Your first Korean greeting — and perhaps the first Korean word you will use when you arrive.

001 ·안녕하세요

Annyeonghaseyo
Hello · Hi · Good day

If there is one Korean expression to learn before arriving in Korea, this is a perfect place to begin.

안녕하세요 is the most common polite greeting in everyday Korean. You can use it when entering a restaurant, meeting someone for the first time, speaking to hotel staff, visiting a shop, or simply greeting someone during your journey.

You will hear it everywhere in Korea.

🔊 Listen & Say It

안녕하세요
Annyeonghaseyo

Don’t worry about making every sound perfect at first. Listen to the rhythm, say it slowly, and let the expression become familiar.

A friendly 안녕하세요 is already a wonderful beginning.

When Can I Use It?

Imagine arriving at a small café in Seoul.

You open the door.
The staff looks toward you.

Staff: 안녕하세요!
Hello!

You: 안녕하세요!
Hello!

That is enough.

You have already begun your first conversation in Korean.

You can use 안녕하세요 at a café, restaurant, hotel, shop, museum, market, or almost anywhere you meet someone politely.

A Little Korean Culture

In Korea, a greeting is more than a word.

When greeting someone, Koreans often accompany 안녕하세요 with a small nod or slight bow. You do not need to make a deep formal bow. A natural smile and a gentle nod are enough in most everyday situations.

Starting with 안녕하세요 before asking a question can also make an interaction feel warmer and more respectful.

Try It in Korea 🇰🇷

Here is your first Traveler Korean mission.

The next time you enter a café, restaurant, or shop in Korea, look toward the person who greets you and say:

안녕하세요!

Even if that is the only Korean you speak, use it.

You may be surprised how quickly a simple greeting can change the atmosphere.

One Expression to Remember

안녕하세요
Annyeonghaseyo
Hello

You don’t need to learn a hundred Korean words today.

Start with one. Use it in Korea. Make it yours.

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Next Traveler Korean

002 · Thank You — 감사합니다 →