---
title: "Useful Korean Phrases for Tourists: Complete List"
url: https://33travels.com/useful-phrases-for-tourists-in-south-korea/
author: "Lena Marchetti"
published: 2025-11-05
updated: 2026-04-06
place: "South Korea"
---

# Useful Korean Phrases for Tourists: Complete List

South Korea is a place where everyday kindness, efficient transport and delicious street food meet — knowing a few local phrases makes everything smoother, from ordering tteokbokki to getting directions. A little language effort opens doors, helps with safety, and earns smiles from locals whether you’re in Seoul’s subway or a coastal town.

There are **65 Useful Phrases for Tourists in South Korea**, ranging from Call an ambulance to Yes. Each entry includes helpful details so you can read, say and use the phrase confidently: Hangul,Romanization,Usage / Politeness — you’ll find below.

## How do I know when to use polite vs. casual language?

When in doubt, use polite forms: they’re safe with strangers, shop staff and older people. The Usage / Politeness column flags which form to use; reserve casual speech for close friends or people who invite it, and listen to local responses to match tone.

## What’s the quickest way to learn and remember these phrases before a trip?

Focus on 10–15 key phrases you’ll use daily (greetings, directions, ordering, emergencies), practice aloud with the Romanization and Hangul side by side, save a short list on your phone, and try them early in conversations — repetition in real situations cements memory.

