Losing personal belongings while traveling or living abroad can be stressful. This guide provides essential Korean phrases and information needed to report a lost item (물건 분실 신고하기 – mul-geon bun-sil sin-go-ha-gi) in various situations in Korea. You’ll learn how to describe the item, explain where and when you lost it, and follow up on your report, enabling you to navigate this unfortunate situation more effectively.
Table Of Content
Core Expression
This is the fundamental phrase for the action of reporting a lost item.
- Expression: 물건 분실 신고하기
Pronunciation: mul-geon bun-sil sin-go-ha-gi
Meaning: Reporting a lost item (lit. item loss report doing)
Basic Reporting Phrases
Use these phrases to initiate the report and ask for help.
-
Expression: 물건을 잃어버렸어요.
Pronunciation: mul-geo-neul i-reo-beo-ryeo-sseo-yo.
Meaning: I lost something. / I’ve lost an item. -
Expression: 분실물 신고하러 왔어요.
Pronunciation: bun-sil-mul sin-go-ha-reo wa-sseo-yo.
Meaning: I came here to report a lost item. -
Expression: 도와주세요. 지갑을 잃어버렸어요.
Pronunciation: do-wa-ju-se-yo. ji-ga-beul i-reo-beo-ryeo-sseo-yo.
Meaning: Please help me. I lost my wallet. -
Expression: 분실물 센터가 어디예요?
Pronunciation: bun-sil-mul sen-teo-ga eo-di-ye-yo?
Meaning: Where is the lost and found center? -
Expression: 여기서 분실물 신고할 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: yeo-gi-seo bun-sil-mul sin-go-hal su in-na-yo?
Meaning: Can I report a lost item here? -
Expression: 제 물건을 찾고 있어요.
Pronunciation: je mul-geo-neul chat-go i-sseo-yo.
Meaning: I’m looking for my item. -
Expression: 언제 잃어버리셨어요?
Pronunciation: eon-je i-reo-beo-ri-syeo-sseo-yo?
Meaning: When did you lose it? (Polite question someone might ask you) -
Expression: 어디서 잃어버리셨어요?
Pronunciation: eo-di-seo i-reo-beo-ri-syeo-sseo-yo?
Meaning: Where did you lose it? (Polite question someone might ask you) -
Expression: 신고서를 작성해야 하나요?
Pronunciation: sin-go-seo-reul jak-seong-hae-ya ha-na-yo?
Meaning: Do I need to fill out a report form? -
Expression: 연락처를 남겨야 해요?
Pronunciation: yeon-lak-cheo-reul nam-gyeo-ya hae-yo?
Meaning: Do I need to leave my contact information?
Describing the Lost Item
Being able to describe your lost item clearly is crucial.
-
Expression: [Item Name]을/를 잃어버렸어요.
Pronunciation: [Item Name]-eul/reul i-reo-beo-ryeo-sseo-yo.
Meaning: I lost [Item Name]. (Use 을 if the item name ends in a consonant, 를 if it ends in a vowel. Examples: 가방을 (ga-bang-eul) – bag, 휴대폰을 (hyu-dae-po-neul) – mobile phone, 여권을 (yeo-gwo-neul) – passport, 지갑을 (ji-ga-beul) – wallet, 우산을 (u-sa-neul) – umbrella) -
Expression: 검은색 가방이에요.
Pronunciation: geom-eun-saek ga-bang-i-e-yo.
Meaning: It’s a black bag. -
Expression: 파란색 지갑이었어요.
Pronunciation: pa-ran-saek ji-ga-bi-eo-sseo-yo.
Meaning: It was a blue wallet. -
Expression: 크기는 이 정도예요.
Pronunciation: keu-gi-neun i jeong-do-ye-yo.
Meaning: The size is about this big. (Use gestures) -
Expression: 작은 크기예요. / 큰 크기예요.
Pronunciation: ja-geun keu-gi-ye-yo / keun keu-gi-ye-yo.
Meaning: It’s small sized. / It’s large sized. -
Expression: 안에 무엇이 들어 있었나요?
