Conjunctions are an important part of every language. They allow us to connect our thoughts, make comparisons, and string together sentences. In this Korean conjunctions list, I’ll explain to you the basic conjunctions with plenty of examples so you can make the most out of the article and improve your Korean skills.

Ready to learn Korean conjunctions? Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

1. What is a Conjunction?
2. Conjunctions to Correlate Similar Thoughts
3. Conjunctions to Express Condition
4. Conjunctions to Express Cause
5. Conjunctions to Express Opposition
6. Conjunctions to Express Contrasts with the Statement in the Main Clause
7. Conjunctions to Express Preference
8. Conjunctions to Express Reasons
9. Conjunctions to Add Additional Information
10. More Conjunctions
11. How KoreanClass101 Can Help You Learn Korean

1. What is a Conjunction?

According to the Oxford Dictionary, the definition of a conjunction is a word that’s used to connect phrases, clauses, and sentences. Conjunctions in Korean work similarly to how they work in any other language, and learning Korean conjunctions and how to use each one properly will certainly boost your confidence in speaking, writing, and reading.

There are many Korean conjunctions, and if you struggle to understand all of the different Korean conjunctions, you’re not alone. Many Korean learners—even native speakers—struggle to use Korean conjunctions appropriately. In our Korean conjunctions list and guide, we’re going to focus on fundamental connecting words in Korean so as not to overwhelm you.

By the end of this article, you should have a better idea about the basic Korean conjunction rules, and an expanded vocabulary of Korean language conjunctions!

2. Conjunctions to Correlate Similar Thoughts

1- 그리고 (geurigo) – “and”

• 그리고 (geurigo) is used to link two different words or phrases together.
• Apply this conjunction when you want to correlate two words.

Example:

스테이크 그리고 레드와인 주세요.
Seuteikeu geurigo redeuwain juseyo.
“I would like a steak and a glass of red wine, please.”

난 한국 가면 떡볶이, 순대 그리고 김밥 먹을꺼야.
Nan hanguk gamyeon tteokbokki, sundae geurigo gimbap meogeulkkeoya.
“I’m going to eat tteokbokki, sundae, and gimbap when I go to Korea.”

2- ~랑 (~rang) – “and”

• ~랑 (~rang) means the same thing as 그리고 (geurigo).
• The difference is that this conjunction is attached after a noun stem, is strictly colloquial, and isn’t used in official documents.
  • 김치랑 밥
    gimchirang bap
    “Kimchi and rice”
  • 김밥이랑 순대
    gimbabirang Sundae
    “Kimbap and Sundae”
• Since ~랑 (~rang) has the same value as geurigo, they can replace each other without generating any changes in the meaning.

Example:

스테이크랑 레드와인 주세요.
Seuteikeurang redeuwain juseyo.
“I would like a steak and a glass of red wine, please.”

난 한국 가면 떡볶이랑, 순대랑 김밥 먹을꺼야.
Nan hanguk gamyeon tteokbokkirang, sundaerang gimbap meogeulkkeoya.
“I’m going to eat tteokbokki, sundae, and gimbap when I go to Korea.”

3- ~고 (go) – “and”

• ~고 (go) means the same thing as rang and geurigo.
• This conjunction is always attached after a verb stem and usually means “I will do this AND THEN I will do this.”
• A synonym of ~ 고 (go) is 그리고 나서 (geurigo naseo) which means “then.”

Example:

내일 아침에 요가하고* 저녁에는 복싱할거야.
Naeil achime yogahago jeonyeogeneun boksinghalgeoya.
“I am going to do yoga in the morning and boxing in the evening tomorrow.”

*하다 (hada) meaning “to do” and 고 (go) meaning “and,” become 하고 (hago), meaning “After I do…”

내일은 밥먹고 바로 집으로 갈거야.
Naeireun bammeokgo baro jibeuro galgeoya.
“I am going to eat and (then) go home.”

* 먹다 (meokda) meaning “to eat” and 고 (go) meaning “and” become 먹고 (meokgo), meaning “After I eat.”

4- ~와/과 (~wa/gwa)

• ~와 (~wa) is usually attached to noun stems.
• ~과 (~gwa) is usually attached to verb stems and after nouns that end with consonants.

Example:

너와 나는 친구가 될 수 없어.
Neowa naneun chinguga doel su eopseo.
“You and I can’t be friends.”

수영하는 것과 축구 하는 것 중에 어떤 스포츠를 더 좋아하세요?
Suyeonghaneun geotgwa chukgu haneun geot junge eotteon seupocheureul deo joahaseyo?
“Between swimming and playing soccer, which do you prefer?”

3. Conjunctions to Express Condition

1- 만약 (manyak) – “if”

• To talk about hypothetical situations, we often use 만약 (manyak), with the direct translation being “if” in English.
• Note that 만약에 (manyage) is more commonly used in spoken language (conversation).

Example:

만약(에) 비가 온다면 난 그냥 집에 있을래.
Manyak(e) biga ondamyeon nan geunyang jibe isseullae.
“If it rains, I’m just going to stay at home.”

만약에 네가 시험에 불합격한다면 어떻게할거야?
Manyage nega siheome bulhapgyeokandamyeon eotteokehalgeoya?
“If you fail the exam, what are you going to do?”

2- 한다면 (handamyeon) – “if”

• Although 만약 (manyak) and 한다면 (handamyeon) have the same meaning in English, these two conjunctions are used in different situations.
• To differentiate these two conjunctions:
  • 만약 (manyak) focuses on hypothetical situations.
  • 한다면 (handamyeon) focuses more on actions.

Example:

그 회사가 망한다면 월급을 받지 못할거야.
Geu hoesaga manghandamyeon wolgeubeul batji mothalgeoya.
“If the company goes bankrupt, you will not receive the income anymore.”

네가 계속 그렇게 욕한다면 앞으로 너랑 친구되고 싶지 않아.
Nega gyesok geureoke yokandamyeon apeuro neorang chingudoego sipji ana.
“If you continue to swear like this, I don’t want to be friends with you.”

4. Conjunctions to Express Cause

1- 그래서 (geuraeseo) – “so,” “therefore”

• When this conjunction is used, the first sentence is usually a statement or fact, followed by the cause or evidence. 그래서 (geuraeseo) connects these two sentences together.

Example:

어제 많이 아팠어요. 그래서 학교에 못 갔어요.
Eoje mani apasseoyo. geuraeseo hakgyoe mot gasseoyo.
“I was really sick yesterday. Therefore I could not go to school.”

어제는 눈이 왔다. 그래서 하루 종일 집에 있었다.
Eojeneun nuni watda. geuraeseo haru jongil jibe isseotda.
“It rained yesterday, so I stayed home all day.”

2- 그렇기 때문에 (~gi ttaemune) – “therefore”

• The second conjunction to express cause is ~기 때문에 (~gi ttaemune) which means “because of that” or “therefore” in English.

Example:

저녁을 일찍 먹었기 때문에, 배고프지 않아.
Jeonyeogeul iljjik meogeotgi ttaemune, baegopeuji ana.
“Because I had an early dinner, I am not hungry.”

사람들이 너무 많았기 때문에 빨리 집으로 갔다.
Saramdeuri neomu manatgi ttaemune ppalli jibeuro gatda.
“Because there were so many people, I went home.”

3- 그러므로 (geureomeuro) – “therefore”

• This conjunction is rarely used in spoken language, but is often used in literature.
• On the other hand, 그렇기 때문에 (~gi ttaemune), which we saw above, is commonly used in spoken language.

Example:

나는 생각한다. 그러므로 나는 존재한다.
Naneun saenggakanda. Geureomeuro naneun jonjaehanda.
“I think, therefore I am.”

The sentence below has the same meaning as above:

나는 생각한다. 그렇기 때문에 나는 존재한다.
naneun saenggakanda. geureoki ttaemune naneun jonjaehanda.
“I think, therefore I am.”

4- 따라서 (ttaraseo) – “so,” “therefore”

• This conjunction means the same thing as 그러므로 (geureomeuro) and 그렇기 때문에 (~gi ttaemune).
• 따라서 (ttaraseo) sounds a bit formal, therefore it’s not commonly used in spoken language.

Example:

물건의 가격이 많이 올랐다. 따라서 사람들이 물건을 사지 않을 것이다.
Mulgeonui gagyeogi mani ollatda. ttaraseo saramdeuri mulgeoneul saji aneul geosida.
“The price of goods has increased. Therefore, people will not buy them.”

지구온난화는 점점 더 심해지고 있다. 따라서 공해는 더욱더 심해질 것이다.
Jiguonnanhwaneun jeomjeom deo simhaejigo itda. Ttaraseo gonghaeneun deoukdeo simhaejil geosida.
“Global warming is getting worse and worse, thus increasing pollution.”

5. Conjunctions to Express Opposition

The conjunctions mentioned below all indicate that the following sentence will be in contrast to the previous one. Let’s have a look each Korean conjunction.

1- 하지만 (hajiman) – “but”

• 하지만 (hajiman) means “but” or “however” in English.
• This conjunction is used at the beginning of a sentence to combine two opposing clauses.
• You can also shorten 하지만 (hajiman) and combine two clauses with ~지만 (~jiman).

Example:

우리 언니는 노란색을 좋아해. 하지만 언니의 남자친구는 노랑색을 싫어해.
Uri eonnineun noransaegeul joahae. Hajiman eonniui namjachinguneun norangsaegeul sileohae.
“My sister likes yellow. But her boyfriend doesn’t like yellow.”

The sentence above has the same meaning as the sentence below:

=우리 언니는 노랑색을 좋아하지만 언니의 남자친구는 노랑색을 싫어해.
Uri eonnineun norangsaegeul joahajiman eonniui namjachinguneun norangsaegeul sileohae.

—

우리 집에 언제든지 놀러와돼. 하지만 오기전에 전화해줘.
Uri jibe eonjedeunji nolleowadwae. Hajiman ogijeone jeonhwahaejwo.
“You can always come to my house. But call me before (you plan to come).”

The sentence above has the same meaning as the sentence below:

=우리 집에 언제든지 놀러와도 되지만 오기 전에 전화해줘.
Uri jibe eonjedeunji nolleowado doejiman ogi jeone jeonhwahaejwo.

2- 그렇지만 (geureochiman) – “but,” “however”

• When this conjunction is used, the sentence structure usually goes like this: [Admitting what a speaker said] however [say conflicting claims.]

Let’s look at an example. Your friend Sujin likes Jinsu a lot, and she believes that Jinsu likes her too. But you know that it’s not true because you’ve seen that Jinsu is dating someone else. In this situation, you can say:

수진이는 진수를 좋아해. 그렇지만 진수는 수진이를 좋아하지 않아.
Sujinineun jinsureul joahae. Geureochiman jinsuneun sujinireul joahaji ana.
“Sujin likes Jinsu. However, Jinsu does not like Sujin.”

Let’s have a look at another example:

네 말도 일리는 있어. 그렇지만 다른 사람들의 의견도 들어봐야지.
Ne maldo illineun isseo. Geureochiman dareun saramdeurui uigyeondo deureobwayaji.
“I agree with your points, but I need to listen to what other people say too.”

3- 그러나 (gureona) – “however”

• 그러나 (gureona) has the same value as the other conjunctions mentioned above.
• This conjunction is only used in formal settings.

Example:

6월이 되어 날씨가 따뜻해졌다. 그러나 최근에는 매일 비가 오고 있다.
Yuwori doeeo nalssiga ttatteuthaejyeotda. Geureona choegeuneneun maeil biga ogo itda.
“As June began, the weather has become warmer. However, it has been raining everyday.”

4- 그런데 (geureonde) / 근데 (geunde) – “but,” “by the way”

• This conjunction is often used to change the topic.
• You’ll often hear 근데 (geunde) when conversing with locals. 근데 (geunde) is a shortened word for 그런데 (geureonde).

Example:

그런데 어디서 밥 먹을까?
Geureonde eodiseo bap meogeulkka?
“By the way, where should we eat?”

The sentence above has the same meaning as the sentence below:

=근데 어디서 밥 먹을까?
Geunde eodiseo bap meogeulkka?

—

그 친구 알아. 그런데 이름을 모르겠네.
Geu chingu ara. Geureonde ireumeul moreugenne.
“I know her, but I forgot her name.”

The sentence above has the same meaning as the sentence below:

= 그 친구 알아. 근데 이름을 모르겠네.
Geu chingu ara. Geunde ireumeul moreugenne.

—

우와 이 가방 엄청 이쁘다. 그런데 이거 얼마예요?
Uwa i gabang eomcheong ippeuda. Geureonde igeo eolmayeyo?
“Wow, this bag is really pretty. By the way, how much is this?”

The sentence above has the same meaning as the sentence below:

= 우와 이 가방 엄청 이쁘다. 근데 이거 얼마예요?
Uwa i gabang eomcheong ippeuda. Geunde igeo eolmayeyo?

6. Conjunctions to Express Contrasts with the Statement in the Main Clause

1- 그래도 (geuraedo) – “regardless,” “still”

• The common translation of 그래도 (geuraedo) is “regardless” or “still.”
• When talking about a situation, use 그래도 (geuraedo) to say “regardless of the situation.”
  • 철수의 배가 아프기 시작했다. (Cheolsuui baega apeugi sijakaetda.) — “Cheolsu started to have stomach cramps.” [situation]
  • 그래도 (geuraedo) [regardless of what happened to him]
  • 나는 밥을 먹었다. (naneun babeul meogeotda) — “He continued eating rice.” [continued what he was doing]

More examples:

이상하게 들릴지 모르지만 그래도 그건 사실이야.
Isanghage deullilji moreujiman geuraedo geugeon sasiriya.
“Strange as it may sound, it’s still true.”

내일 비가 온다는데, 그래도 우리 낚시하러 갈꺼지?
Naeil biga ondaneunde, geuraedo uri naksihareo galkkeoji?
“It’s going to rain tomorrow, but we are still going tomorrow, right?”

2- 그럼에도 불구하고 (geureomedo bulguhago) – “nevertheless,” “although”

• Use this conjunction when you say something that contrasts with what has just been said/happened.
• The sentence structure would be: [INCIDENT] +그럼에도 불구하고 (geureomedo bulguhago) + [UNEXPECTED RESULT].

Example:

나를 따라오지 말라고 했는데 그럼에도 불구하고 그 남자는 나를 따라왔다.
Nareul ttaraoji mallago haenneunde geureomedo bulguhago geu namjaneun nareul ttarawatda.
“I told him a couple of times not to follow me, nevertheless he did.”

철수는 많이 아팠다. 그럼에도 불구하고 그는 학교로 갔다.
Cheolsuneun mani apatda. Geureomedo bulguhago geuneun hakgyoro gatda.
“Cheolsu was very sick, yet he went to school.”

7. Conjunctions to Express Preference

1- 이나 (ina) – “or”

• 이나 (ina) is attached only to noun stems.
• The sentence structure should be: [NOUN] +이나 (ina) + [NOUN].
• When someone uses this conjunction in a sentence, this indicates that the person has not decided which noun will be acted upon.

Example:

저는 초콜릿 빵이나 비빔밥을 먹고 싶어요.*
Jeoneun chokollit ppangina bibimbabeul meokgo sipeoyo.
“I want to eat either a chocolate bread or bibimbap.”

*He/she has not decided if he/she wants to eat bread or bibimbap.

대학교에서 심리학이나 패션 과를 공부하고 싶어요.
Daehakgyoeseo simnihagina paesyeon gwareul gongbuhago sipeoyo.
“I want to study either psychology or fashion design at university.”

2- 아니면 (animyeon) – “or”

• 아니면 (animyeon) means the same thing as 이나 (ina).
• The rule is that this conjunction is used to link two sentences.
• The sentence structure should be: [SENTENCE] + 아니면 (animyeon) + [SENTENCE].
• Moreover, it indicates that the speaker has not decided which action verbs will be acted upon.

Example:

아침에 복싱을 하는 게 좋을까 아니면 요가를 하는 게 좋을까?
Achime boksingeul haneun ge joeulkka animyeon yogareul haneun ge joeulkka?
“Should I do boxing or yoga in the morning?”

내일 인사동로 갈래 아니면 동대문 시장 갈래?
Naeil Insadongeuro gallae animyeon dongdaemun sijang gallae?
“Would you rather go to the Insadong or Dongdaemun market?”

3- 거나 (geona) – “or”

• 거나 (geona) is used to link descriptive and action verbs and adverbs.

Example:

부모님 앞에서 담배를 피우거나 술을 마시면 안된다.
Bumonim apeseo dambaereul piugeona sureul masimyeon andoenda.
“You can’t smoke a cigarette or drink alcohol in front of your parents.”

아침에 복싱하거나 요가하거나 너 마음대로 해.
Achime boksinghageona yoga hageona ne maeumdaero hae.
“It’s up to you whether you do boxing or yoga in the morning. Do what you want.”

4- 또는 (ttoneun) – “or”

• This conjunction is a formal way to say or express your preference.
• You can replace 또는 (ttoneun) with 이나 (ina) or 아니면 (animyeon) in sentences. It will sound less formal, but the meaning does not change.

Example:

월요일 또는 수요일
Wollyoil ttoneun suyoil
“Monday or Wednesday.”

The sentences below have a different conjunction but mean the same thing:

= 월요일이나 수요일
Wollyoirina suyoil

= 월요일 아니면 수요일
Wollyoil animyeon suyoil

—

가야금 또는 장구 둘 중 하나를 선택하시오.
Gayageum ttoneun janggu dul jung hanareul seontaekasio.
“Choose either gayageum or jangu.”

