Top Korean Phrases That’ll Save You at Any Restaurant

10 Must-Know Restaurant Phrases in Korean for Tourists (YouTube link)

In the above video, Ina introduces 10 essential Korean phrases for tourists dining in Korea, focusing on popular foods like tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), doenjang jjigae (soybean paste stew), kimchi jjigae (kimchi stew), and bibimbap (mixed rice). It emphasizes polite ordering to enhance the restaurant experience. Key tips include using "주세요" (juseyo - please give me) as a versatile ending for requests, pointing at items to order, and adapting for preferences like spice or sweetness levels. The phrases are demonstrated with repetition for practice. For street food (e.g., sundae or gogi), price inquiries are crucial since menus may lack them.

Romanization	Hangul	Description	Image
Tteokbokki	떡볶이	Spicy rice cakes	View Image
Doenjang jjigae	된장찌개	Soybean paste stew	View Image
Kimchi jjigae	김치찌개	Kimchi stew	View Image
Bibimbap	비빔밥	Mixed rice	View Image
Sundae	순대	Blood sausage (street food)	View Image
Gogi	고기	Meat (street food, e.g., grilled meat)	View Image

Korean Expression	Pronunciation	Meaning / Usage
저기요	jeo gi yo	Excuse me / Hey there (to get server's attention in a restaurant)
메뉴 주세요	me nyu ju se yo	Menu, please (requesting the menu)
이거 주세요	i geo ju se yo	This, please (pointing to an item on the menu to order)
이거 매워요?	i geo mae wo yo	Is this spicy? (asking if a dish is spicy)
안맵게 해주세요	an map ge hae ju se yo	Not spicy, please (requesting a non-spicy version of a dish)
이거 달아요?	i geo da la yo	Is this sweet? (asking if a dish is sweet)
안달게 해주세요	an dal ge hae ju se yo	Not sweet, please (requesting a less sweet version)
반찬 더 주세요	ban chan deo ju se yo	More side dishes, please (asking for additional banchan, Korean side dishes)
이거 얼마예요?	i geo eol ma ye yo	How much is this? (asking the price of an item, useful for street vendors)
저거 얼마예요?	jeo geo eol ma ye yo	How much is that? (asking the price of something farther away)
계산서 주세요	gye san seo ju se yo	The bill, please (requesting the check)
영수증 주세요	yeong su jeung ju se yo	Receipt, please (requesting a receipt)

Everyday Must-Know Korean Phrases

Top10 Korean expressions (YouTube link)

Korean Expressions

1. 안녕하세요: Use this formal greeting to say "hello" when meeting someone for the first time or in polite situations like entering a shop or office.
2. 네: Say this simple "yes" to affirm agreement, answer positively to a question, or acknowledge something in a conversation.
3. 아니요: Use this to politely say "no" when declining an offer, disagreeing, or responding negatively to a question.
4. 감사합니다: Express formal "thank you" after receiving help, a gift, or service to show appreciation in most social or professional settings.
5. 미안해요: Apologize informally with "sorry" to a friend or peer for a minor mistake, like being late or bumping into someone.
6. 얼마예요?: Ask "how much is it?" when inquiring about the price of an item while shopping or at a market.
7. 몰라요: Respond with "I don't know" when you're unsure about an answer to a question in casual conversations.
8. 저기요: Call out "excuse me" to get a server's or stranger's attention, such as when ordering food in a restaurant or asking for directions.
9. 괜찮아요: Reassure someone with "it's okay" or "I'm fine" to downplay a problem, decline help, or comfort after an apology.
10. 안녕히 가세요: Bid farewell by saying "goodbye" (formal, to someone leaving) when seeing off a guest or acquaintance at the end of a meeting.

50 Essential Korean Words Every Beginner Must Know (YouTube link)

Korean Expression	Pronunciation	Meaning / Usage
Greetings and Arrivals
안녕하세요	an nyeong ha se yo	Hello (formal)
안녕	an nyeong	Hello (informal)
왔어	wat seo	I came
여보세요	yeo bo se yo	Hello? (on the phone)
Excitement and Agreement
가자	ga ja	Let's go
그럼요	geu reom yo	Of course
좋아	jo a	Like it / Good
맞아	mat a	Yes / Right
그럼	geu reom	Yes / Right
응	eung	Yes / Right
알겠습니다	al get seum ni da	Understood
그렇구나	geu reot gu na	I see
Negatives and Hesitation
싫어	sil heo	Dislike
근데	geun de	But
아무튼	a mu teun	Anyway
모르겠어	mo reu ge sseo	I don't know
그래서	geu rae se o	So
잠깐만	jam kkan man	Wait a minute
설마	seol ma	No way
그럴 리가	geu reul ri ga	No way
글쎄	geul sseo	Well...
Reassurance and Family
괜찮아	gwaen chan a	It's okay
그냥	geu nyang	Just
걱정하지 마	geo kjeong ha ji ma	Don't worry
그리고	geu ri go	And
엄마	eom ma	Mom
아빠	a ppa	Dad
Apologies and Affection
죄송해요	joe song hae yo	Sorry
혹시	hok si	By any chance
사랑해	sa rang hae	I love you
Relief and Time
다행이다	da haeng i da	That's a relief
됐어	dwae sseo	It's done / Okay
그래도	geu rae do	Still
이거	i geo	This
그거	geu geo	That
오늘	o nul	Today
내일	nae il	Tomorrow
지금	ji geum	Now
Presence and Farewells
있어	i sseo	There is
없어	eop seo	There isn't
저기	jeo gi	Over there
감사합니다	gam sa ham ni da	Thank you (formal)
고마워	go ma wo	Thank you (informal)
그래	geu rae	Yeah
간다	gan da	Going
갈게	gal ge	Going (I'll go)
들어가	deul eo ga	Go in

