Did you know that the Korean national anthem has four verses? Growing up as a Korean, you will have to memorize the four verses of the Korean national anthem, and oftentimes, schools will make students memorize them for a test. Every Monday before school starts, everyone gathers at one place and sings the Korean national anthem!

Another interesting fact about the Korean national anthem is that the person who wrote the music was 안익태 (Ahn Eak-tai), who was an active composer outside Korea. You will learn more about the history of the Korean national anthem later in this blog.

Let’s learn more about each Korean national anthem verse and the history behind creating this song!

Table of Contents

1. Korean National Anthem Lyrics
2. Korean National Anthem History
3. When Do You Sing the Korean National Anthem?
4. Other Things to do Before Singing Korean National Anthem: Pledge of Allegiance
5. How KoreanClass101 Can Help You with Korean Studies

1. Korean National Anthem Lyrics

Korean national anthem is called 애국가 (aegukga), meaning 나라를 사랑하는 노래 (nalaleul salanghaneun nolae) “The song for who love the country.” Here is the first verse of the Korean national anthem. You may feel overwhelmed by so many lyric lines, but don’t worry. All you need to memorize are two lines for each verse, and the rest is the same. Try listening to the Korean national anthem song while learning each verse. 

1. Verse 1

동해물과 백두산이 마르고 닳도록 donghaemulgwa baekdusani mareugo daltolok	Until the East Sea dries and Mt. Baekdu is worn away
하느님이 보우하사 우리나라 만세 haneunimi bouhasa urinara manse	God will protect us, long live to our country
무궁화 삼천리 화려강산  mugunghwa samcheonli hwaryeogangsan	Mugunghwa (is a Korean national flower and in this lyric, it means the whole of Korea) covers mountains and rivers splendidly, in three thousand ri
대한사람 대한으로 길이 보전하세 daehansaram daehan-eulo gil-i bojeonhase	Let’s preserve it in the Korean way as Koreans

2. Verse 2

남산 위의 저 소나무 철갑을 두른 듯  namsan wiui jeo sonamu cheolgabeul dureun deut	The pine on Namsan is like armored
바람서리 불변함은 일편단심일세  baramseori bulbyeonhameun ilpyeondanshimilse	Despite wind and frost, it never changes with single-minded devotion
무궁화 삼천리 화려강산  mugunghwa samcheonli hwaryeogangsan	Mugunghwa (is a Korean national flower and in this lyric, it means the whole of Korea) covers mountains and rivers splendidly, in three thousand ri
대한사람 대한으로 길이 보전하세 daehansaram daehaneuro giri bojeonhase	Let’s preserve it in the Korean way as Koreans

3. Verse 3

가을하늘 공활한데 높고 구름 없이 gaeulhaneul gonghwalhande nopgo guleum eobshi	Autumn’s sky is empty and spacious, high with no clouds
밝은 달은 우리가슴 일편단심일세 balgeun dareun urigaseum ilpyeondanshimilse	Bright moon is our heart, with single-minded devotion
무궁화 삼천리 화려강산  mugunghwa samcheonli hwaryeogangsan	Mugunghwa (is a Korean national flower and in this lyric, it means the whole of Korea) covers mountains and rivers splendidly, in three thousand ri
대한사람 대한으로 길이 보전하세 daehansaram daehaneuro giri bojeonhase	Let’s preserve it in the Korean way as Koreans

4. Verse 4

이 기상과 이맘으로 충성을 다하여 i gisanggwa imameuro chungseongeul dahayeo	Be loyal with this spirit and mind,
괴로우나 즐거우나 나라 사랑하세 goerouna jeulgeouna nara saranghase	Even if you are painful or joyful, love our country
무궁화 삼천리 화려강산  mugunghwa samcheonli hwaryeogangsan	Mugunghwa (is a Korean national flower and in this lyric, it means the whole of Korea) covers mountains and rivers splendidly, in three thousand ri
대한사람 대한으로 길이 보전하세 daehansaram daehaneuro giri bojeonhase	Let’s preserve it in the Korean way as Koreans

We looked at four verses. Now, let’s listen to the Korean National Anthem again and sing along!

2. Korean National Anthem History

Did you know that we used to sing our Korean national anthem with Auld Lang Syne? Later in 1935, a Korean composer Ahn Eak-tai created a song that goes well with our Korean national anthem. Thanks to Ahn Eak-tai, we are now signing our own Korean national anthem. Without them, we might still be singing Auld Lang Syne!

➜ Want to learn some interesting Korean pop culture? Check out “Learn about the top five most important pop culture icons in South Korea”
➜ Learn more about historical figures “Learn about Korean historical figures”
➜ Want to start your Korean class with KoreanClass101? Check out our Korean lessons on our website!

3. When Do You Sing the Korean National Anthem?

The Korean national anthem is heard at many events, such as:

1) Olympics 

When a sports player wins the gold medal, the national anthem is played. Check out the video of 2014 Winter Olympics when a famous Korean athlete, Lee Sang-hwa, won the gold medal

2) Weekly Gathering at School

The entire students and teachers gather at a hall every monday to start off the beginning of the week. One of the mandatory activities is to sing the Korean national anthem and everyone has to sing four verses, followed by school annoucements. 

3) At Military 

Many military bases sing the Korean national anthem to start the day as well. However, which verse to sing is different everyday, so everyone is expected to memorize four verses well. 

4) Sports Events 

The Korean national anthem is played at many sports events such as baseball, football and so on. Oftentimes there will be a famous singer singing the national anthem. Check out the video of a famous singer, Ailee, singing the Korean national anthem at a baseball game.

5) Korean National Holidays

Korean national anthem is also played on historical days such as 삼일절 (Samiljeol)  “Independence Movement Day” on TV.

➜ Want to know what the North Korean national anthem is? Check out National Anthem of North Korea video

➜ Want to improve your pronunciation? Check out “Combination sounds in Korean”

4. Other Things to do Before Singing Korean National Anthem: Pledge of Allegiance

Did you know that there are additional things that South Koreans need to do before singing the national anthem?

This activity is called 국기에 대한 맹세 (gukgie daehan maengse) “Pledge of Allegiance” which describes as ”The pledge is recited at flag ceremonies immediately before the South Korean national anthem.”

While the song is played, a verse is spoken by someone, and everyone needs to show respect by placing their right hand on their left breast. 

Here is the verse. You can also listen to the song of the pledge of allegiance with the verse

나는 자랑스러운 태극기 앞에 자유롭고 정의로운 대한민국의 무궁한 영광을 위하여 충성을 다할 것을 굳게 다짐합니다. Naneun jarangseureoun Taegeukgi ape jayuropgo jeongeuiroun Daehanmingugui mugunghan yeonggwangeul wihayeo chungseongeul dahal geoseul gutge dajimhamnida.  “I pledge, in front of the proud Taegeuk flag, allegiance to the Republic of Korea for the eternal glory of the country, liberty, and freedom to the Republic of Korea. “

Interesting Fact about the Pledge of Allegiance

The original pledge of allegiance was used from 1972 to 2007 and was introduced by president 박정희 “Park Chung-hee.”

In the mid-2000s, the pledging of allegiance to a “Korean race” was criticized by many as “not appropriate at a time when South Korea is becoming a multiracial and multicultural society.” Therefore the new version was introduced in 2007 by president, 노무현 “Roh Moon-hyun”.

5. How KoreanClass101 Can Help You with Korean Studies

In this blog, we walked you through four verses of the Korean national anthem with English translation. We also learnt the history and which occasions Korean people sing the national anthem. 

KoreanClass101 has tons of content like this. If you are into learning more about Korean culture, check out our websites to learn more about Korean culture as well as etiquette. 

On our Youtube channel, we have several video clips to help you improve your listening skills. Why not check out these videos?

• Learn Korean Live 24/7 🔴 Korean Speaking Practice – Daily Conversations 
• Learn Korean Live 24/7 🔴 Korean Listening Practice – Daily Conversations
• Learn Korean Live 24/7 🔴 Korean Words and Expressions for Everyday Life

We also provide a free vocabulary and phrases list on our website. Check out these pages as well:

• Korean Key Phrase List
• Vocabulary Lists

To maximize your Korean studies, why not create a free account today and learn Korean? We hope you enjoyed reading our blog!

In this blog, we will introduce some of the most commonly used Korean words and phrases that you can use in the classroom.

Whether you are a language school student or a university student studying in Korea, it’s important to know key classroom related Korean words and phrases. If you master some of the essential Korean words and phrases, you will be able to maximize your Korean language learning experience. In this blog, we will introduce 30+ most common Korean phrases used in the classroom.

Table of Content

• Use Classroom Greetings in Korea: Formal and Informal
• Understand Instructions from Teachers in Korean
• Explain Absence from Class and Tardiness
• Talk about Favorite Subjects in Korean
• Check for School Supplies – Useful Korean Phrases and Words
• How KoreanClass101 Can Help

Table of Contents

1. Use Classroom Greetings in Korea: Formal and Informal
2. Understand Instructions from Teachers in Korean
3. Explain Absence from Class and Tardiness
4. Talk about Favorite Subjects in Korean
5. Check for School Supplies – Useful Korean Phrases and Words
6. How KoreanClass101 Can Help You with Learning Korean

1. Use Classroom Greetings in Korea: Formal and Informal

Since you are already learning Korean, you are aware that the Korean language has several levels of speech. You need to make sure to use the right honorific phrases and Korean vocabulary to speak with your teacher. You will need to speak formally to your teacher during the classroom. Your teacher or professor will speak to you formally or informally – it depends on them.

Also, to give you a little bit about Korean culture knowledge to make your Korean language learning experience more interesting,  it is common for a stranger to ask how old you are. They ask this to determine which speech style to use, as it is based on your age. 

If you are younger than the speaker, then he or she will speak to you casually, and you are expected to speak to him/her formally. Therefore don’t be offended when a person you meet for the first time asks your age; they are not interested in how old you are, they just want to find the right form of speech style. Also, depending on the level of honorific speech, people use different Korean vocabulary. For example, if you are speaking to an old person, let’s say about 60, you will say 생신 (saengsin). On the other hand, if you are speaking to a friend or younger person, you will say 생일 (saengil). Both Korean words have the same meaning “birthday.” 

Here are some of the common Korean phrases used in the classroom. Let’s take a look. 

korean words and phrases – Learning formal and informal Korean language
Korean and romaji	English translation
> Students
안녕하세요 선생님 .Annyeonghaseyo seonsaengnim.	“Hello teacher.”
안녕하세요 교수님. Annyeonghaseyo gyosunim.	“Hello professor.”
> Teachers
잘가요 학생. Jalgayo hagsaeng.	“Goodbye, student.”

Want to learn more about korean words and phrases – honorifics and the level of politeness used in Korea? Check out these pages: 

➜ Does Korean have honorifics?
➜ Korean Honorific Titles: Oppa, Unni, Hyung, Nuna & more

2. Understand Instructions from Teachers in Korean

Here are some of the most commonly used korean words and phrases in the classroom. In Korea, it’s common to ask questions to your teacher after the class, because asking questions duing the class will slow down everyone and it is considered inappropriate. Therefore, If you have any questions, make sure to write down your questions and ask after the class. (Or you can ask via email or make a consultation with the teacher to ask questions in detail – this will allow you to maximise your learning Korean experience) 

Here is the list of korean words and phrases that you can immediately use in the classroom. 

korean words and phrases – Learning Korean in the class
Korean and romaji	English translation
> Teachers
교과서 X쪽 펴세요. Gyogwaseo Xjjog pyeoseyo. ※ x쪽: page x	“Please open your textbook to page X.”
9페이지 펴세요.  Gupeiji pyeoseyo.	“Please open your book to page 9.”
책 덮으세요.  Chaek deopeuseyo.	“Please close your book.”
책 펴세요.  Chaek pyeoseyo. ※ 교과서 (gyogwaseo), which means “text book” is also commonly used.	“Please close your book.”
빨리 들어오세요.  Ppali deureooseyo.	“Please come in quickly.”
잘 들어 보세요.  Jal deureo boseyo.	“Listen carefully.”
조용히 하세요.  Joyonghi haseyo. ※ 조용! (joyong!), which means “be quiet” is another word that is commonly used by teachers	“Please be quiet.”
칠판 보세요.  Chilpan boseyo.	“Look at the board”
질문 있어요?  Jilmun isseoyo?	“Do you have any questions?”
질문 있는 사람? Jilmun inneun saram?	“Does anyone have a question?”
읽어 보세요. Ilgeo boseyo.	“Please read it.”
> Students
네, 질문 있어요.  Ne, jilmun isseoyo	“Yes, I have a question.”
아니요, 질문 없어요.  Aniyo, jilmun eopsseoyo ※ If a teacher asks to everyone in the class, you don’t necessarily need to say this phrase if you don’t have any questions. Teachers will take “silence” as “no”.	“No, I don’t have any questions”

Want to practice how teachers and students talk to each other in Korean?

➜ Check out “Getting Help from the Teacher in South Korea” to learn additional korean words and phrases

3. Explain Absence from Class and Tardiness

When you feel sick, it’s better to rest at home and take care of yourself. If you decide to miss the class, make sure to email or let your teacher know in advance. Also, make sure to complete any homework assignments because if you don’t, you will lose points that count towards your grades. Make sure to ask for an extension if you cannot finish the homework on time for personal reasons.

Here is the list of Korean phrases that you will hear a lot during the classroom. 

korean words and phrases – Making excuses
Korean and romaji	English translation
>Teacher
오늘 왜 늦게 왔어요? Oneul wae neutge wasseoyo?	“Why are you late today?”
몸이 안좋아 보여요. 괜찮아요? Momi anjoa boyeoyo. Gwaenchanayo?	“You look unwell. Are you feeling okay?”
오늘 숙제 왜 안해왔어요? Oneul sugje wae anhaewasseoyo?	“Why didn’t you do your homework today?”
>Students
몸이 안 좋아요. 오늘은 이만 가도 될까요? Momi an joayo. Oneureun iman gado doelkkayo?	“I don’t feel well. Can I be excused for the day?”
버스가 안 와서 늦었어요. Beoseuga an waseo neujeosseoyo.	“I am late because the bus did not show up.”
누가 제 책을 훔쳐 갔어요. Nuga je chaegeul humchyeo gasseoyo.	“Someone stole my books.”
개가 숙제를 먹어 버렸어요. Gaega sukjereul meogeo beoryeosseoyo.	“My dog ate my homework.”
깜빡하고 숙제를 안해왔어요. Kkamppakago sugjereul anhaewasseoyo.	“I forgot to do the homework”
죄송합니다. 숙제를 안 해 왔습니다. Joesonghabnida. Sugjereul an hae wassseumnida.	“I am sorry, I couldn’t do my homework.”
머리가 아파요. Meoriga apayo.	“I have a headache”
몸이 좀 안좋아요. Momi jom anjoayo.	“Im not feeling well”

Want to learn more about school in Korean?

➜ Check out “BACK TO SCHOOL” ebook by KoreanClass101.

4. Talk about Favorite Subjects in Korean

“What’s your favourite subject?” is a great way to initiate a conversation to a stranger and make friends. Here are some of the common Korean phrases that you can ask your friends or someone older than you, as well as the list of subjects in Korean. The name of the subject becomes more complicated if you choose specialized courses. Check out this page that lists all the other specialised subjects in Korean.

korean words and phrases – Subjects
Korean and romaji	English translation
(당신이) 제일 좋아하는 과목은 뭐예요? (dangsin-i) Jeil joahaneun gwamogeun mwoyeyo?	“What’s your favorite subject?” (Formal)
(네가) 제일 좋아하는 과목은 뭐야? (nega) Jeil joahaneun gwamogeun mwoya?	“What’s your favorite subject?” (Casual)
내가 가장 좋아하는 과목은 미술이야. Naega gajang joahaneun gwamogeun misuriya.	“My favorite subject is art.” (Casual)
제가 가장 좋아하는 과목은 미술이예요. Jega gajang joahaneun gwamogeun misuriyeyo.	“My favorite subject is art.” (Formal)
Korean vocabulary – Subjects in Korean
국영수사과 gugyeongsusagwa	Abbreviations for Korean, English, math, social studies, and science subjects.
수학 suhak	“math”
과학 gwahak	“science”
국어 gugeo	“Korean language”
영어 yeongeo	“English”
역사 yeogsa	“history”
음악 eumak	“music”
체육 cheyuk	“PE”
미술 misul	“art”
사회 sahoe	“society”

Want to learn how to say different subjects in Korean?