8. Conjunctions to Express Reasons

1- 때문에 (ttaemune) – “Because of…”

• 때문에 (ttaemune) means “because of…” and this conjunction is attached to nouns.
• Add a noun before the conjunction, then the rest of the clause will indicate events that happened as a result of the noun preceding 때문에 (ttaemune).

Example:

일 때문에 공부할 시간이 없어.
Il ttaemune gongbuhal sigani eopseo.
“Because of work, I don’t have time to study.”

대학교 등록금 때문에 매일 아르바이트 하고 있어요.
Daehakgyo deungnokgeum ttaemune maeil areubaiteu hago isseoyo.
“Because of the tuition fee, I am working part-time everyday.”

2- 왜냐하면 (waenyahamyeon) – “because…”

• 왜냐하면 (waenyahamyeon) means “because.”
• When using this conjunction in sentences, the grammatical order should be: [result] + 왜냐하면 (waenyahamyeon) + [reason].
• You can also say 왜냐면 (waenyamyeon), which is a shortened version of 왜냐하면 (waenyahamyeon), and is used in spoken language.

Example:

어제 잠을 잘 수가 없었어요. 왜냐하면 이웃이 너무 시끄러웠거든요.
Eoje jameul jal suga eopseosseoyo. Waenyahamyeon iusi neomu sikkeureowotgeodeunyo.
“I could not sleep last night because the neighbor was really noisy.”

잠을 잘 수가 없어. 왜냐하면 방금 커피를 마셨거든.
Jameul jal suga eopseo. Waenyahamyeon banggeum keopireul masyeotgeodeun.
“I can’t sleep because I just drank coffee.”

9. Conjunctions to Add Additional Information

1- 게다가 (gedaga) – “moreover,” “in addition”

• The meaning of 게다가 (gedaga) is exactly the same as the conjunction words 덧붙이자면 (deotbuchijamyeon) and 뿐만 아니라 (ppunman anira).
• You can also say 그리고 instead of 게다가. The meaning does not change.
• If you’ve said 그리고 (geurigo) many times (in writing or speech), try using 게다가 (gedaga).

Example:

게다가 웃으면 기분이 좋아진다.
Gedaga useumyeon gibuni joajinda.
“Moreover, when you laugh, you feel better.”

날씨가 너무 추웠고 게다가 눈까지 내렸다.
Nalssiga neomu chuwotgo gedaga nunkkaji naeryeotda.
“The weather was extremely cold; moreover, it snowed.”

2- 덧붙이자면 (deotbuchijamyeon) – “additionally,” “in addition,” “plus”

• 덧붙이자면 (deotbuchijamyeon) means the same thing as 게다가 (gedaga).
• A common phrase that uses this conjunction is 덧붙여 말하자면… (deotbutyeo malhajamyeon…), meaning “making an additional remark.”

Example:

정국오빠는 너무 잘 생겼어요. 덧붙이자면 노래도 잘해요.
Jeonggugoppaneun neomu jal saenggyeosseoyo. Deotbuchijamyeon noraedo jalhaeyo.
“Jungkook is so handsome. Plus, he’s a great singer.”

판타지 소설을 찾고 있다면 이 책을 추천할게요.
덧붙이자면 이 책은 베스트셀러이기도 해요.

Pantaji soseoreul chatgo itdamyeon i chaegeul chucheonhalgeyo.
Deotbuchijamyeon i chaegeun beseuteuselleoigido haeyo.

“If you’re looking for a fantasy novel, I recommend this book.
In addition, this is also one of the best sellers.”

3- 뿐만 아니라 (ppunman anira) – “besides,” “also”

• When 뿐만 아니라 (ppunman anira) is attached to the end of a clause, it creates the meaning of “not only A, but also B.”

Example:

한국 드라마는 한국에서 뿐만 아니라 해외에서도 매우 인기가 있다.
Hanguk deuramaneun hangugeseo ppunman anira haeoeeseodo maeu ingiga itda.
“Korean dramas are not only popular in Korea, but also overseas.”

이곳에서 옥수수 뿐만 아니라 고구마도 살 수 있어요.
Iigoseseo oksusu ppunman anira gogumado sal su isseoyo.
“You can buy not only corn, but sweet potatoes too.”

10. More Conjunctions

Here are four additional conjunctions for you to learn!

1- 반면에 (banmyeone) – “on the other hand,” “while”

• 반면에 (banmyeone) comes between two sentences.
• Usually, the first sentence and the second sentence contrast each other.

Examples:

김치를 좋아하는 사람도 있지만, 반면에 김치를 싫어하는 사람도 있다.
Kimchireul joahaneun saramdo itjiman, banmyeone gimchireul sileohaneun saramdo itda.
“There are some people who like Kimchi, while others don’t.”

발렌타인 데이에 초콜릿을 많이 받는 사람도 있지만,
반면에 한개도 받지 못하는 사람도 있다.

Ballentain deie chokolliseul mani banneun saramdo itjiman,
banmyeone hangaedo batji mothaneun saramdo itda.

“There are some people who receive many chocolates on Valentine’s Day.
On the other hand, there are others who get nothing.”

2- 결국 (gyeolguk) – “eventually,” “ultimately”

• You can also say 결국에는 (gyeolgugeneun), which means the same thing as 결국 (gyeolguk).

Example:

결국 우리가 이겼다.
Gyeolguk uriga igyeotda.
“Finally, we won the game.”

결국 원국이는 지민이 대신에 호연이를 선택했다.
Gyeolguk Wongugineun Jimini daesine Hoyeonireul seontaekaetda.
“At close of play, Wonkuk chose Hohyun instead of Jimin.”

3- 마지막으로 (majimageuro) – “lastly”

• 마지막으로 (majimageuro) means “for the last time,” “lastly,” and “last time.”

Example:

한국을 마지막으로 가본 지가 10년이나 되었어요.
Hangugeul majimageuro gabon jiga 10nyeonina doeeosseoyo.
“It has been ten years since I visited Korea.”

마지막으로 몇 마디만 더 하겠습니다.
Majimageuro myeot madiman deo hagetseumnida.
“I would like to add a few words in conclusion.”

4- 마찬가지로 (machangajiro) – “similarly,” “likewise”

• 마찬가지로 (machangajiro) means “like,” or “likewise” in English.
• Also, this conjunction links two clauses that have a similar meaning.

Example:

동물도 사람과 마찬가지로 감정을 가지고 있다.
Dongmuldo saramgwa machangajiro gamjeongeul gajigo itda.
“Like humans, animals have feelings.”

개도 사람과 마찬가지로 잡식 동물이다.
Gaedo saramgwa machangajiro japsik dongmurida.
“Like humans, dogs are omnivores.”

11. How KoreanClass101 Can Help You Learn Korean

We hope you enjoyed learning about Korean conjunctions with us! In Korean vocabulary, conjunctions are essential little words and phrases that you really should know. Further, for impeccable Korean grammar, conjunctions should be one of your top learning priorities.

Are there any conjunctions you’re still struggling with, or any you still want to know? Let us know in the comments!

It’s easy to be overwhelmed when you have to memorize so many conjunctions. But don’t worry, learning a language isn’t easy and it takes time. If you’re still not sure when to use these conjunctions, you’re more than welcome to leave a post on our forum. There are many native speakers and Korean learners, like you, who will be happy to help you learn Korean.

For further learning, we have a lesson called “Korean Conjunctions: Add Seaweed, and Meat, and Garlic!” where you can practice learning Korean conjunctions as well as vocabulary. In addition, check out our vocabulary list called “Must-Know Adverbs and Phrases for Connecting Thoughts,” where we listed twenty Korean conjunctions with pronunciation audios and example sentences.

Happy learning!

Do you know how to say Korean dates (months, weeks, days, and years)? In this blog, we’re going to introduce not only days of the week in Korean, but also hours, seconds, and much more important vocabulary for learning Korean dates and times. Before we take a closer look at date and time in Korean, let’s look at the Korean dates format.

Table of Contents

1. How are Dates Usually Written and Read in Korean?
2. How to Say the Years in Korean
3. Korean Dates: Months
4. How to Say Korean Calendar Dates
5. Saying the Days of the Week in Korean
6. How to Say the Hours in Korean
7. How to Say the Minutes in Korean
8. How to Say the Seconds in Korean
9. How to Say Other Time-related Words
10. Interesting Korean Celebration Days
11. Let’s Practice
12. How KoreanClass101 Can Help You with Korean

1. How are Dates Usually Written and Read in Korean?

In Korea, the order of the date is written: 1.) Year, 2.) Month, and 3.) Day. We’ll explain this in more detail later, but for now, here’s how you need to write dates in Korean: [“year”]년 (nyeon), [“month”]월 (wol), [“day”]일 (il).

For example, let’s say that today is the 26th of January, 2019. In Korean, it’s written as 2019년 1월 26일 (icheonsipgunyeon irwol isibyugil), or “2019, January 26th.” If this order is the same in your country, then it shouldn’t be too difficult for you. But if the order is different in your country, then it can be confusing sometimes.

This is especially important to keep in mind when you purchase a product that has an expiration date written on the package. Sometimes the first two numbers of the year aren’t included in the expiration date either (e.g. “90” instead of “1990”), so don’t get confused about the date. For example, when you see an expiration date of 20/09/21, it doesn’t mean “20th of September, 2021”; it’s “September 21th, 2020.”

Now, let’s learn more important information about dates in South Korea.

2. How to Say the Years in Korean

If you’re not familiar with numbers in Korean, it’s a good idea to first become familiar with the simpler numbers. Once you have a good understanding of Korean numbers, dates will become a lot simpler.

As you may already know, there are two ways to count numbers in Korea: Sino Korean and Native Korean. To count the years, you’ll only need Sino Korean numbers.

For example, if you were born in 1985:

• 1000, read as 천 (cheon), meaning “one-thousand”
• 900, read as 구백 (gubaek), meaning “nine-hundred”
• 80, read as 팔십 (palsib), meaning “eighty”
• 5, read as 오 (o), meaning “five”

All together, it becomes 천구백팔십오 (cheongubaekpalsibo), meaning “one thousand nine hundred eighty five.”

To say “the year,” you need to say 년 (nyeon). So to say, “The year of 1985,” it becomes 천구백팔십오년 (cheongubaekpalsibonyeon).

In Korea, there’s a number of ways to ask which year someone was born in:

1. 몇년생이에요?
   Myeonnyeonsaengieyo?
   “Which year were you born in?”
2. 몇년도에 태어났어요?
   Myeonnyeondoe taeeonasseoyo?
   “Which year were you born in?”
3. 몇살이에요?
   Myeotsarieyo?
   Technically, it means “How old are you?” but you can answer by stating the year, too.

From 2002 to 2019

Korean	Romanization	Translation
2002년 (이천이년)	2002nyeon (icheoninyeon)	“The year 2002”
2003년 (이천삼년)	2003nyeon (icheonsamnyeon)	“The year 2003”
2004년 (이천사년)	2004nyeon (icheonsanyeon)	“The year 2004”
2005년 (이천오년)	2005nyeon (icheononyeon)	“The year 2005”
2006년 (이천십육년)	2006nyeon (icheonsibyungnyeon)	“The year 2006”
2007년 (이천칠년)	2007nyeon (icheonchillyeon)	“The year 2007”
2008년 (이천팔년)	2008nyeon (icheonpallyeon)	“The year 2008”
2009년 (이천구년)	2009nyeon (icheongunyeon)	“The year 2009”
2010년 (이천십년)	2010nyeon (icheonsimnyeon)	“The year 2010”
2011년 (이천십일년)	2011nyeon (icheonsibillyeon)	“The year 2011”
2012년 (이천십이년)	2012nyeon (icheonsibinyeon)	“The year 2012”
2013년 (이천십삼년)	2013nyeon (icheonsipsamnyeon)	“The year 2013”
2014년 (이천십사년)	2014nyeon (icheonsipsanyeon)	“The year 2014”
2015년 (이천십오년)	2015nyeon (icheonsibonyeon)	“The year 2015”
2016년 (이천십육년)	2016nyeon (icheonsibyungnyeon)	“The year 2016”
2017년 (이천십칠년)	2017nyeon (icheonsipchillyeon)	“The year 2017”
2018년 (이천십팔년)	2018nyeon (icheonsip-pallyeon)	“The year 2018”
2019년 (이천십구년)	2019nyeon (icheonsipgunyeon)	“The year 2019”

Examples:

• A: 너 몇년생이야?
  A: Neo myeonnyeonsaengiya?
  A: “Which year were you born in?”

  B: 나? 2010년.
  B: Na? icheonsimnyeon.
  B: “Me? In 2010.”

• A: BTS의 슈가는 몇년도생이었더라?
  A: Bitieseuui syuganeun myeonnyeondosaengieotdeora?
  A: “What year was Suga from BTS born in?”

  B: 1993년!
  B: Cheongubaekgusipsamnyeon!
  B: “In 1993!”

Quiz:

Are you ready for a quiz? Let’s practice your Korean!

Q1. How do you say “The year of 2001” in Korean?

1. 이천삼년 (icheonsamnyeon)
2. 이천오년 (icheononyeon)
3. 이천일년 (icheonillyeon)
4. 이천년 (icheonnyeon)

Q2. What does 이천십팔년 mean in English?

1. “The year of 2019”
2. “The year of 2018”
3. “The year of 2010”
4. “The year of 2009”

Q3. How do you write “the year” in Korean?

1. 월 (wol)
2. 일 (il)
3. 년 (nyeon)
4. 요일 (yoil)

Answers:

Q1. -> 4
Q2. -> 2
Q3. -> 3

3. Korean Dates: Months

Now we can start learning the days and months in Korean. To say the months is very easy too; just add a number in Korean followed by 월 (wol), which means “month” in the Korean language. For example, to say September: “nine” is 구 (gu) in Korean, followed by 월 (wol), meaning “month.” So it becomes 구월 (guwol), or “September.” Let’s have a look at months in Korean and some examples below:

From January to December

Korean	Romanization	Translation
1월 (일월)	1wol (irwol)	“January”
2월 (이월)	2wol (iwol)	“February”
3월 (삼월)	3wol (samwol)	“March”
4월 (사월)	4wol (sawol)	“April”
5월 (오월)	5wol (owol)	“May”
6월 (유월)	6wol (yuwol)	“June”
7월 (칠월)	7wol (chirwol)	“July”
8월 (팔월)	8wol (parwol)	“August”
9월 (구월)	9wol (guwol)	“September”
10월 (시월)	10wol (siwol)	“October”
11월 (십일월)	11wol (sibirwol)	“November”
12월 (십이월)	12wol (sibiwol)	“December”

We also have a free online vocabulary list called 한국어로 월에 대해서 말하기 (hangugeoro wore daehaeseo malhagi) or “Talking about Months”, so check it out on our website.

Examples:

• A: 너 몇월에 태어났어?
  A: Neo myeochwore taeeonasseo?
  A: “Which month were you born?”

  B: 나? 나 10월에 태어났어.
  B: Na? Na 10wore taeeonasseo.
  B: “Me? I was born in October.”

• A: 부처님 오신날이 언제 였더라?
  A: Bucheonim osinnari eonje yeotdeora?
  A: “Which month was Buddha’s birthday?”

  B: 5월 8일!
  B: Owol paril!
  B: “It’s the 8th of May!”

Quiz:

Are you ready for a quiz? Let’s practice your Korean!

Q1. How do you say “September” in Korean?

1. 시월 (siwol)
2. 칠월 (chilwol)
3. 일월 (ilwol)
4. 구월 (guwol)

Q2. Which month has Christmas Day?

1. 십이월 (sipiwol)
2. 십일월 (sipilwol)
3. 팔월 (palwol)
4. 이월 (iwol)

Q3. Which month has Children’s Day in Korea?

1. 사월 (sawol)
2. 오월 (owol)
3. 삼월 (samwol)
4. 이월 (iwol)

Answers:

Q1 -> 4
Q2 -> 1
Q3 -> 2

3. How to Say Korean Calendar Dates

일 (il) means “one” in Korean, but it also means “day.” To say the days in Korean, use Sino Korean number followed by 일 (il). For example, to answer someone who asks what day Valentine’s Day is on, you can say: 발렌타인데이는 14일이에요 (ballentaindeineun sipsairieyo), meaning “Valentine’s Day is on the 14th.”

Something to remember: “1st” and “2nd” sound very similar in Korean. For this reason, Koreans often ask whether they understood you correctly or not. So if this happens, don’t be discouraged. Your pronunciation is perfect, it’s just how we do things. (We also use the number gestures for better clarity.)