## Useful Phrases for Tourists in South Korea

| Phrase | Hangul | Romanization | Usage / Politeness |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Hello | 안녕하세요 | annyeonghaseyo (ahn-nyung-hah-seh-yo) polite greeting | Polite greeting |
| Thank you | 감사합니다 | gamsahamnida (gahm-sah-ham-nee-dah) formal thanks | Formal polite thanks |
| Please | 주세요 | juseyo (joo-seh-yo) request polite | Use when requesting items or help |
| Excuse me / Sorry | 죄송합니다 | joesonghamnida (chweh-song-ham-nee-dah) apologetic polite | Formal apology or to get attention |
| Do you speak English? | 영어 하세요? | yeongeo haseyo? (yuhng-uh hah-seh-yo) question polite | Ask if someone speaks English |
| I don’t understand | 이해하지 못해요 | ihae haji mothaeyo (ee-hay hah-jee moht-hae-yo) polite | When you can’t follow conversation |
| Where is the restroom? | 화장실 어디에요? | hwajangsil eodieyo? (hwa-jahng-shil uh-dee-eh-yo) polite question | Ask for bathroom location |
| How much is this? | 얼마예요? | eolmayeyo? (uhl-mah-yeh-yo) casual polite | Ask price in shops or markets |
| Can I pay by card? | 카드 돼요? | kadeu dwaeyo? (kah-deu dweh-yo) polite question | Ask about payment method |
| Do you have English menu? | 영어 메뉴 있어요? | yeongeo menyu isseoyo? (yuhng-uh meh-nyoo ee-ssuh-yo) polite | Ask for English menu in restaurants |
| Menu, please | 메뉴 주세요 | menyu juseyo (meh-nyoo joo-seh-yo) polite request | Request the menu politely |
| Water, please | 물 주세요 | mul juseyo (mool joo-seh-yo) polite request | Request tap or bottled water |
| Check / Bill, please | 계산서 주세요 | gyesanseo juseyo (gyeh-sahn-suh joo-seh-yo) polite request | Ask for the bill at restaurants |
| I’m allergic to… | 저는 …알레르기가 있어요 | jeoneun …allergiga isseoyo (juh-neun …al-leh-ree-gee-ga ee-ssuh-yo) polite | Explain food allergies to staff |
| No, thank you | 괜찮습니다 | gwaenchanseumnida (gwen-chahn-seum-nee-dah) polite refusal | Politely decline offers or help |
| Yes | 네 | ne (neh) simple affirmation | Simple yes answer |
| No | 아니요 | aniyo (ah-nee-yo) polite negative | Simple no answer |
| Where is the subway/bus station? | 지하철/버스 정류장 어디에요? | jihacheol/beoseu jeongryujang eodieyo? (jee-hah-chul/boh-seu jung-ryoo-jahng uh-dee-eh-yo) polite | Ask for public transport locations |
| Which platform for …? | …행 어느 플랫폼이에요? | …haeng eoneu peullateupim ieyo? (…haeng uh-nuh plah-tform-ee-eh-yo) polite | Ask which platform for destination |
| One ticket to … please | …까지 표 하나 주세요 | …kkaji pyo hana juseyo (…kah-jee pyo hah-nah joo-seh-yo) polite | Buy a single ticket to specific stop |
| How long does it take? | 얼마나 걸려요? | eolmana geollyeoyo? (uhl-mah-nah gul-lyuh-yo) polite | Ask about travel or wait time |
| Stop here, please | 여기서 세워 주세요 | yeogiseo sewo juseyo (yuh-gi-suh seh-wo joo-seh-yo) polite | Ask taxi driver to stop at location |
| Please take me to… | …로 가 주세요 | …ro ga juseyo (…roh gah joo-seh-yo) polite | Tell a taxi driver your destination |
| Is it far? | 멀어요? | meoreoyo? (muh-ruh-yo) polite | Ask about walking distance |
| Left/Right/Straight | 왼쪽/오른쪽/직진 | oenjjok/oreunjjok/jikjin (wen-jjok/oh-reun-jjok/jik-jin) directional | Give or follow directions |
| I have a reservation | 예약했어요 | yeyak haesseoyo (yeh-yahk hae-ssuh-yo) polite | At hotels or restaurants with reservations |
| Check-in, please | 체크인 할게요 | chekeu-in halgeyo (cheh-kuh-in hal-geh-yo) polite | At hotel reception when arriving |
| Do you have Wi-Fi? | 와이파이 있어요? | waipai isseoyo? (why-pie ee-ssuh-yo) casual polite | Ask about internet access at hotels/cafes |
| Can I try this on? | 입어 봐도 돼요? | ibeo bwado dwaeyo? (ee-buh bwah-do dweh-yo) polite | Ask to try clothes in shops |
| Do you have this in a different size? | 다른 사이즈 있어요? | dareun saijeu isseoyo? (dah-reun sah-ee-joo ee-ssuh-yo) polite | Ask about sizes for clothing |
| Can you wrap it? | 포장해 주세요 | pojanghae juseyo (poh-jahng-hae joo-seh-yo) polite | Request gift or takeout wrapping |
| I’ll take this | 이거 살게요 | igeo salgeyo (ee-guh sal-geh-yo) polite | Tell cashier you will buy an item |
| Do you accept foreign cards? | 외국 카드 돼요? | oeguk kadeu dwaeyo? (weh-gook kah-deu dweh-yo) polite | Ask about international card acceptance |
