50 Essential Phrases for Your Seoul Travel 2025

Planning a trip to Seoul? While many locals understand basic English, immersing yourself in the culture by speaking Korean can greatly enhance your experience. To help you navigate the vibrant streets of Seoul, we’ve compiled 50 essential Korean phrases that will make your journey smoother and more enjoyable. Dedicate just 10 minutes a day to practice, and you’ll be conversing like a local in no time!

🗣️ Basic Greetings and Polite Expressions

안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo) – Hello
감사합니다 (Gamsahamnida) – Thank you
죄송합니다 (Joesonghamnida) – I’m sorry
네 (Ne) – Yes
아니요 (Aniyo) – No
괜찮아요 (Gwaenchanayo) – It’s okay / I’m fine
제발 (Jebal) – Please
실례합니다 (Sillyehamnida) – Excuse me (to get attention)
이해하지 못했어요 (Ihaehaji mothaesseoyo) – I don’t understand
영어 하세요? (Yeongeo haseyo?) – Do you speak English?

🍽️ Dining Out

추천 메뉴가 뭐예요? (Chucheon menyuga mwoyeyo?) – What do you recommend?
이거 주세요 (Igeo juseyo) – Please give me this
물 좀 주세요 (Mul jom juseyo) – Please give me some water
계산서 주세요 (Gyesanseo juseyo) – Check, please
맛있어요! (Mashisseoyo!) – It’s delicious!
덜 맵게 해주세요 (Deol maepge haejuseyo) – Please make it less spicy
채식 메뉴 있어요? (Chaesik menyu isseoyo?) – Do you have vegetarian dishes?
포장 돼요? (Pojang dwaeyo?) – Can I get this to-go?
추천하는 한국 음식이 뭐예요? (Chucheonhaneun hanguk eumsigi mwoyeyo?) – What Korean dish do you recommend?
이거 뭐예요? (Igeo mwoyeyo?) – What is this?

🛒 Shopping and Bargaining

얼마예요? (Eolmayeyo?) – How much is it?
너무 비싸요 (Neomu bissayo) – It’s too expensive
좀 깎아주세요 (Jom kkakkajuseyo) – Please give me a discount
다른 색 있어요? (Dareun saek isseoyo?) – Do you have another color?
입어봐도 돼요? (Ibeobwado dwaeyo?) – Can I try it on?
카드 돼요? (Kadeu dwaeyo?) – Do you accept credit cards?
영수증 주세요 (Yeongsujeung juseyo) – Please give me a receipt
무료 포장 돼요? (Muryo pojang dwaeyo?) – Is gift wrapping free?
이거 교환 가능해요? (Igeo gyohwan ganeunghaeyo?) – Can I exchange this?
환불 가능해요? (Hwanbul ganeunghaeyo?) – Can I get a refund?

🚇 Navigating Transportation

지하철역 어디예요? (Jihacheolyeok eodiyeyo?) – Where is the subway station?
이 버스 ○○에 가요? (I beoseu ○○e gayo?) – Does this bus go to ○○?
택시 불러주세요 (Taeksi bulleojuseyo) – Please call a taxi
○○까지 얼마예요? (○○kkaji eolmayeyo?) – How much to ○○?
교통카드 어디서 사요? (Gyotongkadeu eodiseo sayo?) – Where can I buy a transportation card?
다음 역이 어디예요? (Daeum yeogi eodiyeyo?) – What’s the next station?
환승 어떻게 해요? (Hwaseung eotteoke haeyo?) – How do I transfer?
첫차/막차 시간 언제예요? (Cheotcha/makcha sigan eonjeyeyo?) – When is the first/last train?
이 버스 ○○에 정차해요? (I beoseu ○○e jeongchahaeyo?) – Does this bus stop at ○○?
공항 가는 버스 어디서 타요? (Gonghang ganeun beoseu eodiseo tayo?) – Where do I take the bus to the airport?

🏨 Accommodation and Emergencies

예약했어요 (Yeyakhaesseoyo) – I have a reservation
체크인/체크아웃 하고 싶어요 (Chekeu-in/chekeu-aut hago sipeoyo) – I want to check in/check out
비상구 어디예요? (Bisanggu eodiyeyo?) – Where is the emergency exit?
의사가 필요해요 (Uisaga piryohaeyo) – I need a doctor
경찰 불러주세요 (Gyeongchal bulleojuseyo) – Please call the police
여권을 잃어버렸어요 (Yeogwoneul ilheobeoryeosseoyo) – I’ve lost my passport
도와주세요! (Dowajuseyo!) – Help!
약국 어디예요? (Yakguk eodiyeyo?) – Where is the pharmacy?
와이파이 비밀번호 뭐예요? (Waipai bimilbeonho mwoyeyo?) – What’s the Wi-Fi password?
화장실 어디예요? (Hwajangsil eodiyeyo?) – Where is the restroom?

📱 Useful Apps for Your Seoul Trip

To further enhance your travel experience, consider downloading these essential apps:

카카오맵 (KakaoMap): A comprehensive map service offering detailed maps and navigation in Korea.
네이버 지도 (Naver Map): Another popular map service providing accurate directions and public transportation information.
지하철 종결자 (Subway Korea): An app dedicated to Seoul’s subway system, offering route planning and timetable information.