➜ Check out our free vocabulary list “School Subjects” by KoreanClass101

5. Check for School Supplies – Useful Korean Phrases and Words

Even if you prepare everything beforehands, sometimes you forget something such as a pencil. If you want to ask someone to lend you utensils, here are some of the useful Korean phrases and words  you can use in the classroom.

korean language learning – School Supplies
Korean and romaji	English translation
펜 좀 빌려주시겠어요? Pen jom billyeojushigesseoyo?	“May I borrow your/a pencil” (formal)
펜 좀 빌려줄래? Pen jom billyeojullae?	“Can I borrow your/a pencil” (casual)
여기 있어요. Yeogi isseoyo.	“Here you are” (formal)
여기 있어. Yeogi isseo.	“Here you are” (casual)
미안해요, 펜이 없어요. Mianhaeyo, penieopsseoyo.	“I’m sorry. I don’t have a pen” (formal)
미안해, 나 펜이 없어 Mianhae, na peni eopsseo.	“I’m sorry. I don’t have a pen” (casual)
List of Korean vocabulary (stationary)
연필 yeonpil	“pencil”
연필깎이 Yeonpilkkakki	“Pencil sharpener”
지우개 jiugae	“eraser”
필통 piltong	“Pencil case”
자 ja	“ruler”
가위 gawi	“scissors”
풀 pul	“glue stick”
가방 gabang	“backpack”
교과서 gyogwaseo	“textbook”
공책 gongchaek	“notebook”
문제집 munjejib	“workbook”

Check out these page for more stationary related Korean vocabulary.

➜ Stationary in Korean

6. How KoreanClass101 Can Help You with Learning Korean

In this blog article, you have learned some of the most common Korean words and phrases used in the classroom, for students and for teachers. We also introduced some of the Korean culture related to the level of politeness to use depending on a person’s age and classroom rules that may be different to your country. You don’t need to memorize all the Korean culture and social rules, but learning Korean culture will allow your Korean language learning experience to the fullest. 

KoreanClass101 has plenty of resources for you to learn various Korean words and phrases and we believe that you will have the best Korean language learning experience. Check out our KoreanClass101 Youtube channel and our website! The free Korean vocabulary lists are also a great way to improve your Korean vocabulary skills. You can also practice pronunciation as each Korean vocabulary page has audio. Create a lifetime free account today and access our free Korean words and phrases materials today.

If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below!

Korean cuisine is one of the most popular foods in the world. Today, we will introduce you to more than 60 useful Korean restaurant phrases.

Table of Contents

1. Why is Korean language learning important for ordering food?
2. Let’s learn essential Korean Phrases – Before Dining
3. During Dining
4. After Dining
5. How KoreanClass101 Can Help with Learning Korean

1. Why is Korean language learning important for ordering food?

English is one of the foreign languages that Koreans learn at school. Therefore most of them can speak basic English. If you are in the city area, waiters and waitresses can speak English. You may be thinking that it isn’t necessary to learn the Korean language because of that. However, if you visit local restaurants, or are looking for “hidden treasure” spots, it is less likely that the waitresses and waiters will be able to speak English. Therefore, learning Korean will allow you to immerse yourself in Korean culture more easily!

In general, if you can spend some time studying Korean phrases for ordering food and practicing your Korean with the locals, you will receive a heartwarming, better experience at a restaurant. It will be a great experience for you to practice Korean with local people too. 

In this blog, we will teach you essential Korean phrases and Korean food words that you can immediately start using once you are in Korea. We also categorized Korean phrases into several different categories to provide a better learning Korean experience for you. 

2. Let’s learn essential Korean Phrases – Before Dining

1. Learning Korean: Making a reservation

The good news is that most restaurants in Korea do not require reservations. Therefore, you can walk in and sit at a vacant seat. However, if you are going to have a fancy dish at a hotel or somewhere more exclusive, reservations are necessary. Below is a list of essential Korean phrases you can use for different scenarios.

Essential korean phrases – Making a Booking
Korean Phrases	English Translations
예약하고 싶습니다.  Yeyaghago sipseumnida.	“I would like to make a reservation please”
5월 7일 토요일 오후 5시에 2명 예약할 수 있나요?  Owol chiril toyoil ohu daseossie dumyeong yeyaghal su innayo?	“Can I get a table for two on Saturday, May 7th, at 5pm?”
어른 2명, 아이 1명 예약할게요.  Eoreun dumyeong, ai hanmyeong yeyaghalgeyo.	“I would like to make a reservation for 2 adults and a child”
(이름은) 에이미 정입니다.  (ireum-eun) Eimi jeongimnida	“My name is Amy Jeong”
전화번호는 000-0000-0000입니다. Jeonhwabeonhoneun 000-0000-0000imnida.	“My number is 000-0000-0000”
할랄 음식을 제공합니까? Hallal eumsigeul jegonghamnikka?	“Do you serve Halal food?”
주차장있나요? Juchajanginnayo?	“Is there a parking lot?”
창가 자리를 예약하고 싶습니다. Changga jarireul yeyakhago sipseumnida.	“I would like to reserve a seat by the window”

Want to learn more Korean? Check out these two pages: 

➜ Check out “Useful Phrases For a Phone Call” to learn more about making phone calls in Korean
➜ Learn how to ask for smoking or non-smoking seats in Korean

2. Learning Korean: Entering a Restaurant without a Reservation

As I mentioned above, you can enter a restaurant without booking a table. If you go to a slightly fancy restaurant, most of the time, the staff is going to take you to a vacant seat and you just need to wait by the entrance. Some restaurants don’t do this; therefore, you will need to quickly scan inside for an empty seat and take a seat. 

Here is a list of essential Korean phrases that you can learn. These Korean phrases are commonly used in Korea. 

Essential korean phrases – Entering a Restaurant
Korean Phrases	English Translations
[staff] 몇분이세요? Myeoytbuniseyo?	“How many people are there?”
2명이요.  Dumyeongiyo.	“2 people”
[staff] 예약 하셨나요?  Yeyaghasyeonnayo?	“Did you make a reservation?”
네, 예약했습니다. Ne, yeyaghaesseumnida.	“Yes, I made a reservation”
아니요, 예약 안했습니다. Aniyo, yeyak anhaesseumnida.	“No, I didn’t make a reservation”
빈 자리가 있어요? Bin jariga isseoyo?	“Do you have any free tables?”
얼마나 기다려야돼요? Eolmana gidaryeoyadwaeyo?	“How long do we have to wait?”
테라스쪽에 테이블이 있습니까? Teraseujjoge teibeuri issseumnikka?	“Do you have a table on the patio?”

3. Learning Korean: Entering a Restaurant with a Reservation

When you make a reservation at a Korean restaurant, all you need to do is to say that you made a reservation to a staff member. The rest will be taken care of by a waitress or waiter. Therefore you don’t need to study too many Korean phrases for this.

Here is a list of Korean restaurant phrases that you can use: 

Essential korean phrases – Entering a Restaurant
Korean Phrases	English Translations
[staff] 예약 하셨나요?  Yeyaghasyeonnayo?	“Did you make a reservation?”
네, 예약했습니다. Ne, yeyaghaesseumnida.	“Yes, I made a reservation”
이지영으로 5시에 예약했어요. Ijiyeongeuro daseossie yeyaghaesseoyo.	“I made a reservation at 5 o’clock with Lee Ji-young.”

➜ Can you say “we are people of four” in Korean? Check out Korean Restaurant 5: How Many People? (And Numbers) from KoreanClass101

3. During Dining

1. Learning Korean: Asking Questions from The Menu 

Most of the dishes that you see on the menu may look too spicy, but some of the dishes are not spicy at all! If you are a foreigner visiting Korea, most likely, you will be asked by a staff member whether you are okay with the spicy food or not. They can adjust the spiciness for you, so if there is a dish that you want to try but are not sure if it’d be too spicy for you or not, kindly ask the staff to make it less spicy for you. 

Here is a list of essential Korean phrases that you can use when asking questions about the dishes from the menu: 

Essential korean phrases – Asking Questions from The Menu
Korean Phrases	English Translations
메뉴 좀 주세요. Menyu jom juseyo. 메뉴판 좀 주세요 Menyupan jom juseyo	“Please give me the menu”
영어로 된 메뉴판 있나요? Yeongeoro doen menyupan innayo?	“Do you have the menu in English?”
(여기서) 가장 인기있는 요리는 뭐예요? (yeogiseo) Gajang ingiinneun yorineun mwoyeyo?	“What is the most popular dish (here)?”
이거 많이 매워요?I geo mani maewoyo?	“Is this very spicy?”
덜 맵게 해주실 수 있나요? Deol maebge haejusil su innayo?	“Can you make it less spicy?”
어떤 거 추천하시나요? Eotteon geo chucheonhasinayo?	“ What do you recommend?”
[staff] 매운거 먹을 수 있어요? Maeungeo meogeul su isseoyo?	“Can you eat spicy food?”
네, 먹을 수 있어요.  Ne, meogeul su isseoyo.	“Yes, I can”
아니요, 못 먹어요. Aniyo, mot meogeoyo.	“No, I can’t”
이거 뭐예요? Igeo mwoyeyo?	“What is this?”
세트 메뉴 있어요? Seteu menyu isseoyo?	“Do you have a set menu?”

➜ Do you want to learn how to read lunch menus in Korean? Check out this page!

2. Learning Korean: When You Have a Special Request (eg. vegan, allergy)

Are you vegetarian or vegan? Then this section is for you. More and more people are becoming aware of vegetarians and vegans. If you spend some time researching online, it won’t be too hard to find vegetarian/vegan-friendly restaurants and cafes in the city. However, you can also kindly ask a staff member to remove meats or anything that you cannot eat at any restaurant. Here is a list of useful Korean phrases that you can say when you are vegetarian, vegan, or allergic to something. 

Here is the list of essential Korean phrases that you can use.

Essential korean phrases – When You Have a Special Request
Korean Phrases	English Translations
매운걸 잘 못 먹어요.  Maeungeol jal mot meogeoyo. 맵지않은 음식 추천해주시겠어요? Maebjianeun eumsik chucheonhaejusigesseoyo?	“I am not good with spicy food, could you recommend non-spicy dishes?”
전 고기를 안 먹어요. Jeon gogireul an meogeoyo.	“I don’t eat meat.”
견과류에 알레르기가 있어요.  Gyeongwaryue alleleugiga isseoyo.  견과류없이 샐러드를 만들어 주시겠어요? Gyeongwaryueobsi saelleodeureul mandeureo jusigesseoyo?	“I’m allergic to tree nuts. Could you make a salad without nuts?”
저는 비건이에요. 비건 옵션이 있습니까? Jeoneun bigeonieyo. Bigeon obsyeoni issseumnikka?	“I am vegan. Do you have vegan options?”
저는 베지테리언이에요. 베지테리언 옵션이 있습니까? Jeoneun bejiterieonieyo. Bejiterieon obsyeon-i issseubnikka?	“I am vegetarian. Do you have vegetarian options?”
이 음식에서 고기를 빼고 주시겠습니까? I eumsigeseo gogireul ppaego jusigessseumnikka?	“Could you remove the meat from this dish?”
할랄인가요? Hallalingayo?	“Is this Halal?”
돼지고기 못 먹어요.    Dwaejigogi mot meogeoyo	“I can’t eat pork.”

➜ Learn vocabulary related to fruits and vegetables

3. Learning Korean: The List of Korean Food Words – Vegetarian Dishes

Here is another list of vegetarian dishes that you can try! Remember, even though some of the dishes contain only vegetables, some dishes, such as soup, contain a seafood base. Please make sure to ask the staff what ingredients are being used before ordering to avoid eating meats/seafood by mistake! 

Here is the list of Korean food words. 

The List of Korean food words (Vegetarian Dishes)
Name of the dish	What is it?
비빔밥 Bibimbap	Bibimbap is a rice and vegetable meal served with a fried egg on top. Also, they might add a little marinated meat in to add more flavours to the dish. If you ask for a vegetarian dish, they will remove meat and egg for you.
된장찌개 Doenjang-jjigae	It is a brown-coloured soup made of bean paste called “doenjang.” Keep in mind that the soup base is anchovy or fishbone stock. If you don’t eat seafood, this dish may not be a good idea.
잡채 Japchae	These are vegetables and noodles which are made of sweet potatoes. Default Japchae comes with sliced meat; make sure to ask for no meat when ordering this dish.
김밥 Gimbap	This is one of the most popular street foods in Korea, and it comes with various ingredients. Gimbap is strips of pickled vegetables and rice rolled in seaweed. Most of the restaurants will have veggie gimbap – 야채김밥 (yachae gimbap).
감자전 GamjaJeon	GamjaJeon is potato pancakes that contain vegetables like onions, carrots, and so on. Another popular option is Kimchi jeon, which is a pancake with Kimchi.
김치 Kimchi	This is a Korean traditional side dish, and this will be served at every restaurant you go to. Kimchi is pickled cabbage in a chili paste. However, be aware that most are made with fish sauce.
군밤 Gunbam	These are roasted chestnuts that are often found on the streets.

4. Learning Korean: Asking Questions about 셀프 (self)

Did you know that some of the restaurants have a designated area where you can bring water, side dishes, soups, and so on by yourself? More and more local restaurants are asking guests to take care of their own water and side dishes; you will see a written text on the wall saying “물은 셀프입니다” (mureun selpeuimnida), meaning “water is self-service.” If you see this Korean phrase at a restaurant, most likely, you will have to bring your own side dishes from the designated area.

Essential korean phrases – Asking Questions about Self-Service
Korean Phrases	English Translations
물이랑 반찬은 셀프입니다. Murirang banchaneun selpeuimnida	“Water and side-dishes are self-service”
물은 어디서 가져올 수 있나요? Mureun eodiseo gajyeool su innayo?	“Where can I get a glass of water? ”
김치통에 김치가 다 떨어졌어요. 리필 해주시겠어요? Gimchitonge gimchiga da tteoreojyeosseoyo. Ripil haejusigesseoyo?	“The Kimchi container is empty. Could you refill kimchi? ”
물이 다 떨어졌어요. 물 새로 주세요.  Muri da tteoreojyeosseoyo. Mul saero juseyo.	“There is no more water. Can I have some water, please?”

5. Learning Korean: Asking Staff to Bring Some Items (eg. napkins, chopsticks, etc)

There are restaurants that don’t have a “self-service” area. In that case, you can directly ask the staff if you need anything. Here is the list of Korean phrases to ask a staff member to bring items for you. 

Essential korean phrases – Asking Staff to Bring Items
Korean Phrases	English Translations
물 좀 주세요.  Mul jom juseyo. 물 좀 주시겠어요? Mul jom jusigesseoyo?	“Please give me some water”
새로운 젓가락 주시겠어요? Saeroun jeotgarag jusigesseoyo?	“Can I get a new set of chopsticks? (if you dropped them)”
티슈 (냅킨) 좀 주시겠어요? Tisyu (naebkin) jom jusigesseoyo?	“Can I get some more napkins?”
이 컵은 깨끗하지 않네요. 새 컵으로 주시겠어요? I keobeun kkaekkeuthaji anneyo. Sae keobeuro jusigesseoyo?	“This cup is not clean. Could I have a new cup?”
주문한 음식이 아직 안왔어요. Jumunhan eumsigi ajik anwasseoyo.	“The food I ordered hasn’t arrived yet.”