| Receipt, please | 영수증 주세요 | yeongsujeung juseyo (young-soo-jeung joo-seh-yo) polite | Request receipt after purchase |
| Where is the tourist information? | 관광 안내소 어디예요? | gwangwang annaeso eodiyeyo? (gwahng-gwahng ahn-neh-so uh-dee-yeh-yo) polite | Find official tourist centers |
| I need a doctor | 의사가 필요해요 | uisa ga piryohaeyo (ee-sa gah pee-ryoh-hae-yo) urgent polite | Request medical help or clinic direction |
| Call an ambulance | 구급차 불러 주세요 | gugeupcha bulleo juseyo (goo-geup-chah bool-luh joo-seh-yo) urgent polite | Ask bystanders to call emergency services |
| Call the police | 경찰 불러 주세요 | gyeongchal bulleo juseyo (gyung-chal bool-luh joo-seh-yo) urgent polite | Ask to contact police for incidents |
| Help! | 도와주세요 | dowajuseyo (doh-wah-joo-seh-yo) urgent polite | Shout for assistance in emergencies |
| I lost my passport | 여권을 잃어버렸어요 | yeogwon eul ilh-eobeoryeosseoyo (yaw-gwon eul ilh-uh-buh-ryuh-ssuh-yo) polite urgent | Report lost passport at embassy or police |
| Where is the embassy/consulate? | 대사관/영사관 어디예요? | daesagwan/yeongsagwan eodiyeyo? (deh-sah-gwan/young-sah-gwan uh-dee-yeh-yo) polite | Find your country’s diplomatic mission |
| Is this seat taken? | 이 자리 비었어요? | i jari bieosseoyo? (ee jah-ree bee-uh-ssuh-yo) polite | Ask before sitting in public seating |
| May I take a photo? | 사진 찍어도 돼요? | sajin jjigeodo dwaeyo? (sah-jin jjee-geo-do dweh-yo) polite | Ask permission to photograph people or private spaces |
| Is tipping allowed? | 팁 주나요? | tip junayo? (tip joo-nah-yo) casual polite | Ask about tipping customs in restaurants |
| Delicious | 맛있어요 | masisseoyo (mah-shee-ssuh-yo) polite compliment | Compliment food to staff or hosts |
| I’m vegetarian | 저는 채식주의자예요 | jeoneun chaesikjuuija yeyo (juh-neun cheh-shik-joo-ee-jah-yeh-yo) polite | Explain dietary preference at restaurants |
| No spicy, please | 맵지 않게 해 주세요 | maepji anke hae juseyo (maep-jee anh-keh hae joo-seh-yo) polite | Request mild spice level in dishes |
| Ice, please | 얼음 주세요 | eoreum juseyo (uh-reum joo-seh-yo) polite | Request ice for drinks |
| Where can I change money? | 환전 어디서 해요? | hwanjeon eodiseo haeyo? (hwan-jawn uh-dee-suh hae-yo) polite | Ask for currency exchange locations |
| Is there a tax refund? | 면세 환급 있나요? | myeonse hwanggeup innayo? (myuhn-seh hwan-geup in-nah-yo) polite | Ask about VAT refund for tourists |
| One, two, three (numbers) | 하나, 둘, 셋 | hana,dul,set (hah-nah,dool,set) simple counting tip | Basic numbers for shopping and counting |
| Today/Tomorrow/Yesterday | 오늘/내일/어제 | oneul/naeil/eoje (oh-neul/neh-il/uh-jeh) simple time words | Discuss plans and schedules |
| What time is it? | 지금 몇 시예요? | jigeum myeot siyeyo? (jee-geum myut shee-yeh-yo) polite | Ask current time in shops or with staff |
| Open/Closed | 영업 중/휴무 | yeongeop jung/hyumu (young-up joong/hyoo-moo) sign words | Identify business hours or closure |
| Can you show me? (directions) | 보여 주세요 | boyeo juseyo (boh-yeh joo-seh-yo) polite | Ask someone to show map or route |
| I need a SIM card | 심카드 필요해요 | simkadeu piryohaeyo (sim-kah-deu pee-ryoh-hae-yo) polite | Ask at convenience stores or telecom shops |
| Can I get a refund? | 환불 되나요? | hwanbul doenayo? (hwan-bool dweh-nah-yo) polite | Ask about returns at stores |
| Is smoking allowed? | 흡연 가능해요? | heupyeon ganeunghaeyo? (heup-yuhn gah-neun-ghae-yo) polite | Ask smoking policy in public places |
| Cheers! (to drink) | 건배 | geonbae (guhn-beh) casual polite | Use when toasting with drinks |
| Nice to meet you | 만나서 반가워요 | mannaseo bangawoyo (mahn-nah-suh bahn-gah-woh-yo) polite | Use when meeting new people |
| I’m from… | 저는 …에서 왔어요 | jeoneun …eseo wasseoyo (juh-neun …eh-seo wah-ssuh-yo) polite | Introduce your origin in small talk |
| Can you repeat that? | 다시 말씀해 주세요 | dasi malsseumhae juseyo (dah-shee mal-sseum-hae joo-seh-yo) polite | Ask someone to repeat or speak slowly |
| I’m lost | 길을 잃었어요 | gireul ilh-eosseoyo (gil-eul ilh-uh-ssuh-yo) polite urgent | Ask for help finding your way |
| Please write that down | 적어 주세요 | jeogeo juseyo (juh-guh joo-seh-yo) polite | Ask someone to write address or directions |
| Can I have a blanket/pillow? | 담요/베개 주세요 | damyo/begae juseyo (dahm-yoh/beh-geh joo-seh-yo) polite | Request extra items at hotels or trains |

