Mastering Korean Email Writing

Writing emails effectively is a crucial skill, whether for business, academic, or personal communication in Korea. This guide covers the essential Korean expressions and etiquette needed for composing clear and appropriate emails. You’ll learn key phrases for greetings, closings, subject lines, and common email content, ensuring your messages are well-received.

Core Expression

This is the fundamental phrase for the action of writing an email.

• Expression: 이메일 작성하기
  Pronunciation: imeil jakseonghagi
  Meaning: Writing an email (The verb stem ‘작성하다’ means ‘to write’ or ‘to compose’, often used for documents or forms.)

Essential Greetings and Introductions

Starting your email correctly sets the right tone. Choose the greeting based on your relationship with the recipient.

• Expression: 안녕하세요, [Name]님.
  Pronunciation: annyeonghaseyo, [Name]nim.
  Meaning: Hello, Mr./Ms. [Name]. (Standard polite greeting)
• Expression: [Name]님께
  Pronunciation: [Name]nimkke
  Meaning: To Mr./Ms. [Name] (Formal and respectful way to address someone in writing)
• Expression: [Company/Department Name] [Your Name]입니다.
  Pronunciation: [Company/Department Name] [Your Name]imnida.
  Meaning: This is [Your Name] from [Company/Department Name]. (Standard self-introduction in a professional context)
• Expression: 처음 인사드립니다.
  Pronunciation: cheoeum insadeurimnida.
  Meaning: It’s the first time I’m greeting you. (Used when emailing someone for the first time)
• Expression: 잘 지내셨어요? / 잘 지내셨습니까?
  Pronunciation: jal jinaesyeosseoyo? / jal jinaesyeotsseumnikka?
  Meaning: Have you been well? (Polite inquiry about well-being, -습니까 is more formal)
• Expression: 저는 [Your Name]이라고 합니다.
  Pronunciation: jeoneun [Your Name]irago hamnida.
  Meaning: My name is [Your Name]. (Formal self-introduction)
• Expression: [Topic] 관련하여 연락드립니다.
  Pronunciation: [Topic] gwallyeonhayeo yeollakdeurimnida.
  Meaning: I am contacting you regarding [Topic].
• Expression: 보내주신 이메일 잘 받았습니다.
  Pronunciation: bonaejusin imeil jal badatseumnida.
  Meaning: I have received the email you sent.
• Expression: 답장이 늦어서 죄송합니다.
  Pronunciation: dapjangi neujeoseo joesonghamnida.
  Meaning: I apologize for the late reply.
• Expression: 항상 도움 주셔서 감사합니다.
  Pronunciation: hangsang doum jusyeoseo gamsahamnida.
  Meaning: Thank you always for your help.
• Expression: [Name] 교수님께
  Pronunciation: [Name] gyosunimkke
  Meaning: To Professor [Name] (Formal address for a professor)
• Expression: 담당자님께
  Pronunciation: damdangjanimkke
  Meaning: To the person in charge (Used when you don’t know the specific recipient’s name)

Common Subject Line Examples

A clear subject line helps the recipient understand the email’s purpose immediately.

• Expression: [Your Name] 드림 – [Topic] 문의
  Pronunciation: [Your Name] deurim – [Topic] munui
  Meaning: From [Your Name] – Inquiry about [Topic] (‘드림’ means ‘sincerely’ or ‘offer up’)
• Expression: [Company Name] – 회의 일정 확인 요청
  Pronunciation: [Company Name] – hoeui iljeong hwagin yocheong
  Meaning: [Company Name] – Request to confirm meeting schedule
• Expression: 지원서 제출 ([Your Name])
  Pronunciation: jiwonseo jechul ([Your Name])
  Meaning: Application Submission ([Your Name])
• Expression: 자료 요청 건
  Pronunciation: jaryo yocheong kkeon
  Meaning: Regarding the request for materials/data
• Expression: [Project Name] 관련 업데이트
  Pronunciation: [Project Name] gwallyeon eopdeiteu
  Meaning: Update regarding [Project Name]
• Expression: 감사 이메일
  Pronunciation: gamsa imeil
  Meaning: Thank you email
• Expression: 문의하신 내용에 대한 답변입니다.
  Pronunciation: munuihasin naeyonge daehan dapbyeonimnida.
  Meaning: This is the response to your inquiry.
• Expression: [Date] 미팅 관련 안내
  Pronunciation: [Date] miting gwallyeon annae
  Meaning: Information regarding the meeting on [Date]
• Expression: 긴급: [Topic] 확인 부탁드립니다.
  Pronunciation: gingeup: [Topic] hwagin butakdeurimnida.
  Meaning: Urgent: Please check [Topic].
• Expression: 자기소개서 및 이력서 첨부
  Pronunciation: jagisogaeseo mit iryeokseo cheombu
  Meaning: Attached cover letter and resume
• Expression: 팔로우업: [Previous Topic]
  Pronunciation: pallou-eop: [Previous Topic]
  Meaning: Follow-up: [Previous Topic]
• Expression: 초대장: [Event Name]
  Pronunciation: chodaejjang: [Event Name]
  Meaning: Invitation: [Event Name]

Useful Phrases for Email Content

These phrases are commonly used within the body of Korean emails.

