5 Korean Phrases Every Traveler Needs
These five phrases will get you through markets, restaurants, subway stations, and the inevitable moment you get completely lost — no Korean background needed.
You don't need to speak Korean to get around Korea.
But a handful of phrases will change everything — how vendors respond to you, how comfortable you feel getting lost, how much more of the real experience you can access.
Here are the five that actually matter.
1. 얼마예요? — How much is it?
This is the phrase you'll use most. At the market, the pojangmacha, the street food stall where there are no prices posted anywhere. Point at the thing, say this, and you're fine.
Pro tip: If the number goes too fast, just show them your phone. Vendors are used to tourists and will type it out.
2. 이거 주세요 — I'll have this one
You don't need a full sentence. You don't need to know the name of the dish. Just point and say this.
At a street food stall
Gwangjang Market, dinner time
3. 화장실이 어디예요? — Where is the bathroom?
Every Korean subway station has clean, free bathrooms. Most convenience stores do too. This phrase will save you more than once.
4. 괜찮아요 — I'm okay / It's fine
Someone will bump into you on the subway and apologize profusely. A vendor will look worried when you can't find your wallet. A café worker will ask if your order was right.
For all of this: 괜찮아요.
When things go sideways
Coffee shop — wrong drink arrives
5. 감사합니다 — Thank you
This one is obvious — but what's not obvious is when to use it.
In Korea, you say thank you when:
- A taxi driver drops you off
- A restaurant brings your food (not just at the end)
- Someone holds a door for you
- Anyone does anything, really
Saying it often and genuinely goes a long way.
Put it all together
A full day out
Market → convenience store → getting lost
Korea rewards anyone who tries — even a little. These five phrases are your starting point.
The rest of the language will follow.