➜ Learn useful Korean phrases on how to order and get the check in Korean

6. Other Questions Related to Restaurants (eg. baby chairs, bathroom)

Here is the list of Korean phrases (questions) that you can ask at a restaurant: 

Essential Korean phrases – Other Useful Korean Phrases
Korean Phrases	English Translations
화장실이 어디에 있어요? Hwajangsiri eodie isseoyo?	“Where is the bathroom?”
아기의자 제공하나요?  Agiuija jegonghanayo?	“Do you provide baby chairs?”
어린이용 메뉴있어요? Eoriniyong menyuisseoyo?	“Do you have a children’s menu?”

➜ Want to learn more about commonly used restaurant-related vocabulary and phrases? Check out “Vocabulary and Phrases at the restaurant”

7. Learning Korean: Giving Feedback about The Dish

Oftentimes, a waiter or a waitress will ask if you enjoyed the dishes when you are about to pay the bills. Here is the list of essential Korean phrases to give feedback about the dish you ate. 

Essential Korean phrases – Giving Feedback about the Dish in Korean
Korean Phrases	English Translations
잘 먹었습니다. Jal meogeotsseumnida.	Compliments to the chef.
배불러요!     Baebulleoyo!	I’m so full!
맛있어요.     Masisseoyo.	This is delicious.
너무 매워요.     Neomu maewoyo.	This is too spicy.

4. After Dining

Do you tip a waitress or waiter in your country? If so, you don’t need to tip them in Korea. If you do give them a tip, they may take it as an offense, so please remember not to give a tip in Korea. 

Also, once you order your dishes, the waiter or waitress will give you a recipe (bill) on your table. Remember to take this to the cashier to make a payment. 

1. Learning Korean: Asking for Bills in Korean

Here is a list of useful Korean phrases to learn when you pay the bills in Korea. 

Essential Korean phrases – Asking for Bills in Korean
Korean Phrases	English Translations
(If you have not received a bill) 계산서 주세요. Gyesanseo juseyo.	“Bill, please.”
전체 얼마예요?     Jeonche eolmayeyo?	“What’s the total price?”
내가 낼게. Naega naelge.	“It’s on me.” (casual)
제가 계산할게요. Jega gyesanhalgeyo.	“It’s on me.” (formal)
저번에 저녁 비용 냈으니까 이번은 내가 낼게. Jeobeone jeonyeok biyong naesseunikka ibeoneun naega naelkke.	“You paid for the dinner last time, so I will pay for this.” (casual)
카드로 계산할 수 있을까요? Kadeuro gyesanhal su isseulkkayo?	“Do you take credit cards?”
현금으로 낼 수 있어요?     Hyungeumeuro nael su isseoyo?	“Can I pay with cash?”
따로 계산해 주시겠어요? Ttaro gyesanhae jusigesseoyo?	“Can we pay separately?”
계산서에 착오가 있는 것 같아요. Gyesanseoe chagoga inneun geot gatayo.	“I think there is a mistake in the bill”
테이크아웃(포장)이 가능한가요? Teikeuaus(pojang)i ganeunghangayo?	“Is takeout (packaging) possible?”
영수증 주세요.     Yeongsujeung juseyo.	“I’d like a receipt, please.”
영수증 필요 없어요.     Yeongsujeung piryo eobseoyo.	“I don’t need a receipt.”

5. How KoreanClass101 Can Help with Learning Korean

In this blog article, we introduced essential Korean phrases for ordering food as well as famous Korean food words so that you can enjoy Korean food while you are staying in Korea.  We hope that you can spend some time learning these essential Korean phrases and words and prepare for an exciting trip to Korea! 

If you enjoyed this article, consider signing up to learn more about essential Korean phrases and words. KoreanClass101 provides excellent Korean study materials, and thousands of Korean lessons are available for you. We are very confident that you will have the best learning Korean experience. Why not start with our free resources, such as free vocabulary lists? 

korean language learning – Free Study Materials
Korean Core 100 Word List	Challenge yourself by learning new words every day. We have a 100 to 2,000 words list just for you.
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As you approach an advanced level in Korean, it’s crucial that you don’t become complacent. This stage is a good time to start adding more advanced words and phrases to your vocabulary. 

In this blog post, you will learn the most common advanced Korean words that you’ll need to know in order to pass a Korean language exam, study at a Korean university, or work in Korea. 

Table of Contents

1. Advanced Academic Words
2. Advanced Business Words
3. Advanced Medical Words
4. Advanced Legal Words
5. Alternative Words for Acing Korean Writing/Essays
6. How KoreanClass101 Can Help You with Your Korean Studies

1. Advanced Academic Words

We’ll start our advanced Korean vocabulary list with a variety of words related to academia. Learning these words will help you understand lectures and add flair to your academic writing. 

동물학

dongmulhak

zoology

Example: 

• 난 동물학자가 되고 싶어.
  Nan dongmulhakjaga doego sipeo.
  “I want to be a zoologist.”

지구과학

jigugwahak

earth science

Example: 

• 저는 우주 현상 공포증이 있어서 지구 과학을 공부할 때 힘들었습니다.
  Jeoneun uju hyeonsang gongpojeungi isseoseo jigu gwahageul gongbuhal ttae himdeureotseumnida.
  “I had a phobia of space phenomena, so it was difficult when I was studying earth science.”

가설

gaseol

hypothesis

Examples: 

• 그 가설은 검증이 필요해 보입니다.
  Geu gaseoreun geomjeungi piryohae boimnida.
  “That hypothesis looks like it needs validation.”

• 꿈의 기능에 대한 가설
  kkumui gineunge daehan gaseol
  “a hypothesis about the function of dreams”

이론

i-ron

theory

Example:

• 과학자들은 진화 이론을 높이 평가한다.
  Gwahakjadeureun jinhwa ironeul nopi pyeonggahanda.
  “Scientists hold the theory of evolution in high regard.”

그 결과 바탕으로

geu gyeolgwareul batangeuro

based on the results

Example:

• 실험 결과를 바탕으로, 우리는 토끼가 야행성 동물이라는 결론을 내릴 수 있었다.
  Silheom gyeolgwareul batangeuro, urineun tokkiga yahaengseong dongmuliraneun gyeolloneul naelil su isseotda.
  “Based on the results of the experiment, we have concluded that rabbits are nocturnal creatures.”

그 결과

geu gyeolgwa

As a result

Example:

• 실험의 결과는 결론에 이르지 못했다. 그 결과, 실험을 반복해야 했다.
  Silheomui gyeolgwaneun gyeollone ireuji mothaetda. Geu gyeolgwa, silheomeul banbokaeya haetda.
  “The results of the experiment were inconclusive. As a result, the research had to be repeated.”

동창회

dongchanghoe

class reunion

Example:

• 우리는 교가를 부르면서 동창회를 마쳤다.
  Urineun gyogareul bureumyeonseo dongchanghoereul machyeotda.
  “We ended our class reunion by singing the alma mater.”

입학 허가

ipak heoga

admission

Example:

• 우리 아들이 법대에 입학 허가를 받아 냈어요!
  Uri adeuri boepdaee ipak heogareul bad-a naesseoyo!
  “My son got admission to law school!”

인류학

illyuhak

anthropology

Example:

• 사회 인류학은 사회 과학의 한가지이다.
  Sahoe illyuhakeun sahoe gwahakui hangajiida.
  “Social anthropology is one of the social sciences.”

심리학

simnihak

psychology

Example:

• 심리학에는 임상심리와 심리상담이 있어요.
  Simnihageneun imsangsimniwa simnisangdami isseoyo.
  “There is clinical and counseling psychology.”

성적 증명서

seongjeok jeungmyeongseo

transcript

Example:

• 성적 증명서 다섯 통이 필요해요.
  Seongjeok jeungmyeongseo daseot tongi piryohaeyo.
  “I need five copies of my academic transcript.”

등록금

deungrokgeum

tuition

Example:

• 난 대학 등록금을 내기 위해 돈을 좀 따로 모아 두었어.
  Nan daehak deungrokgeumeul naegi wihae doneul jom ttaro moa dueosseo.
  “I’ve put some money aside for college fees.”

장학금

janghakgeum

scholarship

Example:

• 내 여동생은 장학금을 여러 번 받아서 부러워.
  Nae yeodongsaengeun deungrokgeumeul yeoreo beon badaseo bureowo.
  “My sister received several scholarships, so I feel envious.”

강의실

ganguisil

lecture hall

Example:

• 학생들이 강의실에 가득 찼다.
  Hagsaengdeuri ganguisire gadeuk chatda.
  “Students crowded the lecture hall.”

경영관리학 석사

gyeongyeonggwallihak seoksa

MBA

Example:

• 나는 경영 관리학 석사를 2021년에 취득하였다.
  Naneun gyeongyeonggwallihak seoksareul 2021nyeone chwideukhayeotda.
  “I obtained my degree in business administration in the year 2001.”

건축학

geonchukak

architecture

Example:

• 저는 대학에서 건축학을 공부했습니다.
  Jeoneun daehageseo geonchukakeul gongbuhaetseumnida.
  “I studied architecture in college.”

졸업증명서

joreopjeungmyeongseo

graduation certificate / diploma

Example:

A: 
졸업 증명서는 무엇인가요?
Joreopjeungmyeongseoneun mueosingayo?
“What is the graduation certificate?”

B: 
졸업 증명서는 능력을 증명하는 보증서입니다.
Joreopjeungmyeongseoneun neungnyeogeul jeungmyeonghaneun bojeungseoimnida.
“The graduation certificate is a certificate of proficiency.”

추천서

chucheonseo

recommendation

Example:

• 그는 가짜 추천서를 써서 그 직장에 들어갔다.
  Geuneun gajja chucheonseoreul sseoseo geu jikjange deureogatda.
  “He entered the job with a fake recommendation letter.”

휴학하다

hyuhakada

to take time off from school

Example:

• 1년을 휴학했던데, 왜 학교를 휴학했었나요?
  Ilhaknyeoneul hyuhakaetdeonde, wae hakgyoreul hyuhakaesseonnayo?
  “You took a year off from school. Why did you take a leave of absence from school?”

퇴학당하다

toehakdanghada

to be expelled from school

Example:

• 나는 고등학교 마지막 해에 퇴학당한적이 있다.
  Naneun godeunghakgyo majimak haee toehakdanghanjeogi itda.
  “I was expelled from school in the last year of high school.”

학사학위

haksa hagwi

bachelor’s degree

Example:

• 학사 학위로는 지리학을 공부했습니다.
  Haksa hagwironeun jirihageul gongbuhaetseumnida.
  “With a bachelor’s degree, I studied geography.”

석사학위

seoksa hagwi

master’s degree

Example:

• 그는 경영학 석사 학위 소지자이다.
  Geuneun gyeongyeonghak seoksa hagwi sojijaida.
  “He has a master’s in Business Administration.”

박사학위

baksahagwi

doctorate

Example:

• 그는 한의학 박사학위를 받았다.
  Geuneun hanuihak baksahagwireul badatda.
  “He received a doctorate in Oriental medicine.”

초고

chogo

first draft

Example:

• 이것은 저의 연설문 초고예요. 읽어볼래요?
  Igeoseun jeoui yeonseolmun chogoyeyo. Ilgeobollaeyo?
  “This is the first draft of my speech. Would you like to read it?”

완성안

wanseongan

final draft

Example:

• 잭은 논문의 최종안에 대해 선생님이 다소 까다롭게 군다고 생각했다.
  Jageun nonmunui choejongane daehae seonsaengnimi daso kkadaropge gundago saenggakhaetda.
  “Jack thought that his teacher was being rather finicky about the final draft of the paper.”

2. Advanced Business Words

Another essential set of words in Korean for advanced learners are those related to the business world. This is especially true if you plan to work or do business in Korea one day! 

매출총이익

maechulchongiik

gross profit

Example:

• 매출총이익은 1억 4백만 달러가 증가하여 19억 달러가 되었다.
  Maechulchongiigeun ireok sabaebaengman dalleoga jeunggahayeo sipgueok dalleoga doeeotda.
  “The gross profit increased from $104 million to $1.9 billion.”

고정자산

gojeongjasan

fixed asset

Example:

• 대지, 사무실, 창고, 공장, 장비와 가구 등은 고정자산에 속한다.
  Daeji, samusil, changgo, gongjang, jangbiwa gigu deungeun gojeongjasane sokanda.
  “Land, offices, warehouses, factories, equipment, and furniture are capital assets.”

채권자

chaegwonja

creditor

Example:

• 금융기관이 채권자와 채무자 사이에서 중개인 역할을 한다.
  Geumyunggigwani chaegwonjawa chaemuja saieseo junggaein yeoghareul handa.
  “Financial institutions act as intermediaries between lenders and borrowers.”

비용

biyong

expense / cost

Example:

• 그 회사는 소송 비용 때문에 거의 파산 지경이 되었다.
  Geu hoesaneun sosong biyong ttaemune geoui pasan jigyeongi doeeotda.
  “The company was almost bankrupted by legal costs.”

순이익

suniik

net profit

Example:

• 그 가게는 한 달 순이익이 500만 원이다.
  Geu gageneun han dal suniigi obaegman wonida.
  “That store earns five million won in net profit.”

수익

suik

revenue

Example:

• 그 회사는 수익성 좋은 해외 시장과 연결된 후 수익이 갑절로 늘었다.
  Geu hoesaneun suikseong joeun haeoe sijanggwa yeongyeoldoen hu suigi gabjeollo neureotda.
  “The company has doubled its profits since plugging into lucrative overseas markets.”

부채

buchae

liability

Example:

• 그 회사는 600만 달러가 넘는 부채가 누적되어 있었다.
  Geu hoesaneun yukbaegman dalleoga neomneun buchaega nujeokdoeeo isseotda.
  “The firm had accrued debts of over $6 million.”

유동 자산

yudong jasan

current asset

Example:

• 유동 자산이 유동 부채보다 적다.
  Yudong jasani yudong buchaeboda jeokda.
  “The current assets are less than the current liabilities.”

노무비

nomubi

labor expense

Example:

• 노무비를 삭감하다.
  Nomubireul sakgamhada.
  “Cut down the labor expense.”

승인

seungin

approval

Example:

• 그 계획은 조건 없이 승인되었다.
  Geu gyehoegeun jogeon eopsi seungindoeeotda.
  “The plan was approved without qualification.”

광고

gwanggo

advertisement / commercial

Example:

• 그녀는 TV 광고 방송을 위한 보이스오버 일로 많은 돈을 번다.
  Geunyeoneun TV gwanggo bangsongeul wihan boiseuobeo illo maneun doneul beonda.
  “She earns a lot of money doing voice-overs for TV commercials.”

논제

nonje

topic of discussion

Example:

• 가장 중요한 논제 중 하나는 북한이었다.
  Gajang jungyohan nonje jung hananeun bukanieotda.
  “One of the most important topics of discussion was North Korea.”

부서

buseo

department / division

Example:

• 그의 부서가 우리 부서와 합칠 것이다.
  Geuui buseoga uri buseowa hapchil geosida.
  “His department will merge with mine.”

불이익

buriik

disadvantage

Example:

• 이번 프로젝트의 실패로 우리 회사는 큰 불이익을 겪었다.
  Ibeon peurojegteuui silpaero uri hoesaneun keun buriigeul gyeokkeotda.
  “Our company suffered a huge disadvantage due to the failure of this project.”

분배

bunbae

distribution / division

Example:

• 그 재산의 잔여 유산은 그의 자녀들에게 공평하게 분배되었다.
  Geu jaesanui janyeo yusaneun geuui janyeodeurege gongpyeonghage bunbaedoeeotda.
  “The remainder of the estate was divided equally among his children.”

영수증

yeongsujeung

receipt

Example:

• 영수증을 명세서와 대조하여 확인해 보세요.
  Yeongsujeungeul myeongsesowa daejohayeo hwaginhae boseyo.
  “Check your receipts against the statement.”

수수료

susuryo

commission

Example:

• 시간당 수수료는 현재 500원입니다.
  Sigandang yeongsujeungneun hyeonjae obaegwonimnida.
  “The hourly commission is currently 500 won.”

기업간의

gieopganui

B2B

Example:

• 이 직책은 기업간의 전화 상담 업무를 맡게 됩니다.
  I jikchageun gieopganui jeonhwa sangdam eommureul matge doemnida.
  “This position will be responsible for business-to-business calls.”

