Korean is more than a language — it’s a doorway into rich culture, warm hospitality, and endless K-drama binge-watching without subtitles. Whether you’re planning a trip to Seoul, learning for school, or chatting with Korean friends online, having essential everyday phrases ready can make your experience smoother and far more fun.
Korean has two main speech levels used daily:
Polite/Formal (존댓말 jondaetmal) — respectful, recommended for strangers or elders
Casual/Informal (반말 banmal) — used with close friends or younger people
To keep things simple, both forms are included below. Let’s dive into 100 of the most useful Korean phrases you’ll actually use in real life!
1. Essential Greetings & Social Phrases (인사말):-
English & Korean Polite / Casual
Hello/Hi
안녕하세요 annyeonghaseyo / 안녕 annyeong
Thank you
감사합니다 gamsahamnida / 고맙습니다 gomapseumnida / 고마워 gomawo
Yes
네 ne 응 / 어 eung/eo
No
아니요 aniyo / 아니 ani
Excuse me (to get attention)
저기요 jeogiyo / 야 ya (only w/close friends!)
I’m sorry
죄송합니다 joesonghamnida / 미안해 mianhae
Nice to meet you
만나서 반갑습니다 mannaseo bangabseumnida / 반가워 bangawo
Goodbye (you leave)
안녕히 계세요 annyeonghi gyeseyo / 잘 있어 jal isseo
Goodbye (they leave)
안녕히 가세요 annyeonghi gaseyo / 잘 가 jal ga
See you later
나중에 봬요 najunge bwaeyo / 이따 봐 itta bwa
Pro tip: When unsure, always use polite speech. It shows respect and saves you from awkward situations!
2. Shopping & Money Phrases (쇼핑 표현):-
Shopping in Korea? From Myeongdong street bargains to K-pop merch — these phrases are lifesavers:
English & Korean
How much is it?
이거 얼마예요? igeo eolmayeyo?
Can you make it cheaper?
좀 깎아 주세요 jom kkakka juseyo
Too expensive
너무 비싸요 neomu bissayo
I’ll take it
이거 살게요 igeo salggeyo
Do you have a bigger/smaller size?
더 큰/작은 사이즈 있어요? deo keun/jageun saijeu isseoyo?
Can I try it on?
입어 봐도 돼요? ibeo bwado dwaeyo?
Where is the fitting room?
탈의실 어디예요? taruishil eodiyeyo?
I’m just looking
그냥 보고 있어요 geunyang bogo isseoyo
It’s pretty
예쁘네요 yeppeuneyo
Bag please
봉투 주세요 bongtu juseyo
Negotiating tip: Smile + “좀만요!” (jom-man-yo = “just a little, please!”) works wonders in markets.
3. Travel, Transportation & Directions (여행/교통):-
Seoul’s subways are amazing… once you know how to ask the right questions!
English & Korean
Where is the subway station?
지하철역 어디예요? jihacheol-yeok eodiyeyo?
Which way?
어느 쪽이에요? eoneu jjok-ieyo?
I want to go to ___
____에 가고 싶어요 ____-e gago sipeoyo
One ticket please
한 장 주세요 han jang juseyo
Does this bus go to ___?
이 버스 ___에 가요? i beoseu ___-e gayo?
Stop here please
여기서 내려 주세요 yeogiseo naeryeo juseyo
How long does it take?
얼마나 걸려요? eolmana geollyeoyo?
Where is the restroom?
화장실 어디예요? hwajangsil eodiyeyo?
I’m lost
길을 잃었어요 gireul ilheosseoyo.
Can you take me there?
데려다 주세요 deryeoda juseyo?
Perfect for adventure days in Busan, Jeju — or just trying not to miss your stop!
4. Food & Eating Out (음식/식당):-
Korean food = happiness. Speak like a local:
English & Korean
One/two please
하나/둘 주세요 hana/dul juseyo
Water please
물 주세요 mul juseyo
It’s delicious!
맛있어요! masisseoyo!
Not spicy please
안 매운 거요 an maeun geoyo
I can’t eat this
이거 못 먹어요 igeo mot meogeoyo
I’m vegetarian
채식주의자예요 chaesik-juuijayeyo
Cheers!
건배! geonbae!
Check please
계산할게요 gyesanhalggeyo
Do you have recommendations?
뭐가 맛있어요? mwoga masisseoyo?
More side dishes please!
반찬 더 주세요! banchan deo juseyo!
Tip: Saying “진짜 맛있어요!” (really delicious!) makes servers smile every time.
5. Emergency & Health Phrases (긴급 상황):-
Hopefully you never need these — but keep them close!
English & Korean
Help!
도와주세요! dowajuseyo!
Call the police!
경찰 불러 주세요! gyeongchal bulleo juseyo!
I’m sick
아파요 apayo
I need a hospital
병원 가야 해요 byeongwon gaya haeyo
It hurts here
여기 아파요 yeogi apayo.
Do you speak English?
영어 할 수 있어요? yeongeo hal su isseoyo?
My phone is gone
휴대폰 잃어버렸어요 hyudaepon ireobeoryeosseoyo
I need a doctor
의사 필요해요 uisa piryohaeyo.
I feel dizzy
어지러워요 eojireowoyo.
Keep these starred in your notes when traveling!
6. Slang & Fun Phrases (일상에서 자주 쓰는 표현):-
Spice up conversations like a real Korean local:
English & Korean
Awesome!
대박! daebak!
Really?
진짜? jinjja?
Let’s go!
가자! gaja!
Wait!
잠깐만! jamkkanman!
So cute!
귀여워! gwiyeowo!
I’m tired
피곤해 pigonhae
I’m hungry
배고파 baegopa
That’s funny
웃기네 utgine
Call me later
나중에 연락해 najunge yeollakhae
Let’s hang out
놀자! nol-ja!
These are banmal—use only with friends!
A Language That Brings People Closer:-
Learning Korean isn’t just about grammar and vocabulary—it opens the door to friendships, unforgettable adventures, and a deeper appreciation for one of Asia’s most vibrant cultures. With these 100 essential phrases, you’re already set up for confident conversations in everyday situations.
So next time someone says,
“한국어 할 줄 알아요?” (Do you speak Korean?)
You can proudly reply:
“조금요, 하지만 매일 배우고 있어요!”
(A little, but I’m learning every day!)
