Korean is spoken by around 80 million people, mainly in South Korea and North Korea. It is written in hangeul, a phonetic alphabet invented in 1443 by King Sejong, regarded as one of the most logical writing systems in the world. With this kit, you have the bare minimum to get by in Seoul, Busan or Jeju.
Korean (한국어, hangugeo) is spoken by around 80 million people in South Korea, North Korea and within strong diaspora communities in China, Japan, the United States and Central Asia. It is a language isolate whose linguistic classification remains debated. It is written in hangeul (한글), a phonetic alphabet invented in 1443 by King Sejong the Great to make writing accessible to the people. Hangeul is regarded as one of the most logical writing systems in the world: its shapes reflect the position of the mouth organs to produce each sound. Grammar works in subject-object-verb order, without articles or genders. The great specificity of Korean lies in its politeness levels: people speak differently depending on age, social rank and familiarity with the interlocutor. Beyond the language, traveling in Korea means diving into an ultra-dense cultural universe: K-pop, K-dramas, spicy and fermented cuisine, Buddhist temples, night markets, new technologies. Cities like Seoul or Busan combine futuristic skyscrapers and traditional alleys (hanok). This kit gathers the bare essentials to handle an arrival at Incheon, a taxi ride in Seoul, an order in a bibimbap restaurant, a medical emergency and a smooth departure. You will find key greetings, phrases to orient yourself, words to eat and sleep, as well as cultural tips to avoid faux pas. Learning a few words before leaving is highly appreciated on site.
Here is how these phrases play out in real life. Each scene sets the stage and gathers the useful expressions.
You land at Incheon in the early evening. The hall is huge and you are looking for the taxi exit. An agent meets your gaze, you greet him with a slight bow and ask for directions.
The driver loads your suitcase and asks for your destination. You give him the hotel address, want to check the price before leaving, then will ask him to stop right in front of the entrance.
You enter a traditional restaurant in Seoul. The waiter seats you and hands you the menu. You ask for his recommendation before ordering water and the bill.
You feel sick after a meal and need help quickly. You ask where the nearest hospital is and mention that you are allergic to certain foods.
On the morning of departure, you want to confirm check-out time at the reception, then catch a taxi to the airport. Before leaving, you warmly say goodbye to the hotel staff.
What you need to know before travelling to a korean-speaking country.
Social hierarchy is central in Korea. People speak differently to an elder, a superior or a stranger. If you do not master politeness levels, systematically use the -yo form (semi-formal), which works everywhere.
You never shake hands firmly. A slight bow of the head accompanies greetings. For older people or those of higher rank, the bow is more pronounced.
You always remove your shoes before entering a house, a temple, some traditional restaurants and even some inns. Always check the entrance area.
At the table, you wait for the elder to start. You never plant chopsticks vertically in the rice: it evokes funeral rituals. You hold your cup with both hands when an elder pours you a drink.
Tipping does not exist. Leaving a tip in a restaurant or taxi can even be considered offensive. Service is included everywhere.
The concept of jeong (정) describes the affective bond woven over time with relatives, neighbors, shopkeepers. It explains why a restaurant owner may offer you a dessert for no apparent reason.
Korea is ultra-connected: free Wi-Fi everywhere, widespread mobile payment, dematerialized public services. Download Naver Map or KakaoMap: Google Maps works poorly there.
Drinking is a strong social ritual. Refusing an invitation outright can seem cold. If you do not drink, calmly explain your reason: health, religion, medical treatment.
Preview. The full glossary (30 words) and all the phrases are in the PDF.
네
NE
Yes
아니요
A-ni-yo
No
감사합니다
kam-sa-HAM-ni-da
Thank you
천만에요
CHEON-ma-ne-yo
You're welcome
죄송합니다
jwe-song-HAM-ni-da
Sorry
물
MUL
Water
음식
EUM-shik
Food
호텔
HO-tel
Hotel
공항
GONG-hang
Airport
병원
BYEONG-won
Hospital
A hundred words, thirty key phrases, as a printable PDF. Instant download, also sent by e-mail.
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Every translation is cross-checked against at least two concordant sources among the references below.
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