* There is a word for “B2B” in Korean, as written above, but it’s more common to just say “B2B.”

Check out Which Adjective Describes Your Personality Best? PART 2 on our website to learn more adjectives in Korean.

기업 / 소비자간의

gieop / sobijaganui

B2C

Example:

• 우리팀은 대체로 기업, 소비자간의 업무만 하게 됩니다.
  Uritimeun daechero gieop, sobijaganui eommuman hage doemnida.
  “Our team usually only does B2C business.”

* There is a word for “B2C” in Korean, as written above, but it’s rarely used. 

사업가

saeopga

entrepreneur

Example:

• 두 명의 사업가가 테러범들에게 납치되었다.
  Du myeongui saeopgaga tereobeomdeurege napchidoeeotda.
  “Two businessmen have been kidnapped by terrorists.”

투자 수익률

tuja suingnyul

Return on Investment (ROI)

Example:

• 보내주신 자료로 보아서는 투자 수익률 수치는 현실적이라고 생각됩니다.
  Bonaejusin jaryoro boaseoneun tuja suingnyul suchineun hyeonsiljeogirago saenggakdoemnida.
  “Based on the information you sent me, I think that the ROI numbers appear to be realistic.”

* It is more common to say “ROI” than 투자수익률 in Korea.

글로벌 시장

geullobeol sijang

global market

Example:

• 본사는 한국 정부가 승인한 글로벌 시장개척 전문기업입니다.
  Bonsaneun hanguk jeongbuga seunginhan geullobeol sijanggaecheok jeonmungieobimnida.
  “Our company is a global market developer authorized by the Korean government.”

유통시장

yutongsijang

secondary market

Example:

• 정부는 왜곡된 유통시장을 바로잡기 위해 노력하고 있다.
  Jeongbuneun waegokdoen yutongsijangeul barojapgi wihae noryeokago itda.
  “The government is striving to rectify the distorted [misrepresented] distribution market.”

경쟁

gyeongjaeng

competition

Example:

• 경쟁이 날이 갈수록 치열해지고 있다.
  Gyeongjaengi nari galsurok chiyeolhaejigo itda.
  “Competition is getting hotter day by day.”

비교

bigyo

comparison

Example:

• 그에 비교해, 교육비는 작년에 증가했다.
  Geue bigyohae, gyoyukbineun jagnyeone jeunggahaetda.
  “By comparison, expenditure on education increased last year.”

3. Advanced Medical Words

Whether you want to study medicine in South Korea or you happen to find yourself in the hospital, you’ll greatly benefit from knowing these advanced Korean vocabulary words related to the medical world. 

일반 진료의사

ilban jillyouisa

GP (general practitioner)

Example:

• 가장 수가 많은 일반 진료 분야 의사의 연령대와 성별은 무엇입니까?
  Gajang suga maneun ilban jillyo bunya uisaui yeollyeongdaewa seongbyeoreun mueosimnikka?
  “What age range and sex has the highest number of doctors in general practice?”

마취과 의사

machwigwa uisa

anesthesiologist

Example:

• 저의 아버지께서는 마취과 의사였습니다.
  Jeoui abeojikkeseoneun yeollyeongdaewa seongbyeoreun mueosimnikkayeossseumnida.
  “My father was an anesthesiologist.”

외과 의사

oegwa uisa

surgeon

Example:

• 외과의사가 소년의 뇌종양을 제거했다.
  Oegwa uisaga sonyeonui noejongyangeul jegohaetda.
  “The surgeon removed the boy’s brain tumor.”

간호사

ganhosa

nurse

Example:

• 간호사가 나의 친구를 휠체어에 태우고 복도를 따라 갔다.
  Ganhosaga naui chingureul hwilcheeoe taeugo bokdoreul ttara gatda.
  “The nurse wheeled my friend along the corridor.”

산부인과 의사

sanbuingwa uisa

gynecologist

Example:

• 수미는 어른이 되어서 산부인과 의사가 되어야겠다고 결심했습니다.
  Sumineun eoreuni doeeoseo sanbuingwa uisaga doeeoyagetdago gyeolsimhaetseumnida.
  “Sumi decided to become a gynecologist when she becomes an adult.”

출혈

chulhyeol

bleeding

Example:

• 의사들은 그 출혈을 멎게 할 수가 없었다.
  Uisadereun geu chulhyeoreul meotge hal suga eopseotda.
  “Doctors couldn’t stop the bleeding.”

뇌진탕

noejintang

concussion

Example:

• 그는 뇌진탕으로 병원에 실려 갔다.
  Geuneun noejintangeuro byeongwone sillyeo gatda.
  “He was taken to the hospital with a concussion.”

흉통

hyungtong

chest pain

Example:

• 심한 흉통이 심장마비의 징조이다.
  Simhan hyungtongi simjangmabiui jingjoida.
  “Severe chest pain is a sign of a heart attack.”

변비

byeonbi

constipation

Example:

• 변비에 걸렸으면, 하제를 복용하는것이 좋다.
  Byeonbie geollyeosseumyeon, hajereul bogyonghaneungeosi jota.
  “If you’re constipated, it is better to take a laxative.”

맥박

maekbak

pulse

Example:

• 그의 맥박율이 갑자기 떨어졌다.
  geuui maekbagyuri gapjagi tteoreojyeotda.
  “His pulse rate dropped suddenly.”

혈액 샘플

hyeoraek saempeul

blood sample

Example: 

• 의사들이 그 남자의 혈액 샘플에 대해 몇 가지 검사를 더 해 보기로 했다.
  Uisadeuri geu namjaui hyeoraek saempeure daehae myeot gaji geomsareul deo hae bogiro haetda.
  “The doctors decided to run some more tests on the blood samples.”

찰과상

chalgwasang

graze

Example:

• 놀랍게도 그 남자는 그 사고에서 찰과상 하나 입지 않고 살아남았다.
  Nollapgedo geu namjaneun geu sagoeseo chalgwasang hana ipji anko saranamatda.
  “Amazingly, he survived the accident without a scratch.”

꽃가루 알레르기

kkotgaru allereugi

hay fever

Example:

• 저는 꽃가루 알레르기가 있어요.
  Jeoneun kkotgaru allereugiga isseoyo.
  “I have an allergy to pollen.”

치질

chijil

hemorrhoids

Example: 

• 저는 치질 때문에 의자에 앉을 수 없었어요.
  Jeoneun chijil ttaemune uijae anjeul su eopseosseoyo.
  “I couldn’t sit in a chair because of my hemorrhoids.”

살 속으로 파고드는 발톱

sal sogeuro pagodeuneun baltop

ingrown toenail

Example:

• 살 속으로 파고드는 발톱이 있는데 정말 아파.
  Sal sogeuro pagodeuneun baltobi inneunde jeongmal apa.
  “I have an ingrown toenail, and it is really painful.”

저체온증

jeocheonjeung

hypothermia

Example: 

• 그 남자는 야간 산행 중에 저체온증을 보였다.
  Geu namjaneun yagan sanhaeng junge jeocheonjeungeul boyeotda.
  “He showed signs of hypothermia while night hiking.”

백혈병

baekyeolbyeong

leukemia

Example:

• 대부분의 백혈병 환자들은 어떤 종류의 약물 치료를 받는다. 
  Daebubunui baekyeolbyeong hwanjadeureun eotteon jongnyuui yangmul chiryoreul banneunda.
  “Most leukemia patients undergo some sort of drug therapy.”

백혈병

baekyeolbyeong

leukemia

Example: 

• 정신분열증은 극도로 복잡한 정신 질환이다.
  Jeongsinbunyeoljeungeun geukdoro bokjapan jeongsin jilhwanida.
  “Schizophrenia is an extremely complex mental illness.”

디스크

diseukeu

slipped disc

Example:

• 우리 할머니는 디스크로 고생을 많이 하셨다.
  Uri halmeonineun diseukeuro gosaengeul mani hasyeotda.
  “My grandmother struggled a lot with discs.”

뇌졸중

noejoljung

stroke

Example: 

• 과체중인 사람들은 심장마비나 뇌졸중의 위험이 있다.
  Gwachejungin saramdeureun simjangmabina noejoljungui wiheomi itda.
  “People who are overweight run a risk of a heart attack or stroke.”

광견병

gwanggyeonbyeong

rabies

Example: 

• 내 친구는 광견병 예방 접종을 했다.
  Nae chinguneun gwanggyeonbyeong yebang jeopjongeul haetda.
  “My friend got a preventive shot for rabies.”

바이러스

baireoseu

virus

Example: 

• 이 약은 바이러스가 자기 복제를 하지 못하게 한다.
  I yageun baireoseuga jagi bokjereul haji mothage handa.
  “This drug prevents the virus from replicating itself.”

휠체어

hwilcheeo

wheelchair

Example: 

• 폴이 힘겹게 휠체어에서 빠져나왔다.
  Pori himgyeopge hwilcheeoeseo ppajyeonawatda.
  “Paul struggled out of his wheelchair.”

메스꺼움을 느끼다

meseukkeoumeul neukkida

to feel sick

Example: 

• 왜 그러는지 모르겠는데, 비행기를 탈 때마다 나는 메스꺼움을 느껴.
  Wae geureoneunji moreugetneunde, bihaenggireul tal ttaemada naneun meseukkeoumeul neukkyeo.
  “I don’t know why, but I get nauseous whenever I fly.”

절뚝거리다

jeolttukgeorida

to limp

Example: 

• 우리 집 강아지가 갑자기 절뚝거리기 시작하더니 잘 걷지를 못하더라고.
  Uri jip gangajiga gapjagi jeolttukgeorigi sijakadeoni jal geotjireul motadeorago.
  “My dog ​​suddenly started limping and couldn’t walk well.”

4. Advanced Legal Words

Now, let’s look at a few advanced Korean words related to the legal system. These words will help you have more complex conversations with native speakers, follow the news, and maybe even get through law school!

재판

jaepan

trial

Example: 

• 형사 재판은 2월 14일에 열립니다.
  Hyeungsa jaepaneun iwol sipsaire yeollimnida.
  “The criminal trial takes place on February 14.”

탄핵

tanhaek

impeachment

Example: 

• 총리는 뇌물을 받아서 탄핵되었다.
  Chonrineun noemureul badaseo tanhaekdoeeotda.
  “The prime minister was impeached for taking a bribe.”

법정 연령

beopjeongyeonryeong

legal age

Example: 

• 술을 사려면 법정연령이 되어야 한다.
  Sureul saryeonyeon beopjeongyeonryeongi doeeoya handa.
  “You must be of legal age to buy liquor.”

법정 공휴일

beopjeong gonghyuil

legal holiday

Example: 

• 3월 1일은 한국에서 법정 공휴일이예요.
  Samwol ilireun hangugeseo beopjeong gonghyuiriyeyo.
  “March 1 is a legal holiday in Korea.”

절도죄

jeoldojoe

larceny

Example: 

• 그 청소년은 네 건의 절도죄로 기소되었다
  Geu cheongsonyeoneun ne geonui jeoldojoero gisodoeeotda.
  “The youth was charged with four counts of larceny.”

몸값

momgap

ransom

Example:

• 유괴된 아이들은 모두 몸값이 지불되어 무사히 집으로 돌아왔다.
  Yugoedoen aideureun modu momgapsi jibuldoeeo musahi jibeuro dorawatda.
  “The kidnapper demanded a ransom for the children and returned them home unharmed.”

검사

geomsa

prosecution

Example:  

• 검사는 피고에게 무기징역을 구형했다.
  Geomsaneun pigoege mugijingyeogeul guhyeonghaetda.
  “The prosecution demanded life imprisonment for the accused.”

무기징역

mugijingyeok

life imprisonment

Example: 

• 그는 무기징역을 선고 받았다.
  Geuneun mugijingyeogeul seongo badatda.
  “He was sentenced to life imprisonment.”

영장

yeongjang

warrant

Example: 

• 그에 대한 구속 영장이 발부되었다.
  Geue daehan yeongjangi balbudoeeotda.
  “A warrant has been issued for his arrest.”

증인

jeungin

witness

Example: 

• 그 서명에 대해서는 두 명의 증인이 증언했다.
  Geu seomyeonge daehaeseoneun du myeongui jeungini jeungeonhaetda.
  “The signature was attested by two witnesses.”

유언장

yueonjang

will

Example: 

• 당신의 유언장은 변호사에게 맡겨 두어야 합니다.
  Dangsinui yueonjangeun byeonhosaege matgyeo dueoya hamnida.
  “Your will should be lodged with your lawyer.”

조직적인 범죄

jojikjeogin beomjoe

organized crime

Example:  

• 마약과 조직적 범죄와의 관련성이 있을 수도 있어요. 
  Mayakgwa jojikjeok beomjoewaui gwanryeonseongi isseul sudo isseoyo.
  “There might be a connection between drugs and organized crime.”

보증인

bojeungin

guarantor

Example: 

• 보증인이 되어주시겠습니까?
  Bojeungini doeeojusigetsseumnikka?
  “Could you act as a guarantor?”

주민등록등본

jumindeungrokdeungbon

certified copy of one’s residence registration

Example: 

• 주민등록등본 한 통을 제출해 주세요.
  Jumindeungrokdeungbon han tongeul jechulhae juseyo.
  “Please submit a certified copy of your residence registration.”

유죄의

yujoeui

guilty

Example:

• 유죄의 평결이 내렸다.
  Yujoeui pangyeori naeryeotda.
  “A verdict of ‘guilty’ was returned.”

탄원서

tanwonseo

petition

Example: 

• 동물 대상 실험 반대 탄원서에 서명해주시겠습니까?
  Dongmul daesang silheom bandae tanwonseoe semyeonghaejusigetseumnikka?
  “Could you sign a petition against animal testing?”

효력

hyoryeok

effective (power)

Example: 

• 이거는 법적 효력이 있는 거야 알지?
  Igeo beopjyeok hyoryeogi itneun geoya, alji?
  “You know that this has legal power, right?”

위증

wijeung

perjury

Example: 

• 판사는 증인에게 위증하지 말라고 경고했다.
  Pansaneun jeunginege wijeunghaji mallago gyeonggohaetda.
  “The judge warned the witness not to commit perjury.”

기소되다

gisodoeda

to be charged with

Example: 

• 그는 갈취 혐의로 체포되어 기소되었다.
  Geuneun galchwi hyeomuiro chepodoeeo gisodoeeotda.
  “He was arrested and charged with extortion.”

위임사항

wiimsahang

terms of reference

Example: 

• 그것의 위임사항이 뭐니?
  Geugesui wiimsahangi mwoni?
  “What are its terms of reference?”

투표

tupyo

vote

Example:

• 그는 투표를 거부함으로써 불만을 표했다. 
  Geuneun tupyoreul geobuhameuroseo bulmaneul pyohaetda.
  “He signaled his discontent by refusing to vote.”

증언

jeungeon

testimony

Example: 

• 증언하는 것을 제가 거부해도 됩니까?
  Jega jeungeonhaneun geoseul geobuhal su issseumnikka?
  “Can I refuse to give testimony?”

대법원

daebeobwon

supreme court

Example: 

• 대법원은 서울에 위치해 있다.
  Daebeobwoneun seoure wichihae itda.
  “The Supreme Court is located in Seoul.”

기록 관리

girok gwalli

recordkeeping

Example: 

• 기록 관리가 제대로 되고 있지 않아 그 문제의 전체 규모를 파악하기가 어렵다.
  Girok gwalliga jedero doego itji ana geu munjeui jeonche gyumoreul paakagiga eoryeopda.
  “Poor recordkeeping makes it difficult to determine the full extent of the problem.”

5. Alternative Words for Acing Korean Writing/Essays

Finally, here are some simpler Korean words and phrases (top row) followed by their more advanced counterparts (bottom row). Learning how to use these advanced Korean words and phrases correctly will help you score higher on exams and essays. 

