About Korea

Taking the Subway in Korea – Essential Korean Phrases Taking the Subway in Korea – Essential Korean Phrases The subway system in Korea is fast, cheap, and convenient. If you know a few basic Korean expressions, your travel will be much smoother. Let’s learn essential phrases you can use while taking the subway in Korea. 1. Buying a Ticket 표 한 장 주세요. (pyo han-jang ju-se-yo) – Please give me one ticket. 카드 충전해 주세요. (ka-deu chung-jeon-hae ju-se-yo) – Please recharge my card. 어디까지 가요? (eo-di-kka-ji ga-yo?) – How far does this go? 2. Asking for Directions Korean Pronunciation Meaning 이 열차 서울역 가요? i yeol-cha seo-ul-yeok ga-yo? Does this train go to Seoul Station? 환승 어디에서 해요? hwan-seung eo-di-e-seo hae-yo? Where do I transfer? 몇 번 출구예요? myeot beon chul-gu-ye-yo? Which exit number is it? 3. Useful Subway Phrases ...

Convenience Store Korean – Useful Phrases You Need to Know Convenience Store Korean – Useful Phrases You Need to Know Convenience stores (편의점, pyeon-ui-jeom) are everywhere in Korea, and they are open 24/7. Whether you need a quick snack, drinks, or basic items, knowing a few key Korean phrases will make your shopping easier and more fun. 1. Greeting and Starting the Purchase 안녕하세요. (annyeong-ha-se-yo) – Hello. 이거 주세요. (i-geo ju-se-yo) – Please give me this. 이거 하나 주세요. (i-geo ha-na ju-se-yo) – Please give me one of this. 2. Asking for Specific Items Korean Pronunciation Meaning 삼각김밥 어디 있어요? sam-gak gim-bap eo-di i-sseo-yo? Where is the triangle kimbap? 컵라면 있어요? keop-ra-myeon i-sseo-yo? Do you have cup noodles? 충전기 있어요? chung-jeon-gi i-sseo-yo? Do you have a charger? 3. At the Counter 봉투 필요하세요? (bong-tu...

Ordering Food in Korean – Essential Phrases for Restaurants Ordering Food in Korean – Essential Phrases for Restaurants If you're traveling or living in Korea, knowing how to order food in Korean will make your dining experience smoother and more enjoyable. Let's learn the most useful expressions you can use at restaurants in Korea. 1. Getting the Waiter’s Attention In Korea, it’s common to call the waiter or waitress instead of waiting for them to come to your table. You can say: 저기요! (jeo-gi-yo) – Excuse me! 이모! (i-mo) – Auntie! (casual, used in some restaurants) Tip: Use 저기요 in all situations for politeness. 2. Placing Your Order Korean Pronunciation Meaning 이거 주세요. i-geo ju-se-yo Please give me this. 김치찌개 하나 주세요. kim-chi-jji-gae ha-na ju-se-yo Please give me one kimchi stew. 같이 먹을게요. ga-chi meo-geul-ge-yo We...

🤷 How to Say “I Don’t Know” in Korean — 몰라요 vs 잘 모르겠습니다 In Korean, there are different ways to say “I don’t know” , depending on how polite you want to be. Let’s look at two of the most common expressions and when to use them. ✅ 1. 몰라요 (mollayo) This is the polite casual way to say “I don’t know.” It’s used in everyday situations with people of similar age, acquaintances, or strangers when you want to sound polite but not overly formal. Example: 그거 어디서 샀는지 몰라요. (I don’t know where they bought it.) ✅ 2. 잘 모르겠습니다 (jal moreugesseumnida) This is the formal and respectful way to say “I’m not sure” or “I don’t know.” Often used in business, customer service, interviews, or with elders. Example: 죄송하지만, 그 부분은 잘 모르겠습니다. (I’m sorry, but I’m not sure about that.) 🧠 Difference in Politeness Level 몰라요 → polite casual, common in everyday conversation 잘 모르겠습니다 → very polite, professional settings 📌 Informal Versions 몰라 — casual, close friends or you...

🙋 How to Say “Excuse Me” in Korean — 실례합니다 vs 저기요 vs 잠시만요 When you want to say "Excuse me" in Korean, there are different ways depending on the situation. Let’s break down the most common phrases and when to use them! ✅ 1. 실례합니다 (sillyehamnida) This is the most formal and polite way to say "Excuse me." You might say this when entering someone’s office, interrupting someone, or starting a conversation with a stranger. Example: 실례합니다, 여기 앉아도 될까요? (Excuse me, may I sit here?) ✅ 2. 저기요 (jeogiyo) Use this phrase when you want to get someone's attention — especially in public places. It’s often used at restaurants, shops, or when trying to call a stranger politely. Example: 저기요! 주문할게요. (Excuse me! I’d like to order.) ✅ 3. 잠시만요 (jamsimanyo) This literally means “Just a moment” but is often used like “Excuse me” when passing through a crowd or needing someone to wait. Example: 잠시만요, 지나갈게요. (Excuse me, let me pass.) 🧠 Bonus: 죄송합...

🌙 How to Say “Good Night” in Korean — 잘 자요 vs 안녕히 주무세요 Whether you're texting your Korean friend or watching a K-drama, you'll often hear different ways to say "Good Night" . Let’s explore the two most common phrases: 잘 자요 and 안녕히 주무세요 . ✅ 1. 잘 자요 (jal jayo) This is the polite and common way to say “Sleep well” or “Good night.” You can say it to friends, teachers, or older people in a respectful but warm tone. ✅ 2. 잘 자 (jal ja) This is the casual version — used with close friends, siblings, or someone younger. It’s similar to saying "Night!" or "Sleep tight!" in English. ✅ 3. 안녕히 주무세요 (annyeonghi jumuseyo) This is the most formal and respectful way to say “Good night.” You’ll hear this in K-dramas or when speaking to elders or in-laws. It literally means “Please sleep peacefully.” 🗣 Example Conversation A: 오늘 하루도 수고했어요. B: 네, 안녕히 주무세요! A: 잘 자요~ 📝 Practice Task Translate these into Korean: 1. Good nigh...

🌅 How to Say "Good Morning" in Korean — 아침 인사 표현 5가지 When you wake up and meet someone in the morning, what do Koreans usually say? Unlike English, Korean does not have a single fixed phrase for "Good Morning." Let's learn the 5 most common expressions you can use in real life. ✅ 1. 좋은 아침이에요 (joeun achim-ieyo) Literal translation: "It’s a good morning." Used casually with friends or coworkers. Not as common as in English, but understandable. ✅ 2. 안녕하세요 (annyeong-haseyo) This is the most common morning greeting. It simply means "Hello" or "Hi" and can be used any time of the day. In the morning, saying 안녕하세요 works perfectly. ✅ 3. 좋은 하루 보내세요 (joeun haru bonae-seyo) Meaning: "Have a good day." Often used when you are leaving for work or saying goodbye in the morning. ✅ 4. 잘 잤어요? (jal jasseoyo?) Meaning: "Did you sleep well?" This is a natural and friendly morning greeting among f...