Moving to Korea is exciting, until you need to deal with your first immigration form, bank appointment, utility contract, or repair problem in Korean.

You may already know how to introduce yourself, order food, or ask for directions. But everyday life in Korea requires a different kind of vocabulary. Immigration procedures, government paperwork, healthcare, banking, housing, phone contracts, and customer service all come with words and expressions that may never appear in a beginner textbook.

If you’ve ever looked at a Korean form and wondered what it says or felt nervous speaking with an official, you’re not alone. The good news is that many everyday situations follow predictable patterns, and you don’t need perfect Korean to handle them.

This guide brings together 160+ essential Korean phrases organized around the situations you’re likely to encounter while living in Korea. Use it as a reference before an appointment, phone call, errand, or difficult conversation.

Table of Contents

What Korean Do You Need to Live in Korea?

To live more independently in Korea, you’ll need practical Korean for much more than shopping and socializing.

Situation	You’ll Use Korean For
Immigration & Residence	Foreigner registration, Residence Cards, extensions, applications
Public Services	Address changes, certificates, government services
Banking & Contracts	Accounts, cards, transfers, utilities, mobile plans
Healthcare	Health insurance, appointments, hospitals, pharmacies
Housing	Rent, deposits, repairs, landlords, garbage
Emergencies	Police, ambulances, lost or stolen belongings
Daily Services	Post offices, deliveries, returns, customer service

Foreign residents may deal with immigration offices, local government offices, Government24, banks, the National Health Insurance Service, and other organizations depending on their circumstances. Government24 currently provides information on foreigner registration and address-change procedures, while exact requirements depend on your status and situation.

The goal isn’t to memorize every phrase at once. Start with the situations you’re likely to face soon and build from there.

Why Practical Korean Can Feel Different from Textbook Korean

Everyday conversational Korean and the Korean you encounter in paperwork or official situations can feel surprisingly different.

A beginner course may teach you how to introduce yourself or talk about your hobbies. Then an immigration officer asks about 체류기간 (cheryu gigan, “period of stay”), a bank asks for your 외국인등록증 (oegugin deungnokjeung, “Residence Card”), or a landlord starts discussing 관리비 (gwanribi, “maintenance fees”).

Korean also has several levels of politeness. In official and service situations, polite endings such as -요 and -습니다/-ㅂ니다 are much safer than casual speech.

For example:

도와줘.
Dowajwo.
“Help me.” – casual

도와주세요.
Dowajuseyo.
“Please help me.” – polite

The good news is that many service interactions rely on recurring patterns. Once you learn phrases such as -고 싶어요 (-go sipeoyo, “I would like to…”), 필요해요 (piryohaeyo, “I need…”), and 어디에서 할 수 있어요? (eodieseo hal su isseoyo?, “Where can I do…?”), you can reuse them in dozens of situations.

Essential Korean Survival Phrases

These twenty phrases form a useful foundation for almost any real-life interaction.

Korean	Romanization	English
안녕하세요.	Annyeonghaseyo.	“Hello.”
감사합니다.	Gamsahamnida.	“Thank you.”
죄송합니다.	Joesonghamnida.	“I’m sorry.”
실례합니다.	Sillyehamnida.	“Excuse me.”
잘 모르겠습니다.	Jal moreugetseumnida.	“I’m not sure / I don’t understand.”
다시 말씀해 주세요.	Dasi malsseumhae juseyo.	“Please say that again.”
천천히 말씀해 주세요.	Cheoncheonhi malsseumhae juseyo.	“Please speak slowly.”
영어 할 수 있으세요?	Yeongeo hal su isseuseyo?	“Can you speak English?”
영어 하시는 분이 계세요?	Yeongeo hasineun buni gyeseyo?	“Is there someone who speaks English?”
무슨 뜻이에요?	Museun tteusieyo?	“What does this mean?”
한국어로 뭐라고 해요?	Hangugeoro mworago haeyo?	“How do you say this in Korean?”
어디로 가야 해요?	Eodiro gaya haeyo?	“Where should I go?”
어떻게 해야 해요?	Eotteoke haeya haeyo?	“What should I do?”
도와주세요.	Dowajuseyo.	“Please help me.”
예약했습니다.	Yeyakhaetseumnida.	“I have an appointment.”
예약해야 해요?	Yeyakhaeya haeyo?	“Do I need an appointment?”
여기에 이름을 쓰면 돼요?	Yeogie ireumeul sseumyeon dwaeyo?	“Should I write my name here?”
이게 맞아요?	Ige majayo?	“Is this correct?”
적어 주실 수 있어요?	Jeogeo jusil su isseoyo?	“Could you write it down for me?”
잠시만요.	Jamsimanyo.	“Just a moment, please.”

If you don’t understand a question, don’t panic. Asking someone to repeat themselves, slow down, or write something down is a useful communication skill in itself.

