Korean Travel Phrases: small talks

Explore the vibrant culture and beautiful landscapes of Korea with confidence using these essential Korean phrases. Whether you're navigating public transportation, bargaining at local markets, or simply making small talk with locals, mastering these expressions will enhance your travel experience and help you connect with the people and traditions of Korea. From greetings to farewells, emergencies to expressing preferences, this guide covers it all, ensuring you can communicate effectively and make the most of your Korean adventure.

Making Small Talk

오늘 날씨가 좋네요 (Oneul nalssiga johneyo): Use this phrase to make conversation about the weather. It means "The weather is nice today."

한국 음식을 좋아하세요? (Hanguk eumsigeul joahaseyo?): To inquire about someone's food preferences or interests, you can ask "Do you like Korean food?" with this phrase.

여행은 어떠셨어요? (Yeohaengeun eotteosyeosseoyo?): If you want to ask about someone's travel experiences or how their trip is going, use this phrase which means "How was your trip?"

Shopping and Bargaining

이거 할인 가능해요? (Igeo halinganeun ganeunghaeyo?): When shopping and hoping for a discount, you can ask "Is this item eligible for a discount?" using this phrase.

더 싸게 해주세요 (Deo ssage haejuseyo): To negotiate a lower price, politely request a discount with this phrase which means "Could you make it cheaper, please?"

카드로 결제할 수 있나요? (Kadeuro gyeoljehal su issnayo?): If you prefer to pay by card, ask "Can I pay by card?" using this phrase.

Getting Help in Emergencies

도와주세요! (Dowajuseyo!): In case of emergencies, use this phrase to call for help. It means "Help me!"

의사를 불러주세요 (Uisareul bulleojuseyo): If medical assistance is needed, ask someone to call a doctor using this phrase which means "Please call a doctor."

112에 신고해주세요 (112e singohaejuseyo): For reporting emergencies to the police, use this phrase meaning "Please report to 112 (emergency number)."

 

Navigating Public Transportation

이 버스는 어디로 가나요? (I beoseuneun eodiro ganayo?): When boarding a bus and unsure of its destination, ask "Where does this bus go?" using this phrase.

지하철역에서 어떻게 나가나요? (Jihacheolyeogeseo eotteoke naganayo?): If you need directions to exit the subway station, use this phrase which means "How do I get out of the subway station?"

택시를 타려고 하는데, 주소를 알려주실 수 있나요? (Taeksireul taryeogo haneunde, juso-reul allyeojusil su innayo?): When taking a taxi and needing to provide directions, politely ask "Could you tell the driver the address, please?"

Expressing Preferences and Needs

더 맵게 해주세요 (Deo maepege haejuseyo): To request your food to be spicier, use this phrase which means "Please make it spicier."

창문을 열어 주세요 (Changmuneul yeoreo juseyo): If you want to ask someone to open the window, say "Please open the window" using this phrase.

조용히 해주세요 (Joyonghi haejuseyo): When you need someone to be quiet or lower their voice, politely ask "Please be quiet" with this phrase.

Saying Goodbye and Farewells

다음에 또 봐요 (Daeume tto bwayo): When saying goodbye to someone you'll see again, use this phrase which means "See you again next time."

즐거운 시간이었어요 (Jeulgeoun siganieosseoyo): If you had a pleasant time and want to express it, say "It was a great time" using this phrase.

안녕히 계세요 (Annyeonghi gyeseyo): When leaving someone who will remain in the place, use this phrase meaning "Please stay well."