Greetings & Thank You (인사·감사): Essential Korean Phrases

Four words. That's all it takes to move through Korea with warmth instead of awkwardness — to walk into a shop, get help from a stranger, bump into someone on the subway, and leave every interaction feeling like a good one.

This article covers those four words, plus the cultural layer underneath them that makes them actually work.

A Quick Note on Formality

Before the words themselves, one thing to understand: Korean has built-in levels of formality baked into its grammar. The same idea — "thank you," "sorry," "hello" — can be said in a formal way or a casual way, and using the wrong one sends an unintended signal.

For now, the rule is simple: when in doubt, use the formal version. Formal is always safe. Casual with the wrong person can come across as rude. As you get to know someone, they'll often tell you to drop the formality — and that moment itself is a sign the relationship has warmed up.

1. 안녕하세요 — Hello

An-nyeong-ha-se-yo (안녕하세요)

If you learn only one Korean phrase before visiting Korea, make it this one. It works at any time of day — morning, afternoon, or night. It works with strangers, shopkeepers, hotel staff, and anyone you're meeting for the first time.

The word 안녕 (an-nyeong) at its core means peace or wellbeing. So when you say 안녕하세요, you're essentially wishing the other person peace — a little more meaningful than a generic "hey."

Tip — The bow: Koreans almost always accompany 안녕하세요 with a slight bow of the head. The more senior or respected the person, the deeper the bow. You don't need to master this — even a small nod shows you're paying attention to the culture. It's noticed and appreciated.

2. 감사합니다 — Thank You

Gam-sa-ham-ni-da (감사합니다)

This is the oil that keeps everyday Korean interactions running smoothly. Use it freely — when someone helps you, when your food arrives at a restaurant, when a cashier hands you your change, when someone holds the door.

Korean culture places high value on expressing gratitude explicitly, even in small moments. Saying 감사합니다 where an English speaker might just walk away is never overdoing it.

Tip — Two hands: When receiving something — a business card, a gift, food, your change — use both hands, or support one wrist with the other hand. This is a physical expression of respect that pairs naturally with 감사합니다. Together, the words and the gesture make a strong impression. Koreans notice when visitors get this right.

3. 미안합니다 & 죄송합니다 — Sorry

Mi-an-ham-ni-da (미안합니다) · Joe-song-ham-ni-da (죄송합니다)

Both mean "I'm sorry," but they carry different weight.

• 미안합니다 — Standard apology. Use this for most situations: bumping into someone, being late, asking someone to repeat themselves.

• 죄송합니다 — Deeper apology. More formal, more sincere. Use this when the situation is serious, or when you're apologizing to someone significantly older or in a position of authority.

And the response you'll often hear back:

Gwaen-chan-a-yo (괜찮아요) — It's okay / No problem

괜찮아요 is one of the most useful words in Korean. It can mean "it's okay," "I'm fine," "don't worry about it," or even a polite "no thank you" when declining something. Context tells you which meaning applies — but in almost every case, hearing 괜찮아요 means the tension is gone.

Tip — The subway bump: In the Seoul subway during rush hour, people bump into each other constantly. What's striking to many visitors: Koreans often give a quick 미안합니다 or a small nod even for the smallest accidental contact. You don't need to make it dramatic — a quiet "mi-an-ham-ni-da" with a slight head dip is exactly right. It signals that you're aware of the other person, and that matters.

4. 실례합니다 & 저기요 — Excuse Me

Sil-lye-ham-ni-da (실례합니다) · Jeo-gi-yo (저기요)

Two different "excuse me" expressions for two different uses:

• 실례합니다 — "I'm imposing on you." Used when you're about to interrupt someone, pass through a crowded space, or start a conversation with a stranger. It acknowledges that you're briefly taking someone's time or space.

• 저기요 — "Hey, over there." The go-to in restaurants and cafés to get a server's attention. More casual, perfectly natural in that context.

Tip — 저기요 in restaurants: In many Korean restaurants, there are no table check-ins — you call the server when you're ready. 저기요, said clearly in the direction of a passing server, is all you need. No need to wave your arms or feel awkward about it. Everyone does it.

The Bigger Picture

What these four expressions have in common is respect — for the other person's peace (안녕하세요), their generosity (감사합니다), their inconvenience (미안합니다), and their time (실례합니다). Korean greetings aren't just pleasantries. They're small acknowledgments of the relationship between you and the person in front of you.

Your pronunciation doesn't have to be perfect. The effort itself — the fact that you tried — is what most Koreans respond to. A foreigner who attempts 안녕하세요 with a bow will get a warmer reception than one who doesn't try at all. Every time, without exception.

Your Cheat Sheet

Try It Right Now

Say each of these out loud, in order, as if you've just walked into a Korean café:

1. Walk in → 안녕하세요 (small nod)

2. Receive your order → 감사합니다 (both hands)

3. Accidentally bump the table next to you → 미안합니다 (small bow)

4. Need to ask a server something → 저기요!

That's a real sequence from a real day in Korea. You just rehearsed it.

Next up: Korean Pronouns and Titles →