## Descriptions

### Hello

A standard polite hello used with strangers, shop staff, and service workers. Safe in almost all travel situations; more formal than casual 안녕. Good to start conversations and show respect.

### Thank you

A respectful way to say thanks in shops, restaurants, and hotels. Common and appreciated; use after service or when receiving help. Slightly more formal than 고마워요.

### Please

Adds politeness when asking for things—menus, directions, or service. Attach to nouns or verbs (물 주세요 = water please). Essential for courteous interactions.

### Excuse me / Sorry

A polite apology or way to get someone’s attention in busy places. Use for bumping someone, asking staff questions, or correcting mistakes.

### Do you speak English?

Useful at information desks or small shops. Many younger Koreans understand basic English, but patience and simple Korean phrases help.

### I don’t understand

Polite way to say you didn’t understand. Shows respect and invites slower speech or alternative explanation.

### Where is the restroom?

Very practical in cafes, stations, and attractions. Most places have signs, but asking helps in older buildings or neighbourhood shops.

### How much is this?

Standard phrase to ask price. Useful in markets and stores. You may haggle at some street markets but not in department stores.

### Can I pay by card?

Many places accept cards; small vendors may be cash-only. Handy phrase to confirm before ordering or buying souvenirs.

### Do you have English menu?

Useful in restaurants and cafes. Tourist areas and chains often have English menus; staff may offer simple translations if not available.

### Menu, please

Simple, direct way to ask for a menu. Use at sit-down restaurants, street vendors sometimes point or hand printed menus.

### Water, please

Ask for water in restaurants or convenience stores. Tap water is drinkable in big cities but bottled is common; specify 생수 (bottled).

### Check / Bill, please

Polite way to request your bill. In Korea you may pay at the register or at the table depending on the place.

### I’m allergic to…

Useful to prevent allergic reactions. State the ingredient (e.g., 견과류 for nuts). Staff may help avoid cross-contamination but clarity is vital.

### No, thank you

A polite refusal used in stores or when declining extra services. Soft and respectful—commonly used instead of blunt “no.”

### Yes

Basic affirmative. Pronounced like “neh.” Very common and safe for quick confirmations.

### No

Polite negative used in most situations. Softer than casual 아니.

### Where is the subway/bus station?

Useful in cities. Stations often have English signage, but asking helps find the correct line or exit number.

### Which platform for …?

Ask transit staff which platform for trains or buses to a destination. Give city or station name for clarity.

### One ticket to … please

Useful at ticket counters for trains or buses. Replace … with station name. Convenient when machines are confusing.

### How long does it take?

Good for estimating travel between sites or asking staff how long a service will take.

### Stop here, please

Useful in taxis or buses to request your stop. Show an address or map if unsure; taxis often appreciate clear directions.

### Please take me to…

Standard taxi phrase—give address, landmark, or show on phone. Most drivers understand major attractions and addresses.

### Is it far?

Quick way to check walking distance to a place. If far, consider transit or taxi. Useful when planning tight schedules.

### Left/Right/Straight

Basic directional words for following maps or directions. Combine with “여기” (here) or distance words to guide someone.

### I have a reservation

Useful at hotel check-in or prebooked restaurants. Staff often ask for name or confirmation number.

### Check-in, please

Polite way to start check-in. Have passport and booking confirmation ready; Korean hotels require ID for registration.

### Do you have Wi-Fi?

Most hotels and cafes offer Wi‑Fi. Staff will give an SSID and password; some places label networks on a sign.

### Can I try this on?

Say when shopping for clothes. Many stores have fitting rooms; staff will guide you. Be polite and hand garments back neatly.

### Do you have this in a different size?

Useful in clothing stores. Staff may check backroom stock or similar items; useful when items run out on display.

### Can you wrap it?

Ask at shops or bakeries for gift wrapping or to-go packaging. Many stores offer neat wrapping services, especially for food or souvenirs.

### I’ll take this

Simple phrase to indicate purchase. Hand item to cashier or place on counter; combine with card/cash question.

