Encountering problems during your stay at accommodation in Korea can be stressful, but knowing how to communicate your concerns effectively is key. This guide provides essential Korean phrases for addressing issues like cleanliness, noise, broken facilities, and requesting solutions, helping you navigate these situations politely and clearly.
Table Of Content
Core Expression
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Expression: 숙박업소 불만 제기하기
Pronunciation: suk-bak-eop-so bul-man je-gi-ha-gi
Meaning: Complaining about accommodation issues / Raising a complaint about lodging
Basic Complaint Phrases
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Expression: 문제가 좀 있어요.
Pronunciation: mun-je-ga jom iss-eo-yo.
Meaning: There’s a bit of a problem. -
Expression: 방에 문제가 생겼어요.
Pronunciation: bang-e mun-je-ga saeng-gyeoss-eo-yo.
Meaning: A problem occurred in the room. -
Expression: 불편한 점이 있습니다.
Pronunciation: bul-pyeon-han jeom-i iss-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: There is an inconvenience. (Formal) -
Expression: 이것 좀 확인해 주시겠어요?
Pronunciation: i-geot jom hwa-gin-hae ju-si-gess-eo-yo?
Meaning: Could you please check this? -
Expression: 방이 너무 더러워요.
Pronunciation: bang-i neo-mu deo-reo-wo-yo.
Meaning: The room is too dirty. -
Expression: 청소가 제대로 안 되어 있어요.
Pronunciation: cheong-so-ga je-dae-ro an doe-eo iss-eo-yo.
Meaning: The cleaning hasn’t been done properly. -
Expression: 옆방이 너무 시끄러워요.
Pronunciation: yeop-bang-i neo-mu si-kkeu-reo-wo-yo.
Meaning: The next room is too noisy. -
Expression: 에어컨이 작동하지 않아요.
Pronunciation: e-eo-keon-i jak-dong-ha-ji an-a-yo.
Meaning: The air conditioner isn’t working. -
Expression: 뜨거운 물이 안 나와요.
Pronunciation: tteu-geo-un mul-i an na-wa-yo.
Meaning: The hot water isn’t coming out. -
Expression: 와이파이가 안 돼요.
Pronunciation: wa-i-pa-i-ga an dwae-yo.
Meaning: The Wi-Fi isn’t working. -
Expression: 화장실 변기가 막혔어요.
Pronunciation: hwa-jang-sil byeon-gi-ga mak-hyeoss-eo-yo.
Meaning: The toilet is clogged. -
Expression: 예약한 내용과 달라요.
Pronunciation: ye-yak-han nae-yong-gwa dal-la-yo.
Meaning: It’s different from what I reserved.
Phrases for Specific Problems
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Expression: 방에서 이상한 냄새가 나요.
Pronunciation: bang-e-seo i-sang-han naem-sae-ga na-yo.
Meaning: There’s a strange smell in the room. -
Expression: 침대 시트가 깨끗하지 않아요.
Pronunciation: chim-dae si-teu-ga kkae-kkeut-ha-ji an-a-yo.
Meaning: The bed sheets are not clean. -
Expression: 수건이 부족해요.
Pronunciation: su-geon-i bu-jok-hae-yo.
Meaning: There aren’t enough towels. -
Expression: 텔레비전이 고장 났어요.
Pronunciation: tel-le-bi-jeon-i go-jang nass-eo-yo.
Meaning: The television is broken. -
Expression: 전등이 깜빡거려요.
Pronunciation: jeon-deung-i kkam-ppak-geo-ryeo-yo.
Meaning: The light is flickering. -
Expression: 창문이 잘 안 닫혀요.
Pronunciation: chang-mun-i jal an dat-hyeo-yo.
Meaning: The window doesn’t close properly. -
Expression: 방에 벌레가 있어요.
Pronunciation: bang-e beol-le-ga iss-eo-yo.
Meaning: There are bugs in the room. -
Expression: 냉장고가 작동하지 않아요.
