Arriving at your hotel in Korea marks the beginning of your adventure, but the check-in process can seem daunting if you’re unfamiliar with the language. This guide provides essential Korean phrases and cultural insights to help you navigate hotel check-ins smoothly and confidently. From confirming your reservation to asking about amenities, master these expressions for a hassle-free start to your stay.
Table Of Content
Core Expression: Check-In
This is the fundamental term you’ll need when initiating the check-in process at a Korean hotel.
- Expression: 체크인
Pronunciation: [che-keu-in]
Meaning: Check-in (This is a direct loanword from English and is universally understood in Korean hotels.)
Making and Confirming Reservations
Before you arrive, you might need to book or confirm your stay. Here are some useful phrases.
- Expression: 예약했어요.
Pronunciation: [ye-yak-hae-sseo-yo]
Meaning: I have a reservation. - Expression: 예약 확인하고 싶어요.
Pronunciation: [ye-yak hwa-gin-ha-go si-peo-yo]
Meaning: I’d like to confirm my reservation. - Expression: 제 이름은 [Your Name]입니다.
Pronunciation: [je i-reum-eun [Your Name]-im-ni-da]
Meaning: My name is [Your Name]. - Expression: 예약 번호는 [Reservation Number]입니다.
Pronunciation: [ye-yak beo-no-neun [Reservation Number]-im-ni-da]
Meaning: My reservation number is [Reservation Number]. - Expression: 싱글룸/더블룸/트윈룸 예약했어요.
Pronunciation: [sing-geul-lum/deo-beul-lum/teu-win-rum ye-yak-hae-sseo-yo]
Meaning: I booked a single/double/twin room. - Expression: 금연실로 예약했어요.
Pronunciation: [geum-yeon-sil-lo ye-yak-hae-sseo-yo]
Meaning: I booked a non-smoking room. - Expression: 체크인 시간이 언제예요?
Pronunciation: [che-keu-in si-gan-i eon-je-ye-yo?]
Meaning: What time is check-in? - Expression: 체크아웃 시간이 언제예요?
Pronunciation: [che-keu-a-ut si-gan-i eon-je-ye-yo?]
Meaning: What time is check-out? - Expression: 예약 변경/취소하고 싶어요.
Pronunciation: [ye-yak byeon-gyeong/chwi-so-ha-go si-peo-yo]
Meaning: I’d like to change/cancel my reservation. - Expression: 빈 방 있어요?
Pronunciation: [bin bang i-sseo-yo?]
Meaning: Do you have any vacant rooms? - Expression: 1박에 얼마예요?
Pronunciation: [il-ba-ge eol-ma-ye-yo?]
Meaning: How much is it per night?
At the Front Desk: Checking In
These phrases are essential when you arrive at the hotel and approach the front desk.
- Expression: 체크인 하려고요.
Pronunciation: [che-keu-in ha-ryeo-go-yo]
Meaning: I’d like to check in. - Expression: 예약했습니다. 이름은 [Your Name]입니다.
Pronunciation: [ye-yak-haet-seum-ni-da. i-reum-eun [Your Name]-im-ni-da]
Meaning: I have a reservation. My name is [Your Name]. - Expression: 여권 여기 있습니다.
Pronunciation: [yeo-gwon yeo-gi it-seum-ni-da]
Meaning: Here is my passport. - Expression: 신용카드 여기 있습니다.
Pronunciation: [sin-yong-ka-deu yeo-gi it-seum-ni-da]
Meaning: Here is my credit card. - Expression: 조식 포함인가요?
Pronunciation: [jo-sik po-ham-in-ga-yo?]
Meaning: Is breakfast included? - Expression: 조식은 어디서 먹어요? 몇 시부터 몇 시까지예요?
Pronunciation: [jo-sik-eun eo-di-seo meo-geo-yo? myeot si-bu-teo myeot si-kka-ji-ye-yo?]
Meaning: Where is breakfast served? From what time to what time? - Expression: 와이파이 비밀번호가 뭐예요?
Pronunciation: [wa-i-pa-i bi-mil-beo-no-ga mwo-ye-yo?]
Meaning: What is the Wi-Fi password? - Expression: 방 키 주세요.
Pronunciation: [bang ki ju-se-yo]
Meaning: Please give me the room key. - Expression: 제 방은 몇 층이에요?