Immigration & Residence Procedures

Foreign residents may encounter terms such as 외국인등록 (oegugin deungnok, “foreigner registration”), 체류기간 (cheryu gigan, “period of stay”), and 체류자격 (cheryu jagyeok, “status of stay”).

South Korea’s Ministry of Justice now uses Residence Card in its English-language information for registered foreign residents. Government24 also lists foreigner-registration and address-change services, so you may encounter both newer English terminology and the Korean term 외국인등록증 (oegugin deungnokjeung, “Residence Card”) in everyday use.

Essential Vocabulary

Korean	Romanization	English
외국인등록	oegugin deungnok	“foreigner registration”
외국인등록증	oegugin deungnokjeung	“Residence Card”
출입국·외국인청	churipguk oegugincheong	“Immigration Office”
체류자격	cheryu jagyeok	“status of stay”
체류기간	cheryu gigan	“period of stay”
연장	yeonjang	“extension”
변경	byeongyeong	“change”
신청서	sincheongseo	“application form”
서류	seoryu	“document(s)”
수수료	susuryo	“fee”

Essential Immigration Phrases

Korean	Romanization	English
외국인등록을 하려고 왔습니다.	Oegugin deungnogeul haryeogo watseumnida.	“I’m here to register as a foreign resident.”
체류기간을 연장하고 싶습니다.	Cheryu giganeul yeonjanghago sipseumnida.	“I’d like to extend my period of stay.”
체류자격을 변경하고 싶습니다.	Cheryu jagyeogeul byeongyeonghago sipseumnida.	“I’d like to change my status of stay.”
외국인등록증을 재발급받고 싶습니다.	Oegugin deungnokjeungeul jaebalgeupbatgo sipseumnida.	“I’d like to have my Residence Card reissued.”
체류지 변경 신고를 하고 싶습니다.	Cheryuji byeongyeong singoreul hago sipseumnida.	“I’d like to report a change of address.”
필요한 서류가 무엇인가요?	Piryohan seoryuga mueosingayo?	“What documents are required?”
여권이 필요한가요?	Yeogwoni piryohangayo?	“Do I need my passport?”
원본이 필요한가요?	Wonboni piryohangayo?	“Do I need the original?”
사본도 필요한가요?	Sabondo piryohangayo?	“Do I need a copy too?”
사진은 몇 장 필요한가요?	Sajineun myeot jang piryohangayo?	“How many photos do I need?”
신청서는 어디에 있어요?	Sincheongseoneun eodie isseoyo?	“Where is the application form?”
신청서 작성을 도와주실 수 있어요?	Sincheongseo jakseongeul dowajusil su isseoyo?	“Could you help me fill out the application?”
여기에 서명하면 돼요?	Yeogie seomyeonghamyeon dwaeyo?	“Should I sign here?”
수수료가 얼마예요?	Susuryoga eolmayeyo?	“How much is the fee?”
수수료는 어디에서 내요?	Susuryoneun eodieseo naeyo?	“Where do I pay the fee?”
예약이 필요한가요?	Yeyagi piryohangayo?	“Is an appointment required?”
온라인으로 신청할 수 있어요?	Onrain-euro sincheonghal su isseoyo?	“Can I apply online?”
신청이 접수됐나요?	Sincheongi jeopsudwaennayo?	“Has my application been received?”
처리하는 데 얼마나 걸려요?	Cheorihaneun de eolmana geollyeoyo?	“How long does processing take?”
결과는 언제 나와요?	Gyeolgwaneun eonje nawayo?	“When will I get the result?”
신청 상태를 확인하고 싶습니다.	Sincheong sangtaereul hwaginhago sipseumnida.	“I’d like to check the status of my application.”
이런 문자를 받았습니다.	Ireon munjareul batatseumnida.	“I received this text message.”
이 서류는 무엇인가요?	I seoryuneun mueosingayo?	“What is this document?”
추가 서류가 필요한가요?	Chuga seoryuga piryohangayo?	“Are any additional documents required?”
다음 단계가 무엇인가요?	Daeum dangyega mueosingayo?	“What is the next step?”

Example Conversation at Immigration

You:
안녕하세요. 체류기간을 연장하고 싶습니다.
Annyeonghaseyo. Cheryu giganeul yeonjanghago sipseumnida.
“Hello. I’d like to extend my period of stay.”

Staff:
외국인등록증과 여권을 보여 주세요.
Oegugin deungnokjeunggwa yeogwoneul boyeo juseyo.
“Please show me your Residence Card and passport.”

You:
네, 여기 있습니다.
Ne, yeogi itseumnida.
“Yes, here they are.”

Staff:
신청서를 작성해 주세요.
Sincheongseoreul jakseonghae juseyo.
“Please fill out the application form.”

You:
필요한 서류가 무엇인가요?
Piryohan seoryuga mueosingayo?
“What documents are required?”

