Want to survive in Korea (or just sound cool like your favorite K-drama character)? 🤩

Here are 10 super useful Korean phrases you can use every day — at cafés, with friends, or even when binge-watching Netflix with subtitles off!

1. 안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo) 👋

👉 Hello / Hi (polite)

You’ll hear 안녕하세요 in Korea from shops to classrooms, it’s everywhere!

🗨 Mini-Drama:Barista: 안녕하세요~ ☕

You: 안녕하세요! (smile + bow = instant respect)

2. 감사합니다 (Gamsahamnida) 🙏

👉 Thank you

Say this after buying tteokbokki, receiving change, or when someone holds the subway door.

✨ Casual version: 고마워 (Gomawo) — for friends.

3. 죄송합니다 (Joesonghamnida) 😅

👉 I’m sorry

Bumped into someone in a busy Seoul street? Drop this phrase right away.

🗨 Mini-Drama:Oops! Coffee spill → “죄송합니다!!”

Other person: 괜찮아요~ (It’s okay~)

4. 괜찮아요 (Gwaenchanayo) 👍

👉 It’s okay / I’m okay

A true multi-tool phrase. Use it when someone apologises OR when you want to say

“I’m fine.”

5. 네 / 아니요 (Ne / Aniyo) ✅❌

👉 Yes / No

Simple but powerful.

Pro tip: Koreans often nod while saying 네!

6. 이거 얼마예요? (Igeo eolmayeyo?) 🛍

👉 How much is this?

Perfect for shopping in Myeongdong.

Point at something cute, ask this, and you’re officially a pro.

7. 화장실 어디예요? (Hwajangsil eodiyeyo?) 🚻

👉 Where is the bathroom?

The real survival phrase. Trust me, you’ll need this one more than you think. 😂

8. 맛있어요! (Masisseoyo!) 😋

👉 It’s delicious!

Say this at a Korean BBQ and watch the sajangnim (사장님=owner) smile proudly.

9. 잘 지내요? (Jal jinaeyo?) 💌

👉 How are you?

Use this to check in with a friend.

✨ Casual: 잘 지냈어? (Jal jinaesseo?)

🗨 Mini-Drama:

Friend: 잘 지냈어?

You: 응, 잘 지냈어~ 너는?

10. 도와주세요! (Dowajuseyo!) 🆘

👉 Please help me!

From directions to emergencies, this is your SOS phrase.

🌸 Quick Tip!

Most of these phrases come in two flavours:

• Polite (요 form) → safe to use anytime.

• Casual → with friends, same age, or younger people.

When in doubt → just add “요” at the end. Koreans will find you polite and charming. 💖

✅ That’s it! With these 10 magical phrases, you can greet, eat, shop, survive, and maybe even flirt like a local. 🥰

Updated: 25/August/2025 POPPOP KOREAN