Planning a trip to Seoul? The Korean phrases you need for transport, food, shopping, hotels and emergencies, with pronunciation for every one.
Seoul is one of the most tourist-friendly cities in Asia — signs are often in English, and many service workers in major areas speak basic English. But speaking even a little Korean will transform your trip. Koreans deeply appreciate the effort, and you will get better service, better prices, and genuine warmth in return.
This guide gives you the essential phrases organized by situation.
| Korean | Romanization | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 입국 심사가 어디예요? | Ipguk simsa ga eodiyeyo? | Where is immigration? |
| 수하물 찾는 곳이 어디예요? | Suhamul channeun gosi eodiyeyo? | Where is baggage claim? |
| 택시 승강장이 어디예요? | Taeksi seunggangjangi eodiyeyo? | Where is the taxi stand? |
| 공항버스 타는 곳이요? | Gonghangbeoseu taneun gosiyo? | Where do I catch the airport bus? |
| T머니 카드 어디서 사요? | Timeoni kadeu eodiseo sayo? | Where can I buy a T-Money card? |
The Seoul subway is outstanding. Get a T-Money card (티머니 카드) — it works on all buses, subway, and even some taxis.
| Korean | Romanization | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| ...에 가고 싶어요 | ...e gago sipeoyo | I want to go to... |
| 이 역이 맞아요? | I yeogi majayo? | Is this the right station? |
| 어디서 갈아타요? | Eodiseo garatayo? | Where do I transfer? |
| 택시 타요 | Taeksi tayo | Let's take a taxi |
| 여기서 세워 주세요 | Yeogiseo sewo juseyo | Please stop here |
| 미터기로 가 주세요 | Miteogiro ga juseyo | Please use the meter |
| 영수증 주세요 | Yeongsujeung juseyo | Receipt, please |
| 카카오택시 | Kakao Taxi | Korea's main taxi app |
Pro tip: Download Naver Maps (네이버 지도) — it is more accurate than Google Maps for Seoul.
| Korean | Romanization | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 체크인 하려고요 | Chekeu-in haryeogoyo | I'd like to check in |
| 체크아웃은 몇 시예요? | Chekeua-uteun myeot siyeyo? | What time is checkout? |
| 와이파이 비밀번호가 뭐예요? | Wai-pai bimilbeonhoga mwoyeyo? | What's the WiFi password? |
| 수건 더 주세요 | Sugeon deo juseyo | More towels, please |
| 방이 좀 추워요 | Bangi jom chuwoyo | The room is a bit cold |
| 뜨거운 물이 안 나와요 | Tteugeoun muri an nawayo | Hot water is not coming out |
| Korean | Romanization | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 한 명이요 / 두 명이요 | Han myeongiyo / Du myeongiyo | Table for one / two |
| 메뉴판 주세요 | Menyupan juseyo | Menu, please |
| 추천해 주세요 | Chucheonhae juseyo | Please recommend something |
| 이게 뭐예요? | Ige mwoyeyo? | What is this? |
| 안 매운 걸로 주세요 | An maeun geollo juseyo | Something not spicy, please |
| 채식주의자예요 | Chaesikjuuijayeyo | I am vegetarian |
| 맛있어요! | Masisseoyo! | It is delicious! |
| 계산해 주세요 | Gyesanhae juseyo | Check, please |
| 따로 계산해 주세요 | Ttaro gyesanhae juseyo | Separate bills, please |
Seoul is a shopping paradise — from Myeongdong to Dongdaemun:
| Korean | Romanization | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 얼마예요? | Eolmayeyo? | How much is it? |
| 너무 비싸요 | Neomu bissayo | Too expensive |
| 좀 깎아 주세요 | Jom kkakka juseyo | Please give me a discount |
| 이거 입어봐도 돼요? | Igeo ibeobwado dwaeyo? | Can I try this on? |
| 다른 색 있어요? | Dareun saek isseoyo? | Do you have other colors? |
| 영수증 주세요 | Yeongsujeung juseyo | Receipt, please |
| 봉투 주세요 | Bongtu juseyo | Bag, please |
| Korean | Romanization | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 도와주세요! | Dowajuseyo! | Help me! |
| 경찰 불러 주세요 | Gyeongchal bulleo juseyo | Call the police |
| 119 불러 주세요 | Ilil-gu bulleo juseyo | Call an ambulance (dial 119) |
| 병원이 어디예요? | Byeongwoni eodiyeyo? | Where is the hospital? |
| 여권을 잃어버렸어요 | Yeogwoneul ireobeoryeosseoyo | I lost my passport |
Emergency Numbers in Korea: - 112 = Police (경찰) - 119 = Fire / Ambulance (소방서)
Seoul awaits — and your Korean phrases are your ticket to a deeper, more authentic experience. Ready to go? Start your Korean journey today.