You can travel in Korea with translation apps — but a few spoken Korean phrases make everything smoother, especially on the subway and when asking locals for help.
This guide collects practical Korean travel phrases for getting around: directions, subway basics, polite attention-getters, and survival questions.
Polite starter kit
Always keep these ready:
- 안녕하세요 — hello
- 죄송한데… — excuse me, but…
- 저기요 — excuse me (to get attention)
- 감사합니다 — thank you
- 네 / 아니요 — yes / no
Asking where something is
Core pattern:
[Place] 어디예요? — Where is [place]?
[Place]이/가 어디에 있어요? — Where is [place]?
Useful places
- 화장실 — restroom
- 출구 — exit
- 입구 — entrance
- 역 — station
- 버스 정류장 — bus stop
- 택시 타는 곳 — taxi stand
- 관광 안내소 — tourist information
Examples
- 화장실 어디예요?
- 2번 출구 어디예요?
- 이 근처 ATM 있어요?
Direction words that help you understand answers
Locals may answer with:
- 직진하세요 — go straight
- 왼쪽 — left
- 오른쪽 — right
- 건너편 — across (the street)
- 옆에 — next to
- 앞에 — in front
- 뒤에 — behind
- 가까워요 — it’s close
- 멀어요 — it’s far
Even partial comprehension helps you follow gestures.
Subway survival phrases
Finding your line / station
- 이 역이 [Station] 맞아요? — Is this [Station]?
- [Station]으로 가려면 어떻게 가요? — How do I get to [Station]?
- 몇 번 출구예요? — Which exit number is it?
- 환승 어디에 해요? — Where do I transfer?
On the train
- 지금 [Station] 지나가요? — Are we passing [Station] now?
- 다음 역이 뭐예요? — What’s the next station?
Card / tickets
Many travelers use a transit card. Helpful lines:
- 교통카드 충전 어디 해요? — Where can I recharge my transit card?
- 한 번 이용권 있어요? — Do you have a single-use ticket? (varies by system/time)
Getting help when you’re lost
- 길을 잃었어요. — I’m lost.
- 지도 좀 봐 주세요. — Please look at the map for me.
- 천천히 말해 주세요. — Please speak slowly.
- 영어 하세요? — Do you speak English?
If someone helps you a lot: 정말 감사합니다.
Taxi phrases
- [Place] 가 주세요. — Please go to [Place].
- 여기서 내려 주세요. — Please let me off here.
- 카드 되나요? — Do you take cards?
- 영수증 주세요. — Receipt, please.
Using a ride-hail app can reduce language pressure, but these lines still help.
Hotel / accommodation basics
- 체크인 하고 싶어요. — I’d like to check in.
- 체크아웃 몇 시예요? — What time is checkout?
- 와이파이 비밀번호 뭐예요? — What’s the Wi‑Fi password?
- 수건 더 주세요. — More towels, please.
- 방이 너무 시끄러워요. — The room is too noisy.
Food travel add-ons
- 메뉴 있어요? — Do you have a menu?
- 추천해 주세요. — Please recommend something.
- 덜 맵게 해 주세요. — Please make it less spicy.
- 알레르기가 있어요. — I have an allergy. (then name it if you can)
Full mini dialogues
Asking for the bathroom
You: 죄송한데, 화장실 어디예요?
Person: 저쪽이에요. 직진하세요.
You: 감사합니다.
Confirming an exit
You: 3번 출구 이쪽으로 가면 돼요?
Person: 네, 맞아요.
You: 감사합니다.
Lost near a station
You: 길을 잃었어요. 홍대입구역 어디에 있어요?
Person: 이쪽으로 가면 가까워요.
You: 정말 감사합니다.
Pronunciation and politeness tips
- Keep speech polite with staff and strangers.
- Combine phrases with pointing at maps.
- Station names are often announced in Korean and English — listen for both.
- Exit numbers are critical in big stations; screenshot maps offline.
Practice plan before your trip
- Memorize place question: 어디예요?
- Learn 8 place words (화장실, 출구, 역…).
- Learn left/right/straight.
- Roleplay 3 lost-and-found scenarios.
- Save your hotel address in Korean on your phone.
Common mistakes
- Using casual speech with strangers
- Asking too fast without 죄송한데
- Not confirming exit numbers
- Relying only on GPS underground (signal drops)
Quick cheat sheet
- Where is A? → A 어디예요?
- Please speak slowly → 천천히 말해 주세요
- I’m lost → 길을 잃었어요
- Go straight → 직진하세요
- Thanks → 감사합니다
Final thoughts
Travel Korean is about clarity, not perfection. If you can ask where something is, understand left/right/straight, and thank people politely, you can solve most navigation problems.
Pair these phrases with number practice for prices, and you’ll handle daily tourist logistics with much more confidence.
Let’s Learn 14 Korean Consonants
How to Say Thank You in Korean: Polite, Casual & Formal
Hello in Korean: The Essential Guide to Greeting Like a Local