From 1st to 31st

Korean	Romanization	Translation
1일 (일일)	1il (iril)	“1st”
2일 (이일)	2il (iil)	“2nd”
3일 (삼일)	3il (samil)	“3rd”
4일 (사일)	4il (sail)	“4th”
5일 (오일)	5il (o-il)	“5th”
6일 (육일)	6il (yugil)	“6th
7일 (칠일)	7il (chiril)	“7th”
8일 (팔일)	8il (paril)	“8th”
9일 (구일)	9il (guil)	“9th”
10일 (십일)	10il (sibil)	“10th”
11일 (십일일)	11il (sibiril)	“11th”
12일 (십이일)	12il (sibiil)	“12th”
13일 (십삼일)	13il (sipsamil)	“13th”
14일 (십사일)	14il (sipsail)	“14th”
15일 (십오일)	15il (siboil)	“15th”
16일 (십육일)	16il (sibyugil)	“16th”
17일 (십칠일)	17il (sipchiril)	“17th”
18일 (십팔일)	18il (sip-paril)	“18th”
19일 (십구일)	19il (sipguil)	“19th”
20일 (이십일)	20il (isibil)	“20th”
21일 (이십일일)	21il (isibiril)	“21st”
22일 (이십이일)	22il (isibiil)	“22nd”
23일 (이십삼일)	23il (isipsamil)	“23rd”
24일 (이십사일)	24il (isipsail)	“24th”
25일 (이십오일)	25il (isiboil)	“25th”
26일 (이십육일)	26il (isibyugil)	“26th”
27일 (이십칠일)	27il (isipchiril)	“27th”
28일 (이십팔일)	28il (isip-paril)	“28th”
29일 (이십구일)	29il (isipguil)	“29th”
30일 (삼십일)	30il (samsibil)	“30th”
31일 (삼십일일)	31il (samsibiril)	“31st”

Examples:

• A: 생일이 언제예요?
  A: Saengiri eonjeyeyo?
  A: “When is your birthday?”

  B: 9월 25일이에요.
  B: Guworisiboirieyo.
  B: “It’s the 25th of September.”

• A: 너 여동생 생일이 언제야?
  A: Neo yeodongsaeng saengiri eonjeya?
  A: “When is your sister’s birthday?”

  B: 2월20일. 근데 너 왜 내 여동생 생일을 알고 싶은데?
  B: Iworisibil. geunde neo wae nae yeodongsaeng saengireul algo sipeunde?
  B: “It’s the 20th of February. Why do you want to know my sister’s birthday?”

Quiz:

Q1. How do you say 이월 십삼일 in Korean?

1. 2월 13일
2. 2월 14일
3. 1월13일
4. 1월14일

Q2. When is Christmas Day?

1. 십일월 이십오일
2. 십이월 이십오일
3. 십이월 이일
4. 사월 이십오일

Q3. How do you say 시월 이십일일 in English?

1. “21st of November”
2. “21st of April”
3. “21st of May”
4. “21st of October”

Answers:

Q1 -> 1
Q2 -> 2
Q3 -> 4

4. Saying the Days of the Week in Korean

요일 (yoil) means “day” in the Korean language. Let’s check out days in the Korean language as shown below!

From Monday to Sunday

Korean	Romanization	Translation
월요일	wollyoil	“Monday”
화요일	hwayoil	“Tuesday”
수요일	suyoil	“Wednesday”
목요일	mongnyoil	“Thursday”
금요일	geumyoil	“Friday”
토요일	toyoil	“Saturday”
일요일	illyoil	“Sunday”

We also have a free online vocabulary list called 요일에 대해 말하기 (yoire daehae malhagi) or “Talking about Days”. Feel free to check it out on KoreanClass101.

Examples:

• A: 오늘 무슨요일이지?
  A: Oneul museunyoiriji?
  A: “What day is it today?”

  B: 오늘? 화요일이야.
  B: Oneul? hwayoiriya.
  B: “Today? It’s Tuesday.”

• A: 내일은 금요일이지?
  A: Naeireun geumyoiriji?
  A: “Tomorrow is Friday right?”

  B: 아니, 내일 토요일이야.
  B: Ani, naeil toyoiriya.
  B: “No, it’s Saturday tomorrow.”

Quiz:

Q1. How do you write “day” in Korean?

1. 요일 (yoil)
2. 시 (si)
3. 년 (nyeon)
4. 월 (wol)

Q2. How do you write “Sunday” in Korean?

1. 월요일 (wollyoil)
2. 화요일 (hwayoil)
3. 금요일 (geumyoil)
4. 일요일 (illyoil)

Q3. How do you write “Monday” in Korean?

1. 일요일 (illyoil)
2. 수요일 (suyoil)
3. 월요일 (wollyoil)
4. 목요일 (mongnyoil)

Answers:

Q1 -> 1
Q2 -> 4
Q3 -> 3

5. How to Say the Hours in Korean

In this section, we’ll focus on “hours” (and not “the time” as in “What time is it?”). If you want to learn how to read the clock in Korean, check out our article titled 시간에 대해 말하기 (sigane daehae malhagi) or “Talking about Time.”

“Hours” in Korean is 시간 (sigan). Let’s have a look at the table below for more vocabulary.

Korean	Romanization	Translation
1시간 (한시간)	1sigan (hansigan)	“One hour”
2시간 (두시간)	2sigan (dusigan)	“Two hours”
3시간 (세시간)	3sigan (sesigan)	“Three hours”
4시간 (네시간)	4sigan (nesigan)	“Four hours”
5시간 (다섯시간)	5sigan (daseotsigan)	“Five hours”
6시간 (여섯시간)	6sigan (yeoseotsigan)	“Six hours”
7시간 (일곱시간)	7sigan (ilgopsigan)	“Seven hours”
8시간 (여덟시간)	8sigan (yeodeolsigan)	“Eight hours”
9시간 (아홉시간)	9sigan (ahopsigan)	“Nine hours”
10시간 (열시간)	10sigan (yeolsigan)	“Ten hours”
11시간 (열한시간)	11sigan (yeolhansigan)	“Eleven hours”
12시간 (열두시간)	12sigan (yeoldusigan)	“Twelve hours”

Examples:

• A: 비행기가 2시간이나 지연됐어.
  A: Bihaenggiga dusiganina jiyeondwaesseo.
  A: “The plane got delayed for two hours.”

  B: 아 정말? 그럼 2시간 뒤에 픽업하러 갈께.
  B: A jeongmal? Geureom dusigan dwie pigeopareo galkke.
  B: “Oh really? I will come and pick you up after two hours then.”

• A: 하루 한시간은 꼭 요가를 하려고 해.
  A: Haru hansiganeun kkok yogareul haryeogo hae.
  A: “I am trying to do yoga at least one hour per day.”

  B: 그건 좋은 생각인것 같아. 나는 일주일에 3시간은 꼭 조깅을 하고 있어.
  B: Geugeon joeun saenggagingeot gata. Naneun iljuire sesiganeun kkok jogingeul hago isseo.
  B: “That’s a great idea. I do jogging for three hours per week.”

Quiz:

Q1. How do you write “hour(s)” in Korean?

1. 시간 (sigan)
2. 월 (wol)
3. 일 (il)
4. 년 (nyeon)

Q2. How do you say “twelve hours” in Korean?

1. 열시간 (yeolsigan)
2. 여덟시간 (yeodeolsigan)
3. 네시간 (nesigan)
4. 열두시간 (yeoldusigan)

Q3. How do you write “twenty-four hours” in Korean?

1. 한시간 (hansigan)
2. 이십사시간 (isipsasigan)
3. 일곱시간 (ilgopsigan)
4. 다섯시간 (daseotsigan)

Answers:

Q1 -> 1
Q2 -> 4
Q3 -> 2

6. How to Say the Minutes in Korean

“Minute(s)” is 분 (bun) in Korean. When you want to write “how many minutes” in Korean, it’s 몇분 (myeotbun).

Let’s have a look at a number of examples:

Korean	Romanization	Translation
5분 (오분)	5bun (obun)	“Five minutes”
10분 (십분)	10bun (sipbun)	“Ten minutes”
20분 (이십분)	20bun (isipbun)	“Twenty minutes”
35분 (삼십오분)	35bun (samsibobun)	“Thirty-five minutes”
42분 (사십이분)	42bun (sasibibun)	“Forty-two minutes”
51분 (오십일분)	51bun (osibilbun)	“Fifty-one minutes”
59분 (오십구분)	59bun (osipgubun)	“Fifty-nine minutes”

Examples:

• A: 몇시에 도착할 것 같아?
  A: Myeotsie dochakal geot gata?
  A: “When do you think you will arrive?”

  B: 10분안에 도착할께.
  B: Sipbunane dochakalkke.
  B: “I will be there in ten minutes.”

• A: 휴, 캐런은 약속 시간에 맨날 10분 이상 늦더라.
  A: Hyu, kaereoneun yaksok sigane maennal 10bun isang neutdeora.
  A: “Phew, Karen is always late for at least ten minutes.”

  B: 야, 내 친구는 한시간이나 늦을때도 있어.
  B: Ya, nae chinguneun hansiganina neujeulttaedo isseo.
  B: “Hey, my friend sometimes is late for one hour.”

Quiz:

Q1. How do you say “ten minutes” in Korean?

1. 삼십오분 (samsibobun)
2. 십분 (sipbun)
3. 사십이분 (sasibibun)
4. 오십구분 (osipgubun)

Q2. How do you say “fifty-nine minutes” in Korean?

1. 오분 (obun)
2. 십분 (sipbun)
3. 오십구분 (osipgubun)
4. 사십이분 (sasibibun)

Q3. How do you say “minute(s)” in Korean?

1. 년 (nyeon)
2. 일 (il)
3. 시간 (sigan)
4. 분 (bun)

Answers:

Q1. -> 2
Q2. -> 3
Q3. -> 4

7. How to Say the Seconds in Korean

“Second” is 초 (cho) in Korean. Let’s have a look at the table below to practice how to say different “second(s)” in Korean.

Korean	Romanization	Translation
1초 (일초)	ilcho	“One second”
5초 (오초)	ocho	“Five seconds”
13초 (십삼초)	sipsamcho	“Thirteen seconds”
26초 (이십육초)	isibyukcho	“Twenty-six seconds”
30초 (삼십초)	samsipcho	“Thirty seconds”
37초 (삼십칠초)	samsipchilcho	“Thirty-seven seconds”
44초 (사십사초)	sasipsacho	“Forty-four seconds”
52초 (오십이초)	osibicho	“Fifty-two seconds”
59초 (오십구초)	osipgucho	“Fifty-nine seconds”

Examples:

• A: 1분은 총 몇 초게?
  A: Ilbuneun chong myeot choge?
  A: “How many seconds in one minute?”

  B: 60초!
  B: Yuksipcho!
  B: “Sixty seconds!”

• A: 10 초안에 이 문제 풀 수 있겠어?
  A: Sip choane i munje pul su itgesseo?
  A: “Can you solve this problem in ten seconds?”

  B:뭐라고? 말도 안돼!
  B: Mworago? Maldo andwae!
  B: “What? That’s nonsense!”

Quiz:

Q1. How do you write “second(s)” in Korean?

1. 분 (bun)
2. 년 (nyeon)
3. 초 (cho)
4. 일 (il)

Q2. How do you write “one minute” in Korean?

1. 일초 (ilcho)
2. 이초 (icho)
3. 삼초 (samcho)
4. 사초 (sacho)

Q3. How do you say “sixty seconds” in Korean?

1. 오십육초 (osibyukcho)
2. 십오초 (sibocho)
3. 이십이초 (isibicho)
4. 육십초 (yuksipcho)

Answers:

Q1. -> 3
Q2. -> 1
Q3. -> 4

8. How to Say Other Time-related Words

Korean	Romanization	Translation
평일	pyeongil	“Weekdays”
주말	jumal	“Weekend(s)”
골든위크	goldeunwikeu	“Golden Week”
샌드위치 데이*	saendeuwichi dei	“Sandwich Day”
어제	eoje	“Yesterday”
오늘	oneul	“Today”
내일	naeil	“Tomorrow”
엊그저께	eotgeujeokke	“A few days ago”
그저께	geujeokke	“The day before yesterday”
내일모레	naeilmore	“The day after tomorrow”

Examples:

• A: BTS 콘서트 언제였지? 갑자기 기억이 안나네.
  A: Bitieseu konseoteu eonjeyeotji? Gapjagi gieogi annane.
  A: “When was the BTS concert? I can’t remember suddenly.”

  B: 잠깐만… 8월8일이니깐… 어머, 내일모레네!
  B: Jamkkanman… parwolparirinikkan… eomeo, naeilmorene!
  B: “Hold on… It’s on the 8th of August…oh my goodness, it’s in two days!”

• A: 나 엊그저께 친구 결혼식 갔다 왔는데, 둘이 너무 행복해 보였어.
  A: Na eotgeujeokke chingu gyeolhonsik gatda wanneunde, duri neomu haengbokae boyeosseo.
  A: “I went to my friend’s wedding a few days ago and they both looked really happy.”

  B: 난 주말에 결혼식 가야 해.
  B: Nan jumare gyeolhonsik gaya hae.
  B: “I have to go to a wedding this weekend.”

Quiz:

Q1. How do you say “yesterday” in Korean?

1. 골든위크 (goldeunwikeu)
2. 어제 (eoje)
3. 샌드위치 데이 (saendeuwichi dei)
4. 엊그저께 (eotgeujeokke)

Q2. How do you say “the day before yesterday” in Korean?

1. 내일모레 (naeilmore)
2. 어제 (eoje)
3. 그저께 (geujeokke)
4. 오늘 (oneul)

Q3. How do you say “today” in Korean?

1. 오늘 (oneul)
2. 엊그저께 (eotgeujeokke)
3. 어제 (eoje)
4. 그저께 (geujeokke)

Answers:

Q1. -> 2
Q2. -> 3
Q3. -> 1

9. Interesting Korean Celebration Days

Did you know that every month there’s at least one event happening? Korea has many interesting days of celebration and they’re fun to participate in, especially if you’re in a relationship or dating someone. Let’s have a look at some of the most popular celebration days in South Korea:

Korean	Romanization	Translation	Meaning
다이어리 데이 (1월 14일)	daieori dei	“Diary Day”	It’s the day that couples give each other their diaries.
발렌타인 데이 (2월 14일)	ballentain dei	“Valentine’s Day”	It’s the day that couples give each other chocolate.
삼겹살 데이 (3월3일)	samgyeopsal dei	“Samgyeopsal Day”	It’s the day to eat Samgyupsal with someone you like.
화이트 데이 (3월 14일)	hwaiteu dei	“White Day”	It’s the day that couples give each other candy.
블랙 데이 (4월 14일)	beullaek dei	“Black Day”	It’s the day to eat Jjajang noodles if you haven’t received any chocolates or candies from anyone.
로즈 데이 (5월 14일)	rojeu dei	“Rose Day”	It’s the day to give a rose to your gf/bf.
키스 데이 (6월 14일)	kiseu dei	“Kiss Day”	It’s the day to give a kiss to your gf/bf.
실버 데이 (7월 14일)	silbeo dei	“Silver Day”	It’s the day to exchange a silver ring with your gf/bf.
그린 데이 (8월 14일)	geurin dei	“Green Day”	It’s the day to walk through the woods with your gf/bf.
치킨 데이 (9월 9일)	chikin dei	“Chicken Day”	It’s the day to eat some fried chicken with someone you like.
포토 데이 (9월 14일)	poto dei	“Photo Day”	It’s the day to take pictures with your gf/bf.
와인 데이 (10월 14일)	wain dei	“Wine Day”	It’s the day to drink some wine with your gf/bf.
무비 데이 (11월 14일)	mubi dei	“Movie Day”	It’s the day to watch a film with your gf/bf.
허그 데이 (12월 14일)	heogeu dei	“Hug Day”	It’s the day to give a hug to your gf/bf.

10. Let’s Practice

Knowing how to discuss various time frames is important when making a reservation. Let’s imagine that you’re trying to make a reservation at a fancy restaurant to celebrate your engagement with your fiance.

Situation:

• Concierge: 한국호텔입니다. 무엇을 도와드릴까요?
  Concierge: Hangukoterimnida. Mueoseul dowadeurilkkayo?
  Concierge: “This is a Korean hotel. How may I help you?”
• You: 여보세요, 예약하고 싶은데요.
  You: Yeoboseyo, yeyakago sipeundeyo.
  You: “Hello, I would like to make a reservation please.”
• Concierge: 네, 언제로 해드릴까요?
  Concierge: Ne, eonjero haedeurilkkayo?
  Concierge: “Sure, when would you like to come?”
• You: 12월 25일 오후 7시 가능한가요?
  You: Sibiwol isiboiril ohu ilgopsi ganeunghangayo?
  You: Is it possible on the 25th of December at seven o’clock in the evening?”
• Concierge: 확인해보겠습니다. 죄송하지만 12월 25일은 예약이 꽉 차 있습니다. 다른 날은 어떠신가요.
  Concierge: Hwaginhaebogetseumnida. Joesonghajiman 12wol 25ireun yeyagi kkwak cha itseumnida. Dareun nareun eotteosingayo.
  Concierge: “Let me check it now. I am sorry but it’s full. How about other dates?”
• You: 아 그래요? 그럼 12월 26일 오후 7시는 가능한가요?
  You: A geuraeyo? Geureom sibiworwol isibyugil ohu ilgopsineun ganeunghangayo?
  You: “Oh really? How about on the 26th of December at seven in the evening?”
• Concierge: 네 가능합니다. 예약 잡아 드릴까요?
  Concierge: Ne ganeunghamnida. Yeyak jaba deurilkkayo?
  Concierge: “Yes you can. Do you want me to save the room for you?”
• You: 네, 잡아주세요.
  You: Ne, jabajuseyo.
  You: “Yes please.”
• Concierge: 성함과 전화번호 알려주시겠습니까?
  Concierge: Seonghamgwa jeonhwabeonho allyeojusigetseumnikka?
  Concierge: “May I have your name and your number please?”