Pronunciation: a-ne mu-eo-si deu-reo i-sseon-na-yo?
Meaning: What was inside it? (Question someone might ask you) -
Expression: 현금하고 신용카드가 들어 있었어요.
Pronunciation: hyeon-geum-ha-go sin-yong-ka-deu-ga deu-reo i-sseo-sseo-yo.
Meaning: There was cash and credit cards inside. -
Expression: 여권이랑 중요한 서류가 있었어요.
Pronunciation: yeo-gwon-i-rang jung-yo-han seo-ryu-ga i-sseo-sseo-yo.
Meaning: My passport and important documents were in it. -
Expression: 특별한 특징이 있나요?
Pronunciation: teuk-byeo-ran teuk-jing-i in-na-yo?
Meaning: Does it have any special features? (Question someone might ask you) -
Expression: 열쇠고리가 달려 있어요.
Pronunciation: yeol-soe-go-ri-ga dal-lyeo i-sseo-yo.
Meaning: It has a keychain attached. -
Expression: [Brand Name] 로고가 있어요.
Pronunciation: [Brand Name] ro-go-ga i-sseo-yo.
Meaning: It has the [Brand Name] logo.
Specifying Time and Location
Provide details about when and where you believe you lost the item.
-
Expression: 오늘 오전에 잃어버린 것 같아요.
Pronunciation: o-neul o-jeo-ne i-reo-beo-rin geot ga-ta-yo.
Meaning: I think I lost it this morning. -
Expression: 어제 오후 3시쯤인 것 같아요.
Pronunciation: eo-je o-hu se-si-jjeu-min geot ga-ta-yo.
Meaning: I think it was around 3 PM yesterday afternoon. -
Expression: 정확히 언제인지 잘 모르겠어요.
Pronunciation: jeong-hwak-hi eon-je-in-ji jal mo-reu-ge-sseo-yo.
Meaning: I don’t know exactly when. -
Expression: 지하철에서 잃어버린 것 같아요.
Pronunciation: ji-ha-cheo-re-seo i-reo-beo-rin geot ga-ta-yo.
Meaning: I think I lost it on the subway. -
Expression: 이 식당에 두고 온 것 같아요.
Pronunciation: i sik-dang-e du-go on geot ga-ta-yo.
Meaning: I think I left it at this restaurant. -
Expression: 택시에 놓고 내렸어요.
Pronunciation: taek-si-e no-ko nae-ryeo-sseo-yo.
Meaning: I left it in the taxi. -
Expression: 마지막으로 본 장소가 어디예요?
Pronunciation: ma-ji-ma-geu-ro bon jang-so-ga eo-di-ye-yo?
Meaning: Where was the last place you saw it? (Question someone might ask you) -
Expression: 명동역 근처에서 잃어버렸어요.
Pronunciation: myeong-dong-yeok geun-cheo-e-seo i-reo-beo-ryeo-sseo-yo.
Meaning: I lost it near Myeongdong Station. -
Expression: 버스 번호가 뭐였는지 기억나세요?
Pronunciation: beo-seu beo-no-ga mwo-yeon-neun-ji gi-eok-na-se-yo?
Meaning: Do you remember the bus number? (Question someone might ask you) -
Expression: 죄송하지만 기억이 안 나요.
Pronunciation: joe-song-ha-ji-man gi-eo-gi an na-yo.
Meaning: I’m sorry, but I don’t remember.
Follow-up and Contact Information
These phrases are for providing contact details and asking about the next steps.
-
Expression: 찾으면 이 번호로 연락 주세요.
Pronunciation: cha-jeu-myeon i beo-no-ro yeon-lak ju-se-yo.
Meaning: If you find it, please contact me at this number. -
Expression: 제 전화번호는 [Number]입니다.
Pronunciation: je jeon-hwa-beo-no-neun [Number]-im-ni-da.
Meaning: My phone number is [Number]. -
Expression: 이메일 주소는 [Email]입니다.