### Do you accept foreign cards?

Some smaller vendors prefer Korean-issued cards or cash. Useful before ordering or buying to avoid surprises.

### Receipt, please

Handy for refunds or tax-free shopping. For tax-free purchases, ask for receipt and keep passport for refund at airport.

### Where is the tourist information?

Tourist info centers provide maps, tickets, and English help. Common in airports and major stations; a great resource for bookings and advice.

### I need a doctor

Useful in emergencies or to find a clinic. Show symptoms or use translation apps; hospitals in big cities often have English support.

### Call an ambulance

Phrase to request immediate medical transport. Emergency number in Korea is 119. Say location clearly and show phone GPS if needed.

### Call the police

Useful for theft, assault, or lost documents. Police may not speak fluent English everywhere; show ID and use translation if possible.

### Help!

Strong, immediate call for help. Use in crowded areas or if you are threatened. People usually respond quickly in public settings.

### I lost my passport

Important phrase when dealing with police or consulate. Bring copies if available; embassies can advise on replacement procedures.

### Where is the embassy/consulate?

Embassies assist with passport issues and emergencies. Most cities have consular offices; staff there can often communicate in English.

### Is this seat taken?

Use on trains, restaurants, or cafes. Polite way to check if a seat is free, especially in busy areas.

### May I take a photo?

Good etiquette to ask before photographing locals or inside small shops. Many landmarks are fine; always ask at cultural sites.

### Is tipping allowed?

Tipping is not common in Korea and can be refused. High-end tourist services may accept gratuities but it’s not expected.

### Delicious

A common phrase to praise food. Chefs and servers appreciate the compliment; saying it warmly is good etiquette.

### I’m vegetarian

Useful to avoid meat dishes; restaurants may suggest vegetable options. Be specific about eggs or fish if necessary.

### No spicy, please

Korean food can be spicy. Use this to ask for less spice; many kitchens can adjust heat upon request.

### Ice, please

Common in cafes and casual restaurants. Some places charge for bottled water or ice; polite to ask when needed.

### Where can I change money?

Common at airports, banks, and some hotels. Check rates and fees; some tourist centers provide cash exchange.

### Is there a tax refund?

Many purchases over a threshold qualify for tax refund. Keep receipts and passport; process usually at airport before departure.

### One, two, three (numbers)

Useful for counting items, ordering, and simple transactions. Korean uses native and Sino-Korean numbers; these are native small-number forms.

### Today/Tomorrow/Yesterday

Core words for day-to-day planning. Use when asking opening hours, booking tours, or arranging pickups.

### What time is it?

Useful when catching transport or meeting people. Most phones show local time, but asking is handy when phone unavailable.

### Open/Closed

Common signs for shops: 영업 중 (open) and 휴무 (closed). Helpful when planning visits to smaller businesses.

### Can you show me? (directions)

Polite request for help with maps, phone directions, or showing a location. People often guide you to nearby spots.

### I need a SIM card

Tourists often buy prepaid SIMs or pocket Wi‑Fi. Bring passport; staff will help activate and explain data plans.

### Can I get a refund?

Useful when returning faulty items. Follow store policy and keep receipts; tax-free items may have separate rules.

### Is smoking allowed?

Smoking rules are strict in many public areas. Ask before lighting up; many places designate zones or ban smoking entirely.

### Cheers! (to drink)

Short, friendly toast used in social drinking. Often followed by eye contact; clinking glasses at meals is common among friends.

### Nice to meet you

A polite, friendly greeting when introduced. Good for making a warm impression and polite social interaction.

### I’m from…

Simple self-introduction to share nationality. Useful when meeting locals or tour guides. Replace … with your country or city.

### Can you repeat that?

Polite request to repeat information. Helpful in noisy places or when learning new words; shows you’re trying to understand.

### I’m lost

Say to passersby or shop staff if you can’t find a place. Showing your destination on phone or map speeds up help.

### Please write that down

Helpful when dealing with non-Latin scripts. Ask staff to write addresses or phone numbers for taxis or maps.

### Can I have a blanket/pillow?

Common amenity request in hotels or long-distance buses/trains. Staff usually provide promptly; useful for overnight travel.