Moving to Korea & Public Services

After moving, you may need Korean for address changes, government documents, utilities, phone service, and visits to local offices.

Government24 (정부24) is South Korea’s official e-government portal. Government24 currently lists a foreign-resident change-of-address service that can be handled online or through designated offices, although the required documents and procedure depend on the applicant’s situation.

Essential Moving and Public-Service Phrases

Korean	Romanization	English
한국에 이사 온 지 얼마 안 됐어요.	Hanguge isa on ji eolma an dwaesseoyo.	“I recently moved to Korea.”
주소를 변경하고 싶어요.	Jusoreul byeongyeonghago sipeoyo.	“I’d like to change my address.”
주민센터가 어디예요?	Jumin senteoga eodiyeyo?	“Where is the community service center?”
구청이 어디예요?	Gucheongi eodiyeyo?	“Where is the district office?”
정부24를 이용할 수 있어요?	Jeongbu isip-sareul iyonghal su isseoyo?	“Can I use Government24?”
정부24에서 신청할 수 있어요?	Jeongbu isip-saeseo sincheonghal su isseoyo?	“Can I apply through Government24?”
본인 인증이 필요한가요?	Bonin injeungi piryohangayo?	“Is identity verification required?”
주소를 증명하는 서류가 필요한가요?	Jusoreul jeungmyeonghaneun seoryuga piryohangayo?	“Do I need proof of address?”
임대차계약서가 필요한가요?	Imdaechagyeyakseoga piryohangayo?	“Do I need the lease agreement?”
확인서를 발급받고 싶어요.	Hwag-inseoreul balgeupbatgo sipeoyo.	“I’d like to get a confirmation document.”
이 서류를 출력할 수 있어요?	I seoryureul chulryeokhal su isseoyo?	“Can I print this document?”
전기를 신청하고 싶어요.	Jeongireul sincheonghago sipeoyo.	“I’d like to set up electricity.”
가스를 신청하고 싶어요.	Gaseureul sincheonghago sipeoyo.	“I’d like to set up gas service.”
수도를 신청하고 싶어요.	Sudoreul sincheonghago sipeoyo.	“I’d like to set up water service.”
인터넷을 설치하고 싶어요.	Inteoneseul seolchihago sipeoyo.	“I’d like to have internet installed.”
휴대폰을 개통하고 싶어요.	Hyudaeponeul gaetonghago sipeoyo.	“I’d like to activate a mobile phone.”
한국 전화번호가 필요해요.	Hanguk jeonhwabeonhoga piryohaeyo.	“I need a Korean phone number.”
어떤 요금제가 있어요?	Eotteon yogeumjega isseoyo?	“What plans are available?”
개통하는 데 얼마나 걸려요?	Gaetonghaneun de eolmana geollyeoyo?	“How long does activation take?”
설치 기사는 언제 와요?	Seolchi gisaneun eonje wayo?	“When will the installation technician come?”
설치비가 있어요?	Seolchibiga isseoyo?	“Is there an installation fee?”
자동이체로 낼 수 있어요?	Jadong-ichero nael su isseoyo?	“Can I pay by automatic transfer?”
주소 변경이 완료됐나요?	Juso byeongyeongi wanryodwaennayo?	“Has my address change been completed?”
영문 서류를 받을 수 있어요?	Yeongmun seoryureul badeul su isseoyo?	“Can I get the document in English?”
어느 부서로 가야 해요?	Eoneu buseoro gaya haeyo?	“Which department should I go to?”

Banking, Utilities & Contracts

Banking and service contracts introduce another group of practical terms, including 계좌 (gyejwa, “bank account”), 송금 (songgeum, “bank transfer”), 자동이체 (jadong-iche, “automatic transfer”), and 요금제 (yogeumje, “service plan”).

