Last verified: September 21, 2026 · emergency and immigration contact routes checked.
Taxi in downtown Seoul · Photo: Joshua T. Garcia / Wikimedia Commons · CC0
Your first difficult Korean conversation may last only five seconds.
A taxi driver asks a question. A cashier says something you did not catch. A restaurant employee points to the menu and waits for an answer.
Start with phrases that slow the conversation down and let you confirm the information.
| Situation | Korean |
|---|---|
| I did not understand | 잘 못 알아들었어요. |
| Please say it again | 다시 말씀해 주세요. |
| Please speak slowly | 천천히 말씀해 주세요. |
| Please go here | 여기로 가 주세요. |
| Please give me this | 이거 주세요. |
| Please help me | 도와주세요. |
Slow the conversation when you miss the question
Jal mot aradeureosseoyo.
I didn’t understand.
Dasi malsseumhae juseyo.
Please say it again.
Cheoncheonhi malsseumhae juseyo.
Please speak slowly.
Use these at a bank, clinic, phone shop, school office or anywhere a misunderstood answer can create another problem.
Show a Korean address in a taxi
Save your hotel, home, school or workplace in Korean before you leave Wi-Fi.
Yeogiro ga juseyo.
Please go here.
Show the Korean address and map pin. If several branches share the same business name, keep the phone number on the screen as well.
Yeogiseo sewo juseyo.
Please stop here.
A correct map pin solves more taxi problems than trying to pronounce a long English street address.
Order with the menu in front of you
Igeo hana juseyo.
One of this, please.
Mul juseyo.
Water, please.
Eolmayeyo?
How much is it?
For a food allergy, save the exact allergen and the warning in Korean on your phone. A short spoken sentence is not enough when a mistake could affect your health.
Restaurant ordering, seating and payment are covered separately in the Korean Restaurant Guide →
Use short requests at shops and convenience stores
Bongtu juseyo.
A bag, please.
Yeongsujeung juseyo.
A receipt, please.
Kadeu dwaeyo?
Can I pay by card?
If a card is declined, look at the terminal message and try your backup payment route. The payment problem itself belongs in the Money in Korea guide →
Check the subway exit number
Large stations can have many exits. Save the exit number shown by your map before you reach the station.
Myeot beon chulguyeyo?
Which exit number is it?
If the answer becomes too long, show the destination on your phone.
For fares, cards, buses and subway transfers, use the Korean Transportation Guide →
Keep a Korea folder on your phone
Save a small set of information that works even when your Korean or mobile connection fails:
- home or hotel address in Korean;
- school or workplace address and phone number;
- important reservations;
- emergency contacts;
- medical or allergy information that must be communicated accurately.
Take screenshots of the items you may need without internet access.
Ask for help directly
Dowajuseyo.
Please help me.
Yeongeo hasineun bun isseoyo?
Is there someone who speaks English?
These cover many situations where a longer Korean explanation is beyond your current level.
Save 112, 119 and 1345
119 — Fire, rescue and ambulance
1345 — Immigration Contact Center
In an emergency, give your location and the immediate problem first.
For a fuller emergency-language route, keep Emergency Numbers in Korea for Foreigners: 112, 119 & English Help → bookmarked.
The Immigration Contact Center currently operates on weekdays from 09:00 to 22:00. After 18:00, counseling is limited to Korean, English and Chinese.
Eight phrases cover a surprising amount of the first month
| Use | Phrase |
|---|---|
| Stop a misunderstanding | 잘 못 알아들었어요. |
| Hear it again | 다시 말씀해 주세요. |
| Slow the speaker | 천천히 말씀해 주세요. |
| Taxi | 여기로 가 주세요. |
| Order | 이거 하나 주세요. |
| Price | 얼마예요? |
| Subway | 몇 번 출구예요? |
| Help | 도와주세요. |
Save your Korean address and the three emergency numbers today. Add phrases as you meet situations that actually repeat in your own life.
A 2026 beginner lesson built around a real-life convenience-store setting, with listening and speaking practice.