Knowing how to ask for assistance is crucial when navigating unfamiliar streets, especially in a foreign country like Korea. This guide provides essential Korean phrases and cultural context for politely requesting help when you’re lost or need guidance on the street. Mastering these expressions will significantly enhance your travel experience and safety in Korea.
Table Of Content
Core Expression
This is the most direct way to ask for help in Korean.
- Expression: 도와주세요
Pronunciation: Do-wa-ju-se-yo
Meaning: Please help me.
Basic Phrases for Getting Attention
Before asking for help, it’s polite to get someone’s attention first.
- Expression: 실례합니다
Pronunciation: Sil-lye-ham-ni-da
Meaning: Excuse me. (Formal) - Expression: 저기요
Pronunciation: Jeo-gi-yo
Meaning: Excuse me (to get attention, slightly less formal but very common) - Expression: 잠깐만요
Pronunciation: Jam-kkan-man-yo
Meaning: Just a moment, please. - Expression: 말씀 좀 묻겠습니다
Pronunciation: Mal-sseum jom mut-get-seum-ni-da
Meaning: May I ask you something? (Formal) - Expression: 뭐 좀 물어봐도 될까요?
Pronunciation: Mwo jom mul-eo-bwa-do doel-kka-yo?
Meaning: May I ask you something? (Polite) - Expression: 죄송하지만…
Pronunciation: Joe-song-ha-ji-man…
Meaning: I’m sorry, but… (Used before making a request) - Expression: 바쁘신데 죄송합니다
Pronunciation: Ba-ppeu-sin-de joe-song-ham-ni-da
Meaning: Sorry to bother you when you’re busy. - Expression: 시간 괜찮으세요?
Pronunciation: Si-gan gwaen-chan-eu-se-yo?
Meaning: Do you have a moment? / Is now a good time? - Expression: 혹시…
Pronunciation: Hok-si…
Meaning: By any chance… (Used to soften a question or request) - Expression: 안녕하세요
Pronunciation: An-nyeong-ha-se-yo
Meaning: Hello (Can be used as a polite opener before asking)
Asking for Directions
These phrases are essential when you need help finding a specific location.
- Expression: [장소] 어디에 있어요?
Pronunciation: [Jang-so] eo-di-e iss-eo-yo?
Meaning: Where is [Place]? - Expression: [장소] 어떻게 가요?
Pronunciation: [Jang-so] eo-tteo-ke ga-yo?
Meaning: How do I get to [Place]? - Expression: 이 근처에 [장소] 있어요?
Pronunciation: I geun-cheo-e [Jang-so] iss-eo-yo?
Meaning: Is there a [Place] near here? - Expression: 지하철역 어디예요?
Pronunciation: Ji-ha-cheol-yeok eo-di-ye-yo?
Meaning: Where is the subway station? - Expression: 버스 정류장이 어디에 있나요?
Pronunciation: Beo-seu jeong-nyu-jang-i eo-di-e iss-na-yo?
Meaning: Where is the bus stop? - Expression: 화장실이 어디예요?
Pronunciation: Hwa-jang-sil-i eo-di-ye-yo?
Meaning: Where is the restroom? - Expression: 여기서 멀어요?
Pronunciation: Yeo-gi-seo meol-eo-yo?
Meaning: Is it far from here? - Expression: 걸어갈 수 있어요?
Pronunciation: Geol-eo-gal su iss-eo-yo?
Meaning: Can I walk there? - Expression: 지도를 보여주실 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: Ji-do-reul bo-yeo-ju-sil su iss-na-yo?
Meaning: Could you show me on the map? - Expression: 이 주소로 가주세요.
Pronunciation: I ju-so-ro ga-ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please take me to this address. (Useful for taxis) - Expression: 가장 가까운 [장소]가 어디예요?
Pronunciation: Ga-jang ga-kka-un [Jang-so]-ga eo-di-ye-yo?
Meaning: Where is the nearest [Place]? - Expression: 이 길이 맞나요?
Pronunciation: I gil-i maj-na-yo?
Meaning: Is this the right way?
Explaining Your Situation
Briefly explaining why you need help can be useful.
- Expression: 길을 잃었어요.
Pronunciation: Gil-eul ilh-eoss-eo-yo.
Meaning: I’m lost. - Expression: 여기가 어디예요?
Pronunciation: Yeo-gi-ga eo-di-ye-yo?
Meaning: Where am I? / What is this place? - Expression: 저는 관광객이에요.
Pronunciation: Jeo-neun gwan-gwang-gaek-i-e-yo.
Meaning: I am a tourist. - Expression: 한국말 잘 못해요.
Pronunciation: Han-guk-mal jal mot-hae-yo.
Meaning: I don’t speak Korean well. - Expression: 영어를 할 수 있으세요?
Pronunciation: Yeong-eo-reul hal su iss-eu-se-yo?
Meaning: Can you speak English? - Expression: [장소]를 찾고 있어요.
Pronunciation: [Jang-so]-reul chat-go iss-eo-yo.
Meaning: I’m looking for [Place]. - Expression: 도움이 필요해요.
Pronunciation: Do-um-i pil-yo-hae-yo.
Meaning: I need help. - Expression: 이해가 안 돼요.
Pronunciation: I-hae-ga an dwae-yo.
Meaning: I don’t understand. - Expression: 다시 한번 말씀해 주시겠어요?
Pronunciation: Da-si han-beon mal-sseum-hae ju-si-gess-eo-yo?
Meaning: Could you please say that again? - Expression: 천천히 말씀해 주세요.
Pronunciation: Cheon-cheon-hi mal-sseum-hae ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please speak slowly. - Expression: 제 핸드폰 배터리가 나갔어요.