At the Bank and Managing Contracts

Korean	Romanization	English
계좌를 개설하고 싶어요.	Gyejwareul gaeseolhago sipeoyo.	“I’d like to open a bank account.”
계좌를 만들려면 어떤 서류가 필요해요?	Gyejwareul mandeullyeomyeon eotteon seoryuga piryohaeyo?	“What documents do I need to open an account?”
예약해야 해요?	Yeyakhaeya haeyo?	“Do I need an appointment?”
체크카드를 만들고 싶어요.	Chekeukadeureul mandeulgo sipeoyo.	“I’d like to get a debit card.”
카드는 언제 받을 수 있어요?	Kadeuneun eonje badeul su isseoyo?	“When can I receive the card?”
비밀번호를 어떻게 설정해요?	Bimilbeonhoreul eotteoke seoljeonghaeyo?	“How do I set the PIN?”
비밀번호를 잊어버렸어요.	Bimilbeonhoreul ijeobeoryeosseoyo.	“I forgot my PIN.”
카드가 안 돼요.	Kadeuga an dwaeyo.	“My card isn’t working.”
카드를 잃어버렸어요.	Kadeureul ireobeoryeosseoyo.	“I lost my card.”
카드를 정지해 주세요.	Kadeureul jeongjihae juseyo.	“Please block my card.”
송금하고 싶어요.	Songgeumhago sipeoyo.	“I’d like to make a bank transfer.”
해외 송금이 가능해요?	Haeoe songgeumi ganeunghaeyo?	“Can I make an international transfer?”
수수료가 얼마예요?	Susuryoga eolmayeyo?	“How much is the fee?”
ATM에서 현금을 찾고 싶어요.	ATMeseo hyeongeumeul chatgo sipeoyo.	“I’d like to withdraw cash from an ATM.”
현금을 입금하고 싶어요.	Hyeongeumeul ipgeumhago sipeoyo.	“I’d like to deposit cash.”
잔액을 확인하고 싶어요.	Janaegeul hwaginhago sipeoyo.	“I’d like to check my balance.”
거래 내역을 받고 싶어요.	Georae naeyeogeul batgo sipeoyo.	“I’d like a transaction statement.”
자동이체를 신청하고 싶어요.	Jadong-ichereul sincheonghago sipeoyo.	“I’d like to set up automatic transfer.”
이 요금을 온라인으로 낼 수 있어요?	I yogeumeul onrain-euro nael su isseoyo?	“Can I pay this bill online?”
이 요금은 뭐예요?	I yogeumeun mwoyeyo?	“What is this charge?”
전화번호를 변경하고 싶어요.	Jeonhwabeonhoreul byeongyeonghago sipeoyo.	“I’d like to change my phone number.”
주소를 변경하고 싶어요.	Jusoreul byeongyeonghago sipeoyo.	“I’d like to change my address.”
요금제를 변경하고 싶어요.	Yogeumjereul byeongyeonghago sipeoyo.	“I’d like to change my plan.”
계약을 해지하고 싶어요.	Gyeyageul haejihago sipeoyo.	“I’d like to cancel the contract.”
해지 수수료가 있어요?	Haeji susuryoga isseoyo?	“Is there a cancellation fee?”

Example Conversation at the Bank

You:
안녕하세요. 계좌를 개설하고 싶어요.
Annyeonghaseyo. Gyejwareul gaeseolhago sipeoyo.
“Hello. I’d like to open a bank account.”

Employee:
외국인등록증 있으세요?
Oegugin deungnokjeung isseuseyo?
“Do you have your Residence Card?”

You:
네, 여기 있어요.
Ne, yeogi isseoyo.
“Yes, here it is.”

Employee:
전화번호도 있으세요?
Jeonhwabeonhodo isseuseyo?
“Do you also have a phone number?”

You:
네. 어떤 서류가 더 필요해요?
Ne. Eotteon seoryuga deo piryohaeyo?
“Yes. What other documents do I need?”

Requirements can differ by bank and account type, so learning how to ask about the documents and process is more useful than memorizing one fixed checklist.

Health Insurance, Hospitals & Pharmacies

Korea’s National Health Insurance Service is commonly referred to as 국민건강보험공단 (Gungmin Geongang Boheom Gongdan), or NHIS in English. NHIS operates support services specifically for foreign residents, while individual insurance arrangements depend on the person’s circumstances.

Essential Healthcare and Insurance Phrases

Korean	Romanization	English
건강보험에 대해 문의하고 싶어요.	Geongang boheome daehae munuihago sipeoyo.	“I’d like to ask about health insurance.”
건강보험에 가입되어 있는지 확인하고 싶어요.	Geongang boheome gaipdoeeo inneunji hwaginhago sipeoyo.	“I’d like to check whether I’m enrolled in health insurance.”
건강보험료가 얼마예요?	Geongang boheomnyoga eolmayeyo?	“How much is the health insurance premium?”
보험료는 어떻게 내요?	Boheomnyoneun eotteoke naeyo?	“How do I pay the insurance premium?”
보험 자격을 확인하고 싶어요.	Boheom jagyeogeul hwaginhago sipeoyo.	“I’d like to check my insurance eligibility.”
병원 예약을 하고 싶어요.	Byeongwon yeyageul hago sipeoyo.	“I’d like to make a hospital appointment.”
진료 예약을 했어요.	Jillyo yeyageul haesseoyo.	“I have a medical appointment.”
의사 선생님을 만나고 싶어요.	Uisa seonsaengnimeul mannago sipeoyo.	“I’d like to see a doctor.”
몸이 안 좋아요.	Momi an joayo.	“I don’t feel well.”
열이 있어요.	Yeori isseoyo.	“I have a fever.”
머리가 아파요.	Meoriga apayo.	“I have a headache.”
목이 아파요.	Mogi apayo.	“My throat hurts.”
배가 아파요.	Baega apayo.	“My stomach hurts.”
여기가 아파요.	Yeogiga apayo.	“It hurts here.”
기침이 나요.	Gichimi nayo.	“I have a cough.”
알레르기가 있어요.	Allereugiga isseoyo.	“I have an allergy.”
이 약을 먹고 있어요.	I yageul meokgo isseoyo.	“I’m taking this medicine.”
처방전이 필요해요?	Cheobangjeoni piryohaeyo?	“Do I need a prescription?”
처방전을 받을 수 있어요?	Cheobangjeoneul badeul su isseoyo?	“Can I get a prescription?”
가까운 약국이 어디예요?	Gakkaun yakgugi eodiyeyo?	“Where is the nearest pharmacy?”
두통약이 있어요?	Dutongyagi isseoyo?	“Do you have medicine for a headache?”
하루에 몇 번 먹어요?	Harue myeot beon meogeoyo?	“How many times a day should I take it?”
식사 후에 먹어야 해요?	Siksa hue meogeoya haeyo?	“Should I take it after eating?”
부작용이 있어요?	Bujagyongi isseoyo?	“Are there any side effects?”
언제 다시 와야 해요?	Eonje dasi waya haeyo?	“When should I come back?”