• Expression: 첨부 파일을 확인해 주십시오.
  Pronunciation: cheombu paireul hwaginhae jusipsio.
  Meaning: Please check the attached file.
• Expression: 관련 자료를 보내드립니다.
  Pronunciation: gwallyeon jaryoreul bonaedeurimnida.
  Meaning: I am sending the related materials.
• Expression: 검토 후 회신 부탁드립니다.
  Pronunciation: geomto hu hoesin butakdeurimnida.
  Meaning: Please review and reply.
• Expression: 궁금한 점이 있으시면 언제든지 연락 주십시오.
  Pronunciation: gunggeumhan jeomi isseusimyeon eonjedeunji yeollak jusipsio.
  Meaning: If you have any questions, please contact me anytime.
• Expression: 회신 기다리겠습니다.
  Pronunciation: hoesin gidarigetseumnida.
  Meaning: I look forward to your reply.
• Expression: 요청하신 정보는 다음과 같습니다.
  Pronunciation: yocheonghasin jeongboneun daeumgwa gatseumnida.
  Meaning: The information you requested is as follows.
• Expression: 이 문제에 대해 논의하고 싶습니다.
  Pronunciation: i munjee daehae nonuihago sipseumnida.
  Meaning: I would like to discuss this issue.
• Expression: 도움을 주셔서 진심으로 감사합니다.
  Pronunciation: doumeul jusyeoseo jinsimeuro gamsahamnida.
  Meaning: Thank you sincerely for your help.
• Expression: 불편을 드려 죄송합니다.
  Pronunciation: bulpyeoneul deuryeo joesonghamnida.
  Meaning: I apologize for the inconvenience.
• Expression: 가능한 빨리 답변해 주시면 감사하겠습니다.
  Pronunciation: ganeunghan ppalli dapbyeonhae jusimyeon gamsahagetseumnida.
  Meaning: I would appreciate it if you could reply as soon as possible.
• Expression: 자세한 내용은 첨부된 문서를 참고해 주십시오.
  Pronunciation: jasehan naeyongeun cheombudoen munseoreul chamgohae jusipsio.
  Meaning: Please refer to the attached document for details.
• Expression: 귀사의 무궁한 발전을 기원합니다.
  Pronunciation: gwisaui mugunghan baljeoneul giwonhamnida.
  Meaning: I wish for the endless development of your company. (Very formal closing for business emails)

Essential Closings and Sign-offs

Ending your email politely is just as important as the greeting.

• Expression: 감사합니다.
  Pronunciation: gamsahamnida.
  Meaning: Thank you. (Common polite closing)
• Expression: 안녕히 계십시오.
  Pronunciation: annyeonghi gyesipsio.
  Meaning: Goodbye. (Formal, used when the recipient is staying)
• Expression: 그럼 이만 줄이겠습니다.
  Pronunciation: geureom iman jurigetseumnida.
  Meaning: Well, I’ll end here. (Common way to signal the end of the email)
• Expression: 좋은 하루 보내십시오.
  Pronunciation: joeun haru bonaesipsio.
  Meaning: Have a good day. (Polite closing wish)
• Expression: [Your Name] 드림
  Pronunciation: [Your Name] deurim
  Meaning: Sincerely, [Your Name] (Common formal sign-off, ‘드림’ literally means ‘offer up’)
• Expression: [Your Name] 올림
  Pronunciation: [Your Name] ollim
  Meaning: Sincerely, [Your Name] (Similar to 드림, slightly more common in personal formal letters)
• Expression: 추후 다시 연락드리겠습니다.
  Pronunciation: chuhu dasi yeollakdeurigetseumnida.
  Meaning: I will contact you again later.
• Expression: 건강 유의하시기 바랍니다.
  Pronunciation: geongang yuuihasigi baramnida.
  Meaning: Please take care of your health. (A thoughtful closing remark)
• Expression: 늘 평안하시기를 바랍니다.
  Pronunciation: neul pyeonganhasi-gireul baramnida.
  Meaning: I hope you are always well/at peace. (A warm, formal closing)
• Expression: 수고하십시오.
  Pronunciation: sugohasipsio.
  Meaning: Please continue your hard work. (Often used in work contexts, but can sometimes sound like you’re talking down, so use with care or stick to 감사합니다)
• Expression: 답장 부탁드립니다.
  Pronunciation: dapjang butakdeurimnida.
  Meaning: Please reply.
• Expression: 확인 후 연락 바랍니다.
  Pronunciation: hwagin hu yeollak baramnida.
  Meaning: Please check and contact me.

Korean Culture Notes

Understanding cultural context is key to effective email communication in Korea.