11. How KoreanClass101 Can Help You with Korean

We hope you found this blog very informative, and that we helped you learn Korean dates and time! KoreanClass101 has many free online classes and even on online forum to discuss lessons with fellow students. You’ll also find an array of blog posts like this one, and can even learn Korean with your own personal Korean teacher by upgrading your account to Premium Plus. So do check out our website, and have a great day!

People always talk about their family when it comes to self-introductions. Koreans value family a lot, and we love talking about our family. In this blog, we’ll teach you many useful phrases to describe your family, as well as essential family titles for you to study to expand your vocabulary skills. After reading this article, you should have no trouble talking about your brother in Korean, or letting people know about your family as a whole.

We’ll also go a little bit into family culture in Korean countries, so that you have a better idea of what to expect from Korean families!

Ready to learn how to describe family in Korean? Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

1. Talking About How Many are in Your Family
2. Talking About Your Siblings
3. Talking About Significant Others & Children
4. Korean Endearment Terms
5. Korean Quotes About Family
6. Korean Titles & Verbs Related to Family
7. Have a Question? KoreanClass101 Can Help You

1. Talking About How Many are in Your Family

Knowing how to talk about your family members in Korean oftentimes begins with information on how many members there are. Here are some common ways to ask and answer.

1- “How many are there in your family?”

This is a common question about family. To ask how many family members someone has, it’s 가족이 몇 명이에요? (gajogi myeot myeongieyo?) in Korean. There are many ways to ask this question:

1. 가족이 모두 몇 명이에요? (Formal)
   Gajogi modu myeot myeongieyo?
   “How many family members are there in total?”
2. 가족이 모두 몇 명이야? (Informal)
   Gajogi modu myeot myeongiya?
   “How many family members are there in total?”
3. 가족이 몇 분이세요? (Formal)
   Gajogi myeot buniseyo?
   “How many family members do you have?”
4. 가족이 몇 명입니까? (Formal)
   Gajogi myeot myeongimnikka?
   “How many family members do you have?”
5. 가족이 몇 명이야? (Informal)
   Gajogi myeot myeongiya?
   “How many members in your family?”

All of these family phrases in Korean mean the same thing. The only difference is that some are used in formal settings, and others in informal settings.

2- “There are [number] in my family.”

Let’s say that you have four people in your family. To say “There are four people in my family,” in Korean, you should say: 우리 가족은 네 명이에요 (Uri gajogeun ne myeong iyeyo). Alternatively, you can say, 가족은 모두 ~ 명 입니다. (gajogeun modu ~ myeong imnida.), meaning “There are ~ family members in total.”

KoreanClass101 has many lessons about counting numbers in Korean, so feel free to check out our website at any time.

Example:

• A: 가족이 몇 명입니까?
  A: Gajogi myeot myeongimnikka?
  A: “How many family members do you have?”

  B: 우리 가족은 세 명이에요.
  B: Uri gajogeun se myeongieyo.
  B: “There are three members in my family.”

• A: 가족이 모두 몇 명이야?
  A: Gajogi modu myeot myeongiya?
  A: “How many are there in your family?”

  B: 우리 집? 아빠, 엄마, 언니 있으니깐, 총 네 명있어.
  B: Uri jip? Appa, eomma, eonni isseunikkan, chong ne myeongisseo.
  B: “My house? There’s dad, mom, and a younger sister, so there are four.”

2. Talking About Your Siblings

1- “I have siblings.” and “I am an only child.”

To ask someone whether he or she has siblings, ask them with the phrase 형제 자매가 있어요? (hyeongje jamaega isseoyo?), direct translation being “Do you have brothers and sisters?” Also, these days, we slightly shorten the sentence and we say 형제 있어요? (Hyeongje isseoyo?). The direct translation of this phrase also means “Do you have siblings?”

To say that you have a number of siblings, you can say 형제 자매가 있어요 (Hyeongje jamaega isseoyo.) in Korean. It means “I have brothers and sisters.”

Let’s have a look at a number of useful phrases to say:

1. 언니 한 명이 있어요.
   Eonni han myeongi isseoyo.
   “I have an older sister.”
2. 남동생 두 명이 있어요.
   Namdongsaeng du myeongi isseoyo.
   “I have two younger brothers.”
3. 언니 한 명과 오빠 한 명이 있어요.
   Eonni han myeonggwa oppa han myeongi isseoyo.
   “I have an older sister and an older brother.”
4. 저는 외동딸이에요.
   Jeoneun oedongttarieyo.
   “I am an only child (girl).”

More examples:

• 저는 장남이예요.
  Jeoneun jangnamiyeyo.
  “I am the oldest son.”
• 저는 둘째예요.
  Jeoneun duljjaeyeyo
  “I am the second oldest.”
• 저는 막내예요.
  Jeoneun mangnaeyeyo.
  “I am the youngest.”

Vocabulary List for Siblings

Here are some useful Korean family terms related to siblings!

Korean	Romanization	Translation
장남 (첫째아들)	jangnam (cheotjjaeadeul)	“oldest son”
장녀 (첫째 딸)	jangnyeo (cheotjjae ttal)	“oldest daughter”
둘째 아들	duljjae adeul	“second son”
둘째 딸	duljjae ttal	“second daughter”
막내아들	mangnaeadeul	“youngest son”
막내딸	mangnaettal	“youngest daughter”
외아들	oeadeul	“only child (male)”
외동딸	oedongttal	“only child (female)”
형제	hyeongje	“brothers”
자매	jamae	“sisters”
언니	eonni	“older sister” (from a female sibling)
누나	nuna	“older sister” (from a male sibling)
여동생	yeodongsaeng	“younger sister”
오빠	oppa	“older brother” (from a female sibling)
형	hyeong	“older brother” (from a male sibling)
남동생	namdongsaeng	“younger brother”
쌍둥이	ssangdungi	“twins”

2- “My sister is younger/older than me.”

To say that one of your siblings is younger than you, the word to describe “younger” is 어리다 (eorida) in Korean. To change the dictionary form of this word, simply change it to 어려요 (eoryeoyo). On the other hand, to say that your sibling is older than you, the word to describe “older” is 많다 (manta) in Korean, and changes to 많아요 (manayo) in spoken form.

Examples:

• 제 여동생은 저보다 한 살 어려요.
  Je yeodongsaengeun jeoboda han sal eoryeoyo.
  “My younger sister is one year younger than me.”
• 제 누나는 저보다 열 살 많아요.
  Je nunaneun jeoboda yeol sal manayo.
  “My older sister is ten years older than me.”

Useful Vocabulary List to Describe Age Differences

* Click on the word in the Romanization column to listen to the pronunciation.

Korean	Romanization	Translation
어리다	eorida	“younger”
많다	manta	“older”
~살	~sal	“~ years old”
동갑	donggap	“same age”

3. Talking About Significant Others & Children

Married, or in a serious relationship? Be sure to study these family words in Korean and the relevant phrases, so that you can talk about your beloved and family life.

1- “I have a husband/wife.” and “I have a daughter/son.”

If you’re married and have a family, you need to know how to say how many kids you have, too. There are many words to describe your own children. The most common words to say “son” and “daughter” are 아들 (adeul) and 딸 (ttal), respectively.

To say “I have a son,” it’s 저는 아들 한 명이 있습니다 (Jeoneun adeul han myeongi itseumnida). And “I have a daughter,” is 저는 딸 한 명이 있습니다 (Jeoneun ttal han myeongi itseumnida). Let’s have a look at different phrases:

1. 저는 아들 한 명하고 딸 한 명이 있습니다.
   Jeoneun adeul han myeonghago ttal han myeongi itseumnida.
   “I have a son and a daughter.”
2. 아들과 딸이 있습니다.
   Adeulgwa ttari itseumnida.
   “I have a son and a daughter.”
3. 자식은 없습니다.
   Jasigeun eopseumnida.
   “I have no children.”

Useful Vocabulary List for Married Couples

* Click on the word in the Romanization column to listen to the pronunciation.

Korean	Romanization	Translation
남편	nampyeon	“husband”
아내	anae	“wife”
파트너	pateuneo	“partner”
약혼자	yakonja	“fiancé” (referring to a male)
약혼녀	yakonnyeo	“fiancé” (referring to a female)
피앙세	piangse	“fiancé”
아들	adeul	“son”
딸	ttal	“daughter”
자식	jasik	“Sons and daughters”
아이	ai	“child”
손자	sonja	“grandson”
손녀	sonnyeo	“granddaughter”

More Examples:

• A: 결혼 하셨어요?
  A: Gyeolhon hasyeosseoyo?
  A: “Are you married?”

  B: 네, 결혼했어요. 집에 아들과 딸이 있어요.
  B: Ne, gyeolhonhaesseoyo. jibe adeulgwa ttari isseoyo.
  B: “Yes, I am married. I have a son and a daughter.”

2- “I have a boyfriend/girlfriend.”

People usually ask a question like 지금 만나고 있는 사람 있니? (Jigeum mannago inneun saram inni?), which means “Are you seeing anyone at the moment?” Another common question is 남자친구/여자친구 있니? (Namjachingu/yeojachingu inni?), or “Do you have a boyfriend/girlfriend?”

To answer that you’re seeing someone, follow the grammatical order of “I have a brother.” To say “I have a boyfriend,” just add 남자친구 (namjachingu) followed by 있어요 (isseoyo).

If you’re not seeing anyone, but don’t want to share too much information, you can simply say 만나고 있는 사람 없어요 (Mannago inneun saram eopseoyo), which means “I’m not seeing anyone.” Another option is 아니요, 없어요 (Aniyo, eopseoyo), which literally means “No, I don’t have.”

The general conversation goes like this:

• 아버지: 지금 만나고 있는 사람 있냐?
  Abeoji: Jigeum mannago inneun saram innya?
  Father: “Are you seeing anyone at the moment?”

  수미: 아니요. 없어요.
  Sumi: Aniyo. Eopseoyo.
  Sumi: “No, I’m not.”

Vocabulary List for Girlfriends and Boyfriends

* Click on the word in the Romanization column to listen to the pronunciation.

Korean	Romanization	Translation
애인	aein	“lover,” “girlfriend,” “boyfriend”
남자친구	namjachingu	“boyfriend”
남친	namchin	“boyfriend” (slang)
여자친구	yeojachingu	“girlfriend”
여친	yeochin	“girlfriend” (slang)

More Examples:

• A: 애인있어요?
  A: Aeinisseoyo?
  A: “Do you have a boyfriend or girlfriend?”

  B: 애인있어요.
  B: Aeinisseoyo.
  B: “I do.”

4. Korean Endearment Terms

1. “Hey baby,” and “My love.”

Couples in some countries have endearment terms for each other, like “baby.” Korea has some endearment terms like that too. The most common word is 자기야 (jagiya) which means “sweetie” or “baby.” You’ll hear couples and spouses call each other by this word. Also, young people tend to create their own secret endearment terms for each other; others make nicknames, too.

Vocabulary List for Endearment Terms

* Click on the word in the Romanization column to listen to the pronunciation.

Korean	Romanization	Translation
자기야	jagiya	“sweetie/baby”
내 사랑	nae sarang	“my love”
오빠	oppa	“honey” (if bf is older)
여보	yeobo	“darling” (only for married couples)

Examples:

• A: 자기야.
  A: Jagiya.
  A: “Hey sweetie.”

  B: 응, 왜불렀어?
  B: Eung, waebulleosseo?
  B: “Yes, did you call me?”

5. Korean Quotes About Family

Let’s look at some Korean phrases about family.

• 당신은 가족을 선택하지 않는다. 당신이 가족에게 그런 것 처럼 가족은 당신에게 하느님이 주신 선물이다.
  Dangsineun gajogeul seontaekaji anneunda. Dangsini gajogege geureon geot cheoreom gajogeun dangsinege haneunimi jusin seonmurida.
  “You don’t choose your family. They are God’s gift to you, as you are to them.”
• 가정에서 행복하지 않으면 다른 어디에서도 행복할 수 없다.
  Gajeongeseo haengbokaji aneumyeon dareun eodieseodo haengbokal su eopda.
  “If you’re not happy at home, you’re not happy anywhere else.”
• 집 같은 곳은 없다.
  Jip gateun goseun eopda.
  “There is no place like home.”

Check out more quotes about family at “Top 10 Quotes about Family” on our website. Want to challenge yourself and try reading advanced Korean proverbs? Check out this article to learn about the complexity of Korean family relationships.

6. Korean Titles & Verbs Related to Family

Did you know that Korea has some of the most complicated titles for family? It’s so complicated that sometimes even Koreans struggle to remember all the titles. But don’t worry; you don’t need to memorize all the titles. Just try to memorize the most important Korean family titles, since they’re used every day.

1- Korean Family Titles

Korean	Romanization	Translation
조부모	jobumo	“grandparents”
할머니	halmeoni	“grandmother”
할아버지	harabeoji	“grandfather”
부모님	bumonim	“parents”
어머니	eomeoni	“mother”
아버지	abeoji	“father”
친척	chincheok	“relative”
삼촌	samchon	“uncle”
숙모	sungmo	“aunt”
조카	joka	“niece”
사촌	sachon	“cousin”

2. Korean Verbs Related to Family

Let’s learn some important verbs that are commonly used when it comes to family.

Korean	Romanization	Translation
태어나다	taeeonada	“to be born”
죽다	jukda	“to die”
결혼하다	gyeolhonhada	“to marry”
이혼하다	ihonhada	“to divorce”
입양되다	ibyangdoeda	“to be adopted”
입양하다	ibyanghada	“to adopt”
낳다	nata	“to give birth”
사랑하다	saranghada	“to love”

7. Have a Question? KoreanClass101 Can Help You

What do you think about Korean family culture in Korea? How is it different from your country? Let us know in the comments!

For more family-related study materials, visit us at KoreanClass101.com. We truly believe that language-learning should be both fun and informative, and we’re here for you with motivation to study the Korean language.

If you want to learn more about the Korean family, such as the most popular Korean family names and so on, check out this page on Wikipedia too. We hope that you took away something valuable from this article, and that you’ll keep using KoreanClass101 for all your Korean-learning needs!

Are you planning to travel to Korea? Korean travel phrases in language-learning are absolutely essential for just this reason!

Learning basic South Korean travel phrases will definitely help you in nearly any situation, including urgent ones. The Korean travel phrases and Korean travel words you’ll learn in this article will make your travels more fun and help you connect with locals, so that you can get the most out of your upcoming trip to South Korea!

Table of Contents

1. Essential Korean Travel Phrases: Basic Expressions
2. Essential Korean Phrases: Transportation
3. Essential Korean Phrases: Shopping
4. Essential Korean Phrases: At Restaurants
5. Essential Korean Phrases: Asking for and Giving Directions
6. Essential Korean Phrases: Emergencies
7. Essential Korean Phrases: Flattery Phrases
8. Essential Korean Phrases: Useful Phrases to Go Through Language Problems
9. Essential Korean Phrases: Buying Tickets at a Museum
10. Essential Korean Phrases: Taking Pictures
11. How KoreanClass101.com Can Help You with Korean

1. Essential Korean Travel Phrases: Basic Expressions

You’ll be able to converse with local native Koreans by simply remembering these basic phrases. Koreans will appreciate the fact that you made the effort to speak to them in their local language, and it will certainly add more fun to your South Korea trip.

1- 안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo) – “hello” (polite form)

This is one of the most basic and commonly used Korean phrases for travelling, so be sure to keep it in your arsenal!

Example 1:
You enter a restaurant and a waitress greets you.

• Waitress: 안녕하세요.
  Waitress: Annyeonghaseyo.
  Waitress: “Hello.”
• You: 안녕하세요.
  You: Annyeonghaseyo.
  You: “Hello.”

Example 2:
You take a taxi and want to greet the taxi driver.

• You: 안녕하세요.
  You: Annyeonghaseyo.
  You: “Hello.”
• Taxi driver: 네, 안녕하세요. 어디로 가시나요?
  Taxi driver: Ne, annyeonghaseyo. Eodiro gasinayo?
  Taxi driver: “Yes, hello. Where would you like to go?”

2 – 반갑습니다 (bangapseumnida) – “nice to meet you” (polite form)

Example 1:
Jason went to your friend’s house and met their roommate, who is older than him, for the first time.

• Roommate: 어? 친구 데려왔어? 누구야?
  Roommate: Eo? Chingu deryeowasseo? Nuguya?
  Roommate: “Oh, you brought your friend home? Who is he?”
• Jason: 안녕하세요, 반갑습니다.
  Jason: Annyeonghaseyo, bangapseumnida.
  Jason: “Hello, nice to meet you.”

Example 2:
Michael went to a language exchange event in Hongdae and wants to introduce himself to others.

• Michael: 안녕하세요, 저는 마이클이라고 합니다. 반갑습니다.
  Michael: Annyeonghaseyo, jeoneun maikeurirago hamnida. Bangapseumnida.
  Michael: “Hello, my name is Michael. Nice to meet you.”

3 – 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida) – “thank you” (polite form)

Example 1:
You’re walking in the busy streets in the Gangnam area, and see a lady drop her wallet. You pick it up and give it to her.

• You: 여기, 지갑 떨어뜨리셨어요.
  You: Yeogi, jigap tteoreotteurisyeosseoyo.
  You: “Here, you dropped your wallet.”
• Lady: 어머, 감사합니다.
  Lady: Eomeo, gamsahamnida.
  Lady: “Oh, thank you so much.”

Example 2:
You order a cup of coffee at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf and a clerk gives you the change after you’ve paid.