Example Conversation at a Doctor’s Office

Receptionist:
예약하셨어요?
Yeyakhasyeosseoyo?
“Do you have an appointment?”

You:
네, 세 시에 예약했어요.
Ne, se sie yeyakhaesseoyo.
“Yes, I have an appointment at three.”

Doctor:
어디가 불편하세요?
Eodiga bulpyeonhaseyo?
“What seems to be the problem?”

You:
열이 있고 목이 아파요.
Yeori itgo mogi apayo.
“I have a fever and my throat hurts.”

Doctor:
지금 먹고 있는 약이 있어요?
Jigeum meokgo inneun yagi isseoyo?
“Are you taking any medication now?”

You:
네, 이 약을 먹고 있어요.
Ne, i yageul meokgo isseoyo.
“Yes, I’m taking this medicine.”

Emergencies, Police & Customer Service

In South Korea, 112 is used for police emergencies, while 119 is used for fire, rescue, and emergency medical assistance.

In a stressful situation, short phrases are often more useful than complicated sentences.

Emergency and Customer-Service Phrases

Korean	Romanization	English
도와주세요!	Dowajuseyo!	“Help!”
112에 전화해 주세요.	Il-il-ie jeonhwahae juseyo.	“Please call 112.”
119에 전화해 주세요.	Il-il-gue jeonhwahae juseyo.	“Please call 119.”
경찰을 불러 주세요.	Gyeongchareul bulleo juseyo.	“Please call the police.”
구급차를 불러 주세요.	Gugeupchareul bulleo juseyo.	“Please call an ambulance.”
불이 났어요.	Buri nasseoyo.	“There’s a fire.”
사람이 다쳤어요.	Sarami dachyeosseoyo.	“Someone is injured.”
숨을 쉴 수 없어요.	Sumeul swil su eopseoyo.	“I can’t breathe.”
너무 아파요.	Neomu apayo.	“I’m in severe pain.”
지갑을 잃어버렸어요.	Jigabeul ireobeoryeosseoyo.	“I lost my wallet.”
지갑을 도난당했어요.	Jigabeul donandanghaesseoyo.	“My wallet was stolen.”
여권을 잃어버렸어요.	Yeogwoneul ireobeoryeosseoyo.	“I lost my passport.”
휴대폰을 잃어버렸어요.	Hyudaeponeul ireobeoryeosseoyo.	“I lost my phone.”
가방을 도난당했어요.	Gabangeul donandanghaesseoyo.	“My bag was stolen.”
신고하고 싶어요.	Singohago sipeoyo.	“I’d like to make a report.”
경찰서가 어디예요?	Gyeongchalseoga eodiyeyo?	“Where is the police station?”
통역이 필요해요.	Tongyeogi piryohaeyo.	“I need an interpreter.”
제가 어디에 있는지 모르겠어요.	Jega eodie inneunji moreugesseoyo.	“I don’t know where I am.”
주문한 물건이 안 왔어요.	Jumunhan mulgeoni an wasseoyo.	“My order hasn’t arrived.”
제품이 고장 났어요.	Jepumi gojang nasseoyo.	“The product is broken.”
반품하고 싶어요.	Banpumhago sipeoyo.	“I’d like to return it.”
교환하고 싶어요.	Gyohwanhago sipeoyo.	“I’d like to exchange it.”
환불받고 싶어요.	Hwanbulbatgo sipeoyo.	“I’d like a refund.”
두 번 결제됐어요.	Du beon gyeoljedwaesseoyo.	“I was charged twice.”
담당자와 이야기하고 싶어요.	Damdangjawa iyagihago sipeoyo.	“I’d like to speak with the person in charge.”

