🧍‍♀️ Asking for Help on the Street — Part 1. Asking for Directions

Whether you’re in Seoul, Busan, or Jeju, getting lost is part of the adventure — and Koreans are famously kind when you ask for help. Here are simple, polite Korean phrases to help you find your way, confirm directions, and ask for local tips along your route.

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Step 1. Asking for Directions

These are the most common expressions when you first approach someone to ask for directions. Start with “실례합니다” to sound polite, and most Koreans will stop what they’re doing to help you.

• 실례합니다. (sillye hamnida) — Excuse me.
• 길 좀 알려주세요. (gil jom allyeo juseyo) — Please tell me the way.
• 이 지도 좀 봐주세요. (i jido jom bwajuseyo) — Please look at this map.
• 이 근처에 ○○ 있어요? (i geuncheoe ○○ isseoyo) — Is ○○ nearby?

Tip: When asking a stranger, begin with “실례지만…” (“Excuse me, but…”) to sound even more polite. For example: “실례지만 ○○역 어디예요?” (“Excuse me, where is ○○ Station?”)

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Step 2. Moving or Confirming the Route

Once you’ve started the conversation, you might need to check transportation details or clarify directions. These phrases will help you ask about buses, subway exits, or how to reach a specific destination.

• 몇 번 버스 타면 돼요? (myeot beon beoseu tamyeon dwaeyo) — Which bus should I take?
• 그 버스 어디서 타요? (geu beoseu eodiseo tayo) — Where do I take that bus?
• ○○역(까지) 어떻게 가요? (○○-yeok kkaji eotteoke gayo) — How do I get to ○○ Station?
• 이 버스 ○○ 가요? (i beoseu ○○ gayo) — Does this bus go to ○○?
• 지하철 몇 번 출구예요? (jihacheol myeot beon chulgu-yeyo) — Which subway exit is it?

Tip: If you’re unsure of your pronunciation, you can point to the location on your phone map — Koreans will quickly understand where you want to go.

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Step 3. Asking for Nearby Info or Extra Help

After confirming directions, you might want to know if you can walk, take a taxi, or find a good place nearby. These extra phrases will help you make the most of local knowledge and connect more naturally with people you meet.

• 걸어서 갈 수 있어요? (georeoseo gal su isseoyo) — Can I walk there?
• 택시 타야 돼요? (taegsi taya dwaeyo) — Should I take a taxi?
• 택시 어디서 타요? (taegsi eodiseo tayo) — Where can I get a taxi?
• 이 근처 맛집 있어요? (i geuncheo matjip isseoyo) — Is there a good restaurant nearby?

Tip: Many locals enjoy recommending their favorite food spots. Try asking, “이 근처 맛집 있어요?” — you’ll often get enthusiastic answers!

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Useful Korean for Asking Directions

• 실례합니다. (sillye hamnida) — Excuse me.
• ○○역 어떻게 가요? (○○-yeok eotteoke gayo) — How do I get to ○○ Station?
• 이 버스 ○○ 가요? (i beoseu ○○ gayo) — Does this bus go to ○○?
• 걸어서 갈 수 있어요? (georeoseo gal su isseoyo) — Can I walk there?
• 이 근처 맛집 있어요? (i geuncheo matjip isseoyo) — Is there a good restaurant nearby?

🌿 Part of the Korean Travel Phrases You’ll Actually Use — From Arrival to Home series — Learn real Korean you’ll actually use on your trip.
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