Pronunciation: naeng-jang-go-ga jak-dong-ha-ji an-a-yo.
Meaning: The refrigerator isn’t working. -
Expression: 샤워기 수압이 너무 약해요.
Pronunciation: sya-wo-gi su-ab-i neo-mu yak-hae-yo.
Meaning: The shower pressure is too weak. -
Expression: 헤어드라이어가 없어요.
Pronunciation: he-eo-deu-ra-i-eo-ga eops-eo-yo.
Meaning: There is no hairdryer. -
Expression: 열쇠/카드키가 작동하지 않아요.
Pronunciation: yeol-soe/ka-deu-ki-ga jak-dong-ha-ji an-a-yo.
Meaning: The key/key card isn’t working. -
Expression: 방음이 잘 안 돼요.
Pronunciation: bang-eum-i jal an dwae-yo.
Meaning: The soundproofing isn’t good.
Requesting Solutions
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Expression: 방을 바꿔 주실 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: bang-eul ba-kkwo ju-sil su iss-na-yo?
Meaning: Can you change my room? -
Expression: 다른 방으로 옮기고 싶어요.
Pronunciation: da-reun bang-eu-ro om-gi-go sip-eo-yo.
Meaning: I want to move to a different room. -
Expression: 수리해 주실 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: su-ri-hae ju-sil su iss-na-yo?
Meaning: Can you repair it? -
Expression: 사람을 보내 주시겠어요?
Pronunciation: sa-ram-eul bo-nae ju-si-gess-eo-yo?
Meaning: Could you send someone (to fix it)? -
Expression: 언제쯤 해결될까요?
Pronunciation: eon-je-jjeum hae-gyeol-doel-kka-yo?
Meaning: Around when will this be resolved? -
Expression: 청소를 다시 해 주세요.
Pronunciation: cheong-so-reul da-si hae ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please clean it again. -
Expression: 수건 좀 더 갖다 주세요.
Pronunciation: su-geon jom deo gat-da ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please bring some more towels. -
Expression: 할인을 받을 수 있을까요?
Pronunciation: hal-in-eul bad-eul su iss-eul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Can I get a discount? -
Expression: 환불해 주실 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: hwan-bul-hae ju-sil su iss-na-yo?
Meaning: Can I get a refund? -
Expression: 매니저와 이야기하고 싶습니다.
Pronunciation: mae-ni-jeo-wa i-ya-gi-ha-go sips-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I would like to speak with the manager. (Formal) -
Expression: 어떻게 보상해 주실 건가요?
Pronunciation: eo-tteo-ke bo-sang-hae ju-sil geon-ga-yo?
Meaning: How will you compensate me for this? -
Expression: 조치를 취해 주세요.
Pronunciation: jo-chi-reul chwi-hae ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please take action / Please do something about it.
Korean Culture Notes
Politeness is Key: When raising a complaint in Korea, maintaining a polite and respectful tone is crucial, even when you are upset. Using formal language (like adding -요 [-yo] or -ㅂ니다/습니다 [-mnida/-seumnida] endings) is highly recommended. Starting with a phrase like “실례지만…” (sil-lye-ji-man… – Excuse me, but…) can soften the approach.
Be Specific and Calm: Clearly state the problem without exaggeration or excessive emotion. Provide specific details about what is wrong. A calm demeanor is generally more effective than an angry outburst.
Focus on Solutions: While explaining the problem is necessary, Koreans often appreciate a focus on finding a solution. Clearly state what you would like done (e.g., room change, repair, cleaning) rather than just complaining.
Hierarchy Matters: If the front desk staff cannot resolve the issue to your satisfaction, politely requesting to speak with a manager (매니저 – mae-ni-jeo) is an acceptable next step. Frame it as seeking further assistance rather than escalating out of anger.
