal greeting for meeting someone for the first time or showing respect. |
| Hello (standard) | 안녕하세요 | Annyeonghaseyo | A standard, polite greeting for most general situations. |
| Thank you | 감사합니다 | Gamsahamnida | The standard and most common way to say thank you. |
| You’re welcome | 천만에요 | Cheonmaneyo | A polite response after someone has thanked you. |
| Nice to meet you | 만나서 반갑습니다 | Mannaseo bangapseumnida | Said after introductions when meeting someone for the first time. |
| My name is [Name] | 제 이름은 [Name]입니다 | Je ireumeun [Name]-imnida | When introducing yourself to your guides or others. |
| I am from [Country] | 저는 [Country]에서 왔습니다 | Jeoneun [Country]-eseo watsseumnida | To tell someone your country of origin when asked. |
| Goodbye (if you’re leaving) | 안녕히 계세요 | Annyeonghi gyeseyo | Said when you are leaving and the other person is staying. |
| Goodbye (if they’re leaving) | 안녕히 가세요 | Annyeonghi gaseyo | Said when you are staying and the other person is leaving. |
| Yes | 네 / 예 | Ne / Ye | To affirm, agree, or to show you are listening. |
| No | 아니요 | Aniyo | To negate or disagree with something politely. |
| I’m sorry / Excuse me | 죄송합니다 | Joesonghamnida | To apologize for a mistake or for bumping into someone. |
| Excuse me (to get attention) | 저기요 | Jeogiyo | To get someone’s attention, like a waiter or your guide. |
| Just a moment | 잠깐만요 | Jamkkanmanyo | To ask someone to wait for a moment. |
| I don’t understand | 잘 모르겠습니다 | Jal moreugetseumnida | When you cannot comprehend what has been said to you. |
| Please speak slowly | 천천히 말씀해 주세요 | Cheoncheonhi malsseumhae juseyo | When you need someone to speak at a slower pace to understand. |
| What is this? | 이것은 무엇입니까? | Igeoseun mueosimnikka? | To ask what an object or food item is. |
| Where is the restroom? | 화장실이 어디입니까? | Hwajangsiri eodiimnikka? | To ask for the location of the bathroom. |
| This is delicious | 맛있습니다 | Masisseumnida | To compliment the food during or after a meal. |
| It’s very delicious | 아주 맛있습니다 | Aju masisseumnida | To strongly compliment the food, showing great appreciation. |
| Water, please | 물 좀 주세요 | Mul jom juseyo | To politely ask for a glass or bottle of water. |
| Beer, please | 맥주 좀 주세요 | Maekju jom juseyo | To politely ask for a beer, such as the local Taedonggang beer. |
| Cheers! | 건배 | Geonbae | Said when toasting drinks with others. |
| How much is it? | 얼마입니까? | Eolmaimnikka? | When asking for the price of an item in a designated shop. |
| This one, please | 이것 주세요 | Igeot juseyo | A polite way to ask for an item you are pointing to. |
| It’s okay / I’m fine | 괜찮습니다 | Gwaenchanseumnida | To say that something is fine or to politely decline an offer. |
| It’s beautiful | 아름답습니다 | Areumdapseumnida | To compliment scenery, architecture, art, or a performance. |
| It’s fun / interesting | 재미있습니다 | Jaemiisseumnida | To express that you are enjoying an activity or find something interesting. |
| It’s good | 좋습니다 | Joseumnida | A general phrase to express approval or that something is good. |
| May I take a photo? | 사진 찍어도 됩니까? | Sajin jjigeodo doemnikka? | ALWAYS ask your guide before taking any pictures. |
| I am sick | 아픕니다 | Apeumnida | To inform your guide that you are not feeling well or are in pain. |
| Help! | 도와주세요 | Dowajuseyo | In a serious emergency situation to ask for help. |
| Let’s go | 갑시다 | Gapsida | A polite suggestion to depart, usually said by the guide. |
| Thank you for the meal | 잘 먹었습니다 | Jal meogeotseumnida | Said after finishing a meal to thank your hosts. |
Descriptions
Hello (formal)
This is the most formal and respectful way to say hello. Use it when first meeting your guides, officials, or elders. It shows you’ve made an effort to be polite.
Hello (standard)
While still very polite, this is slightly less formal. It’s perfect to use with your guides after the initial introduction or with hotel and restaurant staff.
Thank you
This is your go-to phrase for expressing gratitude in almost any situation. It’s polite, universally understood, and always appreciated by your guides and hosts.