Housing, Repairs & Neighbors

Finding an apartment is only the beginning. Once you’ve moved in, you’ll need Korean for rent, deposits, maintenance fees, repairs, utilities, garbage, and communication with landlords or real-estate agents.

Essential Housing Vocabulary

Korean	Romanization	English
월세	wolse	“monthly rent”
전세	jeonse	“jeonse lease”
보증금	bojeunggeum	“deposit”
관리비	gwanribi	“maintenance fee”
임대차계약서	imdaechagyeyakseo	“lease agreement”
집주인	jipjuin	“landlord”
부동산	budongsan	“real-estate agency”
수리	suri	“repair”
누수	nusu	“water leak”
보일러	boilleo	“boiler/heating system”

Housing and Repair Phrases

Korean	Romanization	English
집을 구하고 있어요.	Jibeul guhago isseoyo.	“I’m looking for a place to live.”
월세가 얼마예요?	Wolsega eolmayeyo?	“How much is the monthly rent?”
보증금이 얼마예요?	Bojeunggeumi eolmayeyo?	“How much is the deposit?”
관리비가 얼마예요?	Gwanribiga eolmayeyo?	“How much is the maintenance fee?”
관리비에 무엇이 포함돼요?	Gwanribie mueosi poham-dwaeyo?	“What is included in the maintenance fee?”
전세예요, 월세예요?	Jeonse-yeyo, wolse-yeyo?	“Is it jeonse or monthly rent?”
계약 기간이 얼마나 돼요?	Gyeyak gigani eolmana dwaeyo?	“How long is the contract?”
가구가 포함되어 있어요?	Gaguga pohamdoeeo isseoyo?	“Is it furnished?”
반려동물을 키워도 돼요?	Ballyeodongmureul kiwodo dwaeyo?	“Are pets allowed?”
언제 입주할 수 있어요?	Eonje ipjuhal su isseoyo?	“When can I move in?”
계약서 사본을 받을 수 있어요?	Gyeyakseo saboneul badeul su isseoyo?	“Can I get a copy of the contract?”
집주인에게 연락하고 싶어요.	Jipjuinege yeollakhago sipeoyo.	“I’d like to contact the landlord.”
뜨거운 물이 안 나와요.	Tteugeoun muri an nawayo.	“There’s no hot water.”
전기가 안 들어와요.	Jeongiga an deureowayo.	“The electricity isn’t working.”
보일러가 안 돼요.	Boilleoga an dwaeyo.	“The boiler isn’t working.”
에어컨이 고장 났어요.	Eeokeoni gojang nasseoyo.	“The air conditioner is broken.”
물이 새요.	Muri saeyo.	“There’s a water leak.”
화장실이 막혔어요.	Hwajangsiri makhyeosseoyo.	“The toilet is clogged.”
수리가 필요해요.	Suriga piryohaeyo.	“It needs to be repaired.”
수리 기사를 보내 주실 수 있어요?	Suri gisareul bonae jusil su isseoyo?	“Can you send a repair technician?”
기사는 언제 올 수 있어요?	Gisaneun eonje ol su isseoyo?	“When can the technician come?”
열쇠를 잃어버렸어요.	Yeolsoereul ireobeoryeosseoyo.	“I lost my key.”
쓰레기는 어디에 버려요?	Sseuregineun eodie beoryeoyo?	“Where do I throw away the garbage?”
재활용품은 언제 버려요?	Jaehwaryongpumeun eonje beoryeoyo?	“When do we put out the recycling?”
시끄럽게 해서 죄송합니다.	Sikkeureopge haeseo joesonghamnida.	“Sorry for being noisy.”

Example Conversation with a Landlord

You:
안녕하세요. 집에 문제가 있어요.
Annyeonghaseyo. Jibe munjega isseoyo.
“Hello. There’s a problem with the apartment.”

Landlord:
무슨 문제예요?
Museun munjeyeyo?
“What’s the problem?”

You:
뜨거운 물이 안 나와요.
Tteugeoun muri an nawayo.
“There’s no hot water.”

Landlord:
수리 기사를 보낼게요.
Suri gisareul bonaelgeyo.
“I’ll send a repair technician.”

You:
감사합니다. 언제 올 수 있어요?
Gamsahamnida. Eonje ol su isseoyo?
“Thank you. When can they come?”

Post Office, Deliveries & Everyday Services

Packages, registered mail, returns, and delivery problems are ordinary parts of daily life, but they’re exactly where practical Korean starts saving you time.