Autumn in Nikko: A Symphony of Colors

Top 5 Things to do in Nikko (YouTube link)

Visiting Nikko in autumn is a breathtaking experience, as the region transforms into a vibrant tapestry of red, orange, and golden hues. Nestled in the mountains north of Tokyo, Nikko boasts stunning landscapes, historic temples, and serene lakes, all accentuated by the crisp autumn air. The Irohazaka winding roads, draped in colorful foliage, create a cinematic journey through the mountains. Whether you're strolling through ancient sanctuaries or marveling at nature’s artistry, Nikko in the fall is a magical escape that blends history, spirituality, and spectacular scenery. This guide will help you plan a memorable trip, highlighting the season’s best attractions.

Click here for an interactive Nikko map on Google MyMaps

Top Places to Visit in Nikko

Nikkō Tōshogū Shrine (日光東照宮)

As Japan’s most ornate shrine, Nikkō Tōshogū is a must-see destination. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate. The shrine complex is a masterpiece of architecture, featuring lavishly decorated buildings adorned with intricate wood carvings and brilliant gold leaf.

Surrounded by a lush forest that enhances its sacred and serene atmosphere, the shrine offers a unique blend of Shinto and Buddhist elements. Visitors can explore famous carvings like the "Three Wise Monkeys" and the "Sleeping Cat," marvel at the stunningly detailed Yomeimon Gate, and visit Ieyasu’s mausoleum for a profound glimpse into Japan’s historical grandeur.

Kegon Falls (華厳ノ滝)

One of Japan’s top three most beautiful waterfalls, Kegon Falls is a spectacular sight, cascading nearly 100 meters down a sheer cliff. The falls are especially striking in autumn, framed by colorful leaves, and can be equally mesmerizing in winter when they sometimes freeze solid.

There are several ways to experience the falls:

• Free Observation Deck: Located at the top, this platform offers a fantastic panoramic view.

• Paid Elevator Platform: For a more dramatic, up-close perspective, a 100-meter elevator takes you to observation decks at the base of the falls.

• Akechidaira Ropeway: For a sweeping vista from a distance, the ropeway provides a stunning view that includes both the falls and the nearby Lake Chuzenji.

Tamazawa Imperial Villa (田母沢御用邸)

Built in 1899, this expansive wooden villa served as a summer residence for the Imperial Family. With 106 rooms, the architecture is a fascinating blend of traditional Japanese (Edo and Meiji period) and Western styles. The villa is surrounded by a beautiful garden that is particularly vibrant in late October, featuring stunning maples and a majestic 400-year-old weeping cherry tree.

Rinnoji Temple (輪王寺)

Founded in the 8th century, Rinnoji is Nikko's oldest and most important temple. Its main building, the Sanbutsudo, houses three massive, gold-lacquered wooden statues that represent the three sacred mountains of Nikko. Don't miss the temple's Shoyoen garden, a small but exquisite Japanese-style garden that is exceptionally beautiful with its autumn colors from late October to early November.

Low Emission Bus Route (in read)

Explore Oku-Nikko with the Low-Emission Bus

Enjoy scenic views of the Oku-Nikko forest on this eco-friendly bus, which provides easy access to remote nature spots and hiking trails. The route connects to the Senjogahara marshlands, the shores of Lake Nishino, and spectacular viewpoints overlooking Lake Chuzenji.

References

1. ＜成田空港線＞宇都宮・鹿沼・佐野・真岡・境古河⇔成田空港 マロニエ号－関東自動車株式会社
2. 低公害バス (Low emission bus)
3. 栃木県立日光自然博物館
4. Tobu Bus Online
5. せんじゅがはま千手ヶ浜
6. Tobu Bus Free Pass Information

Discover Hagi: A Timeless Journey Through Yamaguchi’s UNESCO Coastal Gem

Hagi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its maritime and historical significance, particularly from the Edo period and Meiji Restoration. This coastal town captivates with its well-preserved samurai districts, pine-lined roads, clear waterways, and serene ambiance, evoking a nostalgic journey back in time. Historical figures like Yoshida Shoin and Shinsaku Takasugi shaped its legacy. Cycling, boat trips, temple visits, and local specialties like summer tangerines and Hagi ware highlight Hagi’s charm. Hidden gems like Tokoji Temple make it a must-visit for an authentic, enriching experience.

