Handy Expression when in Korea part 1

When travelling to Korea or speaking to a Korean, it would be easier if you know some of these handy expression. It would help a lot, especially if you are travelling alone or in a small group without a local tour guide.

To greet someone

Hi, Hello or Good Day – 안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo) --> Well this is usually how Koreans greet people (polite/formal way)
Goodbye (to someone leaving) – 안녕히 가세요 (annyeonghi kaseyo)
Goodbye (to someone staying) – 안녕히 계세요 (annyeonghi kyeseyo)
How are you? – 잘 지내요?  (jal jinaeyo)
I’m fine, thank you – 잘 지내, 고마워요 (Jal jinae, komawoyo)

Thank you – 감사합니다 (Kamsahamnida), 고마워요 (Komawoyo), 고맙습니다 (Komabseubnida)

**안녕 (annyeong) comes in handy  as a expression; can mean, hi, hello or bye [further detail can refer to my previous post].  It’s casual expression though so you can’t say it to someone older or someone you don’t know personally, it may be impolite to do so.

Meeting someone

After saying hi and hello, its just right to say something like it’s nice to meet you.  Here are also some expressions you can use along with hi and hello.

It’s nice to meet you – 만마서 반갑습니다 (Mannaseo pangapsumnida) or 만나서 반가워요 (Mannaseo pangawoyo).
I am glad to meet you -  만나서 기쁜니다 (Mannaseo gippeunida) or 만나서 기뻐요 (Mannaseo gippeoyo)
I am Carrie  or  My name is Carrie – 내 이름은 캐리입니다 (Nae ileum-eun Kaeli (Carrie) ibnida)
See you later – 나중에 봐요 (Najunge bwayo, you can also hear this said as bayo instead of bwayo)
Have a nice day – 좋은 하루 보내요 (Cheoun haru bonaeyo)