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🌿 Discover Korean Culture/✍️ Korean Words & Phrases Explained

✈️ So You’re About to Land in Korea — Here’s What’s Coming

As your flight prepares to land in Korea, a few things usually happen before you step out of the plane. Here’s what to expect — and the useful Korean phrases you can use if needed.


🍱 Step 1. In-flight Meals

On most Korean airlines, you’ll be offered a choice between a Western-style meal and a Korean option, often bibimbap (mixed rice with vegetables and sauce).

If you’d like the Korean meal, say:

· 비빔밥 주세요 (bibimbap juseyo) — I’ll have bibimbap, please.

If you need water or another drink:

· 물 주세요 (mul juseyo) — Water, please.

That’s all you need — short, polite, and easy to remember. Even if you just say bibimbap in English, cabin crew will understand.


🛍️ Step 2. Duty-Free Shopping

Near the end of the flight, there is usually an announcement for duty-free sales. You can buy items like cosmetics, snacks, or small gifts without tax.

Common quick questions:

· 카드 돼요? (kadeu dwaeyo?) — Do you take card?
· 면세 맞아요? (myeonse majayo?) — Is this duty-free?

If you’re not interested, simply smile and say nothing — no response is perfectly fine.


🧾 Step 3. The Arrival Card

About 30 minutes before landing, the crew will distribute a small white Arrival Card. It asks for your name, passport number, flight number, purpose of visit, address in Korea, and length of stay.

You can fill it out in English — Korean is not required. If you’re unsure, ask a flight attendant:

· 영어로 써도 돼요? (yeongeoro sseodo dwaeyo?) — Can I write in English?
· 이거 뭐예요? (igeo mwoyeyo?) — What is this?

Having your hotel address ready (from your booking email) will make things easier.


💼 Step 4. Customs Declaration Form

Sometimes, another form — the Customs Declaration — is handed out together. It’s only required if you have goods to declare (such as expensive electronics, large amounts of cash, or food).

If you’re not sure how to fill it out, say:

· 이거 어떻게 써요? (igeo eotteoke sseoyo?) — How do I fill this out?

If you have nothing to declare, tick “Nothing to declare” and follow the green lane after arrival.


🛬 Step 5. Landing

Before touchdown, the announcement “Cabin crew, please take your seats for landing” will play. Fasten your seatbelt and wait until the sign turns off before standing.

Useful phrases as you leave your seat and exit:

· 실례합니다 (sillye-hamnida) — Excuse me.
· 감사합니다 (gamsa-hamnida) — Thank you.

💬 Useful Korean from This Flight

· 비빔밥 주세요 (bibimbap juseyo) — I’ll have bibimbap, please.
· 물 주세요 (mul juseyo) — Water, please.
· 카드 돼요? (kadeu dwaeyo?) — Do you take card?
· 면세 맞아요? (myeonse majayo?) — Is this duty-free?
· 영어로 써도 돼요? (yeongeoro sseodo dwaeyo?) — Can I write in English?
· 이거 뭐예요? (igeo mwoyeyo?) — What is this?
· 실례합니다 (sillye-hamnida) — Excuse me.
· 감사합니다 (gamsa-hamnida) — Thank you.

Next Up → You’ve Landed! What Happens at Korean Immigration 🇰🇷
Find out what officers might ask — and the easiest ways to answer confidently.

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