5 Essential Korean Greetings to Know

greeting people

Korean is a fascinating language with a unique writing system and a rich cultural heritage.

Whether you're planning to visit Korea or simply want to learn the language, it's important to know some basic Korean greetings.

1. Hello - 안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo)

- This is the most common greeting in Korean and can be used at any time of the day. It's a formal greeting that you can use with anyone, regardless of their age or status.

2. Goodbye - 안녕히 계세요 (annyeonghi gyeseyo)

- This is a formal way of saying goodbye. You can use it when you're leaving a place or when someone else is leaving. It's similar to the English phrase "take care."

3. Thank you - 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida)

- This is a polite way of saying "thank you" in Korean. You can use it in formal situations, such as when someone helps you or when you're thanking a customer service representative.

4. Sorry - 죄송합니다 (joesonghamnida)

If you've made a mistake or done something wrong, you can use this phrase to apologize. It's a polite way of saying "sorry" in Korean.

5. How are you? - 어떻게 지내세요? (eotteohke jinaeseyo?)

- This is a common way of asking how someone is doing. It's a formal greeting that you can use with anyone, regardless of their age or status.

Learning these basic Korean greetings can go a long way in helping you communicate with locals and show your respect for the Korean culture.