{"id":108615,"date":"2026-09-02T15:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-09-02T06:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/?p=108615"},"modified":"2026-08-06T10:54:03","modified_gmt":"2026-08-06T01:54:03","slug":"survival-korean-for-your-first-48-hours","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/en\/blog\/survival-korean-for-your-first-48-hours\/","title":{"rendered":"Survival Korean: Learn these phrases for your first 48 hours in South Korea"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Arriving in South Korea for the first time can be both exciting and overwhelming. While many people in major cities understand basic English, knowing a few survival Korean<\/strong> phrases can make everyday interactions much smoother and more enjoyable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you’re visiting Korea for a holiday or moving here to study, these are the phrases you’ll most likely use during your first 48 hours. From catching a taxi to ordering your first iced coffee, here’s your practical guide to navigating South Korea with confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Airport<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

1. Arriving at the airport<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You’ve officially arrived in South Korea! Whether you’re visiting for a holiday or beginning your study abroad journey, your first interactions will likely happen at the airport. While many speak basic English, greeting someone in Korean<\/a> and asking simple questions politely is always appreciated. Even if your pronunciation isn’t perfect, locals will usually make an effort to help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These are some of the first survival Korean phrases you’ll likely need after landing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hangul<\/strong><\/td>Transliteration<\/strong><\/strong><\/td>English<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
\uc548\ub155\ud558\uc138\uc694<\/td>Annyeonghaseyo<\/td>Hello<\/td><\/tr>
\uac10\uc0ac\ud569\ub2c8\ub2e4<\/td>Gamsahamnida<\/td>Thank you<\/td><\/tr>
\uc2e4\ub840\ud569\ub2c8\ub2e4<\/td>Sillyehamnida<\/td>Excuse me<\/td><\/tr>
\ud654\uc7a5\uc2e4 \uc5b4\ub514\uc608\uc694?<\/td>Hwajangsil eodiyeyo?<\/td>Where is the restroom?<\/td><\/tr>
\uacf5\ud56d\ucca0\ub3c4 \uc5b4\ub514\uc608\uc694?<\/td>Gonghangcheoldo eodiyeyo?<\/td>Where is the Airport Railroad?<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Koreans appreciate politeness. Starting a conversation with “\uc548\ub155\ud558\uc138\uc694” immediately creates a friendly impression. Check out other useful phrases you will need at the airport<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Taking a taxi or finding the right train<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One of your first challenges may be getting to your accommodation. Showing your destination on your phone is perfectly normal and often easier than pronouncing the address. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re taking a taxi or using public transport, these phrases will come in handy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hangul<\/strong><\/td>Transliteration<\/strong><\/td>English<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
\uc5ec\uae30 \uac00 \uc8fc\uc138\uc694<\/td>Yeogi ga juseyo<\/td>Please take me here.<\/td><\/tr>
\uc5ec\uae30\uc11c \ub0b4\ub824 \uc8fc\uc138\uc694<\/td>Yeogiseo naeryeo juseyo<\/td>Please stop here.<\/td><\/tr>
\uc774 \uc9c0\ud558\ucca0 \ub9de\uc544\uc694?<\/td>I jihacheol majayo?<\/td>Is this the right subway?<\/td><\/tr>
\ud64d\ub300 \uac00\uc694?<\/td>Hongdae gayo?<\/td>Does this go to Hongdae?<\/td><\/tr>
\uba87 \ubc88 \ucd9c\uad6c\uc608\uc694?<\/td>Myeot beon chulguyeyo?<\/td>Which exit is it?<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