• Clerk: 500원 거스름돈 드리겠습니다.
  Clerk: Obaegwon geoseureumdon deurigetseumnida.
  Clerk: “Here is [your] change, 500 won.”
• You: 감사합니다.
  You: Gamsahamnida.
  You: “Thank you.”

4 – 실례합니다 (sillyehamnida) – “excuse me” (polite form)

This is one of the most useful Korean travel phrases you can learn, so keep it in mind.

Example 1:
You’re on a crowded subway and need to get closer to the exit.

• You: 실례합니다. 지나가겠습니다.
  You: Sillyehamnida. Jinagagetseumnida.
  You: “Excuse me. Passing through.”

Example 2:
You accidentally stepped on a stranger’s foot inside the busy subway.

• You: 실례합니다.
  You: Sillyehamnida.
  You: “Excuse me.”

5- 네; 아니요; 괜찮아요. (ne; aniyo; gwaenchanayo.) – “yes; no; no, thank you.”

While you learn Korean travel phrases, never underestimate the importance of even the smallest words. They can have the most impact!

Example 1:

• You: 이쪽으로 가면 화장실인가요?
  You: Ijjogeuro gamyeon hwajangsiringayo?
  You: “Is this way to the toilet?”
• Clerk: 아니요, 그쪽은 창고예요.
  Clerk: Aniyo, geujjogeun changgoyeyo.
  Clerk: “No, that’s the storage section.”
• You: 아, 그럼 저쪽으로 가면 되나요?
  You: A, geureom jeojjogeuro gamyeon doenayo?
  You: “Ah, so should I go that way?”
• Clerk: 네, 맞아요.
  Clerk: Ne, majayo.
  Clerk: “Yes, correct.”

Example 2:
You had a great time hanging out with your friend. But it’s getting late—time to go home.

• Friend: 많이 어두워졌네, 집에 데려다 줄까?
  Friend: Mani eoduwojyeonne, jibe deryeoda julkka?
  Friend: “It became really dark. Did you want me to take you to your home?”
• You: 아니, 괜찮아. 혼자갈 수 있어.
  You: Ani, gwaenchana. Honjagal su isseo.
  You: “No, I’m fine. I can go home by myself.”

We have more free lessons like “Top 10 Conversational Phrases,” so do check out this page when you have time.

2. Essential Korean Phrases: Transportation

Traveling by public transportation is the most efficient way to get around South Korea. The fares for the subway and public buses are very cheap, and the routes are easy to understand. There are also announcements offered in various languages, so the chance of getting lost is slim.

However, you need to remember that most of the staff at the ticket booths don’t speak English. Let’s learn the most important and useful phrases for buying tickets and conversing with any staff that you encounter.

1- ~으로 가는 티켓 주세요. (~euro ganeun tiket juseyo.)

~으로 가는 티켓 주세요. (~euro ganeun tiket juseyo.) means “Please give me a ticket to ~.” Use this phrase to buy any tickets to go out of the city area.

Example 1:
You’re at Dong-Daegu train station (동대구역; dongdaeguyeok) to buy a train ticket to Busan.

• You: 부산으로 가는 티켓 주세요.
  You: Busaneuro ganeun tiket juseyo
  You: “I would like to buy a ticket to go to Busan.”
• Staff: 출발시간은 언제가 괜찮으십니까?
  Staff: Chulbalsiganeun eonjega gwaenchaneusimnikka?
  Staff: “When would you like to depart?”
• You: 오후 1시쯤 출발하는 기차 있을까요?
  You: Ohu 1sijjeum chulbalhaneun gicha isseulkkayo?
  You: “Are there any trains that depart at 13:00 (one o’clock PM)?”

Example 2:
You’re at the Seoul Express Bus Terminal to buy a bus ticket to Pohang (포항; pohang).

• You: 안녕하세요, 오후 1시 포항으로 가는 티켓 주세요.
  You: Annyeonghaseyo, ohu 1si pohangeuro ganeun tiket juseyo.
  You: “Hello, I would like to buy a ticket to go to Pohang at 13:00 (one o’clock PM).”
• Staff: 네, 몇장 드리면 될까요?
  Staff: Ne, myeotjang deurimyeon doelkkayo?
  Staff: “Okay, how many tickets do you need?”
• You: 한장이요.
  You: Hanjangiyo.
  You: “Just one.”

2- ~으로 가는 전철/버스 인가요? (~euro ganeun jeoncheol/beoseu ingayo?)

This phrase means “Does this subway/bus go to ~?”

It’s likely that you’ll take a bus or subway to get around in South Korea. This travel phrase will come in handy when you want to ask a question to locals. When you travel by boat or ferry, simply replace the noun with “boat” (배; bae).

Example 1:
You’re at the Incheon airport and need to go to the Jamsil area. A bus stops in front of you, and you want to ask whether this bus goes to Jamsil.

• You: 잠실로 가는 버스인가요?
  You: Jamsillo ganeun beoseuingayo?
  You: “Does this bus go to Jamsil?”
• Staff: 네, 갑니다.
  Staff: Ne, gamnida.
  Staff: “Yes, it does.”

Example 2:
You’re at Gukje market in Busan and you need to catch the subway to go to Gimhae International airport.

• You: 실례합니다. 이 전철은 부산 공항으로 가는 전철인가요?
  You: Sillyehamnida. i jeoncheoreun busan gonghangeuro ganeun jeoncheoringayo?
  You: “Excuse me. Does this subway go to the Busan airport?”
• Stranger: 아니요, 부산 공항으로 가는 전철은 저쪽이예요.
  Stranger: Aniyo, busan gonghangeuro ganeun jeoncheoreun jeojjogiyeyo.
  Stranger: “No, the subway bound for the Busan airport is over there.”
• You: 감사합니다.
  You: Gamsahamnida.
  You: “Thank you.”

3- ~으로 가주세요. (~euro gajuseyo.)

This phrase means “Please take me to ~.”

This travel phrase is the most effective and simple phrase to tell your taxi driver. Simply add the destination that you want to reach, such as “Insadong” (인사동; insadong) or “Dongdaemun” (동대문; dongdaemun) etc., followed by 으로 가주세요. (~euro gajuseyo.). That’s it. You don’t need to say anything else!

However, if you want to go somewhere less touristy, and it requires you to explain where exactly you want to go, give the taxi driver the address. Every taxi has a navigation system installed. Also, taxi companies provide free interpreter services in South Korea.

To know whether the taxi you got in offers this service, take a look on the right-hand side of the door. Usually, there’s a large rectangular sign that explains about this service in English, Japanese, and Chinese. So if you’re struggling to explain where you want to go, simply say “free interpreter” to the taxi driver.

Example 1:
You’re at “Gangnam station” (강남역; gangnamyeok) right now and want to move to “Itaewon” (이태원; itaewon) to have dinner with your friends.

• You: 안녕하세요, 이태원역으로 가주세요.
  You: Annyeonghaseyo, itaewonyeogeuro gajuseyo.
  You: “Hello, please take me to Itaewon station.”
• Taxi driver: 네, 알겠습니다.
  Taxi driver: Ne, algetseumnida.
  Taxi driver: “Sure.”

Example 2:
You want to visit your friend’s house in Busan, and you have his address.

• You: 안녕하세요, 이곳으로 가고 싶은데요.. (주소를 보여줌)
  You: Annyeonghaseyo, igoseuro gago sipeundeyo.. (jusoreul boyeojum)
  You: “Hello, I would like to go to this place…” (show him the address)
• Taxi driver: 잠시만요. (네비게이션으로 주소 확인함)
  Taxi driver: Jamsimanyo. (nebigeisyeoneuro juso hwaginham)
  Taxi driver: “Please hold on…” (checks the location via navigation system)

3. Essential Korean Phrases: Shopping

1 – 이거/저것 얼마예요? (igeo/jeogeot eolmayeyo?)

This phrase means “How much is this/that?”

Use this travel phrase when you want to ask the seller how much the items cost while shopping in South Korea. To get the seller’s attention, you can say 저기요 (jeogiyo) which means “excuse me.” If the seller is male, you can call him by 아저씨 (ajeossi) meaning “mature man,” and if the seller is female, you can call her by 아줌마 (ajumma) meaning “matured female” or 이모 (imo) meaning “aunt.”

Also, remember that 이것 (igeot) means “this” and 저것 (jeogeot) means “that.” If you want each of them to be plural, say 이것들 (igeotdeul) meaning “these” and 저것들 (jeogeotdeul) meaning “those.”

Example 1:
You’re shopping at a famous market called “Gwangjang market” (광장시장; Gwangjangsijang), in Seoul. You found a set of Korean traditional clothing called “Hanbok” (한복; hanbok) which you want to buy, and you’re curious to know how much it costs.

• You: 아저씨, 이거 얼마에요?
  You: Ajeossi, igeo eolmaeyo?
  You: “Excuse me sir, how much is this?”
• Seller: 7만원이에요.
  Seller: Chilmanwonieyo.
  Seller: “It’s 70,000 won.”

Example 2:
You found a pink sweater that you like while shopping at 서문시장 (seomun sijang) in Daegu. You want to ask how much the sweater costs.

• You: 저기요, 저건 얼마예요?
  You: jeogiyo, jeogeon eolmayeyo?
  You: “Excuse me, how much is that?”
• Seller: 2만9천원이예요.
  Seller: Imangucheonwoniyeyo.
  Seller: “It’s 29,000 won.”
• You: (저거) 한개 주세요.
  You: (jeogeo) Hangae juseyo.
  You: “Please give me one (of that).”

2 – 이거 #개 주세요. (igeo #gae juseyo.)

This phrase means “Please give me [number] [of the product].”

Example 1:
You’re at the supermarket and the clerk wants to ask how many plastic bags you want.

• Seller: 비닐봉지 몇개 드릴까요?
  Seller: Binilbongji myeotgae deurilkkayo?
  Seller: “How many plastic bags would you like to have?”
• You: 2개 주세요.
  You: Dugae juseyo.
  You: “Two please.”

Example 2:
You found a beautiful “Korean traditional pocket” called 전통 주머니 (jeontong jumeoni) and want to buy six of them.

• You: 이거 6개 주세요.
  You: Igeo yeoseotgae juseyo.
  You: “Please give me six (of the Korean traditional pockets).”
• Seller: 네.
  Seller: Ne.
  Seller: “Ok.”

On our website, KoreanClass101, you can find many lessons on counting numbers in Korean. Feel free to check out our website whenever you want.

3- 조금만 깎아 주시면 안될까요? (Jogeumman kkakka jusimyeon andoelkkayo?)

This phrase means “Can you please reduce the price?”

The prices in Korea are usually fixed, but you can definitely negotiate the price at a market. To ask for a discount, use this phrase!

If you want to buy items for a cheaper price in Korea, try to pay by cash. If you pay with a credit card, you’ll be charged extra (approximately ten percent more).

Example 1:
You’re at 남대문시장 (Namdaemun sijang) meaning “Namdaemun market” in Seoul and found a nice jacket. You ask for the price and think that it costs too much. You want to negotiate the price.

• You: 너무 이쁘긴한데… 비싸네요. 조금만 깎아 주시면 안될까요?
  You: Neomu ippeuginhande… bissaneyo. Jogeumman kkakka jusimyeon andoelkkayo?
  You: “It’s really pretty…but it’s expensive. Can you please reduce the price a bit?”
• Seller: 그럼 3,000원만 깎아 줄게요.
  Seller: Geureom samcheonwonman kkakka julgeyo.
  Seller: “I will give you a discount of 3,000 won then.”

Example 2:
You’re at 고속터미널 역 지하상가 (gosokteomineol yeok jihasangga) an underground shopping mall in the Express Bus Terminal station in Seoul, and want to buy a pair of jeans. The sign says that it costs 10,000 won if you pay by cash. But you only have a credit card.

• You: 이거 카드로 계산할게요.
  You: Igeo kadeuro gyesanhalgeyo.
  You: “I will pay by credit card.”
• Seller: 카드로 계산하면 11,000원이에요. 현금으로 내는게 더 저렴해요.
  Seller: kadeuro gyesanhamyeon mancheonwonieyo. hyeongeumeuro naeneun ge deo jeoryeomhaeyo.
  Seller: “If you pay by card, it will be 11,000 won. It will be cheaper by cash.”
• You: 아 그래요? 이곳에 가장 가까운 ATM기계는 어디에 있나요?
  You: Igose gajang gakkaun ATMgigyeneun eodie innayo?
  You: “Oh really? Where is the nearest ATM from here?”

4- S/M/L 사이즈 있나요? (S/M/L saijeu innayo?)

This phrase means “Do you have S/M/L size for this?”

When you ask for a different size, if a seller says it’s 프리사이즈 (peurisaijeu), this means that it’s “free-size.” Do be careful when you buy free-size clothing, as it may be too big or small when you try it on. Also, for many shops at a market or an underground shopping area, you can’t refund the items after purchase.

Example 1:
You’re at an underground shopping mall in Gangnam station. You find a sweater and there’s no size written on the tag.

• You: 이건 사이즈가 어떻게 돼요?
  You: Igeon saijeuga eotteoke dwaeyo?
  You: “What size is this?”
• Seller: 그거 프리사이즈에요.
  Seller: Geugeo peurisaijeueyo.
  Seller: “It’s a free-size sweater.”

Example 2:
You want to ask if the dress you chose comes in different sizes.

• You: 이 드레스 M 사이즈도 있나요?
  You: I deureseu em saijeudo innayo?
  You: “Do you have an M size?”
• Seller: 네, 잠시만요.
  Seller: Ne, jamsimanyo.
  Seller: “Yes, hold on a sec.”

5- 뭐가 제일 인기 많아요? (mwoga jeil ingi manayo?)

This phrase means “What are the most popular ones?”

Sometimes it can be overwhelming when you need to choose something out of so many goods. If you’re not sure which one to choose, it’s always safe to ask a seller which item is popular these days.

Example 1:
You bought a number of items at a shop and a seller wants to give you some freebies.

• You: 너무 이쁜것들이 많아서 못 고르겠어요. 어떤 것이 제일 인기가 많아요?
  You: Neomu ippeungeotdeuri manaseo mot goreugesseoyo. eotteon geosi jeil ingiga manayo?
  You: “There are so many things that I can’t choose. What is the most popular one from here?”
• Seller: 요즘은 이 아이템이 한국에서 인기가 많아요.
  Seller: Yojeumeun i aitemi hangugeseo ingiga manayo.
  Seller: “These days, this item is quite popular in Korea.”

Example 2:
You want to buy a dress that’s trending in Korea.

• You: 어느 드레스가 제일 인기 많아요?
  You: Eoneu deureseuga jeil ingi manayo?
  You: “Which dress is the most popular dress in Korea?”
• Seller: 이거요.
  Seller: Igeoyo.
  Seller: “This one.”

Do you want more phrases for shopping? Check out “15 Shopping Phrases. Exchanges, Refunds and Complaints!” on KoreanClass101.com.

4. Essential Korean Phrases: At Restaurants

1- ~주세요 (~Juseyo)

This phrase means “Please give me ~,” and it can be used not only to order dishes, but also to buy things like tickets or clothing.

Example 1:
You enter a restaurant and want to ask for a menu.

• You: 저기요, 메뉴주세요.
  You: Jeogiyo, menyujuseyo.
  You: “Excuse me, please give me a menu.”
• Waitress: 네, 여기있습니다.
  Waitress: Ne, yeogiitseumnida.
  Waitress: “Sure, here you go.”

Example 2:
You want to order a bottle of beer and soju to try to make 소맥 (somaek) which is a whiskey and beer cocktail.

• You: 저기요, 맥주 한병이랑 소주 한병 주세요.
  You: Jeogiyo, maekju hanbyeongirang soju hanbyeong juseyo.
  You: “Excuse me, can I please have a bottle of beer and soju?”
• Waitress:네, 여기있습니다.
  Waitress: Ne, yeogiitseumnida.
  Waitress: “Sure, here you go.”

2- 많이 매운가요? (Mani maeungayo?)

This phrase means “Is this spicy?”

Many Korean dishes are spicy for foreigners because we use 고추장 (Gochujang) meaning “red chili paste” or 고춧가루 (gochutgaru) meaning “chili powder” in most dishes. When ordering spicy dishes in Korea, you can request to make it less spicy, so you can still enjoy Korean dishes!

Example 1:
You’re at one of the famous ddeokbokki restaurants named 죠스떡볶이 (jyoseutteokbokki). It’s your first time trying some ddeokbokki.

• You: 떡볶이 주세요.
  You: Tteokbokki juseyo.
  You: “I will have ddeokbokki please.”
• Waitress: 매운 거 잘 못 드시면 많이 매우실 텐데요.
  Waitress: Maeun geo jal mot deusimyeon mani maeusil tendeyo.
  Waitress: “If you struggle a lot to eat spicy foods, you may not be able to eat this dish.”
• You: 아, 많이 매운가요? 그럼 덜 맵게 해주시겠어요?
  You: A, mani maeungayo? geureom deol maepge haejusigesseoyo?
  You: “Ah, is it really that spicy? Is it possible to make it less spicy?”

Example 2:
You want to ask whether the dish you want to order is spicy or not.

• You: 이거 많이 매운가요?
  You: Igeo mani maeungayo?
  You: “Is this spicy?”
• Waiter: 아니요, 맵지 않습니다.
  Waiter: Aniyo, maepji anseumnida.
  Waiter: “No, it’s not spicy.”