You’re welcome
While often a simple nod or ‘ne’ is used in response to thanks, this is the formal ‘you’re welcome.’ It’s polite to know, even if you hear it more than you say it.
Nice to meet you
This is a standard, polite phrase to use right after you’ve been introduced to your guides. It’s a warm and friendly gesture that helps set a good tone for your tour.
My name is [Name]
A polite and formal way to introduce yourself. Simply replace ‘[Name]’ with your name. Your guides will appreciate the effort to speak their language from the very beginning.
I am from [Country]
A useful introductory phrase. For example, a visitor from the UK would say ‘Jeoneun Yeongguk-eseo watsseumnida.’ Your guides can help you with your country’s name in Korean.
Goodbye (if you’re leaving)
This literally means “stay in peace.” You would say this to your guides at the end of the day as you return to your hotel room while they remain at the location.
Goodbye (if they’re leaving)
This literally means “go in peace.” You would say this to someone who is departing, such as your guides leaving the hotel for the night while you are staying.
Yes
‘Ne’ is the standard way to say yes. ‘Ye’ is slightly more formal and deferential. Both are perfectly acceptable and show you are paying attention to your guide.
No
This is the polite way to say no. In many situations, it’s culturally more common to offer a softer, indirect refusal, but this phrase is essential to know.
I’m sorry / Excuse me
This is a formal and sincere apology. Use it if you accidentally bump into someone or need to squeeze past them. It’s a key phrase for showing politeness and respect.
Excuse me (to get attention)
A polite way to call someone over or get their attention before asking a question. It’s the equivalent of saying “Pardon me…” when you need service in a restaurant.
Just a moment
A very common and polite phrase. Use it if you need a second to get your camera ready (after getting permission!) or find something in your travel bag.
I don’t understand
A polite way to indicate you don’t understand. This is much better than just looking confused. Your guides can then try to rephrase or explain differently for you.
Please speak slowly
If you’re trying to understand your guide and they are speaking too quickly, this is a very polite way to ask them to slow down their speech for you.
What is this?
A great phrase for learning and showing curiosity. Use it at meals to ask about a specific dish or in a shop to inquire about a product. It shows engagement.
Where is the restroom?
An essential phrase for any traveler. Asking politely will always be better than using hand gestures. Your guides will quickly point you in the right direction.
This is delicious
A fantastic and simple way to show appreciation for the food you are served. Complimenting the meal is a great way to build rapport with your hosts and guides.
It’s very delicious
Adding ‘aju’ (very) is a simple way to emphasize your compliment. Use this when a dish is particularly good. It will be received as a very sincere gesture.
Water, please
A simple and practical phrase for mealtimes. The word ‘jom’ softens the request, making it sound more like “some water, please” rather than a direct command.
Beer, please
Similar to asking for water, this is a useful phrase for ordering a drink during meals. North Korean beer is a common part of the tourist dining experience.
Cheers!
A simple, friendly word for “cheers.” You will likely share a meal or drinks with your guides, and knowing this phrase adds a nice, convivial touch to the occasion.
How much is it?
Useful in approved souvenir shops or bookshops. Prices are generally fixed, but knowing how to ask is a practical skill for any tourist transaction.
This one, please
A very useful phrase when shopping or dining. Simply point to the item you want and say “Igeot juseyo” (This, please). It’s simple, direct, and polite.
It’s okay / I’m fine
A reassuring and versatile phrase. If someone apologizes for a minor issue or offers you something you don’t need, you can use this to politely say “it’s okay.”
It’s beautiful
A positive and safe way to express your appreciation for the sights, such as monuments, landscapes, or performances. It is a very welcome and respectful compliment.
It’s fun / interesting
A great way to give positive feedback on an activity or a museum visit. It shows your guides that you are engaged and having a good time on the tour.
It’s good
A versatile and positive phrase. You can use it to comment on the weather, a plan for the day, or anything you find agreeable. It’s simple and always appropriate.
May I take a photo?
This is one of the most critical phrases. Photography is heavily restricted. You must always ask your guide for permission before taking a picture to avoid serious issues.
I am sick
A very important phrase for your health and safety. If you feel unwell, you must inform your guides immediately. This is the simplest way to communicate your condition.
Help!
For emergencies only. This is a direct plea for assistance. Your guides are there to ensure your safety, so use this if you find yourself in a genuine emergency.
Let’s go
You will hear this phrase often from your guides, meaning “Let’s go” or “Let’s be on our way.” It’s a polite imperative form that is good to recognize.
Thank you for the meal
This literally means “I have eaten well.” It’s a customary and very polite phrase to say to your hosts or guides after a meal to show your sincere appreciation.
