When traveling around Korea, using public transport and handling unexpected situations can feel tricky without the right words. Here’s a list of 30 super useful Korean phrases (with easy pronunciation) to help you move confidently and stay safe during your trip.
Public Transport Phrases
- Where is the subway station?
지하철역 어디예요? – jihacheolyeok eodi yeyo? - How do I get to [place]?
[장소] 어떻게 가요? – [jangso] eotteoke gayo? - Which line is it?
몇 호선이에요? – myeot hoseon-ieyo? - Is this the right train for [place]?
이거 [장소] 가는 지하철이에요? – igeo [jangso] ganeun jihacheolieyo? - Does this bus go to [place]?
이 버스 [장소] 가요? – i beoseu [jangso] gayo? - Where do I get off?
어디에서 내려요? – eodieseo naeryeoyo? - How many stops left?
몇 정거장 남았어요? – myeot jeonggeojang namasseoyo? - How much is the fare?
요금 얼마예요? – yogeum eolmayeyo? - Can I use a card?
카드 쓸 수 있어요? – kadeu sseul su isseoyo? - Where can I recharge my card?
카드 충전 어디서 해요? – kadeu chungjeon eodiseo haeyo? - Excuse me, is this seat taken?
여기 자리 있어요? – yeogi jari isseoyo? - Please stop at the next stop
다음 정류장에서 내려 주세요 – daeum jeongnyujangeseo naeryeo juseyo - I lost my way
길을 잃었어요 – gireul ilheosseoyo - Can you show me on the map?
지도에서 보여 주세요 – jido-eseo boyeo juseyo - Is there a taxi stand nearby?
택시 승강장 근처에 있어요? – taeksi seunggjang geuncheoe isseoyo?
Emergency Phrases
- Help!
도와주세요! – dowajuseyo! - Call the police
경찰 불러 주세요 – gyeongchal bulleo juseyo - Call an ambulance
구급차 불러 주세요 – gugeupcha bulleo juseyo - I’m hurt
다쳤어요 – dachyeosseoyo - I lost my wallet
지갑을 잃어버렸어요 – jigabeul ilheobeoryeosseoyo - I need a doctor
의사가 필요해요 – uisaga piryohaeyo - Where is the nearest hospital?
가장 가까운 병원 어디예요? – gajang gakkaun byeongwon eodi yeyo? - My passport is missing
여권을 잃어버렸어요 – yeogwoneul ilheobeoryeosseoyo - I don’t feel well
몸이 안 좋아요 – momi an johayo - I’m allergic to [something]
저 [알레르기] 있어요 – jeo [allergy] isseoyo - Is there a pharmacy nearby?
약국 근처에 있어요? – yakguk geuncheoe isseoyo? - Please write it down
적어 주세요 – jeogeo juseyo - I need help in English
영어로 도와주세요 – yeongeoro dowajuseyo - Can you call my hotel?
제 호텔에 전화해 주세요 – je hotele jeonhwa hae juseyo - Here’s my hotel address
여기 제 호텔 주소예요 – yeogi je hotel juso-yeyo
Tips
Keep emergency contact info (like your hotel or embassy) written down.
If possible, save the phrases on your phone or print a copy to carry.
Don't hesitate to ask for help — most Koreans are kind and willing to assist tourists.