3- 저는 채식주의자예요. (Jeoneun chaesikjuuijayeyo)

This important phrase means “I am a vegetarian.”

“Vegetarian” is 채식주의자 (chaesikjuuija) and “vegan” is 비건 (bigeon) in Korean. Although the number of vegetarian restaurants is increasing, this concept (especially veganism) is fairly new to South Korea. Therefore, do research in advance if you’re after specific vegetarian/vegan restaurants in Korea.

Otherwise, vegetarian dishes are easy to find, so don’t worry too much. Classic dishes include 야채 김밥 (vegetable gimbap) and 잡채 (japchae).

Example 1:
You’re at a gimbap restaurant and want to order a vegetarian gimbap.

• You: 저는 채식주의자예요. 어떤 김밥을 먹으면 될까요?
  You: Jeoneun chaesikjuuijayeyo. eotteon gimbabeul meogeumyeon doelkkayo?
  You: “I am vegetarian. Is there any gimbap for me to eat?”
• Staff: 채식주의자세요? 그럼 야채 김밥 드셔야겠네요.
  Staff: Chaesikjuuijaseyo? geureom yachae gimbap deusyeoyagenneyo.
  Staff: “Are you vegetarian? Then you should order the vegetable gimbap.”

Example 2:
You went to a restaurant with your friend, who doesn’t know that you’re vegetarian. He wants to order 삼겹살 (samgyeopsal) or “pork belly.”

• Friend: 우리 삼겹살 시켜먹을까?
  Friend: Uri samgyeopsal sikyeomeogeulkka?
  Friend: “Shall we order some pork belly?”
• You: 미안, 나 채식주의자야. 그래서 고기 못 먹어
  You: Mian, na chaesikjuuijaya. Geuraeseo gogi monmeogeo
  You: “Sorry, I’m vegetarian, so I can’t eat meat.”
• Friend: 아 진짜? 몰랐네. 미안, 그럼 다른거 시켜먹자.
  Friend: A jinjja? mollanne. Mian, geureom dareungeo sikyeomeokja.
  Friend: “Oh really? I did not know. Sorry, let’s order something else.”

4- ~ 알러지있어요 (alleojiisseoyo) – “I am allergic to ~.”

This phrase means “I am allergic to ~,” and may be the most important restaurant phrase you learn today!

Are you allergic to peanuts? “Peanut” is called 땅콩 (ttangkong) in Korean. “Wheat” is called 밀 (mil).

To say that you’re allergic to something, just say the name of the food that you’re allergic to, followed by 알러지있어요 (alleojiisseoyo).

Example 1:
You’re allergic to peanuts and you want to ask if the snack you want to buy contains some nuts.

• You: 제가 땅콩 알레르기가 있는데요, 이 과자 땅콩이 들어가 있나요?
  You: Jega ttangkong allereugiga inneundeyo, I gwaja ttangkongi deureoga innayo?
  You: “I am allergic to peanuts, I am wondering if this snack contains some peanuts?”
• Staff: 확인해볼께요. 네, 들어가 있네요.
  Staff: Hwaginhaebolkkeyo. Ne, deureoga inneyo.
  Staff: “Let me have a check. Yes, it does.”

Example 2:
You’re currently staying with a Korean homestay family. The homestay father gave you chocolates and you want to say that you’re allergic to them.

• You: 전 초콜릿에 알레르기가 있어서 먹을 때마다 기침을 해요.
  You: Jeon chokollise allereugiga isseoseo meogeul ttaemada gichimeul haeyo.
  You: “I am allergic to chocolates, so every time I eat I sneeze.”
• Father: 그런데도 먹어?
  Father: Geureondedo meogeo?
  Father: “And you still eat chocolates?”
• You: 네, 너무 맛이 있어서요.
  You: Ne, neomu masi isseoseoyo.
  You: “Yes, because it‘s too delicious. “

5- 와이파이 비밀번호는 뭐예요? (Waipai bimilbeonhoneun mwoyeyo?)

This phrase translates to “What is the password for Wifi?”

You’ll be startled at the speed of Internet services in South Korea. Moreover, free wifi services are available nearly everywhere—on the subway, KTX, at restaurants and cafes, etc. Most restaurants and cafes provide free wifi for customers, so ask for the password to access the free wifi.

Example 1:
You stopped by 엔제리너스커피 (Angel-in-Us Coffee) to take a break from a long walk, and you want to use free wifi.

• You: 와이파이 비밀번호는 뭐예요?
  You: Waipai bimilbeonhoneun mwoyeyo?
  You: “What is the password for wifi?”
• Waiter: 1234567890입니다.
  Waiter: I-ri-sam-sa-o-yuk-chil-pal-gu-yeong-imnida.
  Waiter: “It’s 1234567890.”
• You: 감사합니다.
  You: Gamsahamnida.
  You: “Thank you.”

Do you want to learn more practical phrases to use at Korean restaurants? Check out “Vocabulary and Phrases for the Restaurant” on our website.

5. Essential Korean Phrases: Asking for and Giving Directions

1- ___은 어떻게 가나요? (___eun eotteoke ganayo?)

This phrase translates as “How do I go to ~?” in English.

This is the phrase to use when you’re asking for detailed directions. Use this phrase to ask how to get somewhere, when there are many steps involved.

Example 1:
You’re asking your homestay father how to get to Busan from Daegu.

• You: 부산에서 대구까지 어떻게 가나요?
  You: Busaneseo daegukkaji eotteoke ganayo?
  You: “How do I get to Busan from Daegu?”
• Father: 부산역에서 KTX 열차 티켓을 하고나서…
  Father: Busanyeogeseo KTX yeolcha tikeseul hagonaseo…
  Father: “You need to buy a KTX ticket from a station called Busan station and ….”

2- ~은 어디에 있어요? (~eun eodie isseoyo?)

This phrase means “Where is ~?”

Example 1:
You’re at a shop and want to use the bathroom.

• You: 화장실은 어디에 있어요?
  You: Hwajangsireun eodie isseoyo?
  You: “Where is the bathroom?”
• Staff: 가게 밖으로 나가면 바로 오른쪽에 있어요.
  Staff: Gage bakkeuro nagamyeon baro oreunjjoge isseoyo.
  Staff: “Go out of the shop; the toilet is on the right-hand side.”

Example 2:
You feel tired after visiting many places and want to go back to the hotel to rest, but you’re not sure where the closest station is.

• You: 여기서 가장 가까운 지하철역은 어디에 있어요?
  You: Yeogiseo gajang gakkaun jihacheollyeogeun eodie isseoyo?
  You: “Where is the closest subway station from here?”
• Stranger: 횡단보도 건너면 홍대역이 보일거예요.
  Stranger: Hoengdanbodo geonneomyeon hongdaeyeogi boilgeoyeyo.
  Stranger: “Just cross the road and you’ll be able to see the station called Hongdae.”

3- Vocabulary for Directions

Here’s some useful vocabulary:

Vocabulary	Romanization	Translation
…쪽으로	…jjogeuro	towards
마주보고	majubogo	facing
옆에	yeope	by
뒤에	dwie	behind
오른쪽	oreunjjok	right
왼쪽	oenjjok	left

Reference: Position/Direction

There are several example sentences using these vocabulary words in our vocabulary list about positions and directions. Do check out the page for more learning material.

4- 여기는 어디인가요? (yeogineun eodiingayo?)

This phrase means “Where am I?”

When you’re not sure where you are, or you want to know the name of the place you’re at, use this phrase to ask. 어디 means “where” in Korean. If you want to double-check your location with someone, replace 어디 with the name of the place.

For example, if you want to know whether the place you’re in is 가로수길 (garosu-gil), you should ask 여기는 가로수길인가요? (yeogineun garosugiringayo?) which translates to “Am I in Garosu gil?”

Example 1:

• You: 길을 잃었어요. 여기는 어디인가요?
  You: Gireul ileosseoyo. Yeogineun eodiingayo?
  You: “I am lost. Where am I?”
• Stranger: 음… 어디로 가시는데요? 가는길 알려드릴께요.
  Stranger: Eum… eodiro gasineundeyo? Ganeungil allyeodeurilkkeyo.
  Stranger: “Hmm…where are you heading to? I may be able to tell you the way.”

Example 2:
You’re with a tour guide and you want to say how beautiful this place is.

• You: 정말 아름다운 곳이네요. 여기는 어디인가요?
  You: Jeongmal areumdaun gosineyo. Yeogineun eodiingayo?
  You: “This place is really beautiful. Where is this place?”
• Guide: 광화문이라고 하는 곳입니다. 아름답지요?
  Guide: Gwanghwamunirago haneun gosimnida. Areumdapjiyo?
  Guide: “It’s called Gwanghwamun. Isn’t it beautiful?”

5- 여기서 ~까지는 많이 먼가요/가까운가요? (yeogiseo ~kkajineun mani meongayo/gakkaungayo?)

This phrase means “From here to ~, is it far/close?”

Use this phrase when you want to ask how far or close something is from your current location.멀다 (meolda) is “far” and 가깝다 (gakkapda) is “close” in Korean. To make each word into a question, they become 먼가요? (meongayo) meaning “Is it far?” and 가까운가요? (gakkaungayo?) meaning “Is it close by?” respectively.

Example 1:
You’re at Daegu Station and want to go to Palgongsan, a tourist favorite in Daegu.

• You: 팔공산은 여기서 많이 먼가요?
  You: Palgongsaneun yeogiseo mani meongayo?
  You: “Is Palgongsan far from here?”

Example 2:
You’ve just landed in Jeju International Airport. Your friend comes to pick you up and you’re waiting for a bus to go to your friend’s house.

• You: (너의) 집은 여기서 많이 멀어?
  You: (neoui) Jibeun yeogiseo mani meoreo?
  You: “Is your house far from here?”
• Friend: 음, 버스타고 한 20분 정도 가야해. 그렇게 멀진 않아.
  Friend: Eum, beoseutago han isipbun jeongdo gayahae. Geureoke meoljin ana.
  Friend: “Hmm, it takes about 20 minutes by bus. It’s not too far.”

6. Essential Korean Phrases: Emergencies

1- 도와주세요. (dowajuseyo.)

This phrase translates to “Please help me.”

When you’re in need of help, use this phrase to get people’s attention. Be careful when you use this phrase though, because the meaning changes depending on your intonation. You can also request help more formally by stating, 실례하지만 도와주시겠어요? (sillyehajiman dowajusigesseoyo?) which means “I am sorry to bother you, but could you please help?”

Example 1:
You were hiking at a mountain called 북한산 (bukansan) in Seoul and you injured yourself. You see a number of hikers not far from where you are.

• You: 도와주세요! , 도와주세요!
  You: Dowajuseyo! Dowajuseyo!
  You: “Please help! Please help!”

Example 2:
You need to call an ambulance, and you go to a help desk for help.

• You: 응급상황이예요, 도와주세요!
  You: Eunggeupsanghwangiyeyo, dowajuseyo!
  You: “It’s an emergency! Please help!”

2- 경찰 불러주세요. (gyeongchal bulleojuseyo.)

This phrase means “Please call the police.”

Use this phrase when you’re in danger. Alternatively, you can call the police by dialing 112. If you want to call an ambulance, which is called 응급차 (eunggeupcha) or 일일구 (irilgu), simply say the word followed by 불러주세요 (bulleojuseyo) meaning “Please call.”

Example 1:
You want to ask for help from a person at the service desk.

• Help desk: 무엇을 도와드릴까요?
  Help desk: Mueoseul dowadeurilkkayo?
  Help desk: “How may I help you?”
• You: 누가 지갑을 훔쳐갔어요, 경찰 불러주세요.
  You: Nuga jigabeul humchyeogasseoyo, gyeongchal bulleojuseyo.
  You: “My wallet is stolen and I would like to call the police.”
• Help desk: 네, 지금 바로 하겠습니다.
  Help desk: Ne, jigeum baro hagetseumnida.
  Help desk: “Okay, will do it now.”

Example 2:
A stranger approaches you and tries to steal your bag.

• You: 도와주세요! 누가 경찰 불러 주세요!
  You: Dowajuseyo! Nuga gyeongchal bulleo juseyo!
  You: “Please help! Call the police for me!”

3- ~를 다쳤어요. (~reul dachyeosseoyo.)

This phrase means “I injured my ~.”

When you visit a hospital, you need to be able to tell the doctor which part of your body is injured. Unless you go to an international hospital that offers a free interpreter service, you’ll need to speak basic Korean at a local hospital.

If you want to say that you’re just in pain, just say ~가 아파요. (~ga apayo) which means “I feel pain in my~.”

Here’s a vocabulary list of body parts for you to memorize:

Vocabulary	Romanization	Translation
머리	meori	head
다리	dari	leg(s)
손가락	songarak	finger(s)
발목	balmok	ankle(s)
무릎	mureup	knee(s)
팔꿈치	palkkumchi	elbow(s)
손목	sonmok	wrist(s)
팔	pal	arm(s)

Reference: Body Parts, KoreanClass101 Vocabulary list

The vocabulary words above are just a small portion of the entire vocabulary list from KoreanClass101. If you want to check out the entire list, visit our Body Parts vocabulary list on our website. We also have many free lessons on describing body parts in Korean, so check our website for more.

Example 1:
You’re at a local hospital and need to explain which part of your body is injured.

• Doctor: 무슨일로 오셨나요?
  Doctor: Museunillo osyeonnayo?
  Doctor: “What made you come here today?”
• You: 산책하다가 발목을 다쳤어요.
  You: Sanchaekadaga balmogeul dachyeosseoyo.
  You: “I injured my ankle while walking.”
• Doctor: 한번 살펴 보겠습니다.
  Doctor: Hanbeon salpyeo bogetseumnida.
  Doctor: “Let me have a look at your ankle.”

Example 2:
You weren’t cautious enough when crossing the pedestrian road. Unfortunately, you were run over by a car and your bone is broken.

• You: 걸을 수가 없어요. 뼈를 다친것 같아요.
  You: Georeul suga eopseoyo. Ppyeoreul dachingeot gatayo.
  You: “I can’t walk. I think my bone is broken.”
• Driver: (calling an ambulance) 여보세요, 차사고가 났는데요, 사람이 크게 다친것 같습니다.
  Driver: Yeoboseyo, chasagoga nanneundeyo, sarami keuge dachingeot gatseumnida.
  Driver: “Hello, there was a car accident and I think that the person is badly injured.”

4- 지갑/여권을 잃어버렸어요. (jigap/yeogwoneul ileobeoryeosseoyo.)

This phrase means “I lost my wallet/passport.”

Your wallet and passport are the most valuable items while traveling around the world, and you certainly don’t want to ruin your entire trip over missing items. Use this phrase when you want to say that you’ve lost your belongings.

Here’s a list of items that people may lose while traveling:

Vocabulary	Romanization	Translation
돈	don	money
티켓	tiket	ticket
시계	sigye	watch
악세사리	aksesari	accessories
귀중품	gwijungpum	valuable items

Example 1:
You’re about to head to the airport, and realize that your passport is missing.

• You: 어머, 여권을 잃어버린것 같아.
  You: Eomeo, yeogwoneul ileobeoringeot gata.
  You: “Oh no, I think I lost my passport.”
• Friend: 어디서 잃어버렸는데?
  Friend: Eodiseo ileobeoryeonneunde?
  Friend: “Where did you lose it?”

Example 2:

• Friend: 어머, 지갑이 어디갔지?
  Friend: Eomeo, jigabi eodigatji?
  Friend: “Oh no, where is my wallet?”
• You: 지갑을 잃어버렸어?
  You: Jigabeul ileobeoryeosseo?
  You: “Did you lose your wallet?”
• Friend: 휴, 찾았다!
  Friend: Hyu, chajatda!
  Friend: “Phew, I found it!”

5- Emergency Numbers to Remember

These are numbers that come in handy when you’re in trouble:

1. 112 – Police
2. 119 – Ambulance
3. 111 – National Security
4. 113 – Reporting spies
5. 182 – Missing persons

Here, you can learn more vocabulary and phrases: “Words and Phrases to Help You in an Emergency.”

7. Essential Korean Phrases: Flattery Phrases

1- 한국 음식을 좋아해요. (Hanguk eumsigeul joahaeyo.)

This phrase means “I like Korean food.”

Koreans tend to worry when they see foreigners eating spicy food—you’ll hear 너무 맵지 않나요? (neomu maepji annayo?) which is them asking you “Is it not too spicy for you?” or 조금 매운데, 괜찮아요? (jogeum maeunde, gwaenchanayo?) meaning “It’s a bit spicy, is this okay?” when you order a spicy dish.

Don’t worry too much when you hear this, because they’re actually complimenting you for trying Korean dishes and they really do hope that you enjoy the food.

To say a specific dish, just replace 한국 음식 (hanguk eumsik) meaning “Korean food” with the name of your favorite dish. For example, if you like 삼계탕 (samgyetang) or “ginseng chicken soup,” you can say 삼계탕(을) 좋아해요 (samgyetang(eul) joahaeyo). Let’s have a look at more examples below:

Example 1:

• Friend: 어떤 음식 좋아해?
  Friend: Eotteon eumsik joahae?
  Friend: “What kind of cuisine do you like?”
• You: 매운걸 좋아해서 한국 음식을 많이 좋아해.
  You: Maeungeol joahaeseo hanguk eumsigeul mani joahae.
  You: “I like spicy food, so I like Korean food very much.”
• Friend: 잘됐다! 집근처에 맛집있는데, 같이 갈래?
  Friend: Jaldwaetda! jipgeuncheoe matjibinneunde, gachi gallae?
  Friend: “That’s great! There’s a good restaurant around here, do you want to go together?”