Postal and Delivery Phrases

Korean	Romanization	English
우체국이 어디예요?	Uchegugi eodiyeyo?	“Where is the post office?”
이 소포를 보내고 싶어요.	I soporeul bonaego sipeoyo.	“I’d like to send this package.”
이 편지를 보내고 싶어요.	I pyeonjireul bonaego sipeoyo.	“I’d like to send this letter.”
배송비가 얼마예요?	Baesongbiga eolmayeyo?	“How much is shipping?”
며칠 걸려요?	Myeochil geollyeoyo?	“How many days will it take?”
등기로 보내고 싶어요.	Deunggiro bonaego sipeoyo.	“I’d like to send it by registered mail.”
운송장 번호를 알려 주세요.	Unsongjang beonhoreul allyeo juseyo.	“Please give me the tracking number.”
봉투가 필요해요.	Bongtuga piryohaeyo.	“I need an envelope.”
우표가 필요해요.	Upyoga piryohaeyo.	“I need a stamp.”
택배를 기다리고 있어요.	Taekbaereul gidarigo isseoyo.	“I’m waiting for a package.”
택배가 아직 안 왔어요.	Taekbaega ajik an wasseoyo.	“My package hasn’t arrived yet.”
부재중 안내문을 받았어요.	Bujaejung annaemuneul badasseoyo.	“I received a missed-delivery notice.”
택배를 어디에서 찾을 수 있어요?	Taekbaereul eodieseo chajeul su isseoyo?	“Where can I collect the package?”
신분증이 필요한가요?	Sinbunjeungi piryohangayo?	“Do I need ID?”
배송 날짜를 변경할 수 있어요?	Baesong naljjareul byeongyeonghal su isseoyo?	“Can I change the delivery date?”
오시기 전에 전화해 주세요.	Osigi jeone jeonhwahae juseyo.	“Please call before you come.”
문 앞에 놓아 주세요.	Mun ape noa juseyo.	“Please leave it in front of the door.”
택배함에 넣어 주세요.	Taekbaehame neoeo juseyo.	“Please put it in the parcel locker.”
이 상품을 반품하고 싶어요.	I sangpumeul banpumhago sipeoyo.	“I’d like to return this product.”
영수증이 있어요.	Yeongsujeungi isseoyo.	“I have the receipt.”

Korean Politeness in Everyday Life

Korean politeness matters particularly when speaking with officials, medical staff, bank employees, landlords, or people you don’t know.

For practical purposes, beginners can usually rely on polite -요 forms and formal -습니다/-ㅂ니다 forms.

Compare:

어디 가?
Eodi ga?
“Where are you going?” – casual

어디 가세요?
Eodi gaseyo?
“Where are you going?” – polite

Useful polite patterns include:

-고 싶어요.
-go sipeoyo.
“I’d like to…”

-해 주세요.
-hae juseyo.
“Please…”

-할 수 있어요?
-hal su isseoyo?
“Can I…?”

-해야 해요?
-haeya haeyo?
“Do I need to…?”

어디예요?
Eodiyeyo?
“Where is it?”

얼마예요?
Eolmayeyo?
“How much is it?”

Being clear and polite is more useful than trying to use the most complicated honorific expression you know.

How to Learn Practical Korean Faster

Knowing 160+ phrases is useful, but memorizing a giant list from beginning to end isn’t the best way to learn them.

Study by Situation

Choose the situations you’re actually likely to face.

Situation	Focus On
Immigration	Residence Card, extensions, documents
Public services	Address changes, Government24, certificates
Banking	Accounts, cards, transfers
Healthcare	Insurance, symptoms, appointments
Housing	Rent, deposits, repairs
Emergencies	Short requests for immediate help

If you have an immigration appointment tomorrow, study that section tonight. If you’re opening a bank account next week, focus on banking phrases.

Learn Reusable Sentence Patterns

Several structures appear repeatedly throughout this guide.

-고 싶어요.
-go sipeoyo.
“I’d like to…”

필요해요.
Piryohaeyo.
“I need it.”

어디에서 할 수 있어요?
Eodieseo hal su isseoyo?
“Where can I do it?”

-해야 해요?
-haeya haeyo?
“Do I need to…?”

-할 수 있어요?
-hal su isseoyo?
“Can I…?”

얼마나 걸려요?
Eolmana geollyeoyo?
“How long does it take?”

언제예요?
Eonjeyeyo?
“When is it?”

Once these patterns become automatic, you can replace one or two words and create dozens of new sentences.

Practice Asking About Time and Schedules

Living in Korea means constantly asking when something happens: when an appointment is available, when a technician will arrive, when your package will be delivered, or when an office closes.

The Korean word 언제 (eonje) means “when.”

For extra beginner practice with this pattern, KoreanClass101’s Tell Me about Your Korean Schedule! teaches 언제 through simple schedule questions such as asking when someone finishes work, eats, sleeps, or wakes up.

Practice Complete Dialogues

Vocabulary is easier to remember when you connect it to an actual exchange.

Instead of memorizing:

외국인등록증
oegugin deungnokjeung
“Residence Card”

서류
seoryu
“documents”

연장
yeonjang
“extension”

practice:

체류기간을 연장하고 싶습니다. 필요한 서류가 무엇인가요?
Cheryu giganeul yeonjanghago sipseumnida. Piryohan seoryuga mueosingayo?
“I’d like to extend my period of stay. What documents are required?”