Pronunciation: [je bang-eun myeot cheung-i-e-yo?]
Meaning: What floor is my room on? - Expression: 엘리베이터는 어디에 있어요?
Pronunciation: [el-li-be-i-teo-neun eo-di-e i-sseo-yo?]
Meaning: Where is the elevator? - Expression: 짐 좀 맡아주실 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: [jim jom ma-ta-ju-sil su in-na-yo?]
Meaning: Could you store my luggage? - Expression: 일찍 체크인 할 수 있을까요?
Pronunciation: [il-jjik che-keu-in hal su i-sseul-kka-yo?]
Meaning: Is it possible to check in early?
Asking About Hotel Services
Once checked in, you might need to inquire about various hotel facilities and services.
- Expression: 수영장은 어디에 있나요?
Pronunciation: [su-yeong-jang-eun eo-di-e in-na-yo?]
Meaning: Where is the swimming pool? - Expression: 헬스장은 몇 시까지 운영해요?
Pronunciation: [hel-seu-jang-eun myeot si-kka-ji un-yeong-hae-yo?]
Meaning: Until what time is the gym open? - Expression: 룸서비스 가능한가요?
Pronunciation: [rum-seo-bi-seu ga-neung-han-ga-yo?]
Meaning: Is room service available? - Expression: 세탁 서비스 이용하고 싶어요.
Pronunciation: [se-tak seo-bi-seu i-yong-ha-go si-peo-yo]
Meaning: I’d like to use the laundry service. - Expression: 근처에 편의점 있어요?
Pronunciation: [geun-cheo-e pyeon-ui-jeom i-sseo-yo?]
Meaning: Is there a convenience store nearby? - Expression: 택시 좀 불러주세요.
Pronunciation: [taek-si jom bul-leo-ju-se-yo]
Meaning: Please call a taxi for me. - Expression: 수건 좀 더 주실 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: [su-geon jom deo ju-sil su in-na-yo?]
Meaning: Could I have some more towels? - Expression: 방에 문제가 있어요. (예: 에어컨이 안 돼요)
Pronunciation: [bang-e mun-je-ga i-sseo-yo. (ye: e-eo-keon-i an dwae-yo)]
Meaning: There’s a problem with my room. (e.g., The air conditioner isn’t working.) - Expression: 모닝콜 부탁드려요. [Time]시에요.
Pronunciation: [mo-ning-kol bu-tak-deu-ryeo-yo. [Time]-si-e-yo]
Meaning: I’d like a wake-up call, please. At [Time] o’clock. - Expression: 관광 안내 지도 있어요?
Pronunciation: [gwan-gwang an-nae ji-do i-sseo-yo?]
Meaning: Do you have a tourist map? - Expression: 늦게 체크아웃 할 수 있을까요?
Pronunciation: [neut-ge che-keu-a-ut hal su i-sseul-kka-yo?]
Meaning: Is it possible to check out late?
Korean Hotel Culture Notes
Understanding a few cultural points can make your hotel stay even smoother.
- Tipping: Tipping is generally not customary or expected in Korean hotels for standard services like bellhops or housekeeping. Service charges are often included in the bill.
- Floor Numbering: Korea often uses the concept of a “1st floor” being the ground floor, similar to American usage. However, some buildings might use ‘G’ or ‘L’ for the lobby/ground floor, or even ‘F’ (for ‘Four’) might be skipped in elevators due to superstition (the number 4 sounds like ‘death’). Pay attention to the floor guide in the elevator.
- Ondol Rooms (온돌방): Some traditional or older hotels might offer ‘Ondol’ rooms, which feature heated floors and sleeping on floor mattresses (yo/요) instead of beds. Confirm your room type if you have a preference.
- Key Cards: Most modern hotels use key cards. Remember to keep it away from magnets and mobile phones. You often need to insert it into a slot by the door to activate the room’s electricity.
- Quiet Hours: While not always explicitly stated, maintaining a quiet atmosphere, especially late at night, is generally appreciated in Korean accommodations.
Hotel Check-In Conversation Example
Here’s a sample conversation during check-in. Situation: A foreign guest (A) arrives at a hotel in Seoul to check in. The receptionist (B) assists them. Roles: A: Guest, B: Receptionist
- Expression: A: 안녕하세요. 체크인 하려고 왔어요.