Example 2:

• Elder person: 매운 음식 좋아해요?
  Elder person: Maeun eumsik joahaeyo?
  Elder person: “Do you like spicy food?”
• You: 네, 좋아해요.
  You: Ne, joahaeyo.
  You: “Yes, I do.”

2- 한국문화에 관심이 많아요. (Hangungmunhwae gwansimi manayo.)

Use this phrase to say “I am interested in Korean culture.”

Has anyone ever asked you what made you become interested in Korea? ~에 관심이 많아요. (~e gwansimi manayo.) is a phrase to say that you “are interested in ~.” You can replace the first noun with something else, such as 한국 역사 (hanguk yeoksa) meaning “Korean history,” 케이팝 (keipap) meaning “K-pop,” 한국 드라마 (hanguk deurama) meaning “Korean drama,” and so forth.

Here are some examples:

Example 1:
Jamie is a new exchange student, and Sumi and Soyeon are talking.

• 수미: 제이미가 왜 한국에 왔을까?
  Sumi: Jeimiga wae hanguge wasseulkka?
  Sumi: “I wonder what brought Jamie to South Korea.”
• 소연: 한국문화에 관심이 많아서 여기로 왔데.
  Soyeon: Hangungmunhwae gwansimi manaseo yeogiro watde.
  Soyeon: “He is here because he is interested in Korean culture.”

Example 2:
Your friend asks why you’re interested in Korean culture. You want to say that you became interested in it after watching Korean dramas.

• You: 한국 드라마를 좋아해서 한국문화에 관심이 많아요.
  You: Hanguk deuramareul joahaeseo hangungmunhwae gwansimi manayo.
  You: “I became interested in Korean culture because of Korean dramas.”

3- 한국 사람은 친절해요. (Hanguk sarameun chinjeolhaeyo.)

Use this phrase to say “Korean people are friendly.”

Koreans are friendly to tourists, so they will be happy to help you out when you’re in need of help. To say that Koreans are friendly, you can say 한국 사람은 친절해요 (Hanguk sarameun chinjeolhaeyo.).

Example 1:
A friend asked how your trip to Korea was. You want to compliment Korean people.

• Friend: 한국 여행 어땠어?
  Friend: Hanguk yeohaeng eottaesseo?
  Friend: “How was your trip to Korea?”
• You: 응, 재미있었어. 한국 사람은 정말 친절한것 같아.
  You: Eung, jaemiisseosseo. Hanguk sarameun jeongmal chinjeolhangeot gata.
  You: “Yeah, it was fun. Koreans are really friendly.”

Example 2:

• You: 드라마를 보면 한국 사람들은 친절한것 같아.
  You: Deuramareul bomyeon hanguk saramdeureun chinjeolhangeot gata.
  You: “Based on Korean drama, I think that Koreans are friendly.”

4- 친구가 되고 싶어요. 페이스북/인스타그램 있어요? (chinguga doego sipeoyo. peiseubuk/inseutageuraem isseoyo?)

Use this phrase to say “I want to be your friend. Do you have a Facebook/Instagram?”

You’ll encounter many locals while traveling in South Korea. If you meet someone that you want to keep in touch with long-term, say this phrase.

Example 1:
You meet a local while traveling in Jeju and you want to keep in touch with her.

• You: 친구가 되고 싶어요. 혹시 페이스북이나 인스타그램 있어요?
  You: Chinguga doego sipeoyo. hoksi peiseubugina inseutageuraem isseoyo?
  You: “I want to be your friend. Do you have a Facebook or Instagram by any chance?”
• Friend: 페이스북은 없고, 인스타그램은 있어요.
  Friend: Peiseubugeun eopgo, inseutageuraemeun isseoyo.
  Friend: “I don’t have a Facebook account, but I use Instagram.”

8. Essential Korean Phrases: Useful Phrases to Go Through Language Problems

1- 영어 할 수 있어요? (Yeongeo hal su isseoyo?)

Use this phrase to ask someone “Can you speak English?”

Example 1:
A staff member is explaining something to you in Korean and you want to ask if they speak English.

• You: 혹시 영어 할 수 있어요?
  You: Hoksi yeongeo hal su isseoyo?
  You: “Do you speak English by any chance?”
• Staff: 죄송해요, 할수 없어요.
  Staff: Joesonghaeyo, halsu eopseoyo.
  Staff: “Sorry, no.”

2 – 적어주실래요? (jeogeojusillaeyo?)

This useful phrase means “Can you write it down?”

Example 1:
Your homestay mother suggests that you visit a museum called 전쟁기념관 (jeonjaengginyeomgwan) which is “The War Memorial of Korea,” in English. You want to search for this place on the Internet.

• You: 전쟁기념관을 종이에 적어주실래요?
  You: Jeonjaengginyeomgwaneul jongie jeogeojusillaeyo?
  You: “Can you please write “The War Memorial of Korea” on the paper?”

Example 2:
A stranger is explaining the directions to go to 63 빌딩 (yuksam building) or the “63building, but it seems quite complicated.

• You: 죄송하지만, 종이에 적어주실래요?
  You: Joesonghajiman, jongie jeogeojusillaeyo?
  You: “I am sorry, but could you please write the directions down?”

3- 죄송해요, 한국말 잘못해요. (Joesonghaeyo, hangungmal jalmothaeyo.)

Use this phrase to let someone know “I am sorry, I am not good at Korean.”

Example 1:
An elderly person approaches you with a smile and asks many questions in Korean. You want to say that you can’t speak Korean.

• You: 죄송해요, 저는 한국말을 못해요.
  You: Joesonghaeyo, jeoneun hangungmareul mothaeyo.
  You: “I am sorry, I can’t speak Korean.”

Example 2:
A stranger approaches you and asks some questions in Korean. You want to understand what he’s saying.

• You: 죄송해요, 한국말(을) 잘못해요. 조금 더 천천히 말해줄래요?
  You: Joesonghaeyo, hangungmal(eul) jalmothaeyo. Jogeum deo cheoncheonhi malhaejullaeyo?
  You: “Sorry, I am not good at Korean. Can you please speak slowly?”

4- 조금 더 천천히 말해주시겠어요? (jogeum deo cheoncheonhi malhaejusigesseoyo?)

This phrase, hinted at earlier, means “Can you please speak slowly?”

You may want to practice speaking in Korean as much as possible. However, sometimes you may struggle to understand the language, especially when someone speaks to you too quickly. Use this phrase to kindly ask a speaker to speak more slowly for you.

Example 1:
You’re on the phone to have food delivered. The staff member speaks too fast and you want him to slow down for you.

• You: 죄송하지만, 조금 더 천천히 말해주시겠어요?
  You: Joesonghajiman, jogeum deo cheoncheonhi malhaejusigesseoyo?
  You: “I am sorry, but could you please slow down for me?”
• Staff: 아, 죄송합니다.
  Staff: A, joesonghamnida.
  Staff: “Ah, I apologize.”

Example 2:
Your friend is upset about something and struggles to speak clearly.

You: 미안, 너무 빨리 말을 해서 잘 못알아들었어. 조금만 더 천천히 말해줄래?
You: Mian, neomu ppalli mareul haeseo jal mosaradeureosseo. Jogeumman deo cheoncheonhi malhaejullae?
You: “Sorry, you spoke too fast so I didn’t quite catch you. Can you speak more slowly?”

5- 이것은 어떻게 읽나요? (Igeoseun eotteoke ingnayo?)

Use this phrase to ask someone “How do you read this?”

If you want to ask how to pronounce a word or sentence, say 이것은 어떻게 발음하나요? (Igeoseun eotteoke bareumhanayo?) or “How do I pronounce this?”

Example 1:

• You: 이건 어떻게 읽어?
  You: Igeon eotteoke ilgeo?
  You: “How do I read this?”
• Friend: 간장게장이라고 해.
  Friend: Ganjanggejangirago hae.
  Friend: “It is soy sauce raw crab.”

9. Essential Korean Phrases: Buying Tickets at a Museum

1 – 성인 1장 주세요. (seongin hanjang juseyo.)

Use this phrase to say “One ticket (adult) please.”

There are many museums and exhibitions worth visiting in Korea. Most places, unless you go to a museum in a very rural area, offer pamphlets and free guides in many different languages, so you won’t have much trouble navigating.

However, since you’re a Korean learner, let’s learn some useful travel phrases!

Take a look at the column for the price at the Daerim museum. This is the typical column that you’ll see at any museum or exhibition that you go to in Korea. “Adult” in Korean is 성인 (seongin). “Children” is 어린이 (eorini) and “student” is 학생 (haksaeng).

Let’s take a look at two examples:

Example 1:
You arrive at 김치박물관 (gimchibangmulgwan) or “Museum Kimchikan.” You want to buy a ticket.

• You: 안녕하세요, 성인 1장 주세요.
  You: Annyeonghaseyo, seongin hanjang juseyo.
  You: “Hello, one ticket (adult) please.”

Example 2:
You arrive at 전쟁기념관 (jeonjaengginyeomgwan) or “War Memorial of Korea.” You’re with your younger sister who is only fifteen years old.

• You: 안녕하세요, 성인 1장이랑 어린이 1 장주세요.
  You: Annyeonghaseyo, seongin hanjangirang eorini hanjangjuseyo.
  You: “Hello, one adult and one child please.”

2- 팜플렛 주세요. (pampeullet juseyo)

Asking for pamphlets is easy too. You just need to use this phrase, which means “Please give me a pamphlet.” You’ll be able to get a pamphlet in many different languages at the counter.

Example 1:

• Clerk: 몇장드릴까요.
  Clerk: Myeotjangdeurilkkayo.
  Clerk: “How many (tickets) would you like?”
• You: 성인 1장 주세요.
  You: Seongin hanjang juseyo.
  You: “One adult, please.”
• Clerk: 5,000원입니다. 팜플렛 필요하세요?
  Clerk: Ocheonwonimnida. Pampeullet pillyohaseyo?
  Clerk: “It’s 5,000 won. Do you need a pamphlet?”
• You: 네, 영어 팜플렛 주세요.
  You: Ne, yeongeo pampeullet juseyo.
  You: “Yes, an English pamphlet please.”

3- 무료 가이드있나요? (muryo gaideuinnayo?)

Use this phrase to ask “Is there a free tour?”

Many museums offer free guides in English, Korean, Japanese, and Chinese. Some places only offer them once per day, or even once per month, so do check their schedule on their website in advance if you want to participate.

Example 1:

• You: 이곳에 무료 가이드 있나요?
  You: Igose muryo gaideu innayo?
  You: “Is there a free tour?”
• Clerk: 네, 오늘 오후 5시에 영어로 진행되는 무료 가이드 있습니다.
  Clerk: Ne, oneul ohu daseotsie yeongeoro jinhaengdoeneun muryo gaideu itseumnida.
  Clerk: “Yes, there is one in English at 17:00 (5 PM).”

4- 오늘 특별한 행사 하나요? (Oneul teukbyeolhan haengsa hanayo?)

Want to know if a museum has any special events? Use this phrase to ask a clerk. It translates to “Is there a special event?”

Example 1:
You hear loud music coming out of the museum.

• You: 오늘 특별한 행사 하나요?
  You: Oneul teukbyeolhan haengsa hanayo?
  You: “Is there a special event?”
• Clerk: 네, 방금 시작했어요.
  Clerk: Ne, banggeum sijakaesseoyo.
  Clerk: “Yes, it has just started.”

5- 오디오 가이드 있나요? (odio gaideu innayo?)

Use this phrase to ask “Is there an audio guide?”

Example 1:

• You: 영어 오디오 가이드 있나요?
  You: Yeongeo odio gaideu innayo?
  You: “Is there an audio guide?”
• Clerk: 네, 있습니다. 몇개 드릴까요?
  Clerk: Ne, itseumnida. myeotgae deurilkkayo?
  Clerk: “Yes, there is. How many would you like?”
• You: 한 개 주세요.
  You: Han gae juseyo.
  You: “Just one, please.”

10. Essential Korean Phrases: Taking Pictures

1- 이곳은 사진 찍어도 괜찮은 장소인가요? (igoseun sajin jjigeodo gwaenchaneun jangsoingayo?)

Use this phrase to ask “Is it okay to take a picture in this place?”

You can take pictures most places, but it’s always safe to ask if you’re not sure.

Example 1:
You’re at the museum and want to ask if you can take pictures.

• You: 이곳은 사진 찍어도 괜찮은 장소인가요?
  You: Igoseun sajin jjigeodo gwaenchaneun jangsoingayo?
  You: “Is it okay to take pictures here?”
• Staff: 네, 플래시 없이 해주십시오.
  Staff: Ne, peullaesi eopsi haejusipsio.
  Staff: “Yes, but without flash please.”

2- 사진 같이 찍어요. (sajin gachi jjigeoyo.)

This phrase translates to “Let’s take a picture together.”

Use this phrase when you want to take a picture with someone. Alternatively, you can ask for permission by asking 사진 같이 찍어도 괜찮아요? (Sajin gachi jjigeodo gwaenchanayo?) meaning “Is it okay to take a picture with you?”

Example 1:

• You: 사진 같이 찍어요.
  You: Sajin gachi jjigeoyo.
  You: “Let’s take a picture together.”
• Friend: 좋아요.
  Friend: Joayo.
  Friend: “OK.”

3- 사진 찍어주시겠어요? (Sajin jjigeojusigesseoyo?)

This phrase means “Can you please take a picture of us?”

Example 1:
You’re traveling alone in 전주한옥마을 (jeonjuhanongmaeul) or “Jeonju Hanbok Village” and you want to ask someone to take a picture of you with a traditional Korean house in the background.

• You: 죄송하지만, 사진 찍어주시겠어요?
  You: Joesonghajiman, sajin jjigeojusigesseoyo?
  You: “I am sorry to interrupt, but could you please take a picture of me?”
• Stranger: 그럼요.
  Stranger: Geureomyo.
  Stranger: “Sure.”

Example 2:
You’re at 롯데월드 (rotdewoldeu) or “Lotte World” and want to ask someone to take a picture of you and your girlfriend.

• You: 안녕하세요, 저희 사진 1장만 찍어주시겠어요?
  You: Annyeonghaseyo, jeohui sajin 1jangman jjigeojusigesseoyo?
  You: “Hello, could you please take a picture of us?”
• Stranger: 그럼요.
  Stranger: Geureomyo.
  Stranger: “Sure.”

11. How KoreanClass101.com Can Help You with Korean

If you have any questions regarding the travel phrases mentioned above (or other questions about Korean culture), we’ll be more than happy to answer them for you at the KoreanClass101.com forum. On our site, especially the forum, you can find tons of cultural insights and useful tips to help you study Korean. Feel free to check out the forum when you have time.

Also, KoreanClass101.com offers many free Korean lessons; you can access these lessons by simply creating a free lifetime account.

Learning Korean travel phrases, along with essential cultural information, is no easy task. But the more that you use Korean travel phrases, the easier it will get. Trust us!

We hope that you found this blog useful, and that you enjoy your trip to Korea! These basic Korean travel phrases for tourists will help you get around South Korea like it’s nothing. 🙂

In today’s blog, we’re going to teach you how to count in Korean. In your Korean language-learning, Korean numbers are an important step forward in becoming fluent.

Once you’re able to count numbers in Korean, your life in Korea, whether it’s for traveling or working, your stay will be a lot easier and more enjoyable. Let KoreanClass101.com teach you Korean numbers with English pronunciations, and how to use them!

Table of Contents

1. Why are There Two Counting Systems in Korean?
2. How to Say 0-9 in Sino and Native Korean
3. How to Say 10-100 in Sino and Native Korean
4. How to Say Numbers Up to 1,000 in Sino and Native Korean
5. How to Say Other Big Numbers in Sino and Native Korean
6. How to Give Your Phone Number
7. Shopping – How to Say Prices
8. Shopping – How to Use Numbers When Shopping
9. Time
10. Calendar
11. Let’s Practice
12. How KoreanClass101.com Can Help You with Korean

1. Why are There Two Counting Systems in Korean?

There are two counting systems in Korean–Sino Korean, and native Korean. You may be wondering why Koreans feel the need to use both systems–why not just use one?

The answer is simple. Until 한글 (hangul) = “Native Korean Language” was invented during the 조선왕조 (joseonwangjo) = “Joseon Dynasty,” native Koreans had no alphabet of their own and had to borrow 한자 (hanja) = “Chinese characters.” This is why you still see words and yes, numbers, based on Chinese characters, which are called Sino Korean words and numbers. And with the creation of the new language system came the creation of a new set of counters, which is why you see two number systems in the Korean language.

Don’t fret, however – the numbers are used in different situations. Once you get the hang of when to use which numeric system, things will get easier. And only Sino-Korean numbers are used from 100 and up, so keeping that in mind will also make it easier for you to figure out the numeric system.

You can learn more about Korean numbers in our blog article but here are some quick examples.

