"Annyonghaseyo!"


One of the things you would want to learn from another country is its language. Yes, seeing the sights, hearing the sounds, tasting the food can do for a terrific visit. But wouldn't it be nice to be able to talk and mingle with the natives ? A lot of Koreans avoid foreigners when they're approached and asked, for example, directions! (well it's better they avoid you rather than point you to the wrong directions 'coz they didn't understand what you were saying, take it from me. whew!)

Anyway, from my experience, even a little bit of knowledge about the language can give you a lot of advantages. Like more food served to you in a restaurant. Koreans are pleased to meet foreigners who speak their language. For them it means that you really appreciate Korea and they're grateful making them give you lots of "extras". And of course as I said above, and in my opinion is rather important, asking for directions. If you know the language it will be a lot easier finding your way around as you tour the country.

In here you'll find the basics, like greetings and some words and phrases you can use during your stay in the country and some cultural notes to help you understand Korea better.

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