Quick Travel Cheat Sheet - 30 Useful Korean Words for Travelers

Tina Vestal from Vibrant Travel
Oct 7
3 min read

Location: South Korea

Great for: Singles, Couples, Families, Groups, and Honeymoons

Street sign in Seoul South Korea — King Sejong - Creator of Hangul

Here is a quick reference guide to 30 useful Korean words for travelers. It includes romanization for pronunciation and the meaning.

Hangul	Romanization	Meaning	Travel Context
안녕하세요	annyeonghaseyo	Hello	A polite greeting used anytime.
감사합니다	gamsahamnida	Thank you	Show gratitude when receiving service or help.
죄송합니다	joesonghamnida	Sorry	Use to apologize politely.
괜찮아요	gwaenchanayo	It’s okay / No problem	Respond kindly to apologies or offers.
네 / 아니요	ne / aniyo	Yes / No	Simple affirmatives and negatives.
얼마예요?	eolmayeyo?	How much is it?	Ask for prices when shopping.
이거 주세요	igeo juseyo	Please give me this	Use when ordering or buying items.
화장실 어디예요?	hwajangsil eodiyeyo?	Where is the restroom?	Crucial question when out exploring.
도와주세요	dowajuseyo	Please help me	Use in emergencies or confusion.
길을 잃었어요	gireul ilheosseoyo	I’m lost	Ask for assistance when lost.
왼쪽 / 오른쪽	oenjjok / oreunjjok	Left / Right	Helpful for directions.
여기요	yeogiyo	Excuse me / Over here	Call a waiter’s or vendor’s attention.
계산서 주세요	gyesanseo juseyo	Please bring the bill	Request your restaurant check.
맛있어요	masisseoyo	It’s delicious	Compliment Korean food.
물	mul	Water	Ask for or identify drinking water.
버스 / 지하철	beoseu / jihacheol	Bus / Subway	Useful for public transport navigation.
역	yeok	Station	Used when referring to subway or train stations.
택시	taeksi	Taxi	For easy transportation around cities.
공항	gonghang	Airport	Used when traveling to or from the airport.
호텔	hotel	Hotel	Accommodation-related conversations.
예약	yeyak	Reservation	Confirm or mention bookings.
여권	yeogwon	Passport	Essential travel identification.
환전소	hwanjeonso	Currency exchange	Change money conveniently.
경찰	gyeongchal	Police	For emergencies or reporting issues.
병원	byeongwon	Hospital	Important for health-related situations.
약국	yakguk	Pharmacy	Find medicine or basic health items.
사진	sajin	Photo	Ask for or take pictures politely.
시장	sijang	Market	Popular for local shopping and food.
기념품	ginyeompum	Souvenir	Great word when buying gifts.
잘 지냈어요?	jal jinaesseoyo?	How have you been?	Friendly greeting for reconnecting.

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