• Formality is Crucial: Korean communication, especially in writing and professional settings, places high importance on formality (using 존댓말 – jondaetmal). Always err on the side of being more formal unless you have an established close relationship with the recipient. Use formal verb endings like -습니다/-ㅂ니다 and appropriate honorifics (e.g., -님, -께).
• Titles Matter: Address recipients by their title (e.g., 과장님 – Gwajangnim/Manager, 교수님 – Gyosunim/Professor) followed by 님 (nim). If unsure of the title, using their full name followed by 님 (e.g., 김민준 님 – Kim Minjun nim) is generally safe. Avoid using only the first name unless you are very close.
• Clear Purpose: Korean emails tend to be direct about their purpose, often stated early in the message after the initial greetings. Clearly state why you are writing.
• Standard Structure: Emails typically follow a structure: Greeting -> Self-Introduction (if necessary) -> Main Point/Reason for Writing -> Details/Request -> Closing Remarks -> Sign-off.
• Response Expectations: While prompt replies are appreciated, expectations might differ based on hierarchy and context. However, acknowledging receipt of an important email is good practice if an immediate detailed response isn’t possible.

Real Conversation Example

This example shows two colleagues discussing how to phrase an email to a client.

• Situation: Minjun needs to send an email requesting clarification on project details from a client company’s manager. He asks his senior colleague, Sora, for advice.

• Roles: A: Minjun (Junior colleague), B: Sora (Senior colleague)

• Expression: A: 소라 씨, 클라이언트 박 과장님께 이메일 보내야 하는데, 어떻게 시작하는 게 좋을까요?
  Pronunciation: sora ssi, keullaieonteu bak gwajangnimkke imeil bonaeya haneunde, eotteoke sijakaneun ge joeulkkayo?
  Meaning: Sora, I need to send an email to Manager Park from the client company, how should I start it?

• Expression: B: 음, 먼저 ‘박 과장님께’라고 쓰고, 간단히 자기소개를 하세요. ‘[회사 이름]의 김민준입니다.’ 이런 식으로요.
  Pronunciation: eum, meonjeo ‘bak gwajangnimkke’rago sseugo, gandanhi jagisogaereul haseyo. ‘[hoesa ireum]ui gimminjunimnida.’ ireon sigeuroyo.
  Meaning: Hmm, first write ‘To Manager Park (박 과장님께)’, and briefly introduce yourself. Like, ‘This is Kim Minjun from [Company Name].’
• Expression: A: 네. 그리고 프로젝트 세부 사항 확인 요청은 어떻게 쓰는 게 정중할까요?
  Pronunciation: ne. geurigo peurojekteu sebu sahang hwagin yocheongeun eotteoke sseuneun ge jeongjunghalkkayo?
  Meaning: Okay. And how can I politely phrase the request for clarification on project details?
• Expression: B: ‘현재 진행 중인 [프로젝트 이름] 관련하여 몇 가지 확인 요청드릴 사항이 있어 연락드렸습니다.’ 라고 시작하고, 궁금한 점을 번호 매겨서 질문하는 게 좋아요.
  Pronunciation: ‘hyeonjae jinhaeng jungin [peurojekteu ireum] gwallyeonhayeo myeot gaji hwagin yocheongdeuril sahangi isseo yeollakdeuryeotseumnida.’ rago sijakago, gunggeumhan jeomeul beonho maegyeoseo jilmunhaneun ge joayo.
  Meaning: Start with ‘I am contacting you as there are a few points I need to request confirmation on regarding the ongoing [Project Name] project,’ and it’s good to list your questions using numbers.
• Expression: A: 아, 그렇군요. 마지막에는 ‘검토 후 회신 부탁드립니다. 감사합니다.’ 라고 쓰면 되겠죠?
  Pronunciation: a, geureokunyo. majimageneun ‘geomto hu hoesin butakdeurimnida. gamsahamnida.’ rago sseumyeon doegetjyo?
  Meaning: Ah, I see. And at the end, writing ‘Please review and reply. Thank you.’ should be fine, right?
• Expression: B: 네, 좋아요. 그리고 마지막에 ‘[민준 씨 이름] 드림’으로 마무리하세요. 아, 첨부 파일 있으면 ‘첨부 파일을 확인해 주십시오.’ 문구도 잊지 말고요.
  Pronunciation: ne, joayo. geurigo majimage ‘[minjun ssi ireum] deurim’euro mamurihaseyo. a, cheombu pail isseumyeon ‘cheombu paireul hwaginhae jusipsio.’ mun-gudo itji malgoyo.
  Meaning: Yes, that’s good. And finish with ‘Sincerely, [Minjun’s Name]’ at the very end. Oh, and if there’s an attachment, don’t forget the phrase ‘Please check the attached file.’

Practice Tips

Ready to start writing emails in Korean~? Here are some tips!

• Start Simple: Begin by writing short, simple emails like thank-you notes or simple inquiries.
• Use Templates: Refer to the examples provided here as templates. Adapt them to your specific situation.
• Pay Attention to Received Emails: Observe how native Koreans structure their emails, the level of formality they use, and common phrases.
• Get Feedback: If possible, ask a Korean-speaking friend or teacher to review your emails before sending them, especially important ones!
• Practice Makes Perfect: The more you write, the more comfortable and proficient you’ll become. Don’t be afraid to try! 화이팅! (Hwaiting! – You can do it!)