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Visiting Seoul, the vibrant capital of South Korea, can be an exciting experience. Knowing some basic Korean phrases can help you navigate the city more easily and connect with locals. Here are the top 10 common Korean phrases every traveler should learn before visiting Seoul.
1. Hello / Hi
The most basic greeting in Korean is 안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo), which means “Hello” or “Hi”. Use this when greeting strangers or in formal situations.
2. Thank you
To show appreciation, say 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida). It’s polite and appreciated in any setting.
3. Yes / No
네 (ne) means “Yes” and 아니요 (aniyo) means “No”. These simple words are useful in everyday conversations.
4. Excuse me / Sorry
To politely get someone’s attention or apologize, say 실례합니다 (sillyehamnida).
5. Do you speak English?
Ask if someone speaks English with 영어 하세요? (yeongeo haseyo?).
6. Where is the bathroom?
For directions, ask 화장실 어디에요? (hwajangsil eodieyo?), meaning “Where is the bathroom?”.
7. How much does it cost?
To inquire about prices, say 이거 얼마에요? (igeo eolmaeyo?), which means “How much is this?”.
8. I don’t understand
If you don’t understand something, say 이해하지 못해요 (ihaehaji mothaeyo), meaning “I don’t understand”.
9. Help!
In emergencies, shout 도와주세요 (dowajuseyo), which means “Help!”.
10. Goodbye
When leaving, say 안녕히 가세요 (annyeonghi gaseyo) if someone is leaving, or 안녕히 계세요 (annyeonghi gyeseyo) if you are leaving. Both mean “Goodbye”.