Pronunciation: [an-nyeong-ha-se-yo. che-keu-in ha-ryeo-go wa-sseo-yo]
Meaning: Hello. I’m here to check in. - Expression: B: 네, 안녕하세요. 성함이 어떻게 되시나요? 예약하셨어요?
Pronunciation: [ne, an-nyeong-ha-se-yo. seong-ham-i eo-tteo-ke doe-si-na-yo? ye-yak-ha-syeo-sseo-yo?]
Meaning: Yes, hello. May I have your name, please? Did you make a reservation? - Expression: A: 네, 예약했어요. 이름은 [Your Name]입니다.
Pronunciation: [ne, ye-yak-hae-sseo-yo. i-reum-eun [Your Name]-im-ni-da]
Meaning: Yes, I have a reservation. My name is [Your Name]. - Expression: B: 네, [Your Name]님. 예약 확인되었습니다. 잠시 여권 좀 보여주시겠어요?
Pronunciation: [ne, [Your Name]-nim. ye-yak hwa-gin-doe-eot-seum-ni-da. jam-si yeo-gwon jom bo-yeo-ju-si-ge-sseo-yo?]
Meaning: Okay, Mr./Ms. [Your Name]. Your reservation is confirmed. Could I see your passport for a moment, please? - Expression: A: 네, 여기 있습니다.
Pronunciation: [ne, yeo-gi it-seum-ni-da]
Meaning: Yes, here you go. - Expression: B: 감사합니다. (Checks passport) 네, 확인되셨습니다. 신용카드로 보증금 결제 부탁드립니다.
Pronunciation: [gam-sa-ham-ni-da. (Checks passport) ne, hwa-gin-doe-syeot-seum-ni-da. sin-yong-ka-deu-ro bo-jeung-geum gyeol-je bu-tak-deu-rim-ni-da]
Meaning: Thank you. (Checks passport) Okay, it’s confirmed. We require a credit card for the security deposit, please. - Expression: A: 네, 여기요. 조식은 포함인가요?
Pronunciation: [ne, yeo-gi-yo. jo-sik-eun po-ham-in-ga-yo?]
Meaning: Yes, here it is. Is breakfast included? - Expression: B: 네, 포함되어 있습니다. 조식은 2층 레스토랑에서 아침 7시부터 10시까지 이용 가능합니다. 와이파이 비밀번호는 영수증에 적혀 있습니다.
Pronunciation: [ne, po-ham-doe-eo it-seum-ni-da. jo-sik-eun i-cheung re-seu-to-rang-e-seo a-chim il-gop-si-bu-teo yeol-si-kka-ji i-yong ga-neung-ham-ni-da. wa-i-pa-i bi-mil-beo-no-neun yeong-su-jeung-e jeok-hyeo it-seum-ni-da]
Meaning: Yes, it is included. Breakfast is available at the 2nd-floor restaurant from 7 AM to 10 AM. The Wi-Fi password is written on your receipt. - Expression: A: 알겠습니다. 감사합니다. 제 방은 몇 호예요?
Pronunciation: [al-get-seum-ni-da. gam-sa-ham-ni-da. je bang-eun myeot ho-ye-yo?]
Meaning: I understand. Thank you. What is my room number? - Expression: B: 방은 1503호입니다. 여기 카드 키입니다. 엘리베이터는 저쪽에 있습니다. 편안한 투숙 되십시오.
Pronunciation: [bang-eun si-bo-baek-sam-ho-im-ni-da. yeo-gi ka-deu ki-im-ni-da. el-li-be-i-teo-neun jeo-jjo-ge it-seum-ni-da. pyeon-an-han tu-suk doe-sip-si-o]
Meaning: Your room is 1503. Here is your key card. The elevators are over there. Have a comfortable stay. - Expression: A: 네, 감사합니다!
Pronunciation: [ne, gam-sa-ham-ni-da!]
Meaning: Yes, thank you!
Wrapping Up!
Checking into a Korean hotel is much easier when you’re equipped with these key phrases~ Practice them out loud, maybe even role-play with a friend before your trip! Knowing how to ask basic questions and state your needs will make the start of your stay smooth and worry-free. Enjoy your time exploring Korea and have a wonderful stay at your hotel! 화이팅! (Hwaiting! – You can do it!)