Pronunciation: i-me-il ju-so-neun [Email]-im-ni-da.
Meaning: My email address is [Email]. -
Expression: 혹시 비슷한 물건이 들어온 게 있나요?
Pronunciation: hok-si bi-seu-tan mul-geo-ni deu-reo-on ge in-na-yo?
Meaning: By any chance, has a similar item come in? -
Expression: 언제쯤 다시 확인해 보면 될까요?
Pronunciation: eon-je-jjeum da-si hwa-gin-hae bo-myeon doel-kka-yo?
Meaning: Around when should I check back? -
Expression: 신고 접수증 좀 받을 수 있을까요?
Pronunciation: sin-go jeop-su-jeung jom ba-deul su i-sseul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Could I please get a report receipt? -
Expression: 만약 찾게 되면 어디로 가야 하나요?
Pronunciation: ma-nyak chat-ge doe-myeon eo-di-ro ga-ya ha-na-yo?
Meaning: If it’s found, where should I go? -
Expression: 며칠 후에 다시 연락드릴게요.
Pronunciation: myeo-chil hu-e da-si yeon-lak-deu-ril-ge-yo.
Meaning: I will contact you again in a few days. -
Expression: 도와주셔서 정말 감사합니다.
Pronunciation: do-wa-ju-syeo-seo jeong-mal gam-sa-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Thank you so much for your help. -
Expression: 꼭 찾았으면 좋겠어요.
Pronunciation: kkok cha-ja-sseu-myeon jo-ke-sseo-yo.
Meaning: I really hope I find it.
Korean Culture Notes
Understanding cultural aspects can be helpful when dealing with lost items in Korea.
- Lost and Found Centers (분실물 센터 – bun-sil-mul sen-teo): Major public transportation hubs (subway stations, train stations, airports), large department stores, and public facilities usually have dedicated Lost and Found centers. These are often the first place to check.
- High Rate of Return: Korea generally has a strong culture of honesty regarding lost items. Many people will turn in found wallets, phones, or bags to the nearest center or police box. Don’t lose hope too quickly!
- Police Involvement (경찰서 – gyeong-chal-seo / 지구대 – ji-gu-dae): If you lose something valuable or cannot find a dedicated lost and found, you can report it at a local police station (경찰서) or a smaller police precinct (지구대/파출소 – pa-chul-so).
- Reporting Form (분실 신고서 – bun-sil sin-go-seo): You will likely be asked to fill out a form detailing the lost item, when and where you lost it, and your contact information. Having key details ready (brand, color, distinguishing features) is helpful.
- Online Lost and Found Portal (Lost112): The Korean National Police Agency operates an online portal (www.lost112.go.kr) where found items are registered. While primarily in Korean, it can be a useful resource, sometimes with photos of found items. You might need assistance from a Korean speaker to navigate it effectively.
Real Conversation Example
Here’s a sample conversation at a subway station’s lost and found center.
- Situation: A tourist (A) approaches the Lost and Found counter where a staff member (B) is working. The tourist lost their backpack on the subway.
- Role A: Tourist
-
Role B: Lost and Found Staff
-
Expression: A: 저기요, 분실물 신고 좀 하려고 하는데요.
Pronunciation: jeo-gi-yo, bun-sil-mul sin-go jom ha-ryeo-go ha-neun-de-yo.
Meaning: Excuse me, I’d like to report a lost item. -
Expression: B: 네, 어떤 물건을 잃어버리셨어요?
Pronunciation: ne, eo-tteon mul-geo-neul i-reo-beo-ri-syeo-sseo-yo?
Meaning: Yes, what item did you lose? -
Expression: A: 검은색 백팩을 잃어버렸어요. 오늘 오전에 지하철에 두고 내린 것 같아요.
Pronunciation: geom-eun-saek baek-pae-geul i-reo-beo-ryeo-sseo-yo. o-neul o-jeo-ne ji-ha-cheo-re du-go nae-rin geot ga-ta-yo.
