Essential Korean Phrases for Travel (with Pronunciation)
South Korea is more popular than ever thanks to K-pop, K-dramas and Korean food. Seoul has English signs in the metro, but in restaurants, markets and outside the capital, Korean phrases make your trip much easier.
Updated October 2026
Basics and greetings
| English | Korean | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | 안녕하세요 | Annyeonghaseyo |
| Goodbye | 안녕히 계세요 | Annyeonghi gyeseyo |
| Please | …주세요 | …juseyo |
| Thank you | 감사합니다 | Gamsahamnida |
| Yes | 네 | Ne |
| No | 아니요 | Aniyo |
| Excuse me / Sorry | 실례합니다 | Sillyehamnida |
| I don't understand | 이해가 안 돼요 | Ihaega an dwaeyo |
| Do you speak English? | 영어 하세요? | Yeongeo haseyo? |
At the restaurant
| English | Korean | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| A table for two, please | 두 명이요 | Du myeong-iyo |
| The menu, please | 메뉴 주세요 | Menyu juseyo |
| Water, please | 물 주세요 | Mul juseyo |
| The bill, please | 계산서 주세요 | Gyesanseo juseyo |
| It's delicious | 맛있어요 | Masisseoyo |
Getting around and shopping
| English | Korean | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Where is the toilet? | 화장실이 어디예요? | Hwajangsiri eodiyeyo? |
| Where is the station? | 역이 어디예요? | Yeogi eodiyeyo? |
| How much is it? | 얼마예요? | Eolmayeyo? |
| Can you write it down? | 써 주실 수 있어요? | Sseo jusil su isseoyo? |
Emergencies and health
| English | Korean | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Help! | 도와주세요! | Dowajuseyo! |
| I need a doctor | 의사가 필요해요 | Uisaga piryohaeyo |
| Where is the pharmacy? | 약국이 어디예요? | Yakgugi eodiyeyo? |
| Call the police! | 경찰을 불러 주세요! | Gyeongchareul bulleo juseyo! |
| I'm lost | 길을 잃었어요 | Gireul ireosseoyo |
Practical tips
- "…juseyo" means "please give me…": just add it after a word ("mul juseyo" = water please).
- Hangul, the Korean alphabet, is very logical — many people learn to read it in an afternoon.
- Many restaurants have a call button on the table; press it to call the staff.
- Tipping is not expected in Korea.
Too many phrases to remember?
With OIEM Translator you can simply talk. Choose English and Korean, tap the microphone once and speak normally: the translation appears in about half a second and is spoken out loud in Korean. When the other person answers, OIEM detects their language automatically and translates back — no need to tap again.
- Hands-free two-way conversation
- Text translation also works offline
- Photo translation for menus and signs
Free to download with free voice translations to try. The weekly plan includes a 3-day free trial.
Frequently asked questions
Is English widely spoken in Korea?
Young people often understand some English, especially written. In everyday situations, Korean phrases or a translator are still very useful.
Can my phone speak Korean for me?
Yes. With a voice translator like OIEM Translator you speak in English and your iPhone says it out loud in Korean, then translates the answer back. It is useful when a phrase list is not enough.
Do these phrases work offline?
This page works offline if you save it or take screenshots before your trip. In OIEM Translator, text translation works offline; voice translation needs an internet connection.