Korean Phrases for Tourists: 15 Useful Things to Say in Korea

You do not need to speak Korean fluently to travel well in Korea. These Korean phrases for tourists cover the moments that come up most often: ordering food, paying, taking a taxi, finding a restroom, and asking for help. Learn a few, keep the Korean text on your phone, and show it when speaking feels difficult.

The romanization below is only a simple pronunciation guide. The Korean text is more useful than perfect pronunciation because you can point to it or show it to someone.

The 15 Korean phrases you will use most

The best way to use Korean as a tourist

Start with 안녕하세요 when you enter a shop or restaurant, then use the one phrase you need. A polite greeting and a clear request go a long way.

For anything complicated, show the Korean text on your phone. This works better than trying to remember a long sentence while a queue is waiting behind you. It is especially useful for taxi destinations, food allergies, hotel requests, and addresses.

You also do not need to apologize for using English. In major tourist areas, many people will understand some English, a translation app, or the place name shown on a map. Korean phrases are a tool to make the interaction warmer and simpler, not a test you need to pass.

Korean phrases for restaurants and cafes

Restaurants are where a few short phrases help most.

이거 주세요 is your basic ordering phrase. Point to the menu item and say it, or simply show the Korean text.

한 명이요 works when a host asks how many people are in your group. For two people, say 두 명이요 (du myeongiyo). For three, say 세 명이요 (se myeongiyo).

안 맵게 해 주세요 is useful when you want less spice, but it is not a guarantee that a traditionally spicy dish will become mild. Ask before ordering if you have an allergy or a serious dietary restriction.

계산해 주세요 is a polite way to ask for the bill. In some casual places, you may pay at a counter rather than wait for the bill to come to the table. Look around or ask with this phrase.

For a food-focused Seoul stop, see the Gwangjang Market guide or Myeongdong Shopping Street guide.

Korean phrases for shopping

얼마예요? is the question to ask when a price is not clear.

카드 돼요? asks whether the shop accepts cards. Korea is very card-friendly, but asking is still useful at a small stall, market, or temporary pop-up.

For tax refund shopping, keep your passport available and ask the store whether it participates before paying. Our Korea tax refund guide explains the full process.

Korean phrases for taxis and directions

The safest taxi phrase is often not a sentence. Show the driver the Korean address or the destination saved in your map app.

Then use 여기로 가 주세요, which means “Please take me here.” If you need help getting a ride, 택시 불러 주세요 means “Please call a taxi.”

For directions, put the station, neighborhood, or attraction name before 어디예요? For example, 서울역 어디예요? asks where Seoul Station is.

Use Naver Map English to save the Korean place name and confirm the local route before you leave.

When you need help

도와주세요 means “Please help me.” Use it when you are lost, need staff attention, or have a simple problem you cannot explain.

If the issue is urgent, show the location and use a translation app or ask your hotel, station staff, or a nearby store for assistance. Do not rely on memorizing one phrase for a medical or safety emergency.

Use the Pglemaps Survival Phrases tool

This guide gives you the core phrases to remember. For more situations and a pronunciation guide in your own language, open Pglemaps Survival Phrases. You can copy a phrase and show it directly to the person you are speaking with.

Add the places you want to visit to your Pglemaps trip plan first, then keep the phrases for food, taxis, and shopping ready for the parts of the route where you will use them.

FAQ

What Korean phrases should tourists learn first?

Start with hello, thank you, excuse me, this one please, how much is it, card accepted, restroom where is it, and please help me. These cover most short interactions.

Do tourists need to speak Korean in Korea?

No. You can travel using English, maps, translation apps, and place names. A few Korean phrases make basic interactions easier and more polite.

Is romanization enough to speak Korean?

Romanization is useful for a quick attempt, but showing the Korean text is usually clearer. Save the Korean phrase on your phone when it matters.

How do I ask for something politely in Korean?

Add 주세요 (juseyo) after a noun or point to an item and say 이거 주세요. It is a simple, polite request.

How do I say thank you in Korean?

Say 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida). It is polite and works in almost every travel situation.