When you’re traveling in Korea, asking directions can be crucial to ensure a smooth journey, especially if you’re not familiar with the area. Whether you’re in a bustling city or trying to explore new places, being able to confidently ask for help will make your trip much easier. This guide will introduce you to 7 essential phrases for asking directions in Korea. By using these expressions, you can communicate effectively with locals and get around more easily. With a bit of preparation, you can feel confident in any situation where you need help finding your way.
Excuse me
Execuse me.
실례할게요.
[sil-lye-hal-ge-yo]
The first step in asking directions is to get someone’s attention politely. In Korea, you can say “실례할게요[sil-lye-hal-ge-yo]”, which means “Excuse me.” This is a polite and common phrase used to approach someone, whether you’re asking for help or simply need to pass by them. It’s a great way to start any conversation, including asking directions, and is highly valued in Korean culture. Using this expression will make the person you’re speaking to feel respected and more willing to help.
Situations where you can use this expression:
- When ordering at a restaurant
- When calling someone for help
- When you need to pass by someone blocking your way on the street
Do you mind If I ask a question?
Do you mind If I ask a question?
하나만 여쭤봐도 될까요?
[ha-na-man-yeo-jjwo-bwa-do-dwael-gga-yo]
Before jumping into your request, it’s courteous to ask for permission. A good way to preface your question when asking directions is to say, “Do you mind if I ask a question?” In Korean, you would say “하나만 여쭤봐도 될까요?[ha-na-man-yeo-jjwo-bwa-do-dwael-gga-yo]”. This polite question shows that you are being considerate and not imposing on the person you’re speaking to. By using this phrase, you help set a comfortable tone for your inquiry.
Is this the right way to Gang-nam station?
Is this the right way to Gang-nam station?
강남역으로 가는길이 이쪽인가요?
[Gang-nam-yeo-geu-ro-ga-neun-gi-ri-I-jjok-in-ga-yo]
One of the most useful phrases for asking directions is: “Is this the right way to Gangnam Station?” In Korean, you would say, “강남역으로 가는 길이 이쪽인가요?[Gang-nam-yeo-geu-ro-ga-neun-gi-ri-I-jjok-in-ga-yo]”. This question is helpful when you’re unsure if you’re heading in the right direction. You can replace “Gangnam Station” with any destination, like a subway station or tourist spot, to ensure you’re on the correct path. This phrase can save you from walking in the wrong direction and give you confidence in your navigation.
Simply point in the direction with your hand and ask, “~로 가는 길이 이쪽인가요[ro-ga-neun-gi-ri-I-jjok-in-ga-yo]?” You can replace “Gangnam Station” with your desired destination.
Examples:
- Is this the right way to Incheon Airport?
인천공항으로 가는 길이 이쪽인가요?
[In-cheon-gong-hang-eu-ro-ga-neun-gi-ri-I-jjok-in-ga-yo] - Is this the right way to subway station?
지하철로 가는 길이 이쪽인가요?
[ji-ha-cheol-ro-ga-neun-gi-ri-I-jjok-in-ga-yo] - Is this the right way to the supermarket?
슈퍼마켓으로 가는 길이 이쪽인가요?
[supermarke-seu-ro-ga-neun-gi-ri-I-jjok-in-ga-yo]
Is it within walking distance?
Is it within walking distance?
걸어서 갈 수 있는 거리인가요?
[geo-reo-seo-gal-soo-in-neun-geo-ri-in-ga-yo]
Sometimes, you might wonder if your destination is within walking distance. To ask this, you can use the phrase “걸어서 갈 수 있는 거리인가요?” [geo-reo-seo-gal-soo-in-neun-geo-ri-in-ga-yo], which translates to “Is it within walking distance?” in English. This question helps you determine if you should walk or take public transportation. Whether you’re exploring a neighborhood or trying to find the best route, this is an essential question when asking directions.
Which direction should I go?
Which direction should I go?
어느 쪽으로 가야하나요?
[eo-neu-jjo-geu-ro-ga-ya-ha-na-yo]
When you’re unsure about which direction to go, this phrase will help you confirm the correct path. You can ask, “어느 쪽으로 가야하나요?” [eo-neu-jjo-geu-ro-ga-ya-ha-na-yo], which means, “Which direction should I go?” in English. This is especially useful when navigating public transportation, like finding the right subway line or bus route. By asking this question, you can avoid getting lost or confused while traveling.
How should I search on Google Maps to find it?
How should I search on Google Maps to find it?
구글맵에 뭐라고 쳐야 나오나요?
[Google-ma-be-meo-ra-go-cheo-ya-na-o-na-yo]
In the digital age, we rely on maps and GPS apps to get around, but sometimes searching for the right location can be tricky. I’ve had times when I had difficulty searching because the place names I knew were different from the names registered on Google Maps while traveling abroad.
If you’re unsure how to search on Google Maps, you can ask, “구글맵에 뭐라고 쳐야 나오나요? [Google-ma-be-meo-ra-go-cheo-ya-na-o-na-yo]”, which means “How should I search on Google Maps to find it?” This is a great question to ask when asking directions, as it helps you ensure you’re searching for the right location in the app.
If you’re using Naver Maps, you can simply replace Google Maps with Naver Maps.
Where is the nearest subway station?
Where is the nearest subway station?
가까운 지하철 역이 어디인가요?
[ga-gga-un-ji-ha-cheol-yeo-gi-eo-din-ga-yo]
Knowing the location of the nearest subway station is crucial when traveling in Korea. The subway system in cities like Seoul is extensive and convenient, so finding a station nearby can save you a lot of time. To ask, you can say, “가까운 지하철 역이 어디인가요? [ga-gga-un-ji-ha-cheol-yeo-gi-eo-din-ga-yo]”, which means “Where is the nearest subway station?” in Korean. This question is essential when asking directions, especially if you’re new to the city or in an unfamiliar neighborhood.
Please refer to the previous post for a guide on using the Seoul subway.
These 7 useful phrases will help you confidently navigate your way through Korea. Whether you’re asking for directions, figuring out how to search for locations, or finding the nearest subway station, learning these expressions will make your trip smoother and more enjoyable. Make sure to practice these phrases and use them during your travels in Korea to enhance your experience and communicate more effectively!