Pronunciation: Je haen-deu-pon bae-teo-ri-ga na-gass-eo-yo.
Meaning: My phone battery died. - Expression: 지갑을 잃어버렸어요.
Pronunciation: Ji-gab-eul ilh-eo-beo-ryeoss-eo-yo.
Meaning: I lost my wallet.
Understanding Responses
Listen for these common words and phrases when receiving directions or help.
- Expression: 네 / 예
Pronunciation: Ne / Ye
Meaning: Yes - Expression: 아니요
Pronunciation: A-ni-yo
Meaning: No - Expression: 여기 / 저기 / 거기
Pronunciation: Yeo-gi / Jeo-gi / Geo-gi
Meaning: Here / Over there (far) / There (near listener) - Expression: 이쪽 / 그쪽 / 저쪽
Pronunciation: I-jjok / Geu-jjok / Jeo-jjok
Meaning: This way / That way (near listener) / That way (far) - Expression: 오른쪽
Pronunciation: O-reun-jjok
Meaning: Right side - Expression: 왼쪽
Pronunciation: Oen-jjok
Meaning: Left side - Expression: 직진
Pronunciation: Jik-jin
Meaning: Straight ahead - Expression: 건너편
Pronunciation: Geon-neo-pyeon
Meaning: Across the street / Opposite side - Expression: 가까워요
Pronunciation: Ga-kka-wo-yo
Meaning: It’s close / near. - Expression: 멀어요
Pronunciation: Meol-eo-yo
Meaning: It’s far. - Expression: 바로 여기예요.
Pronunciation: Ba-ro yeo-gi-ye-yo.
Meaning: It’s right here. - Expression: 저도 잘 몰라요.
Pronunciation: Jeo-do jal mol-la-yo.
Meaning: I don’t know either.
Korean Culture Notes
Understanding cultural nuances can make asking for help smoother.
- Politeness is Key: Always use polite language endings like ‘-요’ (-yo) or ‘-ㅂ니다/습니다’ (-mnida/seumnida). Starting with “실례합니다” (Sillyehamnida – Excuse me) is standard practice.
- Approaching People: Generally, approaching younger people or students might increase the chance they speak some English. However, many older Koreans are very willing to help, even with language barriers, often going out of their way. Police officers or information booth staff are also good resources.
- Gestures: Hand gestures are common when giving directions. Pointing directly at someone is considered impolite; use an open hand gesture instead. Koreans might physically guide you part of the way if it’s nearby.
- Expressing Gratitude: Always thank the person clearly. “감사합니다” (Gamsahamnida – Thank you) is the standard formal expression. A slight bow often accompanies thanks.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Ask: Koreans are generally helpful towards foreigners who seem lost or in need of assistance. Don’t hesitate to ask, even if your Korean isn’t perfect. Showing effort is appreciated.
Real Conversation Example
This example demonstrates how a tourist might ask for directions on the street.
Situation: A tourist (A) is looking for the nearest subway station and asks a passerby (B) for help.
Roles:
* A: Tourist
* B: Korean Passerby
- Expression: A: 실례합니다. 말씀 좀 묻겠습니다.
Pronunciation: Sil-lye-ham-ni-da. Mal-sseum jom mut-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Excuse me. May I ask you something? - Expression: B: 네, 괜찮아요. 무엇을 도와드릴까요?
Pronunciation: Ne, gwaen-chan-a-yo. Mu-eos-eul do-wa-deu-ril-kka-yo?
Meaning: Yes, it’s okay. How can I help you? - Expression: A: 제가 길을 잃었어요. 가장 가까운 지하철역이 어디에 있어요?
Pronunciation: Je-ga gil-eul ilh-eoss-eo-yo. Ga-jang ga-kka-un ji-ha-cheol-yeog-i eo-di-e iss-eo-yo?
Meaning: I’m lost. Where is the nearest subway station? - Expression: B: 아, 지하철역이요? 이 길로 쭉 직진하시면 오른쪽에 있어요. 한 5분 정도 걸려요.
Pronunciation: A, ji-ha-cheol-yeog-i-yo? I gil-lo jjuk jik-jin-ha-si-myeon o-reun-jjok-e iss-eo-yo. Han o-bun jeong-do geol-lyeo-yo.
Meaning: Ah, the subway station? If you go straight down this road, it’s on your right. It takes about 5 minutes. - Expression: A: 아, 직진해서 오른쪽이요? 감사합니다!
Pronunciation: A, jik-jin-hae-seo o-reun-jjok-i-yo? Gam-sa-ham-ni-da!
Meaning: Ah, straight and then on the right? Thank you! - Expression: B: 네, 맞아요. 조심히 가세요.
Pronunciation: Ne, maj-a-yo. Jo-sim-hi ga-se-yo.
Meaning: Yes, that’s right. Take care / Go safely.
Practice Tips
Practice makes perfect, especially when asking for help~!
- Role-play: Practice the conversation scenarios with a friend or language partner. Take turns being the person asking for help and the person giving directions!
- Use a Map App (in Korean): Try setting your map app language to Korean. This helps you recognize place names and direction words like 오른쪽, 왼쪽, 직진.
- Listen Actively: Pay attention to how Koreans ask for and give directions in dramas or movies. Notice the intonation and common filler words~.
- Start Small: Begin by asking simple questions like “화장실 어디예요?” (Where is the restroom?) in cafes or shops. Build your confidence gradually!
- Don’t Be Shy!: Most people are happy to help. Even if you make mistakes, trying is the most important part. 화이팅! (Hwaiting! – You can do it!)
