Korea is one of the most foreigner-friendly countries in Asia. Signs in Seoul have English translations. Many menus have pictures. Most younger Koreans have studied English in school.

But there are gaps. Street food stalls with no pictures. Taxis where the driver speaks zero English. Situations where pointing isn't enough. The people who navigate these moments best are the ones who learned 20 phrases before they landed.

Here are the ones that actually matter.

Before You Get There Download These

Two apps. Non-negotiable.

Naver Maps Korean Google Maps. More accurate than Google Maps in Korea. Shows bus routes, subway lines, and walking directions. Works offline.

Papago Naver's translation app. Better than Google Translate for Korean. Has a camera mode that translates text in real time point it at a menu and it translates instantly.

Getting Around

이 주소로 가주세요
I jusoro gajuseyo
Please take me to this address
Show the driver your phone with the address on screen. Most taxi drivers can read the address even if they don't speak English.
지하철역이 어디예요?
Jihacheolyeogi eodiyeyo?
Where is the subway station?
Seoul's subway system is excellent and nearly everyone speaks English on the apps. Getting to a station is the only hard part.
길을 잃었어요
Gireul ireosseoyo
I'm lost
Say this to anyone they will try to help. Koreans are genuinely willing to assist lost tourists, often going well out of their way.

Shopping and Money

얼마예요?
Eolmayeyo?
How much is this?
카드 돼요?
Kadeu dwaeyo?
Do you accept cards?
Most places do, but small street food stalls are cash only. Always have some won on you.
그냥 볼게요
Geunyang bolgeyo
Just browsing, thanks
Korean shop staff are attentive. This phrase politely lets them know you don't need help yet.

Emergencies

Save these numbers

Police: 112 · Ambulance/Fire: 119 · Tourist helpline (English): 1330. The 1330 line operates 24 hours and has English speakers.

도와주세요!
Dowajuseyo!
Help me!
병원이 어디예요?
Byeongwoni eodiyeyo?
Where is the hospital?
경찰을 불러주세요
Gyeongchareul bulleojuseyo
Please call the police

The Phrases That Open Doors

Beyond survival, there are a few phrases that change how people respond to you. These aren't about getting from A to B they're about being someone Koreans enjoy meeting.

한국 음식이 정말 맛있어요
Hanguk eumsigi jeongmal masisseoyo
Korean food is really delicious
Say this genuinely and watch people's faces change. Food is central to Korean culture and this is one of the highest compliments you can give.
한국어를 배우고 있어요
Hangugeoreul baeuge isseoyo
I'm learning Korean
This one gets genuine smiles every time. Koreans appreciate the effort enormously even if your pronunciation isn't perfect.

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Things That Will Surprise You

Public transport is excellent. Seoul's subway is clean, on time, has English signage, and costs almost nothing. Use it everywhere.

Convenience stores are incredible. CU, GS25, and 7-Eleven in Korea are nothing like their Western equivalents. Hot food, good coffee, cheap meals they're a genuine resource.

Nobody will judge your Korean. Any attempt to speak Korean is met with warmth, not impatience. The bar is low and the reward is high. Try.

Tipping is not a thing. Don't do it. It causes confusion and sometimes mild offence.