A clear self-introduction helps in class, language exchange, travel, and online Korean communities. You don’t need a long speech — a short polite script is enough.
This guide gives you a beginner-friendly way to introduce yourself in Korean, with optional lines you can add as you improve.
Core polite script (start here)
- 안녕하세요. — Hello.
- 저는 [Name]이에요/예요. — I’m [Name].
- [Country]에서 왔어요. — I’m from [Country].
- 한국어를 공부하고 있어요. — I’m studying Korean.
- 잘 부탁드립니다. — Nice to meet you / please treat me well.
- 감사합니다. — Thank you.
Name ending tip
- If name ends in a vowel sound → often 예요
- If name ends in a consonant sound → often 이에요
Examples:
- 저는 안나예요.
- 저는 마이클이에요.
(Names vary; if unsure, speak slowly and smile — people will understand.)
Step-by-step building blocks
1) Hello
- 안녕하세요. (default polite)
2) My name is…
- 저는 [Name]이에요/예요.
- 제 이름은 [Name]입니다. (more formal)
3) I’m from…
- 미국에서 왔어요. — I’m from the US.
- 일본에서 왔어요. — I’m from Japan.
- 영국에서 왔어요. — I’m from the UK.
- 호주에서 왔어요. — I’m from Australia.
Pattern: [Country]에서 왔어요.
4) I study Korean
- 한국어를 공부해요. — I study Korean.
- 한국어를 공부하고 있어요. — I’m studying Korean. (in progress)
5) Nice to meet you
Very useful set phrases:
- 만나서 반갑습니다. — Nice to meet you. (polite)
- 잘 부탁드립니다. — Please take care of me / glad to work with you. (common in intros)
Full example (polite)
안녕하세요.
저는 사라예요.
미국에서 왔어요.
한국어를 공부하고 있어요.
만나서 반갑습니다.
잘 부탁드립니다.
English meaning:
Hello. I’m Sarah. I’m from the US. I’m studying Korean. Nice to meet you. Please treat me kindly.
Optional lines (level up)
Occupation / status
- 학생이에요. — I’m a student.
- 회사원이에요. — I’m an office worker.
- 여행 co… → 여행 중이에요. — I’m traveling.
Why you’re learning
- K-pop/K-drama 때문에 한국어를 배워요.
- 한국 여행을 위해서 공부해요.
- 한국에서 일하고 싶어요.
Hobbies
- 영화 보는 걸 좋아해요.
- 요리하는 걸 좋아해요.
- 운동하는 걸 좋아해요.
Keep intros short. Two or three extra lines are enough.
Asking the other person questions
After your intro, try:
- 이름이 뭐예요? — What’s your name?
- 어디에서 왔어요? — Where are you from?
- 한국어 가르쳐 주세요. — Please teach me Korean. (friendly ask)
- 취미가 뭐예요? — What’s your hobby?
Listen carefully and repeat new words later in your notebook.
Formality reminders
For class presentations or first meetings, stay in polite speech:
- Use 안녕하세요, not 안녕
- Use 반갑습니다 / 잘 부탁드립니다
- Avoid 반말 until invited
Pronunciation practice tips
- Record your full intro once a day.
- Clap syllable timing for long sentences.
- Practice country names separately.
- Smile — confidence helps clarity.
Fill-in template
안녕하세요.
저는 __________이에요/예요.
__________에서 왔어요.
한국어를 공부하고 있어요.
__________를/을 좋아해요.
만나서 반갑습니다.
Common mistakes
- Translating word-by-word from English and making unnatural order
- Using casual endings with teachers
- Speaking too fast with weak pronunciation
- Making the intro too long on first meeting
Practice plan
- Day 1: memorize core 5 lines
- Day 2: add country + hobby
- Day 3: practice with a timer (20 seconds)
- Day 4: swap names with a partner/language exchange
- Day 5: present in polite form without reading
Final thoughts
A strong Korean self-introduction is short, polite, and reusable. Master the core script first, then personalize.
Once you can introduce yourself smoothly, practice follow-up small talk: hobbies, food, and why you like Korean culture — the natural next step after “nice to meet you.”
Let’s Learn 14 Korean Consonants