말리다 (mallida) – “to stop someone from doing something”

만류하다 (manryuhada) – “to stop someone from doing something”

Examples:

• 직원들의 만류에도 불구하고 사장님은 회사를 그만뒀다.
  Jigwondeurui mallyuedo bulguhago sajangnimeun hoesareul geumandwotda.
  “Despite the pressure from the employees, the boss quit the company.”

• 가족들의 만류에도 불구하고 아버지는 전 재산을 기부했다. 
  Gajokdeurui mallyuedo bulguhago abeojineun jeon jaesaneul gibuhaetda.
  “In spite of family reluctance, his father donated all his fortune.”

서로 함께 행동을 주고 받다 (seoro hamkke haengdongeul jugo batda) – “to give and take action together”

상호작용 하다 (sanghojagyong hada) – “to interact with each other”

Examples: 

• 수업시간에는 교사와 학생들은 서로 함께 행동을 주고 받는것이 중요합니다.
  Sueopsiganeneun gyosawa haksaengdeureun seoro hamkke haengdongeul jugo batneungeosi jungyohamnida.
  “It is important that a teacher and students give and take action together.”

• 수업시간에는 교사와 학생들의 상호작용이 중요합니다. 
  Sueopsiganeneun gyosawa haksaengdeurui sanghojagyongi jungyojahmida.
  “Teacher-student interaction is important in class.”

사람을 보는 능력 (sarameul boneun neungnyeok) – “the ability to see people”

안목 (anmok) – “discerning eye”

Examples:

• 다양한 경험을 하여 사람을 보는 능력을 길러야 합니다. 
  Dayanghan gyeongheomeul hayeo sarameul boneun neungnyeogeul gilleoya hamnida.
  “You need to develop your ability to see people through various experiences.”

• 다양한 경험을 하여 안목을 길러야 합니다. 
  Dayanghan gyeongheomeul hayeo anmogeul gilleoya hamnida.
  “You need to develop your eyes through various experiences.”

끝나다 (kkeunnada) – “to finish”

종료하다 (jongryohada) – “to quit”

Examples:

• 그것보다는, 그는 끝내기로 결정했다.
  Geugeotbodaneun, geuneun kkeunnaegiro gyeoljeonghaetda.
  “Rather, he has decided to finish.”

• 그것보다는, 그는 종료하기로 결정했다.
  Geugeotbodaneun, geuneun jongryohagiro gyeoljeonghaetda.
  “Rather, he has decided to quit.”

주다 (juda) – “to give”

제공하다 (jegonghada) – “to provide”

Examples:

• 당신의 신분을 증명할 뭔가를 줄 수 있습니까?
  Dangsinui sinbuneul jeungmyeonghal mwongareul jul su itseumnikka?
  “Can you give any proof of identity?”

• 당신의 신분을 증명할 뭔가를 제시할 수 있습니까?
  Dangsinui sinbuneul jeungmyeonghal mwongareul jegong hal su itseumnikka?
  “Can you provide any proof of identity?”

배우다 (baeuda) – “to learn”

학습하다 (hakseupada) – “to learn”

Examples:

• 네가 영어를 배우는 이유가 뭐니?
  Nega yeongeoreul baeuneun iyuga mwoni?
  “What is your reason for learning English?”

• 네가 영어를 학습하는 이유가 뭐니?
  Nega yeongeoreul hakseupaneun iyuga mwoni?
  “What is your reason for learning English?”

더하다 (deohada) – “to add”

추가하다 (chugahada) – “to add”

Examples:

• 로즈마리, 레몬즙, 뚱딴지, 생크림, 소금, 후추를 더하다.
  Rojeumari, lemonjeup, ttungttanji, saengkeurim, sogeum, huchureul deohada.
  “Add rosemary, lemon juice, Jerusalem artichokes, heavy cream, salt, and pepper.”

• 로즈마리, 레몬즙, 뚱딴지, 생크림, 소금, 후추를 추가하다.
  Rojeumari, lemonjeup, ttungttanji, saengkeurim, sogeum, huchureul chugahada.
  “Add rosemary, lemon juice, Jerusalem artichokes, heavy cream, salt, and pepper.”

가지다 (gajida) – “to have”

소유하다 (soyuhada) – “to own”

Examples:

• 그 국민투표에 참가할 권리를 가지다
  Geu gugmintupyoe chamgahal gwonlireul gajida
  “have the right to vote in the plebiscite”

• 그 국민투표에 참가할 권리를 소유하다
  Geu gugmintupyoe chamgahal gwonlireul soyuhada
  “have the right to vote in the plebiscite”

들어오다 (deureooda) – “to come into” / “to enter”

유입되다 (yuipdoeda) – “to come” / “to enter” / “to come into”

Examples:

• 이 바이러스는 외국에서 들어온 것 같습니다.
  I baireoseuneun oegugeseo dereoon geot gatseumnida.
  “This virus seems to have come from abroad.”

• 이 바이러스는 외국에서 유입된 것 같습니다. 
  I baireoseuneun oegugeseo yuipdoen geot gatseumnida.
  “This virus seems to have come from abroad.”

주고 받다 (jugo batda) – “to exchange”

교류하다 (gyoryuhada) – “to exchange”

Examples:

• 정보를 주고 받다 
  jeongboreul jugo batda
  “to exchange information”

• 정보를 교류하다 
  jeongboreul gyoryuhada
  “to exchange information”

좋게 바꾸다 (joke bakkuda) – “to make something better”

개선하다 (gaeseonhada) – “to improve”

Examples:

• 정책을 좋게 바꿔서 더 편리하게 생활 할 수 있도록 돕겠습니다.
  Jeongchaegeul joke bakkwoseo deo pyeollihage saenghwal hal su itdorok dopgetseumnida.
  “We will make our policies better to help you live more conveniently.”

• 정책을 개선해서 더 편리하게 생활 할 수 있도록 돕겠습니다.
  Jeongchaegeul gaeseonhaeseo deo pyeollihage saenghwal hal su itdorok dopgetseumnida.
  “We will improve our policies to help you live more conveniently.”

많은 사람들 (maneun saramdeul) – “many people”

인파가 몰리다 (inpaga mollida) – “crowded”

Examples:

• 1월 1일 해돋이를 보려고 동해 바다에 많은 사람들이 모였다.
  Iwol iril haedojireul boryeogo donghae badae maneun saramdeuri moyeotda.
  “Many people gathered at the East Sea to see the sunrise on January 1.”

• 1월 1일 해돋이를 보려고 동해 바다에 많은 인파가 몰렸다. 
  Iwol iril haedojireul boryeogo donghae badae maneun inpaga mollyeotda.
  “A large crowd of people gathered at the East Sea to see the sunrise on January 1.”

선택하다 (seontaekada) – “to choose” / “to select”

발탁하다 (baltakada) – “to select”

Examples:

• A회사는 광고모델로 김씨를 선택했다.
  Ahoesaneun gwanggomodello gimssireul seontaekaetda.
  “Company A chose Kim as its advertising model.”

• A회사는 광고모델로 김씨를 발탁했다.
  Ahoesaneun gwanggomodello gimssireul baltakaetda.
  “Company A selected Mr. Kim as an advertising model.”

아주 원하다 (aju wonhada) – “to want something badly”

염원하다 (yeomwonhada) – “to wish”

Examples:

• 국민들의 아주 원하는 것을 꼭 이뤄드리겠습니다. 
  Gukmindeurui aju wonhaneun geoseul kkok irwodeurigetsseumnida.
  “We will surely achieve what the people want.”

• 국민들의 염원을 꼭 이뤄드리겠습니다. 
  Gukmindeurui yeomwoneul kkok irwodeurigetsseumnida.
  “We will surely fulfill what the people wish.”

길 (gil) – “street”

경로 (gyeongro) – “route” / “direction”

Examples:

• 졸업식에 참가하시는 분들을 위해 오시는 길를 홈페이지에 안내하도록 하겠습니다.
  Joreopsige chamgahasineun bundeureul wihae osineun gilleul hompeijie annaehadorok hagetseumnida.
  “For those who are participating in the graduation ceremony, we will provide the directions on the website.”

• 졸업식에 참가하시는 분들을 위해 오시는 경로를 홈페이지에 안내하도록 하겠습니다. 
  Joreopsige chamgahasineun bundeureul wihae osineun gyeongroreul hompeijie annaehadorok hagetseumnida.
  “For those who are participating in the graduation ceremony, we will provide the directions on the website.”

시작한 장소 (sijakan jangso) – “place from which something started”

발원지 (barwonji) – “origin”

Examples:

• 그 바이러스가 시작한 장소는 부산이라고 합니다 .
  Geu baileoseuga sijakan jangsoneun busanirago hamnida.
  “The place where the virus started is called Busan.”

• 그 바이러스의 발원지는 부산이라고 합니다.
  Geu baileoseuga barwonjineun jangsoneun busanirago hamnida.
  “The place where the virus originated is called Busan.”

일이 없어지다 (iri eopseojida) – “to lose one’s job”

밥줄이 끊기다 (bapjuri kkeunkida) – Direct translation: “The rice line is cut off”

Examples:

• 갑자기 일이 없어졌다. 앞으로 생계가 막막해졌다.
  Gapjagi iri eopseojyeotda. Apeuro saenggyega mangmakaejyeotda.
  “Suddenly, there was no work. I’m at a loss over how to make ends meet.”

• 당장 밥줄이 끊겼다. 앞으로 생계가 막막하다.
  Dangjang bapjuri kkeunkyeotda. Apeuro saenggyega mangmakaejyeotda.
  “There is no more work. I’m at a loss over how to make ends meet.”

사람이 없다 (sarami eopda) – “no one is here”

발길이 끊기다 (balgiri kkeunkida) – Direct translation: “Be cut off”

Examples:

• 레스토랑에 바퀴벌레가 나온 후 사람들이 오지 않아 가게에 사람이 한명도 없었다. 
  Reseutorange bakwibeollega naon hu saramdeuri oji ana gagee sarami hanmyeongdo eopseotda.
  “After cockroaches appeared in the restaurant, no people came, so there were no people in the store.”

• 레스토랑에 바퀴벌레가 나온 후 사람들의 발길이 끊겼다. 
  Reseutorange bakwibeollega naon hu saramdeuri balgiri kkeunkyeotda.
  “After cockroaches appeared in the restaurant, people stopped coming.”

의미하다 (uimihada) – “to mean”

시사하다 (sisahada) – “to suggest”

Examples:

• 그 뉴스는 한국 교육의 현실을 의미하고 있다. 
  Geu nyuseuneun hanguk gyoyugui hyeonsireul uimihago itda.
  “The news indicates the reality of Korean education.”

• 그 뉴스는 한국 교육의 현실을 시사하고 있다.
  Geu nyuseuneun hanguk gyoyugui hyeonsireul sisahago itda.
  “The news suggests the reality of Korean education.”

끝에서 끝까지 한번에 보다 (kkeuteseo kkeutkkaji hanbeone boda) – “look at everything at once from end to end”

머리부터 발끝까지 훑어보다 (meoributeo balkkeutkkaji hulteoboda) – “scan from head to toe”

Examples:

• 그 사람은 나를 만나자마자 끝에서 끝까지 한번에 보곤 인사도 하지 않고 그냥 걸어갔다.
  Geu sarameun nareul mannajamaja kkeuteseo kkeutkkaji hanbeone bogon insado haji anko geunyang georeogatda.
  As soon as he met me, he looked at me from end to end and walked away without saying hello.

• 그 사람은 나를 만나자마자 머리부터 발끝까지 훑어보고는 인사도 하지 않고 그냥 걸어갔다.
  Geu sarameun nareul mannajamaja meoributeo balkkeutkkaji hulteobogoneun insado haji anko geunyang georeogatda.
  As soon as he met me, he looked from head to toe and walked away without saying hello.

모든 것 (modeun geot) – “everything”

일거수 일투족 (ilgeosu iltujok) – “everything”

Examples: 

• 교도소의 씨씨티비는 범죄자의 모든것을 항상 기록하고 있다.
  Gyodosoui ssissitibineun beomjoejaui modeungeoseul hangsang gilokago itda.
  “The prison’s CCTV keeps track of all the criminals.”

• 교도소의 씨씨티비는 범죄자의 일거수일투족을 항상 기록하고 있다.
  Gyodosoui ssissitibineun beomjoejaui ilgeosu iltujogeul hangsang gilokago itda.
  “The prison’s CCTV always records every move of the criminal.”

사실과 다르게 거짓을 전달하다 (sasilgwa dareuge geojiseul jeondalhada) – “to convey a lie differently from the facts”

왜곡하다 (waegokada) – “to distort” / “to twist”

Examples:

• 역사를 사실과 다르게하여 거짓을 전달하는 것은 용서할 수 없는 일이다.
  Yeoksareul sasilgwa dareugehayeo geojiseul jeondalhaneun geoseun yongseohal su eomneun irida.
  “It is unforgivable to make history different from facts to convey lies.”

• 역사를 왜곡하여 가르치는 일은 용서할 수 없는 일이다.
  Yeoksareul waegokayeo gareuchineun ireun yongseohal su eomneun irida.
  “Teaching history by twisting it is unforgivable.”

결과의 원인이 되다 (gyeolgwaui wonini doeda) – “to cause consequences”

초래하다 (choraehada) – “to redound”

Examples: 

• 한번의 실수가 위험한 결과의 원인이 될 수도 있으니까 조심하세요. 
  Hanbeonui silsuga wiheomhan gyeolgwaui wonini doel sudo isseunikka josimhaseyo.
  “Be careful, as a single mistake can cause dangerous consequences.”

• 한번의 실수가 위험한 결과를 초래할 수도 있으니까 조심하세요. 
  Hanbeonui silsuga wiheomhan gyeolgwareul choraehal sudo isseunikka josimhaseyo.
  “Be careful, as a single mistake can have dangerous consequences.”

먼저하다 (meonjeohada) – “to do first”

선행되다 (seonhaengdoeda) “to precede”

Examples: 

• 대학교 기숙사에 들어오기 위해서는 건강검진을 먼저 해야 합니다. 
  Daehakgyo gisugsae deureoogi wihaeseoneun geonganggeomjineul meonjeo haeya hamnida.
  “In order to enter the university dormitory, you must first undergo a medical examination.”

• 대학교 기숙사에 들어오기 위해서는 건강검진이 선행돼야 합니다. 
  Daehakgyo gisugsae deureoogi wihaeseoneun geonganggeomjini seonhaengdwaeya hamnida.
  “A medical examination must precede your entrance to the university dormitory.”

가방끈이 길다 (gabangkkeuni gilda) – “learn a lot and have a high education”

Advanced word: 많이 배워 학력이 높다 (mani baewo hagnyeogi nopda) – “learn a lot and have a high education”

Examples:

• 가방끈이 긴 사람이 오히려 이해관계에 더 철저하다.
  Gabangkkeuni gin sarami ohiryeo ihaegwangyei deo cheoljeohada.
  “Those with a high degree of education who have learned a lot are rather thorough in their interest.”

• 많이 배워 학력이 높은 사람이 오히려 이해관계에 더 철저하다.
  Mani baewo hagnyeogi nopeun sarami ohiryeo ihaegwangyei deo cheoljeohada.
  “Those with a high degree of education who have learned a lot are rather thorough in their interest.”

가방끈이 짧다 (gabangkkeuni jjalda) – “have a low academic background”

많이 배우지 못해 학력이 낮다 (mani baeuji motae hagnyeogi natda) – “have a low academic background”

Examples:

• 어려운 집안 사정으로 가방끈이 짧았던 아버지는 자식만큼은 대학에 보내려고 무진장 애를 쓰셨다.
  Eeoryeoun jiban sajeongeuro gabangkkeuni jjalbatdeon abeojineun jasikmankeumeun daehage bonaeryeogo mujinjang aereul sseusyeotda.
  “My father, who had a low academic background, struggled to send his children to college.”

• 어려운 집안 사정으로 많이 배우지 못해 학력이 낮았던 아버지는 자식만큼은 대학에 보내려고 무진장 애를 쓰셨다.
  Eeoryeoun jiban sajeongeuro mani baeuji motae hagnyeogi najatdeon abeojineun jasikmankeumeun daehage bonaeryeogo mujinjang aereul sseusyeotd.
  “My father, whose education was low because he couldn’t learn much due to difficult family circumstances, struggled to send his children to college.”