Meaning: I lost a black backpack. I think I left it on the subway this morning. -
Expression: B: 몇 시쯤, 어느 역에서 내리셨는지 기억나세요?
Pronunciation: myeot si-jjeum, eo-neu yeo-ge-seo nae-ri-syeon-neun-ji gi-eok-na-se-yo?
Meaning: Around what time and at which station do you remember getting off? -
Expression: A: 오전 10시쯤이었고, 아마 시청역에서 내렸을 거예요.
Pronunciation: o-jeon yeol-si-jjeu-mi-eot-go, a-ma si-cheong-yeo-ge-seo nae-ryeo-sseul geo-ye-yo.
Meaning: It was around 10 AM, and I probably got off at City Hall Station. -
Expression: B: 가방 안에 특별한 것이 있었나요? 특징 같은 거요.
Pronunciation: ga-bang a-ne teuk-byeo-ran geo-si i-sseon-na-yo? teuk-jing ga-teun geo-yo.
Meaning: Was there anything special inside the bag? Like any distinguishing features? -
Expression: A: 네, 빨간색 물병이랑 제 이름이 적힌 노트북이 들어있어요. 가방 옆 주머니에 노란색 키링이 달려 있고요.
Pronunciation: ne, ppal-gan-saek mul-byeong-i-rang je i-reum-i jeo-kin no-teu-bu-gi deu-reo-i-sseo-yo. ga-bang yeop ju-meo-ni-e no-ran-saek ki-ring-i dal-lyeo i-go-yo.
Meaning: Yes, there’s a red water bottle and a laptop with my name on it inside. There’s also a yellow keychain attached to the side pocket. -
Expression: B: 알겠습니다. 잠시만요, 확인해 보겠습니다. (잠시 후) 아직 비슷한 물건은 접수된 게 없네요. 여기 분실 신고서를 작성해 주시겠어요? 찾게 되면 연락드리겠습니다.
Pronunciation: al-get-sseum-ni-da. jam-si-man-yo, hwa-gin-hae bo-get-sseum-ni-da. (jam-si hu) a-jik bi-seu-tan mul-geo-neun jeop-su-doen ge eom-ne-yo. yeo-gi bun-sil sin-go-seo-reul jak-seong-hae ju-si-ge-sseo-yo? chat-ge doe-myeon yeon-lak-deu-ri-get-sseum-ni-da.
Meaning: Understood. One moment, I’ll check. (After a moment) Nothing similar has been registered yet. Could you please fill out this lost item report form here? We will contact you if it’s found. -
Expression: A: 네, 감사합니다. 연락처는 여기에 적으면 되나요?
Pronunciation: ne, gam-sa-ham-ni-da. yeon-lak-cheo-neun yeo-gi-e jeo-geu-myeon doe-na-yo?
Meaning: Yes, thank you. Should I write my contact information here? -
Expression: B: 네, 전화번호와 이메일 주소를 정확하게 적어주세요.
Pronunciation: ne, jeon-hwa-beo-no-wa i-me-il ju-so-reul jeong-hwak-ha-ge jeo-geo-ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Yes, please write your phone number and email address accurately.
Practice Tips
Losing something is never fun, but knowing these phrases can make the reporting process much smoother! Try practicing them~
- Describe Your Own Items: Practice describing your wallet, phone, bag, etc., in Korean using colors, sizes, and brands.
- Role-Playing: Grab a friend and act out the conversation example! One person is the staff, the other reports the lost item. Switch roles!
- Learn Key Nouns: Memorize the Korean words for common items you carry (지갑, 휴대폰, 여권, 가방, 열쇠 – yeol-soe/key, 안경 – an-gyeong/glasses).
- Location Practice: Familiarize yourself with how to say common locations like 지하철역 (ji-ha-cheol-yeok – subway station), 버스 정류장 (beo-seu jeong-nyu-jang – bus stop), 식당 (sik-dang – restaurant), 가게 (ga-ge – store).
Being prepared can reduce stress in an unexpected situation. Keep practicing these expressions! 화이팅! (hwa-i-ting! – Fighting!/You can do it!)
