Essential Korean Travel Phrases: 100+ Phrases by Situation (Pronunciation Included)

KunStudio · K-Wisdom Series · 2026-05-03

Korean travel guides usually teach 'hello' and 'thank you' but skip the phrases tourists actually need. Like 'I'm getting off!' on a packed Seoul subway, or 'please give me a discount' at Gwangjang Market, or 'where is the bathroom?' anywhere. Our 100+ phrase guide is organized by situation.

Survival basics: 안녕하세요 (annyeong-haseyo, hello), 감사합니다 (gamsa-hamnida, thank you), 죄송합니다 (joesong-hamnida, sorry), 네/아니요 (yes/no), 괜찮아요 (it's okay), 이거 얼마예요? (how much is this?). These 7 phrases handle 80% of tourist interactions.

Transit: 내려요! (I'm getting off!) shouted on packed subway. 택시 불러주세요 (please call a taxi). 이 주소로 가주세요 (please go to this address — show your phone). 화장실 어디예요? (where is the bathroom?). Korean public transit is excellent but signs in English are limited at smaller stations.

Restaurant phrases: 메뉴판 주세요 (menu please), 매워요? (is it spicy? — ask before ordering!), 정말 맛있어요! (really delicious!), 계산해주세요 (check please). Korean restaurant culture: tipping not customary, bill paid at register on the way out (not at table).

Shopping: 카드 돼요? (card OK?), 좀 깎아주세요 (please give me a discount — at markets only, not stores), 영수증 주세요 (receipt please). Emergencies: 도와주세요! (help me!), 병원 어디예요? (where is the hospital?). Our PDF guide includes 100+ phrases organized by 6 categories with pronunciation guide.