Practical Korean for Travel


There are several reasons why it is beneficial to learn Korean before traveling to Korea:

  1. Communication: Knowing Korean will allow you to communicate more effectively with locals, which can enhance your overall travel experience. You will be able to order food, ask for directions, and make new friends with greater ease.
  2. Cultural Understanding: Learning Korean will also help you gain a better understanding of Korean culture. You will be able to appreciate the nuances of the language, which can help you better understand Korean customs, traditions, and social norms.
  3. Increased Safety: Knowing Korean can also help you stay safe while traveling in Korea. You will be able to understand important safety instructions, signs, and warnings, which can be critical in emergency situations.
  4. Enhanced Travel Experience: Finally, learning Korean can enhance your overall travel experience. You will be able to fully immerse yourself in Korean culture and enjoy a more authentic experience. You will also be able to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations and connect with locals in a more meaningful way.

Overall, learning Korean before traveling to Korea can help you communicate better, understand the culture, stay safe, and have a more enjoyable travel experience.

Here are 50 practical Korean words and phrases for travel to help you with going places easily by taxi, ordering your favorite Korean food at local restaurants, and making simple requests. You can learn Korean online easily at ALS to upgrade your Korean language skills anytime.

여행
yeohaeng
travel

한국
hangug
Korea

공항
gonghang
airport

여권
yeogwon
passport

항공권
hanggonggwon
airline ticket

수화물
suhamul
luggage

택시
taegsi
taxi

택시 서는곳
taegsi seoneungot
taxi stand

기차역
gichayeog
train station

입구
ibgu
entrance

출구
chulgu
exit

어디 가세요
eodi gaseyo
Where are you going?

북촌한옥마을 갑니다.
Bugchon Hanog Maeul gamnida.
I’m going to Bukchon Hanok Village.

화장실
hwajangsil
restroom

화장실이 어디에 있어요?
hwajangsiri eodie isseoyo?
Where is the restroom?

관광 안내소
gwangwang annaeso
tourist information center

지도
jido
map

무료
muryo
free

유료
yuryo
chargeable

시간표
siganpyo
timetable

사진
sajin
photo

사진 좀 찍어주세요?
sajin jom jjigeojuseyo?
Could you please help us take a picture?

카메라
kamera
camera

식당
sigdang
restaurant

저기요
jeogiyo
excuse me

메뉴 좀 주세요
menyu jom juseyo
Please give me the menu.

계산서
gyesanseo
bill


mul
water


tisyu
tissue

주문할게요
jumunhalgeyo
I’d like to order.

삼계탕
samgyetang
ginseng chicken soup

삼계탕 하나 주세요
samgyetang hana juseyo
Please give me one ginseng chicken soup.

뭐가 맛있어요?
mwoga masisseoyo
What is delicious?

반찬
banchan
side dishes

포장
pojang
take away

여기서
yeogiseo
eat in

쇼핑
syoping
shopping

기념품
ginyeompum
souvenir

인삼
insam
ginseng

얼마예요?
eolmayeyo
How much is it?

이거 살께요
igeo salkkeyo
I’d like to buy this.

좀 깎아 주세요
jom kkakka juseyo
Please give me a discount.

영수증
yeongsujeung
receipt

봉투 필요하세요?
bongtu piryohaseyo
Do you need a paper bag?

비닐 봉지
binil bongji
plastic bag


ne
yes

아니요
aniyo
no

감사합니다
gamsahamnida
thank you

죄송합니다
joesonghamnida
sorry

알겠습니다
algessseumnida
all right