Survival Korean

Hand the driver an address card while saying this.

If a driver quotes a flat fare instead of running the meter, say this.

Most taxis do, but check before you get in if you have no cash.

For expense claims and dispute proof.

Use when you want to get out — Korean cabs won’t pull over without a verbal cue.

For fare or any price.

For Incheon, add 인천 (Incheon) in front; for Gimpo, add 김포 (Gimpo).

Useful at subway stations.

Standard way to call a server — no rudeness implied.

"Do you have an English menu?"

For things like dak-galbi, tteokbokki, jjamppong — they will adjust.

Strong form — some shops will refuse, others will use less gochujang.

Swap dwaeji-gogi for soegogi (beef), dak-gogi (chicken), saengseon (fish), gye-ran (egg).

Point at a banchan or menu item.

In Korea, water is usually self-serve — but you can ask.

You pay at the counter near the exit, not at the table.

For splitting — works at most modern POS systems.

Say at the order. They’ll pack it in a bag.

Banchan refills are usually free; soup and drinks vary.

For halal: "Jeo-neun mu-seul-li-mi-e-yo" (I’m Muslim).

Universal price question.

OK at traditional markets, not at chains or department stores.

For clothes / shoes.

Replace "ja-geun" with "keun" for larger.

Show your passport. Required for both immediate refund and post refund.

Most shops charge for a bag or have no plastic ones at all — carry your own.

Keep the receipt; some shops have a 7-day window.

For cash: "Hyeon-geu-meu-ro hal-ge-yo".

Tylenol, ibuprofen — both common.

They’ll ask about symptoms (e.g. "Gi-chim-do na-yo?" 기침도 나요? = Do you have a cough too?).

Often comes as a small bottle drink.

Loperamide-based pills are standard.

Antihistamine, typically cetirizine.

Point to the spot — useful in pharmacies and clinics.

Critical before any medication is dispensed.

Swap "penicillin" for any drug name.

Universal cry for help.

Or dial 112.

Or dial 119.

Useful to set expectations with first responders.

Say at a precinct (지구대) or to a beat officer.

Report it at the nearest police box (지구대 or 파출소); ask for written proof if your insurer needs it.

When lost — show your map or SeoulTrip address card.

Useful for passport / arrest situations.

A polite preamble before broken Korean.

When someone speaks too fast.

Polite "what?".

Use for any service interaction.

Use when you bump into someone or need to interrupt.

Polite refusal — for street vendors, drink offers, etc.

Often unlocks extra patience from staff.

Universal.