마음속 깊이 원통한 생각이 맺히게 하다 (maeumsok gipi wontonghan saenggagi maechige hada) – “make deep thoughts of sadness in the heart”

가슴에 못을 박다 (gaseume moseul bakda) – “nail in the chest”

Examples:

• 그는 부모님 마음속 깊이 원통한 생각이 맺히게 했다.
  Geuneun bumonim maeumsok gipi wontonghan saenggagi maechige haetda.
  “He made a sad new angle deep in his parents’ hearts.”

• 그는 부모님 가슴에 못을 박는 불효를 저질렀다.
  Geuneun bumonim gaseume moseul bagneun bulhyoreul jeojilleotda.
  “He nailed his parents’ chests by being unfaithful to his spouse.”

상대편에게 모진 마음을 먹거나 흉악한 생각을 하다 (sangdaepyeonege mojin maeumeul meokgeona hyungakan saenggageul hada) – “feeling hard on the other side” or “thinking wickedly”

가슴에 칼을 품다 (gaseume kareul pumda) – “hold a sword in one’s chest”

Examples:

• 당신이 그 말을 한 이후로 저 사람은 당신에게 모진 마음을 먹거나 흉악한 생각을 하고 있으니 조심하시오.
  Dangsini geu mareul han ihuro jeo sarameun dangsinege mojin maeumeul meokgeona hyungakan saenggageul hago isseuni josimhasio.
  “Be careful; since you said that, he’s been hard on you or has nasty thoughts.”

• 당신이 그 말을 한 이후로 저 사람은 가슴에 칼을 품고 있으니 조심하시오.
  Dangsini geu mareul han ihuro jeo sarameun gaseume kareul pumgo isseuni josimhasio.
  “Be careful; he has a sword in his chest since you said that.”

불안하고 초조하여 마음을 펴지 못하고 있다 (buranhago chojohayeo maeumeul pyeoji motago itda) – “feeling anxious”

가슴이 콩알만 해지다 (gaseumi kongalman haejida) – “one’s heart grows like a bean”

Examples:

• 무서운 폭음을 듣고 가슴이 불안하고 초조하여 마음을 펴지 못해졌다.
  Museoun pogeumeul deutgo gaseumi buranhago chojohayeo maeumeul pyeoji motaejyeotda.
  “When I heard the terrible binge drinking, my heart was anxious and nervous, and I couldn’t open my heart.”

• 무서운 폭음을 듣고 가슴이 콩알만 해졌다.
  Museoun pogeumeul deutgo gaseumi kongalman haejeotda.
  “When I heard the terrible binge drinking, my heart became a bean.”

공격의 의도나 불평불만이 있다 (gonggyeogui uidona bulpyeongbulmani itda) – “intent to attack or complain about”

가시가 돋다 (gasiga dotda) – “intent to attack or complain about”

Examples:

• 그는 공격의 의도나 불평불만으로 그녀에게 상처를 주었다.
  Geuneun gonggyeogui uidona bulpyeongbulmaneuro geunyeoege sangcheoreul judeotda.
  “He hurt her with the intention of attacking or complaining.”

• 그는 가시가 돋은 말을 하여 그녀에게 상처를 주었다.
  Geuneun gasiga dodeun mareul hayeo geunyeoege sangcheoreul judeotda.
  “He hurt her with the intention of attacking or complaining.”

앙칼지고 고집이 세다 (angkaljigo gojibi seda) – “be stubborn”

가시가 세다 (gasiga seda) – “be stubborn”

Examples:

• 그 아이는 앙칼지고 고집이 세기 때문에 만만치가 않다.
  Geu aineun angkaljigo gojibi segi ttaemune manmanchiga anta.
  “The child is anxious and stubborn, so it is not easy.”

• 그 아이는 가시가 세어 만만치가 않다.
  Geu aineun gasiga seeo manmanchiga anta.
  “The child has so many thorns that it is not easy.”

주목을 받다 (jumogeul batda) – “attract attention”

각광을 받다 (gakgwangeul batda) – “be in the limelight” or “to gain attention”

Examples:

• 우리 회사의 제품이 해외 시장에서 주목을 받기 시작했다.
  Uri hoesaui jepumi haeoe sijangeseo jumogeul batgi sijakaetda.
  “Our company’s products have begun to attract attention in overseas markets.”

• 우리 회사의 제품이 해외 시장에서 각광을 받기 시작했다.
  Uri hoesaui jepumi haeoe sijangeseo gakgwangeul batgi sijakaetda.
  “Our company’s products have begun to gain attention in overseas markets.”

용기나 줏대 없이 남에게 굽히다 (yonggina jutdae eopsi namege gupida) – “bend to others without courage”

간도 쓸개도 없다 (gando sseulgaedo eopda) – “bend to others without courage”

Example:

• 넌 간도 쓸개도 없니? 
  Neon gando sseulgaedo eopni?
  “Do you have neither a liver nor a gallbladder?” / “Are you being a coward?”

몹시 놀라다 (mopsi nollada) – “to be terribly surprised”

간이 떨어지다 (gani tteoreojida) – “to run out of liver” = “to be terribly surprised”

Examples:

• 갑작스러운 폭발음에 몹시 놀랐다.
  Gapjakseureoun pokbareume mopsi nollatda.
  “I was terribly surprised by the sudden explosion.”

• 갑작스러운 폭발음에 간이 떨어질 뻔했다.
  Gapjakseureoun pokbareume gani tteoreojil ppeonhaetda.
  “I was terribly surprised by the sudden explosion.”

겁이 없다 (geobi eopda) – “to have no fear”

간이 크다 (gani keuda) – “liver is large” = “to have no fear”

Examples:

• 그는 보기보다 겁이 없다.
  Geuneun bogiboda geobi eopda.
  “He is less fearful than he looks.”

• 그는 보기보다 간이 크다.
  Geuneun bogiboda gani keuda.
  “He is less fearful than he looks.”

서로 엇비슷할 정도의 아주 작은 차이 (seoro eotbiseutal jeongdoui aju jageun chai) – “very small differences that are similar to each other”

간발의 차이 (ganbarui chai) – “a small difference”

Examples:

• 이번 달리기에서 나는 서로 엇비슷할 정도의 아주 작은 차이로 그를 이겼다.
  Ibeon dalligieseo naneun seoro eotbiseutal jeongdoui aju jageun chairo geureul igyeotda.
  “In this run, I beat him with very small differences that are similar to each other.”

• 이번 달리기에서 나는 간발의 차이로 그를 이겼다.
  Ibeon dalligieseo naneun ganbarui chairo geureul igyeotda.
  “In this run, I beat him by a small margin.”

함부로 치고 때리다 (hamburo chigo ttaerida) – “to beat someone aggressively”

개 패듯하다 (gae paedeutada) – “to beat a dog aggressively”

Example:

• 그렇게 사람을 개 패듯 하니 모든 사람들이 너를 싫어하잖아.
  Geureoke saremeul gae paedeusi hani modeun salamdeuri neoreul silreohajana.
  “Everyone hates you because you beat people like a dog.”

거짓말을 자주하다 (geojinmareul jajuhada) – “to lie often”

거짓말을 밥 먹듯 하다 (geojinmareul bap meokdeut hada) – “to lie often”

Examples:

• 그 사람은 평소에 거짓말을 자주 하니  믿을수가 없어.
  Geu sarameun pyeongsoe geojinmareul jajuhani mideulsuga eopseo.
  “I can’t believe that person because he usually lies a lot.”

• 그 사람은 평소에 거짓말을 밥 먹듯 하니 믿을수가 없어.
  Geu sarameun pyeongsoe geojinmareul bap meokdeut hani mideulsuga eopseo.
  “I can’t believe that person because he usually lies a lot.”

감정이 몹시 격해진 상태로 말하다 (gamjeongi mopsi gyeokaejin sangtaero malhada) – “to speak in a state of intense emotion”

거품을 물다 (geopumeul mulda) – “to speak in a state of intense emotion”

Examples:

• 경찰서에 잡혀 온 교통사고 가해자는 자신이 오히려 피해자라며 감정이 몹시 격해진 상태로 말했다.
  Gyeongchalseoe japyeo on gyotongsago gahaejaneun jasini ohiryeo pihaejaramyeo ggamjeongi mopsi gyeokaejin sangtaero malhaetda.
  “The perpetrator of a traffic accident who was caught by the police said that he was rather a victim, and in a state of intense emotion.”

• 경찰서에 잡혀 온 교통사고 가해자는 자신이 오히려 피해자라며 거품을 물고 대들었다.
  Gyeongchalseoe japyeo on gyotongsago gahaejaneun jasini ohiryeo pihaejaramyeo geopumeul mulgo daedeureotda.
  “The perpetrator of a traffic accident who was caught by the police said that he was rather a victim, and in a state of intense emotion.”

마음이 복잡하다 (maeumi bokjapada) – “feeling worried”

걱정이 태산이다 (geokjeongi taesanida) – “feeling worried”

Examples:

• 앞으로 어떻게 살지 생각을 하니 마음이 복잡하다.
  Apeuro eotteoke salji saenggageul hani maeumi bokjapada.
  “I’m worried about how I’ll live in the future.”

• 앞으로 어떻게 살지 생각을 하니 걱정이 태산이야.
  Apeuro eotteoke salji saenggageul hani geokjeongi taesanida.
  “I’m worried about how I’ll live in the future.”

매우 빨리 도망치다 (maeu ppalli domangchida) – “to run away very quickly”

걸음아 나 살려라 (georeuma na sallyeora) – “to run away very quickly”

Examples:

• 호랑이를 보자마자 매우 빨리 도망쳤다.
  Horangireul bojamaja maeu ppalli domangchyeotda.
  “When I saw the tiger, I stepped up to save myself and ran away.”

• 호랑이를 보자 걸음아 날 살려라 하고 달아났다.
  Horangireul bojamaja georeuma na sallyeora hago daranatda.
  “When I saw the tiger, I stepped up to save myself and ran away.”

물에 빠져 죽다 (mure ppajyeo jukda) – “to die from drowning”

고기밥이 되다 (gogibabi doeda) – “to die from drowning”

Examples:

• 그 배에 타고 있던 사람들은 모두 물에 빠져 죽었다.
  Geu baee tago itdeon saramdeureun modu mure ppajyeo jugeotda.
  “All the people on the boat drowned.”

• 그 배에 타고 있던 사람들은 모두 물에 빠져 고기밥이 되었다.
  Geu baee tago itdeon saramdeureun modu mure gogibabi doeeotda.
  “All the people on the boat drowned.”

긴장을 누그러뜨리다 (ginjangeul nugeureotteurida) – “to relieve tension”

고삐를 늦추다 (goppireul neutchuda) – “to relieve tension”

Examples:

• 적군은 추격의 긴장을 누그러뜨리지 않았다.
  Jeokguneun chugyeogui ginjangeul nugeureotteuriji anatda.
  “The enemy forces did not ease the tension in the pursuit.”

• 적군은 추격의 고삐를 늦추지 않았다.
  Jeokguneun chugyeogui goppireul neutchuji anatda.
  “The enemy forces did not ease the tension in the pursuit.”

앞으로 고생을 겪을 게 뻔하다. (Apeuro gosaengeul gyeokkeul ge ppeonhada.) – “It is almost certain that you will suffer in the future.”

고생문이 훤하다. (Gosaengmuni hwonhada.) – “It is almost certain that you will suffer in the future.”

Examples:

• 너 이렇게 지내면 앞으로 고생을 겪을 게 뻔해.
  Neo ireoke jinaemyeon apeuro gosaengeul gyeokkeul ge ppeonhae.
  “If you stay like this, it’s obvious that you will suffer in the future.”

• 너 이렇게 지내면 고생문이 훤해.
  Neo ireoke jinaemyeon gosaengmuni hwonhae.
  “If you stay like this, it’s obvious that you will suffer in the future.”

서로 앙숙 관계이다 (seoro angsuk gwangyeida) – “don’t get along together”

고양이와 개이다 (goyangiwa gaeida) – “don’t get along together”

Examples:

• 두 사람은 서로 앙숙 관계이다.
  Du sarameun seoro angsuk gwangyeida.
  “The two have a hard relationship with each other.”

• 두 사람은 고양이와 개의 관계이다.
  Du sarameun goyangiwa gaeui gwangyeida.
  “The two have a hard relationship with each other.”

사이가 틀어지다 (saiga teureojida) – “separated from one another”

금이 가다 (geumi gada) – “separated from one another”

Examples:

• 서로 사이가 틀어졌다.
  Seuro saiga teureojyeotda.
  “We’ve gotten a bit different from each other.”

• 우정에 금이 가다.
  Ujeonge geumi gada.
  “We’ve gotten a bit different from each other.”

슬그머니 피하다 (seulgeumeoni pihada) – “to sneak away”

꽁무니를 빼다 (kkongmunireul ppaeda) – “to sneak away”

Examples:

• 내가 쳐다보니까 그 남자 슬그머니 피하더라고.
  Naega chyeodabonikka geu namja seulgeumeoni pihadeorago.
  “When I looked at him, he sneakily avoided me.”

• 내가 쳐다보니까 그 남자 꽁무니를 빼더라고.
  Naega chyeodabonikka geu namja kkongmunireul ppaedeorago.
  “When I looked at him, he sneakily avoided me.”

나쁜 평가가 내려지다 (nappeun pyeonggaga naeryeojida) – “to have a bad reputation”

꼬리표가 붙다 (kkoripyoga butda) – “to have a bad reputation”

Examples:

• 전과자라는 나쁜 평가가 내려지자 그 후로는 모두들 그와 어울리는 것을 꺼려했다.
  Jeongwajaraneun nappeun pyeonggaga naeryeojija geu huroneun modudeul geuwa eoullineun geoseul kkeoryeohaetda.
  “Everyone was reluctant to hang out with him because he had a bad reputation.”

• 전과자라는 꼬리표가 붙자 그 후로는 모두들 그와 어울리는 것을 꺼려했다.
  Jeongwajaraneun kkoripyoga butja geu huroneun modudeul geuwa eoullineun geoseul kkeoryeohaetda.
  “Everyone was reluctant to hang out with him after he developed a bad reputation.”

We’ve covered several synonyms! Want to learn antonyms now? Then check out Antonyms: 15 Ways to Describe Opposites on KoreanClass101.com! 

KoreanClass101 can help you advance your Korean level!

6. How KoreanClass101 Can Help You with Your Korean Studies

You learned a lot of advanced Korean words in this article. I hope you’re not too overwhelmed! If you are, make sure to take a break! Learning a language takes time, so don’t pressure yourself by trying to learn everything in one go. Take your time to understand and practice each word by writing a diary in Korean or talking with a native Korean speaker.

Looking for a fun but thorough Korean learning resource? You’ve found it! 

At KoreanClass101.com, we provide our learners with a huge variety of free lessons for every proficiency level. We highly recommend you check out our advanced Korean course to get started, but feel free to explore all of our other great tools and resources (like these free vocabulary lists or this dictionary!). Create your free lifetime account and start learning Korean like never before. 

Good luck!

Knowing how to communicate over the phone is an essential skill. 

Whether you want to make a reservation at a restaurant or discuss business plans with your long-distance colleague, you’ll need to pick up the phone! 

Holding a phone conversation is difficult enough in one’s native language, let alone in a foreign language like Korean! But don’t worry. 

In this article, you’ll learn some essential Korean phone conversation phrases and see dialogue examples showing how they might be used. By the time you’ve finished reading, you’ll be able to confidently make a phone call in Korean for any situation!

Table of Contents

1. Picking up the Phone
2. Saying Who You Are
3. Stating the Reason for Your Call
4. Asking to Speak to Someone
5. Asking Someone to Wait
6. Leaving a Message
7. Asking for Clarification
8. Sample Phone Conversations
9. How KoreanClass101 Can Help You Master the Korean Language

1. Picking up the Phone

There are a number of different ways to answer the phone in Korean. The standard phrase is 여보세요 (yeoboseyo), though if you’re in a business setting or calling customer service, they’ll answer the phone differently. 

