You’ll say these words more than any others on your trip. Korean greetings are simple once you get past the pronunciation, and using even one or two makes a genuinely good impression — Koreans are used to tourists trying, and it’s appreciated far more than you’d expect.

How the audio works: tap the speaker button on any phrase and your device’s built-in Korean voice will say it out loud — no app or download needed.

Saying Hello

Any Time of Day

annyeonghaseyo

Hello (polite, works for anyone, any time)

Basic Manners

gamsahamnida

Thank you

Apologising

joesonghamnida

I’m sorry

Introducing Yourself

Your Name

je ireumeun [name]ieyo

My name is [name] (swap in your own name)

Meeting Someone

mannaseo bangawoyo

Nice to meet you

Where You’re From

jeoneun yeonggugeseo wasseoyo

I’m from the UK (swap in your own country)

Managing Expectations

hangugeoreul jogeum hal su isseoyo

I can speak a little Korean

A visitor in traditional hanbok clothing at Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul

Say hello to the staff at a palace or hanbok rental shop and you’ll usually get a smile back — and sometimes a tip or two nobody else gets.

Saying Goodbye

You’re Leaving

annyeonghi gyeseyo

Goodbye (said to someone staying behind)

They’re Leaving

annyeonghi gaseyo

Goodbye (said to someone who is leaving)

Notice these two goodbyes are different depending on who’s actually walking away — it trips people up constantly, so don’t worry if you mix them up. Koreans will understand exactly what you mean either way.

Ready to Move Past “Just Getting By”?

Greetings and small talk are the first door into a language — once they’re second nature, real conversations start to open up. Here’s the step-by-step system we recommend for building on what you’ve learned.

START LEARNING KOREAN →