Now the vocabulary has a purpose.

Prepare Before Important Appointments

Before an appointment, choose five to ten phrases you’re likely to need.

For example:

예약했습니다.
Yeyakhaetseumnida.
“I have an appointment.”

필요한 서류가 무엇인가요?
Piryohan seoryuga mueosingayo?
“What documents are required?”

추가 서류가 필요한가요?
Chuga seoryuga piryohangayo?
“Are any additional documents required?”

여기에 서명하면 돼요?
Yeogie seomyeonghamyeon dwaeyo?
“Should I sign here?”

다음 단계가 무엇인가요?
Daeum dangyega mueosingayo?
“What is the next step?”

You don’t need to prepare for every possible sentence. Prepare enough Korean to explain your goal and ask for clarification.

Learn Real-Life Korean with KoreanClass101

Knowing individual phrases is helpful. Knowing when and how to use them is what builds real confidence.

KoreanClass101 can help you move from isolated vocabulary to complete conversations through Korean dialogues, listening practice, vocabulary lessons, and structured learning materials.

With KoreanClass101, you can:

• Build vocabulary for everyday situations
• Hear Korean used in complete conversations
• Improve your listening comprehension
• Practice pronunciation with native-speaker audio
• Review useful vocabulary and grammar in context
• Study at your own pace
• Prepare for real conversations before you need them

The more often you encounter useful patterns in context, the easier they become to recognize and produce in real life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I live in Korea without speaking Korean?

It’s possible to manage many situations with limited Korean, particularly when English-speaking help is available. However, practical Korean becomes much more useful when dealing with immigration, banking, healthcare, housing, repairs, deliveries, and local services.

You don’t need to become fluent before you can benefit. Even a small group of well-chosen phrases can make everyday interactions easier.

What Korean should I learn first after moving to Korea?

Start with the language connected to your immediate needs:

• Greetings and clarification phrases
• Immigration and Residence Card vocabulary
• Address changes and public services
• Banking and phone contracts
• Healthcare
• Housing and repairs
• Emergencies
• Deliveries and customer service

Learning by situation is usually more useful than memorizing unrelated vocabulary.

What is 외국인등록?

외국인등록 (oegugin deungnok) means “foreigner registration.” Government24 currently states that foreign nationals who will stay in Korea for more than 90 days generally fall under the foreigner-registration procedure, although requirements depend on individual status.

How do I report a change of address?

The Korean phrase is:

체류지 변경 신고를 하고 싶습니다.
Cheryuji byeongyeong singoreul hago sipseumnida.
“I’d like to report a change of address.”

Government24 currently lists the foreign-resident change-of-address procedure as available online or in person, and notes that proof of the new place of residence may be required.

What is Government24?

정부24 (Government24) is South Korea’s official electronic government portal. It provides information about and access to many government services and certificates.

What is 국민건강보험?

국민건강보험 (gungmin geongang boheom) means “National Health Insurance.” The National Health Insurance Service provides information and dedicated support for foreign residents.

A useful phrase is:

건강보험에 대해 문의하고 싶어요.
Geongang boheome daehae munuihago sipeoyo.
“I’d like to ask about health insurance.”

What number should I call in an emergency in Korea?

Call 112 for police emergencies and 119 for fire, rescue, or emergency medical assistance.

Useful phrases include:

경찰을 불러 주세요.
Gyeongchareul bulleo juseyo.
“Please call the police.”

구급차를 불러 주세요.
Gugeupchareul bulleo juseyo.
“Please call an ambulance.”

Do I need to use formal Korean with officials?

You don’t need to master advanced honorific grammar before handling everyday tasks. However, polite -요 or formal -습니다/-ㅂ니다 forms are appropriate when speaking with officials, doctors, bank employees, service staff, and unfamiliar adults.

For example:

도와주세요.
Dowajuseyo.
“Please help me.”

is much more appropriate in these situations than casual:

도와줘.
Dowajwo.
“Help me.”

What’s the fastest way to learn survival Korean?

Prioritize phrases that solve actual problems.

Start with a situation you expect to face, learn the key nouns, memorize a few reusable sentence patterns, and practice them as a short dialogue. Listening to those patterns in natural Korean will also help you recognize them when someone answers you.

From Confusion to Confidence

Living in another country involves dozens of conversations you may never have practiced in a language course. You might need to ask about your Residence Card in the morning, explain a banking problem in the afternoon, and call your landlord about a repair that evening.

You don’t need perfect Korean for any of those situations.

Start with the phrases that solve the problems in front of you. Learn how to ask for help, explain what you need, understand the most important vocabulary, and request clarification when something is unclear.

Every successful interaction gives you another pattern you can reuse the next time.

When you’re ready to keep building your practical Korean through vocabulary, dialogues, and listening practice, start learning real-life Korean with KoreanClass101.