Below, you’ll find a few different phrases that are used to answer a phone call in Korean. 

1) 여보세요 (yeoboseyo) 

You’ve likely heard this phrase many times already if you watch Korean dramas! 

여보세요 (yeoboseyo), meaning “hello” in English, is the standard Korean phone greeting and is only used over the phone. Keep in mind that there are no “polite” or “casual” ways to answer the phone in Korean; we use this set phrase by default, unless we’re answering the phone in a business context (more on this later). 

The phrase 여보세요 (yeoboseyo) is a combination of several words: 

• 여기 (yeogi) – “here”
• 보다 (boda) – “to see”
• 세요 (seyo) – “~do”

Additional Notes: Another common way to answer the phone is with the elongated sound 네 (ne), meaning “yes.” This greeting is commonly used by elders in Korea. 

Example:

A:
여보세요.
(Yeoboseyo.)
“Hello.”

B:
여보세요, 누구세요?
(Yeoboseyo, nuguseyo?)
“Hello, who is this?”

2) 무엇을 도와드릴까요? (Mueoseul dowadeurilkkayo?) 

This phrase means “How may I help you?” in English. It’s commonly used by customer service representatives to start a conversation with the caller. They usually state the name of the company, followed by their name, before saying this phrase. 

Example:

A 회사의 김미영입니다. 무엇을 도와드릴까요?
(A hoesaui gimmiyeongimnida. Mueoseul dowadeurilkkayo?)
“This is A company’s Kim Mi-yeong speaking. How may I help you?”

3) 뭐 해? (Mwo hae?) 

This is a more casual greeting used both on the phone and in 카카오톡 (kakaotok), or “Kakaotalk.” Kakaotalk, commonly referred to as 카톡 (katok) or “KaTalk” in South Korea, is a free mobile instant messaging application (similar to Line, WeChat, etc.). The majority of Koreans use Kakaotalk to send messages and call each other.

There is a casual form and a more polite form of this phrase, both meaning “What are you up to?”

• Casual: 뭐 해? (Mwo hae?)
• Polite: 지금 뭐 하세요? (Jigeum mwo haseyo?)

Both versions are commonly used to initiate conversation, but you need to make sure that you and the other person have established rapport before using either one. If you say this to a stranger or someone you don’t know well, you may sound rude or the receiver may misinterpret your intentions.

→ Check out our lesson Calling on Skype to learn more about saying hello over the phone.

2. Saying Who You Are

It’s important to say who you are before jumping into the topic you want to talk about. There are different Korean phone phrases you can use to introduce yourself, so let’s have a look at each one. 

1) [회사이름] 의 [이름]입니다. ([Hoesaileum] ui [ireum]imnida.)

This phrase translates to: “This is [name] of the [company’s name].”

It’s a formal way to introduce yourself over the phone and it’s commonly used in business settings. 

While 여보세요 (yeoboseyo) is the standard phone call greeting in Korea, you should avoid using it in business settings or other formal contexts as it sounds less professional. 

When a receptionist answers the phone, for example, they usually say [회사이름] 의 [이름]입니다. You can reply using the same phrase pattern in order to let them know who you are. 

Example:

A: 
코리안클래스101의 폴입니다.
(Koreankeullaseu101ui porimnida.)
“This is Paul from KoreanClass101.”

B: 
안녕하세요, A사의 앨리스입니다.
(Annyeonghaseyo, A-saui aelliseuimnida.)
“Hello, this is Alice from A company.”

2) 안녕하세요, [이름]입니다. (Annyeonghaseyo, [ireum]imnida.) 

Another common way to introduce yourself in business settings is: 

• 안녕하세요, [이름]입니다. (Annyeonghaseyo, [ireum]imnida.) – “Hello, this is [name].”

You may also hear this phrase preceded by the sound 네 (ne):

• 네, 안녕하세요, [이름] 입니다. (Ne, annyeonghaseyo, [ireum]imnida.)

Which phrase is more polite? There’s no right or wrong answer, so choose the version that feels right to you. 

Example:

A: 
네, B사의 진입니다.
(Ne, B-saui jinimnida.)
“Hello, this is Jin from B company.”

B: 
안녕하세요 진씨. 저는 C사의 연아라고합니다.
(Annyeonghaseyo jinssi. Jeoneun C-saui yeonaragohamnida.)
“Hello Jin. This is Yeona from C company.”

3) 안녕하세요, [회사이름] 의 [이름] 입니다. (Annyeonghaseyo, [hoesaileum]ui [ireum] imnida.)

This phone introduction phrase translates to: “Hello. This is [name] of the [company’s name].” It is the most polite and common way to introduce oneself over the phone in business settings. 

Do you see the pattern?

In business settings, you need to greet, state your company, and give your name. 

Once you know this pattern and get some practice using it, you’ll have no problem introducing yourself in formal contexts! 

Example:

A사의 김미영입니다.
(A-saui gimmiyeongimnida.)
“This is Kim Miyeong of A company.”

→ Want to learn more useful business phrases? Then check out our lesson Korean Greetings at Business Establishments.

4) 나야 (naya) 

The Korean phrase 나야 (naya), meaning “It’s me,” is commonly used among friends. Feel free to use it when the call receiver knows you well, instead of telling him or her who you are.

There are two other versions of this phrase you could also use: 

• 어 나야 (eo naya) – “Hey, it’s me.”
• 나 소연 (na soyeon) – “I’m Soyeon.”

Example:

A: 여보세요? (Yeoboseyo?) – “Hello?”
B: 어 나야. (Eo naya.) – “Hey, it’s me.”
A: 어 안녕. (Eo annyeong.) – “Oh hey, hello.”
B: 뭐 해? (Mwo hae?) – “What are you up to?”
A: 아무것도 안해. (Amugeotdo anhae.) – “Nothing.”

5) 나 [이름] (na [ireum]) 

This phrase means “It’s [name],” and it’s frequently used among friends. 

Example:

A: 여보세요. (Yeoboseyo?) – “Hello?”
B: 나 소연. (Na soyeon.) – “It’s Soyeon.”

→ Make sure to visit our lesson Useful Phrases for a Phone Call to learn more useful Korean phrases!

3. Stating the Reason for Your Call

A vital step in your Korean phone call conversation is to let the receiver know why you’re calling. Effective communication is key here! 

1) 예약하려고 전화드렸어요. (Yeyaghalyeogo jeonhwadeuryeosseoyo.)

If you plan to meet a friend for lunch or have a dinner date coming up, you’ll need to know this phrase! It means: “I am calling to make a reservation.”

In order to reserve a table for lunch or dinner specifically, you would add the appropriate word to the beginning of the phrase. 

For example, to say “I want to make a reservation for lunch,” add the Korean word for “lunch” to the beginning of this phrase:

A: 
안녕하세요, A 레스토랑입니다.
(Annyeonghaseyo, A reseutorangimnida.)
“Hello, this is A restaurant.”

B: 
안녕하세요, 점심 예약하려고 전화드렸어요.
(Annyeonghaseyo, jeomsim yeyakaryeogo jeonhwadeuryeosseoyo.)
“Hello, I am calling to make a reservation for lunch.”

A: 
네, 몇분이시죠?
(Ne, myeotbunisijyo?)
“Okay, how many people?”

2) 문의 드릴것이 있어서 전화드렸어요. (Munui deurilgeosi isseoseo jeonhwadeuryeosseoyo.) 

Translation: “I am calling because I have an inquiry.”

You can use this phrase if the purpose of your call is to receive an answer to a question or to gain more information about something. 

If you want to make it even more polite or business-like, you could say: 

• 문의드릴것이 있어서 전화드렸습니다. (Mun-uideulilgeos-i iss-eoseo jeonhwadeulyeossseubnida.)

If you want to say it casually (to a friend, for example), you could say: 

• 물어볼것이 있어서 전화했어. (Mul-eobolgeos-i iss-eoseo jeonhwahaess-eo.)

Example:

A: 
콜센터 린입니다. 무엇을 도와드릴까요?
(Kolsenteo linimnida. Mueoseul dowadeurilkkayo?)
“This is Lyn from the call center. How may I help you?”

B: 
안녕하세요, 문의드릴것이 있어서 전화드렸어요.
(Annyeonghaseyo, munui deurilgeosi isseoseo jeonhwadeuryeosseoyo.)
“Hello, I am calling because I have an inquiry.”

4) 뭐하고 있는지 궁금해서 전화해봤어. (Mwohago inneunji gunggeumhaeseo jeonhwahaebwasseo.) 

This one means: “I called because I am curious what you are doing now.”

You could say this phrase to a friend or to someone you want to get to know better. 

Example:

A: 
여보세요.
(Yeoboseyo.)
“Hello.”

B: 
어, 나야.
(Eo, naya.)
“Hey, it’s me.”

A: 
어, 무슨일 있어?
(Eo, museunil isseo?)
“Uh, what’s up?”

B: 
뭐하고 있는지 궁금해서 전화해봤어.
(Mwohago inneunji gunggeumhaeseo jeonhwahaebwasseo.)
“I called because I am curious what you are doing now.”

5) 안 본지 너무 오래돼서 잘 지내는지 궁금해서 전화해봤어. (An bonji neomu oraedwaeseo jal jinaeneunji gunggeumhaeseo jeonhwahaebwasseo.) 

This is a casual way to say: “It’s been awhile since we saw each other, so I called to check up on you.” 

Example:

A: 
여보세요.
(Yeoboseyo.)
“Hello.”

B: 
어, 나야.
(Eo, naya.)
“Hey, it’s me.”

A: 
안본지 너무 오래돼서 잘지내는지 궁금해서 전화해봤어.
(An bonji neomu oraedwaeseo jal jinaeneunji gunggeumhaeseo jeonhwahaebwasseo.)
“It’s been awhile since we saw each other, so I called to check up on you.”

6) 전화했었어? (Jeonhwahaesseosseo?) 

This is another common Korean phone call phrase, often used to start a conversation. It means: “Did you call?”

Example:

A: 여보세요. (Yeoboseyo.) – “Hello.”
B: 어, 나 소연. 전화했었어? (Eo, na soyeon. Jeonhwahaesseosseo?) – “Hey, it’s Soyeon. Did you call?”
A: 아 어, 했었어. (A eo, haesseosseo.) – “Ah, yeah I did.”

→ Free vocabulary list for you! Screen Time: Words and Phrases for Using Your Smartphone.

4. Asking to Speak to Someone

If you’re calling a home phone or business line (or if someone else answers your friend’s smartphone!), you might need to ask to speak to another individual. Here are some Korean phrases you can use to do this. 

1) [이름] 집에 있습니까? ([Ileum] jibe issseumnikka?) 

If you’re trying to reach a friend and someone else picks up the phone, you can use this phrase to ask if they can put your friend on the line. This phrase means: “Is [name] home?”

Example:

A: 여보세요. (Yeoboseyo.) – “Hello.”
B: 어, 나 소연. (Eo, na soyeon.) – “Hey, it’s Soyeon.”
A: 에이미 집에 있습니까? (Eimi jibe issseumnikka?) – “Is Amy home?”

2) ___씨와 통화할 수 있을까요? (___ssiwa tonghwahal su isseulkkayo?) 

This phrase translates to: “Could I speak to ___, please?”

In business settings, it’s good etiquette to use either 씨 (ssi) or 님 (nim) when asking to speak to someone. Both mean “Mr. / Mrs. / Ms.” but 님 (nim) is considered more polite than 씨 (ssi). If you’re not sure which word to use, pay close attention to your colleagues. Which one do they use? If you notice that they use one instead of the other, then follow their lead. 

Example:

A:
코리안클래스101의 폴입니다.
(Koreankeullaeseu101ui porimnida.)
“This is Paul from KoreanClass101.”

B:
안녕하세요, A사의 김미영입니다. 앨리스 씨와 통화할 수 있을까요?
(Annyeonghaseyo, A-saui gimmiyeongimnida. Aelliseu ssiwa tonghwahal su isseulkkayo?)
“Hello, this is Kim Miyeong of A company. Could I speak to Alice, please?”

A:
연결해드리겠습니다.
(Yeongyeolhaedeurigetseumnida.)
“I will put you through.”

3) [Family name] [Job title]님 + 자리에 계신가요? ([Family name] [Job title]nim + jarie gyesingayo?) 

This phrase means: “Is Mr./Ms. [Name] there?”

It’s a common way to ask if someone is available to speak. 

Example:

A: 
코리안클래스101의 폴입니다.
(Koreankeullaeseu101ui porimnida.)
“This is Paul from KoreanClass101.”

B: 
안녕하세요, A회사의 김미영입니다. 앨리스님 자리에 계신가요?
(Annyeonghaseyo, A-saui gimmiyeongimnida. Alliseunim jarie gyesingayo?)
“Hello, this is Kim Miyeong of A company. Is Alice there?”

A: 
네, 자리에 계십니다. 지금 바로 연결해드리겠습니다.
(Ne, jarie gyesimndal. Jigeum baro yeongyeolhaedeurigetseumnida.)
“Yes, she is here. I will put you through.”

4) [이름] 지금 집에 있어? ([Ireum] jigeum jibe isseo?) 

This is a casual way to ask “Is [name] at home?”

Example:

A:
여보세요.
(Yeoboseyo.)
“Hello.”

B: 
나 연아인데, 가연이 지금 집에 있어?
(Na yeonainde, gayeoni jigeum jibe isseo?)
“I’m Yeona, is Gayeon at home?”

5) [이름] 바꿔줄래? ([Ireum] bakkwojullae?) 

This is a casual way to ask “Can you put me through to [name?]” If you want to say it politely, use: 

• [이름] 바꿔주시겠습니까? (Iireum] bakkwojusigetseumnikka?) – “Can you please put me through to [name]?”

Example:

A: 여보세요. (Yeoboseyo.) – “Hello.”
B: 가연이 바꿔줄래? (Gayeoni bakkwojullae?) – “Can you put me through to Gayeon?”

6) [이름] 이랑 통화할 수 있을까? ([Ireum] irang tonghwahal su isseulkka?) 

This is a casual way to ask “Can I speak to [name]?” in Korean. A more polite version is:

• [이름]씨와 통화할 수 있을까요? ([Ireum] ssiwa tonghwahal su isseulkkayo?) – “Can I please speak to [name]?”

Example:

A: 여보세요. (Yeoboseyo.) – “Hello.”
B: 가연이랑 통화할 수 있을까? (Gayeonirang tonghwahal su isseulkka?) – “Can I speak to Gayeon?”

→ Do you want to boost your confidence in speaking business Korean? Then check out our lesson series Business Korean for Beginners to really learn the ropes!

5. Asking Someone to Wait

Especially in business settings, it’s common practice to ask the other person to wait while you connect them or retrieve requested information. Here are a few ways you can do this in Korean: 

1) 잠시만요. (Jamsimanyo.)

This Korean phone call phrase translates to: “Hold on, please.”

Example:

A: 앨리스님 자리에 계신가요? (Aelliseunim jarie gyesingayo?) – “Could I speak to Alice, please?”
B: 그럼요. 잠시만요. (Geureomyo. Jamsimanyo.) – “Of course. Hold on, please.”

2) 잠시만 기다려주세요. (Jamsiman gidaryeojuseyo.) 

This phrase has the same meaning as the one above, but it’s considered more polite. 

Example:

A: 앨리스님 자리에 계신가요? (Aelliseunim jarie gyesingayo?) – “Could I speak to Alice, please?”
B: 잠시만 기다려주세요. (Jamsiman gidaryeojuseyo.) – “Hold on, please.”

3) [이름] 씨 연결해 드리겠습니다. ([Ileum] ssi yeongyeolhae deurigetseumnida.)

This phrase means: “I’ll put you through to [name].”

If you ask to speak to someone, the person on the other end of the call may say this phrase to let you know you’re being transferred. You might also hear this phrase used without the name: 

• 연결해 드리겠습니다. (Yeongyeolhae deurigetseumnida.) 