1- Some Examples of When to Use Sino Korean Numbers

• Phone numbers: 공일공 공일공일 일이삼사 (gongilgong gongilgongil ilisamsa) = 010 0101 1234
• Bank account numbers 사일이-XXXX-XXXX (saili-XXXX-XXXX) = “412-XXXX-XXXX”
• Minutes/Seconds: 삼십 분 삽십 초 (samsip beun samsip cho) = “thirty minutes thirty seconds”
• Dates: 일월 일일 (ilweol ilil) = “January 1st”
• Money: 오천 원 (ocheon won) = “5,000 won”
• Addresses: 이십일번가 (isibilbeonga) = “21st street”
• Formal age 세 (se): 이십 세 (isip se) = “twenty years old”
• Math equations: 삼 더하기 삼은 육 (sam deohagi sameun yuk) = “3+3=6”

2- Some Examples of When to Use Native Korean Numbers

• Informal age 살 (sal): 스무 살 (seumu sal) = “twenty years old”
• Hours: 다섯 시 (daseot si) = “five o’clock”
• Number of people: 네 명 (ne myeong) = “four people”
• Number of objects: 네 개 (ne gae) = “four (items)”

2. How to Say 0-9 in Sino and Native Korean

When it comes to counting numbers in Korea, you’ll notice that there are different ways to count the same number. That’s because we have two different counting systems which are called “Sino Korean” and “Native Korean.” While native Korean numbers are used more often in general, Sino Korean numbers are used when counting money, doing math, or talking about phone numbers.

When learning numbers in Korean, vocabulary mastery is very important. Check out “Korean Numbers” on KoreanClass101.com to practice the numbers and pronunciation together.

Number	Sino Korean	Native Korean	Translation
0	영 (yeong), 공 (gong)	*	“zero”
1	일 (il)	하나 (hana)	“one”
2	이 (i)	둘 (dul)	“two”
3	삼 (sam)	셋 (set)	“three”
4	사 (sa)	넷 (net)	“four”
5	오 (o)	다섯 (daseot)	“five”
6	육 (yuk)	여섯 (yeoseot)	“six”
7	칠 (chil)	일곱 (ilgop)	“seven”
8	팔 (pal)	여덟 (yeodeol)	“eight”
9	구 (gu)	아홉 (ahop)	“nine”

*There’s no word to say “zero” in the Native Korean counting system. Instead, you can use 공 (gong) from Sino-Korean. Koreans also say 제로 (jero), from the English word “zero,” for counting zero.

3. How to Say 10-100 in Sino and Native Korean

This time, let’s count from 10 to 100.

Number	Sino Korean	Native Korean	Translation
10	십 (sip)	열 (yeol)	“ten”
11	십일 (sipil)	열하나 (yelhana)	“eleven”
12	십이 (sipi)	열둘 (yeoldul)	“twelve”
13	십삼 (sipsam)	열셋 (yeolset)	“thirteen”
14	십사 (sipsa)	열넷 (yeolnet)	“fourteen”
15	십오 (sipo)	열다섯 (yeoldaseot)	“fifteen”
16	십육 (sipyuk)	열여섯 (yeolyeoseot)	“sixteen”
17	십칠 (sipchil)	열일곱 (yeolilgop)	“seventeen”
18	십팔 (sippal)	열여덟 (yeolyeodeol)	“eighteen”
19	십구 (sipgu)	열아홉 (yeolahop)	“nineteen”
20	이십 (isip)	스물 (seumul)	“twenty”
30	삼십 (samsip)	서른 (seoreun)	“thirty”
40	사십 (sasip)	마흔 (maheun)	“fourty”
50	오십 (osip)	쉰 (swin)	“fifty”
60	육십 (yuksip)	예순 (yesun)	“sixty”
70	칠십 (chilsip)	일흔 (ilheun)	“seventy”
80	팔십 (palsip)	여든 (yeodeun)	“eighty”
90	구십 (gusip)	아흔 (aheun)	“ninety”
100	백 (baek)	온* (on)	“one-hundred”

*온 (on) is rarely used in spoken/written language. Koreans use 백 (baek) instead.

There’s a lot to go through when it comes to numbers in learning the Korean language. If you want to practice counting more with Korean numbers, check out our free lesson.

4. How to Say Numbers Up to 1,000 in Sino and Native Korean

Ready to count more? Let’s try to count up to 1,000 in Korean!

Number	Sino Korean	Native Korean	Translation
200	이백 (ibaek)		“two-hundred”
300	삼백 (sambaek)		“three-hundred”
400	사백 (sabaek)		“four-hundred”
500	오백 (obaek)		“five-hundred”
600	육백 (yukbaek)		“six-hundred”
700	칠백 (chilbaek)		“seven-hundred”
800	팔백 (palbaek)		“eight-hundred”
900	구백 (gubaek)		“nine-hundred”
1,000	천 (cheon)	즈믄* (jeumeun)	“one-thousand”

*즈믄 (jeumeun), the native Korean word for “1,000”, is rarely used in spoken/written language. Therefore, Koreans use 천 (cheon) instead.

5. How to Say Other Big Numbers in Sino and Native Korean

Let’s continue to push ourselves and count big numbers in Korean.

Number	Sino Korean	Native Korean	Translation
2,000	이천 (cheon)		“two-thousand”
3,000	삼천 (samcheon)		“three-thousand”
4,000	사천 (sacheon)		“four-thousand”
5,000	오천 (ocheon)		“five-thousand”
6,000	육천 (yukcheon)		“six-thousand”
7,000	칠천 (chilcheon)		“seven-thousand”
8,000	팔천 (palcheon)		“eight-thousand”
9,000	구천 (gucheon)		“nine-thousand”
10,000	만 (man)	드먼* (deumeon), 골 (gol)	“ten-thousand”
20,000	이만 (iman)		“twenty-thousand”
30,000	삼만 (samman)		“thirty-thousand”
40,000	사만 (saman)		“forty-thousand”
50,000	오만 (oman)		“fifty-thousand”
60,000	육만 (yukman)		“sixty-thousand”
70,000	칠만 (chilman)		“seventy-thousand”
80,000	팔만 (palman)		“eighty-thousand”
90,000	구만 (guman)		“ninety-thousand”
100,000	백만 (bakman)		“one-hundred-thousand”
1,000,000	천만 (cheonman)		“one-million”
10,000,000	억 (eok)	잘* (jal)	“one-hundred-million”
1,000,000,000,000	조 (jo)	울* (ul)	“one-trillion”

*드먼 (deumeon), 골 (gol), 잘 (jal), and 울 (ul) are rarely used in spoken/written language. Use the numbers from Sino Korean.

6. How to Give Your Phone Number

The Korean mobile number looks like this: xxx-xxxx-xxxx (eg. 010-1234-5678). The number consists of mobile prefixes, followed by personal numbers. There used to be many different mobile prefixes, such as 011, 016, 018, 019, and so on.

Whether you live or travel in South Korea, you’ll need a SIM card and your mobile to get around. It’s okay to just write down your mobile number and show it to a person, but it’ll come in handy if you can say your mobile number in Korean. Let’s practice how to do this.

Let’s say that your number is 010-1234-5678. Firstly, Koreans use Sino Korean to tell a mobile number, so never use Native Korean numbers when giving someone your mobile number. When there are four numbers (in this case, 1234 and 5678), try to break it down into two parts: 12 and 34, and 56 and 78 (just pause one second in between). This way, the listener is going to be able to write down your mobile number a lot easier.

Practice 1: How do you say 010-1234-5678 in Korean?

• 공일공* – 일이삼사- 오육칠팔 (gongilgong* – irisamsa- oyukchilpal)

*It’s not wrong to say, 영일영, but it is uncommon to say this in Korea. So try to stick to 공일공.

Practice 2: How do you say 019- 5544-0099 in Korean?

• 공일구-오오사사-공공구구 (gongnilgu-oosasa-gonggonggugu)

If you want to say “My number is ~” in Korean, it’s 전화번호는 ~입니다(jeonhwabeonhoneun ~imnida).
E.g. 전화번호는 공일구, 오오사사, 공공구구 입니다. (Jeonhwabeonhoneun gongnilgu, oosasa, gonggonggugu imnida.)

On our website, we have a beginner lesson for “Exchanging Phone Numbers.” Feel free to check out this page as well as other free lessons for beginners.

7. Shopping – How to Say Prices

Korean money is called “원” (won) and is used only in South Korea. There are four kinds of coins being used in Korea, which are ₩10, ₩50, ₩100, and ₩500 (₩5 and ₩1 are rarely used). Also, there are four Korean banknotes which are ₩1,000, ₩5,000, ₩10,000, ₩50,000.

When saying prices, we use Sino Korean, therefore it shouldn’t be too difficult for you to learn. When mentioning the prices, all you need to do is say the numbers in Sino Korean, followed by 원 (won).

1- Korean Coins

Number	Korean	Romanization	Translation
1	일원	ilwon	“1 won”
5	오원	owon	“5 won”
10	십원	sibwon	“10 won”
50	오십원	osibwon	“50 won”
100	백원	baegwon	“100 won”
500	오백원	obaegwon	“500 won”
150	백오십원	baegosibwon	“150 won”
550	오백오십원	obaegosibwon	“550 won”

2- Korean Banknotes

Number	Korean	Romanization	Translation
1,000	천원	cheonwon	“1,000 won”
5,000	오천원	ocheonwon	“5,000 won”
7,000	칠천원	chilcheonwon	“7,000 won”
10,000	만원	manwon	“10,000 won”
15,000	만오천원	manocheonwon	“15,000 won”
50,000	오만원	omanwon	“50,000 won”
55,000	오만오천원	omanocheonwon	“55,000 won”
100,000	십만원	simmanwon	“100,000 won”

3- Mix of Coins and Banknotes

Let’s practice a few more! We use Sino Korean to count banknotes.

Number	Korean	Romanization	Translation
1,600	천육백원	cheonyukcheonwon	“1,600 won”
2,300	이천삼백원	icheonsambaegwon	“2,300 won”
4,950	사천구백오십원	sacheongubaegosibwon	“4,950 won”
8,990	팔천구백구십원	palcheongubaekgusibwon	“8,990 won”

8. Shopping – How to Use Numbers When Shopping

Now that you’re familiar with prices in Korean, let’s learn a number of useful phrases. In Korean, the majority of goods are fixed price; however, in places like Dongdaemun, you can certainly negotiate the price. Feel free to use any of these phrases when negotiating the price with the shopkeeper:

• ~원만 깍아주세요.
  • ~wonman kkagajuseyo.
  • “Please give me a ~won discount.”
• ~원만 깍아주시면 안될까요?
  • ~wonman kkagajusimyeon andoelkkayo?
  • “Is it possible to reduce the price by ~won?”
• 너무 비싸요.
  • Neomu bissayo.
  • “It’s too expensive.”
• ~원으로 해요.
  • ~woneuro haeyo.
  • “Let’s just go for ~won.”

Examples:

• You: 아저씨, 이거 얼마예요?
  You: Ajeossi, igeo eolmayeyo?
  You: “Ajeossi, how much is this?”
• Shopkeeper: 5만2천원이요.
  Shopkeeper: Omanicheonwoniyo.
  Shopkeeper: “It’s 52,000 won.”
• You: 너무 비싸다. 5000원만 깍아주시면 안될까요?
  You: Neomu bissada. Ocheonwonman kkagajusimyeon andoelkkayo?
  You: “That’s too expensive. Can you please reduce the price by 5,000 won?”
• Shopkeeper: 5천원이나? … 5만2천원이면 많이 싼 편이에요. 그럼 5만원으로 드릴께요.
  Shopkeeper: Ocheonwonina? … omanicheonwonimyeon mani ssan pyeonieyo. Geureom omanwoneuro deurilkkeyo.
  Shopkeeper: “By 5,000 won?…52,000 won is a very reasonable price. I’ll give it to you for 50,000 won.”

9. Time

Let’s learn how to say the time in Korean. But first, let’s learn how to count hours and minutes!

1- How to Count Hours

Number	Korean	Romanization	Translation
1:00	한 시	han si	“One o’clock”
2:00	두 시	du si	“Two o’clock”
3:00	세 시	se si	“Three o’clock”
4:00	네 시	ne si	“Four o’clock”
5:00	다섯 시	daseot si	“Five o’clock”
6:00	여섯 시	yuseot si	“Six o’clock”
7:00	일곱 시	ilgop si	“Seven o’clock”
8:00	여덟 시	yeodeol si	“Eight o’clock”
9:00	아홉 시	ahop si	“Nine o’clock”
10:00	열 시	yeol si	“Ten o’clock”
11:00	열한 시	yeolhan si	“Eleven o’clock”
12:00	열두 시	yeoldu si	“Twelve o’clock”

2- How to Count Minutes

Time	Korean	Romanization	Translation
10	십 분	sip bun	“Ten minutes”
20	이십 분	isip bun	“Twenty minutes”
30	삼십 분	samsip bun	“Thirty minutes”
40	사십 분	sasip bun	“Forty minutes”
50	오십 분	osip bun	“Fifty minutes”

Did you notice something? That’s right. When it comes to the time, we use Sino Korean, followed by 분 (bun), direct translation being “minute(s).” For example, if the clock reads 11:35 a.m., we can say 열한시 삼십오분 (yeolhansi samsibobun).

Example:

A: 지금 몇시예요?
A: Jigeum myeotsiyeyo?
A: “What time is it now?”

If you want to review this, feel free to check out our free lesson “Telling Time” for Korean beginners on our website.

10. Calendar

1- Month

Number	Korean	Romanization	Translation
1	일월	irwol	“January”
2	이월	iwol	“February”
3	삼월	samwol	“March”
4	사월	sawol	“April”
5	오월	owol	“May”
6	유월*	yuwol	“June”
7	칠월	chirwol	“July”
8	팔월	parwol	“August”
9	구월	guwol	“September”
10	시월*	sibwol	“October”
11	십일월	sibirwol	“November”
12	십이월	sibiwol	“December”

*Did you notice that June is written as 유월(yuwol), not 육월(yukwol), and October is 시월(siwol), not 십월(sibwol)? The reason is that these two words are difficult to pronounce, so to simplify, we say 유월 and 시월.

2- How to Count Days

Counting days is easy. Say the number in Sino Korean and add 일 (il) which means “~th day” in English. For example, if you want to say 15th, in Korean it’s 십오일(siboil) (십오+일(sibo+il)). For 27th, it’s 이십칠일(isipchiril) (이십+칠일(isip+chiril)).

11. Let’s Practice

To help you master the topics we covered above, here are some Korean numbers exercises (you’ll find the answers at the end of this article).

1- What is 529 in Korean?

A. 오백이십구 (obaegisipgu)
B. 오백이십육 (obaegisibyuk)
C. 오백십구 (obaeksipgu)
D. 오백육십팔 (obaengnyuksip-pal)

2- What is 2,590 in Korean?

A. 이천오백팔 (icheonobaekpal)
B. 이천오십구 (icheonosipgu)
C. 이천구십오 (icheongusibo)
D. 이천오백구십 (icheonobaekgusip)

3- What is 1,283,875 in Korean?

A. 백이십팔만사천팔백칠십오 (baegisip-palmansacheonpalbaekchilsibo)
B. 백이십팔만삼천팔백칠십오 (baegisip-palmansamcheonpalbaekchilsibo)
C. 백이십팔만사천육백오십이 (baegisip-palmansacheonyukbaegosibi)
D. 칠백삼천육백오십이만 (chilbaeksamcheonyukbaegosibiman)

4- What is 010-9900-1284 in Korean?

A. 공일공-구구공공-일이팔사 (gongilgong-gugugonggong-iripalsa)
B. 공일공-구구공공-일일팔사 (gongilgong-gugugonggong-irilpalsa)
C. 공일공-구구공공-일이팔사 (gongilgong-gugugonggong-iripalsa)
D. 공이공-팔팔구구-이사육사 (gongigong-palpalgugu-isayuksa)

5- What is 10:30 a.m. in Korean?

A. 오후 열 시 이십오 분 (ohu yeol si isibo bun)
B. 오전 열 시 이십구 분 (ojeon yeol si isipgu bun)
C. 오후 열 시 삼십 분 (ohu yeol si samsip bun)
D. 오전 열 시 삼십 분 (ojeon yeol si samsip bun)

6- What is 35,000KRW in Korean?

A. 삼십오만원 (samsibomanwon)
B. 삽백오십만원 (sapbaegosimmanwon)
C. 삼천오백원 (samcheonobaegwon)
D. 삼만오천원 (sammanocheonwon)

7- What is January 31st in Korean?

A. 일월 이십일일 (irwol isibiril)
B. 일월 삼십일일 (irwol samsibiril)
C. 일월 십일일 (irwol sibiril)
D. 일월 삽십일일 (irwol sapsibiril)

8- What is 25th of December in Korean?

A. 십이월 이십오일 (irwol sibiril)
B. 십일월 이십오일 (sibirwol isiboil)
C. 구월 이십오일 (guwol isiboil)
D. 시월 이십오일 (siwol isiboil)

9- What is the 1st of October in Korean?

A. 십월 일일 (sibwol iril)
B. 시월 일일 (siwol iril)
C. 십월 이일 (sibwol iil)
D. 시월 이일 (siwol iil)

12. How KoreanClass101.com Can Help You with Korean

We introduced how to count numbers in Korean, gave you great resources on how to pronounce Korean numbers, and provided free additional lessons on each section. We hope that you find this article very useful and come back to it anytime you need to study. KoreanClass101.com has many free Korean lessons for you and you can study at your own pace without any pressure. Also, there are many Korean native teachers willing to help you with Korean studies—you can download our MyTeacher app for a one-on-one learning experience!

Answers:
1- A
2- D
3- B
4- A
5- D
6- D
7- B
8- A
9- B