3. Your first convenience store visit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If there’s one place you’ll visit repeatedly, it’s the Korean convenience store<\/a>. And you’ll probably visit one within hours of arriving. The cashier may ask a few questions that first-time visitors aren’t expecting, such as whether you need a shopping bag. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thankfully, these interactions are usually short and follow the same routine every time, making them perfect opportunities to practice your Korean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hangul<\/strong><\/td>Transliteration<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/td>English<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
\uc774\uac70 \uc8fc\uc138\uc694<\/td>Igeo juseyo<\/td>I’ll have this, please.<\/td><\/tr>
\ube68\ub300 \uc8fc\uc138\uc694<\/td>Ppaldae juseyo<\/td>A straw, please.<\/td><\/tr>
\ubd09\ud22c \uc8fc\uc138\uc694<\/td>Bongtu juseyo<\/td>A bag, please.<\/td><\/tr>
\uce74\ub4dc\ub85c \ud560\uac8c\uc694<\/td>Kadeuro halgeyo<\/td>I’ll pay by card.<\/td><\/tr>
\uac10\uc0ac\ud569\ub2c8\ub2e4<\/td>Gamsahamnida<\/td>Thank you.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Learn how to read Korean food labels<\/a> in our interactive Instagram post.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Iced<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4. Ordering at a cafe<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

South Korea is famous for its cafe culture, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself stopping for coffee every day. While ordering is fairly straightforward, cafe staff often ask follow-up questions that can catch beginners off guard. Below are some phrases you’ll probably use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hangul<\/strong><\/td>Transliteration<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/td>English<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
\uc544\uc774\uc2a4 \uc544\uba54\ub9ac\uce74\ub178 \ud558\ub098 \uc8fc\uc138\uc694<\/td>Aiseu amerikano hana juseyo<\/td>One iced Americano, please.<\/td><\/tr>
\ub9e4\uc7a5\uc5d0\uc11c \uba39\uc744\uac8c\uc694<\/td>Maejangeseo meogeulgeyo<\/td>I’ll have it here.<\/td><\/tr>
\ud3ec\uc7a5\ud574 \uc8fc\uc138\uc694<\/td>Pojanghae juseyo<\/td>To go, please.<\/td><\/tr>
\uba64\ubc84\uc2ed \uc788\uc73c\uc138\uc694?<\/td>Membeosip isseuseyo?<\/td>Do you have a membership?<\/td><\/tr>
\uce74\ub4dc\ub85c \ud560\uac8c\uc694<\/td>Kadeuro halgeyo<\/td>I’ll pay by card.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Most cafes will ask whether you’re dining in or taking your drink to go, so it’s useful to know both expressions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Curious about the Iced Americano coffee culture in Korea? Don’t miss our article on the 6 interesting insights<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Eating at a restaurant<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Unlike in many countries, servers don’t usually check on your table frequently. Instead, it’s perfectly normal to call them over by saying “\uc5ec\uae30\uc694!” in a polite voice. Water is also free at most restaurants, and many places have self-service stations where you can help yourself. Restaurant staff are usually patient with foreigners, but knowing a few phrases can make ordering much easier. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hangul<\/strong><\/td>Transliteration<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/td>English<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
\uc5ec\uae30\uc694!<\/td>Yeogiyo!<\/td>Excuse me! (to get the server’s attention)<\/td><\/tr>
\uc774\uac70 \ud558\ub098 \uc8fc\uc138\uc694<\/td>Igeo hana juseyo<\/td>One of this, please.<\/td><\/tr>
\ubb3c \uc8fc\uc138\uc694<\/td>Mul juseyo<\/td>Water, please.<\/td><\/tr>
\uacc4\uc0b0\ud574 \uc8fc\uc138\uc694<\/td>Gyesanhae juseyo<\/td>The bill, please.<\/td><\/tr>
\uc798 \uba39\uc5c8\uc2b5\ub2c8\ub2e4<\/td>Jal meogeotseumnida<\/td>Thank you for the meal.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Eating at a restaurant in Korea for the first time? Here are 8 tips<\/a> you’ll want to know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Taking the subway<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The subway<\/a> is one of the easiest ways to travel in big cities, but it can get crowded during rush hour. If you’re unsure whether you’re heading in the right direction, station staff are usually happy to help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With navigation apps like Naver Map<\/a> or KakaoMap<\/a>, getting around becomes even easier, but knowing these phrases can be incredibly helpful if you need to ask someone in person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hangul<\/strong><\/td>Transliteration<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/td>English<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
\uc7a0\uc2dc\ub9cc\uc694<\/td>Jamsimanyo<\/td>Excuse me.<\/td><\/tr>
\uc9c0\ub098\uac08\uac8c\uc694<\/td>Jinagalgeyo<\/td>Excuse me, I’m coming through.<\/td><\/tr>
\uc774\ucabd\uc774\uc5d0\uc694?<\/td>Ijjogieyo?<\/td>Is it this way?<\/td><\/tr>
\ucd9c\uad6c\uac00 \uc5b4\ub514\uc608\uc694?<\/td>Chulguga eodiyeyo?<\/td>Where is the exit?<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Pro tip: Using “\uc7a0\uc2dc\ub9cc\uc694” & “\uc9c0\ub098\uac08\uac8c\uc694” politely when moving through a crowd is much more common than saying “\uc8c4\uc1a1\ud569\ub2c8\ub2e4. (sorry)”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Asking for help<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Don’t worry if you get lost. Most people will do their best to help, even if they don’t speak much English. Speaking Korean slowly, using simple sentences, and showing the address or destination on your phone can make communication much easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hangul<\/strong><\/td>Transliteration<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/td>English<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
\ub3c4\uc640\uc8fc\uc138\uc694<\/td>Dowajuseyo<\/td>Please help me.<\/td><\/tr>
\uc601\uc5b4 \ud558\uc138\uc694?<\/td>Yeongeo haseyo?<\/td>Do you speak English?<\/td><\/tr>
\ucc9c\ucc9c\ud788 \ub9d0\uc500\ud574 \uc8fc\uc138\uc694<\/td>Cheoncheonhi malsseumhae juseyo<\/td>Please speak slowly.<\/td><\/tr>
\uc798 \ubaa8\ub974\uaca0\uc5b4\uc694<\/td>Jal moreugesseoyo<\/td>I don’t understand.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Socks<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