Written Communication: For complex issues or if verbal communication is difficult, consider writing down the key points of your complaint simply in Korean (if possible) or English. This can help avoid misunderstandings.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: A guest (A) goes to the front desk to complain about noise from the neighboring room late at night.
Roles: A: Guest, B: Hotel Staff
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Expression: A: 저기요, 실례지만 문제가 좀 있어서 왔는데요.
Pronunciation: jeo-gi-yo, sil-lye-ji-man mun-je-ga jom iss-eo-seo wass-neun-de-yo.
Meaning: A: Excuse me, I came because there’s a bit of a problem. -
Expression: B: 네, 손님. 무슨 일이신가요?
Pronunciation: ne, son-nim. mu-seun ir-i-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: B: Yes, guest. What seems to be the issue? -
Expression: A: 제 방이 305호인데요, 옆방이 너무 시끄러워서 잠을 잘 수가 없어요.
Pronunciation: je bang-i sam-baek-o-ho-in-de-yo, yeop-bang-i neo-mu si-kkeu-reo-wo-seo jam-eul jal su-ga eops-eo-yo.
Meaning: A: My room is 305, but the room next door is so noisy I can’t sleep. -
Expression: B: 아, 그러세요? 불편을 드려 죄송합니다. 혹시 지금도 시끄러운가요?
Pronunciation: a, geu-reo-se-yo? bul-pyeon-eul deu-ryeo joe-song-ham-ni-da. hok-si ji-geum-do si-kkeu-reo-un-ga-yo?
Meaning: B: Oh, is that so? I apologize for the inconvenience. Is it noisy right now as well? -
Expression: A: 네, 계속 음악을 크게 틀고 떠들고 있어요.
Pronunciation: ne, gye-sok eum-ag-eul keu-ge teul-go tteo-deul-go iss-eo-yo.
Meaning: A: Yes, they keep playing loud music and talking loudly. -
Expression: B: 알겠습니다. 제가 바로 연락해서 조용히 해달라고 요청하겠습니다. 잠시만 기다려 주시겠어요?
Pronunciation: al-gess-seum-ni-da. je-ga ba-ro yeol-lak-hae-seo jo-yong-hi hae-dal-la-go yo-cheong-ha-gess-seum-ni-da. jam-si-man gi-da-ryeo ju-si-gess-eo-yo?
Meaning: B: I understand. I will contact them right away and request that they be quiet. Could you please wait a moment? -
Expression: A: 만약 계속 시끄러우면 방을 바꿔 주실 수 있나요? 너무 피곤해서요.
Pronunciation: man-yak gye-sok si-kkeu-reo-u-myeon bang-eul ba-kkwo ju-sil su iss-na-yo? neo-mu pi-gon-hae-seo-yo.
Meaning: A: If it continues to be noisy, could you possibly change my room? I’m very tired. -
Expression: B: 네, 일단 옆방에 주의를 주고, 상황을 본 후에 계속 불편하시면 다른 가능한 방이 있는지 확인해 보겠습니다.
Pronunciation: ne, il-dan yeop-bang-e ju-ui-reul ju-go, sang-hwang-eul bon hu-e gye-sok bul-pyeon-ha-si-myeon da-reun ga-neung-han bang-i iss-neun-ji hwa-gin-hae bo-gess-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: B: Yes, first I will give a warning to the next room, and after seeing the situation, if you are still inconvenienced, I will check if there is another available room. -
Expression: A: 네, 감사합니다. 조치를 취해 주세요.
Pronunciation: ne, gam-sa-ham-ni-da. jo-chi-reul chwi-hae ju-se-yo.
Meaning: A: Yes, thank you. Please take action.
Practice Tips
Handling complaints is never fun, but being prepared makes it much easier! Try practicing these phrases aloud, perhaps imagining different scenarios like a broken heater or unclean bathroom~ Role-playing with a friend or language partner can be really helpful too! Remember to stay calm and polite when you actually need to use these expressions. Fighting! (화이팅! hwa-i-ting!)
