For Those Considering Traveling or Studying Abroad in Korea!
Are you thinking about traveling or studying abroad in Korea? You might feel a little anxious if you don’t know Korean, right?
But don’t worry! In this article, I’ll share with you some incredibly useful Korean phrases that I, as a current study abroad student, use all the time!
These phrases will definitely come in handy during your trip or stay in Korea. Memorize them or even check them right before speaking, and get closer to mastering your Korean life! 🌟
🩰 Shopping Edition 🩰
- Excuse me! (저기요 / Cheogiyo)
First things first, call out to get someone’s attention! You can use it just like “Excuse me!” in English.
- How much is this? (이거 얼마예요? / Igeo Olmaeyo?)
When you want to know the price. Simple but super useful!
- I’ll take this. (이거 주세요 / Igeo Juseyo)
Perfect for when you’re at the counter and want to say “I’ll take this!”
- Would you like a bag? (봉투 필요하세요? / Bongtu Piryo Haseyo?)
If you can catch “Piryo Haseyo?” you’ve nailed it! They’re asking if you need a bag or receipt (lol).
🧋 Cafe Edition 🧋
- For here or to go? (드시고 가세요? / Deushigo Gaseyo?)
You’ll almost always hear this in cafes, meaning “Will you eat in?”
- What size would you like? (사이즈는 어떻게 해드릴까요? / Saijeuneun Eotteoke Hae Deurilkkayo?)
Sometimes they ask for size preferences, so remembering this will make ordering smoother. Just catching the word “Saijeuneun…” is enough! Oh, by the way, many chain cafes in Korea also have self-order machines!
🐝 Transportation Edition 🐝
- I want to go to ○○. (○○에 가고 싶어요 / ○○-e Gago Sipeoyo)
Since taxis are affordable in Korea, you might want to try using themʕ·ᴥ·ʔ
- I’m getting off!! (내려요!! / Naeryeoyo!!)
This is crucial when using buses (lol). In Korea, buses don’t wait for everyone to sit down before departing, so if you’re not quick, they’ll leave right away. I remember panicking the first few times I wanted to get off but the bus started moving. Fortunately, a kind Korean next to me once said “잠시만요 (Jamsiman-yo / Just a moment, please!)” to help me out. I was touched by their kindness!✨
🧠 When You Don’t Understand 🧠
- I don’t understand. (몰라요 / Mollayo)
If you don’t catch what they’re saying, this phrase will save you (lol).
- I’m [your nationality] (and don’t understand Korean). (저는 [your nationality] Saram Imnida)
Once you say this, most people will get the hint (lol).
Summary
If you’re thinking, “These phrases seem long…”, don’t worry! You only need to catch part of the phrases, especially from shopkeepers. I still can’t catch everything myself (˘ω˘). For instance, even if you only catch “필요하세요? (Piryo Haseyo?)” from the phrase “봉투 필요하세요? (Bongtu Piryo Haseyo?),” you can figure out they’re talking about bags or receipts based on the situation (lol).
The key is to challenge yourself and try speaking! Even if you make mistakes, that’s okay! You can take those experiences back home with you as “souvenirs.” ꒰◍ᐡᐤᐡ◍꒱
Enjoy your amazing time in Korea! 🌷