8. Shopping around Korea<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you’re browsing at Olive Young, Daiso, or a department store, these phrases will be useful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hangul<\/strong><\/td>Transliteration<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/td>English<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
\uc5bc\ub9c8\uc608\uc694?<\/td>Eolmayeyo?<\/td>How much is it?<\/td><\/tr>
\ub2e4\ub978 \uc0ac\uc774\uc988 \uc788\uc5b4\uc694?<\/td>Dareun saijeu isseoyo?<\/td>Do you have another size?<\/td><\/tr>
\uad6c\uacbd\ub9cc \ud560\uac8c\uc694<\/td>Gugyeongman halgeyo<\/td>I’m just looking.<\/td><\/tr>
\uce74\ub4dc \ub3fc\uc694?<\/td>Kadeu dwaeyo?<\/td>Can I pay by card?<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Bonus: Everyday Korean expressions you’ll hear everywhere<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

These aren’t phrases you’ll necessarily learn in a textbook, but you’ll hear them almost every day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hangul<\/strong><\/td>Transliteration<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/td>English<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
\ub124<\/td>Ne<\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
\uc544\ub2c8\uc694<\/td>Aniyo<\/td>No<\/td><\/tr>
\uad1c\ucc2e\uc544\uc694<\/td>Gwaenchanayo<\/td>It’s okay \/ No thanks<\/td><\/tr>
\uc7a0\uae50\ub9cc\uc694<\/td>Jamkkanmanyo<\/td>Just a moment<\/td><\/tr>
\ub9de\uc544\uc694<\/td>Majayo<\/td>That’s right<\/td><\/tr>
\uc9c4\uc9dc?<\/td>Jinjja?<\/td>Really?<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Understanding these common expressions will help conversations feel much less intimidating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Korean etiquette tips for beginners<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Knowing the language is helpful, but understanding a few cultural habits can leave an even better impression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n