Japan’s Timeless Beauty – 2 Days in Hagi, a World Heritage Town (YouTube link)

Things to Do

• Boat Trip: A 40-minute sightseeing boat tour provides a unique perspective of Hagi, with reflections on the town’s historical significance during the ride.
• Bicycle Rental: 
• You can rent a bike at the station, which is a recommended way to explore Hagi. Cycling along the river and coastal roads provides a refreshing experience, enhanced by the clear water, carp-filled waterways, and scenic views.
• Cycling along the river and coastal roads offers a refreshing experience, enhanced by the clear water, carp-filled waterways, and scenic views.
• Shoka Village School and Shoin Shrine:
• Located within Shoin Shrine, a 5-minute bike ride from the station, Shoka Village School is a key historical site where Yoshida Shoin, an influential Edo-period thinker, taught.
• Tokoji Temple:
• A tranquil, lesser-known temple built by the lord of the Hagi domain, featuring a quiet graveyard that feels like a “mysterious world.”
• Described as a “hidden gem,” it’s framed like a painting, with no crowds, making it a highlight recommended by the bike shop owner.
• Hagi Castle Town: It is a beautifully preserved Edo-period settlement, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its samurai and merchant districts that offer a tangible journey back in time.
• Samurai and Merchant Districts: This is the heart of the Hagi Castle Town experience. Wander through well-preserved streets with traditional samurai residences and merchant houses, many of which are open to the public.
• Kikuya Residence: A grand merchant house that served as official accommodation for Bakufu patrols, showcasing the wealth and influence of a prominent merchant family. It's a National Important Cultural Property.
• Kubota Residence: Another well-preserved Edo-period merchant house, belonging to a prosperous family of kimono makers and sake brewers.
• Hagi Museum: Dedicated to "Hagiology," this museum offers comprehensive exhibits on Hagi's nature, culture, history, and the influential figures who emerged from the area, particularly those related to the Meiji Restoration.
• Hagi-yaki Kilns and Workshops: Hagi is famous for its distinct ceramic ware. Many kilns and workshops are located within or near the castle town, offering opportunities to see artisans at work, browse exquisite pottery, and even try your hand at making your own Hagi-yaki piece through pottery classes (e.g., Genshugama Pottery Studio).
• Kikuya-ke Garden: Praised by historical writer Shiba Ryotaro for its refined aesthetic, the garden reflects Hagi’s cultural sophistication.
• Katsura Taro’s House: The former Prime Minister’s residence is another historical site, showcasing Hagi’s role in producing influential leaders.
• Hagi Glass Art Studio: Hagi also has a tradition of glassmaking, utilizing local basalt rock. At the Hagi Glass Art Studio, you can witness glass blowing demonstrations and even participate in workshops to create your own unique glass items.
• Autumn Colors: November is often considered a good time to visit Hagi to see the autumn leaves, with peak viewing from early November to early December.

乗旅HAGI (YouTube link)

Taste of Summer: Hagi Mandarin Soft Serve (萩の夏みかんソフトクリーム)

Cultural and Culinary Experiences

• Hagi Ware: 
• Hagi is famous for its pottery (Hagi ware), with many items for sale in the old town. 
• Genshugama Pottery Studio, a charmingly renovated 100-year-old home upstream on the Aiba River from downtown Hagi, offers an art gallery and hands-on experiences with electric pottery wheels and pottery painting.
• Culinary Experience: 
• Summer tangerines are a local specialty, featured in dishes like summer tangerine pudding, which combines custard sweetness with the fruit’s refreshing tang.
• Hagi Craft Beer, brewed in Hagi, focuses on small-batch production using traditional methods and select ingredients for distinctive flavors. Offerings include the Lord Beer (殿様ビール, a meticulously crafted dark beer with roasted coffee notes) and Hagi Yuzu Ale (萩ゆずエール uses local yuzu), blending Japanese tradition with craft innovation.
• Hagi Legacy: Historical figures like Yoshida Shoin and Shinsaku Takasugi shaped its legacy
• Yoshida Shoin educated notable figures like Hirobumi Ito (Japan’s first Prime Minister) and Shinsaku Takasugi. He was known for his honesty and dedication to Japan’s future, even confessing to attempting to stow away on a foreign ship to visit America, which led to his house arrest.
• Shoin’s last words, “Even if my body lies dead in the field, my soul will remain here,” reflect his enduring legacy in Hagi, where locals respectfully call him “Shoin Sensei.”
• House of Shinsaku Takasugi 高杉 晋作: A revolutionary figure born in Hagi, known for his decisive and energetic actions, described as acting “like lightning” and making “storm decisions.” 
• House of Tamaki Bunnoshin: Yoshida Shoin’s strict teacher, who disciplined him for minor distractions like scratching his cheek while reading, emphasizing the rigorous education of the time.

See Also

1. 防 長 バ ス 時 刻 表 2025年7月1日現在
2. Smile Bike Rental
3. Flower Calendar (Hagi)
4. Hagi City Tourism Association (Search link for destinations)
5. Hagi Tourist Map (Google My Maps)