Example:

A: 연아 씨 지금 자리에 계신가요? (Yeona ssii jigeum jarie gyesingayo?) – “Could I speak to Yeona, please?”
B: 네, 연결해 드리겠습니다. (Ne, yeongyeolhae deurigetseumnida.) – “Yes, I will put you through.”

4) 죄송하지만 ___씨가 잠시 자리를 비웠습니다. (Joesonghajiman ___ssiga jamsi jalireul biwotseumnida.)

This phrase means: “I’m afraid ___ isn’t in at the moment.”

 죄송 (jeosong) means “sorry” and 하지만 (hajiman) means “but.” Together, it means: “I am sorry, but…” 

Example:

A: 
연아씨 지금 자리에 계신가요?
(Yeona ssii jigeum jarie gyesingayo?)
“Could I speak to Yeona, please?”

B: 
죄송하지만 연아씨가 잠시 자리를 비웠습니다.
(Joesonghajiman yeona ssiga jamsi jalireul biwotseumnida.)
“I am afraid Yeona isn’t in at the moment.”

5) 메시지를 남기시겠어요? (Mesijireul namgisigesseoyo?) 

If the person you wish to speak to is not available, you may be able to leave a message. The receptionist may ask you: 메시지를 남기시겠어요? (Mesijireul namgisigesseoyo?) – “Would you like to leave a message?”

Broken down, 메시지 (meseji) means “message” and 남기다 (namgida) means “to leave.”

You might also be asked: 

• 성함이랑 전화번호 알려주시겠어요? (Seonghamirang jeonhwabeonho allyeojusigesseoyo?) – “Could you tell me your name and phone number?”

Example:

A: 
연아씨 지금 자리에 계신가요?
(Yeona ssii jigeum jarie gyesingayo?)
“Could I speak to Yeona, please?”

B:
죄송하지만 연아 씨가 잠시 자리를 비웠습니다. 메시지를 남기시겠어요?
(Joesonghajiman yeona ssiga jamsi jarireul biweotseumnida. Mesijireul namgisigesseoyo?)
“I am afraid Yeona isn’t in at the moment. Would you like to leave a message?”

6) 통화중입니다. (Tonghwajungimnida.) 

This phrase translates to: “He/she is on the phone right now.” 

It’s one of many possible reasons the call receiver might give you for the other party not being available. Here are more reasons you might hear: 

• 미팅중입니다. (Mitingjungimnida.) – “He/she is in a meeting.”
• 점심식사중입니다. (Jeomsimsiksajungimnida.) – “He/she is having lunch.” 
• 지금 자리에 안 계십니다. (Jigeum jarie an gyesimnida.) – “He/she is not in his/her seat right now.” 
• 외부 미팅중입니다. (Oebu mitingjungimnida.) “He/she is out on a meeting.” 

Example:

A: 연아씨 지금 자리에 계신가요? (Yeona ssii jigeum jarie gyesingayo?) – “Could I speak to Yeona, please?”
B: 연아씨 지금 통화중입니다. (Yeona ssii jigeum tonghwajungimnida) – “Yeona is on the phone right now.”

7) 잠깐만. (Jamkkanman.) / 잠만. (Jamman.) 

잠만 (jamman) is a shortened version of 잠깐만 (jamkkanman), and it’s considered a slang term. Both versions mean “hold on,” and they’re best used among friends rather than in business settings. 

Example:

A:
나 집에 열쇠 두고 간 것 같은데 한번 봐줄래?
(Na jibe yeolsoe dugo gan geot gateunde hanbeon bwajullae?)
“I think I left my keys at home. Can you have a look at it for me?”

B:
잠깐만.
(Jamkkanman.)
“Hold on.”

8) 지금 전화 못 받는데. (Jigeum jeonhwa mot batneunde.)

This is a casual phrase often used among friends. It means: “I can’t talk on the phone right now.”

Example:

A:
여보세요, 지금 전화가능?
(Yeoboseyo, jigeum jeonhwaganeung?)
“Hello, are you available for a call?”

B: 
미안, 지금 샤워중이라 전화 못 받는데.
(Mian, jigeum syawojungira jeonhwa mot batneunde.)
“I am sorry, I’m taking a shower so I can’t talk right now.”

→ Learn how to ask about other people and how they’ve been in our lesson Calling on Skype II (How Ya Been?).

6. Leaving a Message

If you’ve made an urgent phone call only to find out the person you need to speak to is unavailable, you can ask to leave a message. Here are three Korean phone phrases you could use: 

1) 전화했었다고 전해주실래요? (Jeonhwahaesseotdago jeonhaejusillaeyo?)

Translation: “Could you please tell him/her that I called?”

Example:

A:
죄송하지만 연아씨가 잠시 자리를 비웠습니다. 메시지를 남기시겠어요?
(Joesonghajiman yeona ssiga jamsi jarireul biweotseumnida. Mesijireul namgisigesseoyo?)
“I am afraid Yeona isn’t in at the moment. Would you like to leave a message?”

B:  
알겠습니다. 그럼 전화했었다고 전해주실래요?
(Algetseumnida. Geureom keonhwahaesseotdago jeonhaejusillaeyo?)
“Okay. Could you please tell him/her that I called?”

2) 나중에 다시 전화하겠습니다. (Najunge dasi jeonhwahagetseumnida.)

Translation: “I’ll call again later.”

Example:

A:
죄송하지만 연아씨가 잠시 자리를 비웠습니다. 메시지를 남기시겠어요?
(Joesonghajiman yeona ssiga jamsi jarireul biweotseumnida. Mesijireul namgisigesseoyo?)
“I am afraid Yeona isn’t in at the moment. Would you like to leave a message?”

B:
괜찮습니다. 나중에 다시 전화하겠습니다.
(Gwaenchanseumnida. Najunge dasi jeonhwahagetseumnida.)
“Fine. I’ll call again later.”

3) 메시지 남겨주시겠습니까? (Mesijireul namgyeojusigetseumnikka?)

Translation: “Could you leave a message?”

Example:

A: 메시지 남겨주시겠습니까? (Mesijireul namgyeojusigetseumnikka?) – “Could you leave a message?”
B: 전화번호가 어떻게 되시죠? (Jeonhwabeonhoga eotteoke doesijyo?) – “What’s your number?”

7. Asking for Clarification

As a non-native speaker making a phone call in the Korean language, you might have difficulty understanding what the other person is saying. This problem could become exacerbated if there’s bad reception in your area. Here are a few phrases you could use to ask for clarification when needed: 

1) 좀 더 크게 말씀해 주시겠어요? (Jom deo keuge malsseumhae jusigesseoyo?) 

This phrase translates to: “Could you speak up a bit more, please?”

Let’s break it down: 

• 좀 더 (jom deo) – “a bit more”
• 크게 (keuge) – “louder”
• 말씀해 주시겠어요 (malsseumhaejusigesseoyo) – “speak please”

This is a polite/business way to ask someone to speak louder.

Examples:

진호 씨, 죄송하지만 좀 더 크게 말씀해 주시겠어요?
(Jinho ssi, joesonghajiman jom deo keuge malsseumhae jusigesseoyo?)
“Mr. Jinho, I am sorry but could you speak up a bit more, please?”

리나 씨, 목소리가 잘 안 들려요. 좀 더 크게 말씀해 주시겠어요?
(Rina ssi, moksoriga jal an deullyeoyo. Jom deo keuge malsseumhae jusigesseoyo?)
“Ms. Rina, I can barely hear you. Could you speak up a bit more, please?”

2) 다시 말씀해 주시겠어요? (Dasi malsseumhae jusigesseoyo?)

This one means: “Could you repeat that, please?” A common variation is: 

• 다시한번만 말씀해주시겠어요? (Dasihanbeonman malsseumhaejusigess-eoyo?) – “Could you say that again, please?”

Example:

목소리가 잘 안들렸어요. 다시 말씀해 주시겠어요?
(Moksoriga jal andeullyeosseoyo. Dasi malsseum hae jusigesseoyo?)
“I could not hear you. Could you repeat that, please?”

3) 잘 안들리는데 다시 말씀해 주시겠어요? (Jal andeullineunde dasi malsseumhae jusigesseoyo?) 

This one translates to: “I’m having a hard time hearing you, can you say that again please?”

We use this phrase to let the person know that we cannot hear his or her voice, and that we’d like them to repeat what they just said. 

Example:

죄송해요. 잘 안들리는데 다시 말씀해 주시겠어요?
(Joesonghaeyo. Jal andeullineunde dasi malsseumhae jusigesseoyo?)
“Sorry, I’m having a hard time hearing you, can you say that again please?”

4) 전화 상태가 너무 안좋은데요. (Jeonhwa sangtaega neomu anjoeundeyo.)

If you’re struggling to hear due to a bad connection, you can use this phrase to let the other person know. The phrase means: “The connection is not good.”

Breaking it down:

• 전화 상태 (jeonhwa sangtae) – “connection”
• 너무 (neomu) – “too” 
• 안 좋은데요 (an joeundeyo) – “is not good”

Examples:

여보세요, 전화 상태가 너무 안좋은데요. 다시 걸어보겠습니다.
(Yeoboseyo, jeonhwa sangtaega neomu anjoeundeyo. Dasi georeobogetseumnida.)
“Hello, the connection is not good. I will try to call you again.”

전화상태가 너무 안좋은데요. 제 목소리 들리시나요?
(Jeonhwa sangtaega neomu anjoeundeyo. Je moksori deullisinayo?)
“The connection is not good. Can you hear my voice?”

여보세요? 전화상태가 너무 안좋은데요. 여보세요?
(Yeoboseyo? Jeonhwa sangtaega neomu anjoeundeyo. Yeoboseyo?)
“Hello? The connection is not good. Hello?”

5) 들리시나요? (Deullisinayo?) 

This phrase means: “Can you hear me?”

You could say this phrase if you can barely hear the other person over the phone. Alternatively, you could repeat “hello” twice to indicate that the connection is not stable: 

• 여보세요? 여보세요? (Yeoboseyo? Yeoboseyo?)

Another option is the phrase: 

• 제 목소리 들리시나요? (Je mogsoli deullisinayo?) – “Can you hear my voice?” 

Example:

A: 
여보세요? 여보세요?
(Yeoboseyo? Yeoboseyo?)
“Hello? Hello?”

B: 
네, 여보세요. 제 목소리 들리시나요?
(Ne, yeoboseyo. Je moksori deullisinayo?)
“Yes, hello. Can you hear my voice?”

A: 
아 네, 이제 들려요.
(A ne, ije deullyeoyo.)
“Yes, I can hear you now.”

6) 뭐라고? (Mworago?) 

This phrase means “What?” and it’s used among friends. 

Example:

• 여보세요? 뭐라고? (Yeoboseyo? Mworago?) – “Hello? What?” 

7) 잘 안들려. (Jal andeullyeo.) 

This phrase means “I can’t hear you,” and it’s used among friends. If you want to say it more politely, it would be: 

• 잘 안들려요. (Jal andeullyeo.) / 잘 안들립니다. (Jal andeullimnida.)

Examples:

여보세요? 야 잘 안들려. (Yeoboseyo? Ya, jal andeullyeo.) – “Hello? I can’t hear you.”

뭐라고? 잘안들려. (Mworago? Jal andeullyeo.) – “What did you say? I can’t hear you.”

8) 다시 한번 말해줄래? (Dasi hanbeon malhaejullae?) 

This phrase means “Can you say it again?” and it’s used among friends only. 

Examples:

미안, 다시한번 말해줄래?
Mian, dasi hanbeon malhaejullae?
“Sorry, can you say that again?”

미안, 다시 한번만 말해줄래?
Mian, dasi hanbeonman malhaejullae?
“Sorry, can you say that again?”

잘 안들렸어. 다시한번 말해줄래?
Jal andeullyeosseo. Dasi hanbeon malhaejullae?
“I couldn’t hear you. Can you say that again?”

→Do you want to know Korea’s country code and other interesting information about Korean telephone numbers? Check out this Wikipedia page on telephone numbers in South Korea.

8. Sample Phone Conversations 

Now that we’ve gone through different Korean phone call phrases, let’s have a look at a couple of sample conversations. One scenario uses only informal language and the other uses formal language. 

1) Informal Phone Conversation 

Scenario: Two friends (Yeongung and Hyunna) are setting up a time to meet for brunch on a weekend.

영웅: 
여보세요.
(Yeoboseyo.)
“Hello.”

현아: 
어. 영웅. 전화했었어?
(Eo, Yeongung. Jeonhwahaesseoseo?)
“Hey Yeongung. Did you call?”

영웅: 
응. 안본지 오래됐는데 같이 점심이라도 먹을까?
(Eung. Anbonji oraedwaetneunde gachi jeomsimirado meogeulkka?)
“It’s been awhile since we’ve met. Do you want to have lunch with me?”

현아: 
응 좋아. 어디로 갈까?
(Eung joa. Eodiro galkka?)
“Yes, sounds good. Where should we go?”

영웅: 
괜찮은곳 알아. 이번 주 금요일 한 시 어때?
(Gwaenchaneungot ara. IIbeon ju geumyoil han si eottae?)
“I know a good place. How about Friday at one o’clock?”

현아:
응 좋아.
(Eung joa.)
“Yeah, sounds good.”

영웅:
알았어. 그럼 예약 잡고 장소 카톡으로 보낼께.
(Arasseo. Geureom yeyak japgo jangso katogeuro bonaelkke.)
“Okay. I will make a reservation and send a message to you on Kakaotalk.”

현아: 
어어 알았어. 고마워!
(Eoeo arasseo. Gomawo!)
“Okay. Thanks!”

2) Formal Phone Conversation

Scenario: After they’ve set the time and place, Yeongung calls the restaurant to reserve a table. 

웨이터: 
A 레스토랑입니다.
(A reseutorangimnida.)
“This is A restaurant.”

영웅: 
여보세요, 점심 예약하려고 전화드렸어요.
(Yeoboseyo, jeomsim yeyakaryeogo jeonhwadeuryeosseoyo.)
“Hello, I am calling to make a reservation for lunch.”

웨이터: 
네, 언제로 잡아드릴까요?
(Ne, eonjero jabadeurilkkayo?)
“Okay. When would you like to come?”

영웅: 
이번 주 금요일 한 시요.
(Ibeon ju geumyoil han siyo.)
“This Friday at one p.m., please.”

웨이터: 
몇 분이세요?
(Myeot buniseyo?)
“How many people?”

영웅: 
두 명입니다.
(Du myeongimnida.)
“Two people.”

웨이터: 
성함은 어떻게 되세요?
(Seonghameun eotteoke doeseyo?)
“Can I have your name, please?”

영웅: 
김영웅입니다.
(Gimyeongungimnida.)
“It’s Kim Yeongung.”

웨이터:
네 알겠습니다. 이번주 금요일 한 시 김영웅 씨 이름으로 테이블 예약해드리겠습니다.
(Ne algetseumnida. Ibeonju geumyoil han si gimyeongung ssi ireumeuro teibeul yeyakaedeurigetseumnida.)
“Okay. I reserved a table for this Friday at one p.m. under the name of Kim Yeongung.”

영웅: 
네 알겠습니다. 감사합니다.
(Ne algetseumnida. Gamsahamnida.)
“Okay. Thank you.”

웨이터: 
그때 봐.
(Geuttae bwa.)
“See you then.”

→ Make sure to check out our blog post Korean Etiquette: 7 Do’s and Don’ts in Korea for more information on how to manage different situations in South Korea!

9. How KoreanClass101 Can Help You Master the Korean Language

Once you memorize these useful Korean phone call phrases and learn how to use them, you’ll be able to confidently speak on the phone in both formal and informal settings. 

Want to learn more about Korean culture and business etiquette? Or maybe you’d like to study even more practical everyday Korean phrases? Then you should definitely check out KoreanClass101! We provide a range of free learning resources, including vocabulary lists and audio/video lessons. It’s our goal to make learning Korean fun and to infuse each lesson with useful information on Korean culture. 

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