Korean Language for Travelers: Speak Like a Local in 7 Days

 

Korean Language for Travelers: Speak Like a Local in 7 Days

Traveling in Korea is even more enriching if you can speak a little Korean. In just seven days, with focused practice, you can pick up phrases that help you order food, ask directions, make friends, and get around confidently. Here’s a daily plan + phrase toolkit to get you there.

Day 1: Greetings & Basic Politeness

Goal: Learn how to greet, say thanks, apologize, and basic courtesies.

Must-Know Phrases:

  • 안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo) — Hello (polite) 

  • 감사합니다 (Gamsahamnida) — Thank you 

  • 죄송합니다 (Joesonghamnida) — I’m sorry / Excuse me

  • 미안해요 (Mianhaeyo) — Sorry (more casual) 

Tips:

  • Practice with your phone or mirror to try the pronunciation.

  • Use “Annyeonghaseyo” often: entering shops, meeting people, etc. It sets the tone.

Day 2: Ordering Food & Dining Out

Goal: Be able to order food, ask about spiciness, request bills.

Useful Phrases:

  • 여기요! (Yeokiyo!) - Excuse me, could I get your attention?

  • 이거 주세요 (Igeo juseyo) — This one, please 

  • 맵지 않게 해주세요 (Maepji anke haejuseyo) — Not spicy, please 

  • 계산서 주세요 (Gyesanseo juseyo) — Check / bill, please 

  • 맛있어요 (Masisseoyo) — It’s delicious 

Tips:

  • Many restaurants in Korea now have mini kiosks at each table where you can order and pay by card. If ordering via the kiosk is difficult, just call a staff member over and ask for help!

  • Say “주세요” (please give me) at the end to sound polite -  ex. 물 주세요 (Mul Juseyo) water, please


Day 3: Directions & Transportation

Goal: Ask where things are, how to get somewhere, use transport.

Useful Phrases:

  • 여기요 (Yeogiyo) — Excuse me / Over here (to get someone’s attention) 

  • 어디예요? (Eodieyo?) — Where is …? 

  • 영어 할 수 있어요? (Yeong-eo hal su isseoyo?) — Can you speak English? 

  • 지하철 역이 어디예요? (Jihacheol yeogi eodieyo?) — Where is the subway station? 

Tips:

  • Practice hearing address / station names so you can recognize them when spoken.

  • Make use of maps + phrase list together.


Day 4: Shopping & Markets

Goal: Shop confidently: asking price, negotiating, paying.

Useful Phrases:

  • 얼마예요? (Eolmayeyo?) — How much is this? 

  • 좀 깎아주세요 (Jom kkakka juseyo) — Please give me a discount / lower the price a bit - *You can say this at the traditional market

  • 카드 돼요? (Kadeu dwaeyo?) — Do you accept credit cards? 

  • 영수증 주세요 (Yeongsujeung juseyo) — Please give me the receipt 

Tips:

  • In some traditional markets, bargaining is okay; in stores, less so. Read the situation.

  • Always be polite; a smile goes a long way.


Day 5: Emergency & Safety

Goal: Know what to say if things go wrong: needing help, health issues, lost.

Useful Phrases:

  • 도와주세요 (Dowajuseyo) — Please help me 

  • 병원 (Byeongwon) — Hospital 

  • 약국 (Yakguk) — Pharmacy 

  • 길 잃었어요 (Gil ilheosseoyo) — I’m lost. 

Tips:

  • Save local emergency numbers or keep a translation app handy.

  • Learn the phrase “I don’t speak Korean well 한국말 몰라요 (Hankukmal Molayo)” — many people in Korea will respond kindly.


Day 6: Small Talk & Connections

Goal: Make small conversation, connect with locals, show interest.

Useful Phrases:

  • 어디서 오셨어요? (Eodiseo osyeosseoyo?) — Where are you from? 

  • 반가워요 (Bangawoyo) — Nice to meet you 

  • 같이 가요 (Gachi gayo) — Let’s go together 

  • 여기 앉아도 돼요? (Yeogi anjado dwaeyo?) — Can we sit here? 

Tips:

  • Smile, show interest in their lives: people often enjoy sharing.

  • Be respectful: using polite speech helps.


Day 7: Review & Real-Use Practice

Goal: Put all your phrases into practice in real settings.

Practice Ideas:

  • Visit a local market and order food using those phrases.

  • Use public transport, ask for directions, buy something small.

  • If possible, stay in a smaller guesthouse / homestay to talk to local hosts.

  • Record yourself speaking, or practice with a native speaker (language exchange, social apps).

Tips:

  • Don’t worry about perfect accent — clarity and politeness matter more.

  • Keep a small phrasebook or note on your phone for quick reference.

  • Reflect on what phrases you used most, which you forgot, and keep practicing after travel.


Why Learning These Phrases Helps

  • Respect & goodwill: Koreans appreciate when visitors use even basic Korean. It builds warmth.

  • Practical advantage: Many menus, signs, smaller shops may lack English, especially outside Seoul.

  • Cultural immersion: Using local language helps you better experience local culture—temples, markets, villages.

  • Confidence boost: Even simple phrases give you empowerment and reduce anxiety.



Location: 대한민국 서울특별시

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