Essential Phrases for Korean Travelers: "How do I get there?" (Tips for Asking for Directions!)

Hello! Today, we'll learn a really useful phrase for traveling in Korea, "How do I get to this place?" Knowing how to ask for directions in Korea makes travel much easier and improves communication with locals. Let's learn step-by-step and practice confidently asking for directions.

1. Basic Expression: How do I get to this place?

1) Korean Expression
이 곳으로 어떻게 가나요?
(i go-seu-ro eo-tteo-ke ga-na-yo?)
→ How do I get to this place?
2) Pronunciation
이 (i): Pronounced short and concisely. Similar to the English 'e', but the tongue position is flatter.
곳으로 (go-seu-ro):
곳 is pronounced like [got], with a slight cut-off of the 't' sound at the end.
으로 is pronounced [eu-reo]. 'eu' is pronounced without rounding the lips.
어떻게 (eo-tteo-ke):
어 is pronounced like [uh], similar to the English 'uh' in 'but', but slightly more open.
떻게 is pronounced [tteo-ke]. 'tt' is a double consonant and should be pronounced strongly, and 'ke' is short.
가나요 (ga-na-yo):
가 is pronounced like the English 'ga', but starting a little more softly.
나요 is pronounced [na-yo], smoothly connecting 'yo'.
3) How to Use
This expression can be used while pointing to a destination or a specific place.
Showing a map and asking "\"Here, how do I get there?\" is even more effective.
Example:

"How do I get to N Seoul Tower?"
(How do I get to Namsan Seoul Tower?)

2. Various Ways to Ask for Directions

1) General Questions
How can I get there?
(yeo-gi-ro ga-ryeo-myeon eo-tteo-ke hae-ya ha-na-yo?)
→ How can I get to here?

Where is the nearest subway station from here?
(yeo-gi-e-seo ga-kka-un ji-ha-cheol-yeok-i eo-di-ye-yo?)
→ Where is the nearest subway station from here?

2) Pronunciation Tips
여기로 (yeo-gi-ro):
여 is pronounced like [yuh], starting softly.
기로 is pronounced [gi-ro], pronounce 'gi' softly.
지하철역 (ji-ha-cheol-yeok):
지하 is pronounced [ji-ha], 'ji' is similar to the English 'gee'.
철역 is pronounced [cheol-yeok], pronounce the 'k' in 'yeok' slightly softly.
3) Transportation-Related Questions
Does this bus go to ~~?
(i beo-sseu-ga ~~e ga-na-yo?)
→ Does this bus go to ~~?
Example:

"Does this bus go to Insadong?" (Does this bus go to Insadong?)
How do I get there by subway?
(ji-ha-cheol-lo eo-tteo-ke ga-yo?)
→ How do I get there by subway?

3. Common Responses When Getting Directions

1) Directional Expressions
Go straight. (ttok-ba-ro ga-se-yo) → Go straight.
Turn right. (o-reun-jjok-eu-ro do-se-yo) → Turn right.
Turn left. (oen-jjok-eu-ro do-se-yo) → Turn left.
Cross the crosswalk. (hoeng-dan-bo-do-reul geon-neo-se-yo) → Cross the crosswalk.
2) Pronunciation Tips
똑바로 (ttok-ba-ro):
똑 is pronounced [ttok], pronounce the double consonant strongly.
바로 is pronounced [ba-ro], connect naturally.
오른쪽 (o-reun-jjok):
쪽 is pronounced [jjok], emphasize the double consonant jj.

4. Practical Conversation Examples

Example 1: Asking for Directions
Tourist: Excuse me, how do I get to Namsan Seoul Tower?
(jeo-gi-yo, N-seoul-ta-weo-ro eo-tteo-ke ga-na-yo?)
→ Excuse me, how do I get to Namsan Seoul Tower?
Korean: Ah, go straight in the direction of Namsan. It takes about 5 minutes by bus.
(Ah, jeo-gi nam-san bang-hyang-eu-ro jjok ga-se-yo. beo-seu ta-si-myeon o-bun jeong-do geol-lyeo-yo.)
→ Ah, go straight toward Namsan. It takes about 5 minutes by bus.
Example 2: Asking about Transportation
Tourist: Does this bus go to Gyeongbokgung Palace?
(i beo-sseu-ga gyeong-bok-gung-e ga-na-yo?)
→ Does this bus go to Gyeongbokgung Palace?
Bus Driver: Yes, get off at the second stop.
(ne, du beon-jjae jeong-ryu-jang-e-seo nae-ri-si-myeon doem-ni-da.)
→ Yes, get off at the second stop.

5. Useful Tips

Show politeness:
Starting with "jeo-gi-yo" (Excuse me) makes you sound more polite.
Example: Excuse me, how do I get to the subway station from here?
Use a map:
Even if you can't speak, showing a map on your smartphone will solve the problem.
App Recommendation:
Naver Map (Naver MapNaver Map - Google Play / App Store),

KakaoMap (Kakao Map <span class="ck-fake-link-selection ck-fake-link-selection_collapsed"></span>) also supports English, so be sure to use it!

6. Today's Summary

With the expressions we've learned today, asking for directions in Korea won't be scary anymore! Learning the pronunciation will boost your confidence even more. Try using them on your next trip to Korea!

Practice Sentences:
"How do I get to Seoul Station?"
"Does this bus go to Insadong?"