Survival Korean for cyclists!
In this blog I want to focus on survival Korean for tourists coming to explore Korea on 2 wheels! You`re bound to have an amazing adventure on the beautiful bike paths in Korea, but with a few of these phrases under your belt, you will be able to ask for help along the way. Korean people are known to be friendly, but once you`re out of the big city, knowing a bit of Korea will go a long way. Literally!
Learning the Korean alphabet is a very fulfilling thing to do before coming to Korea, as it is everywhere, especially once you get out of Seoul! Luckily, the alphabet is very logical, consistent and easy to learn! We highly recommend doing so, but just in case you haven`t gotten around to do so yet, we also included the romanization of all phrases!On the road
Hello – 안녕하세요 (an · nyeong · ha · sae · yo)
A little nod with your full head makes it look like you`ve been riding in Korea for quite a while!
Have a safe ride! – 조심히 타세요. (jo·sim·hi ta·sae·yo)
Notice the ending is the same and will be similar voor a lot of polite requests and greetings.
When you see a fellow cyclist suffering – 파이팅! (Pai·ting!)
Ball up your right fist in an encouraging fashion. This is the most common cheer in Korea and the first Konglish word on the list, deriving from the English word `fighting!`.
When passing by a cyclist/pedestrian- 지나갈게요! (Ji·na·kal·kae·yo)
Much prefered over ringing you bell, so essential for those instances you are stuck behind a fanatic of slow travel. In case you here it behind you, you are the slow-traveller in questions. Squeeze aside and keep enjoying Korea`s views!
When making a stop
Where is the bathroom? – 화장실 어디예요? (hwa·jang·sil odi·ye·yo?)
Luckily there are more public bathrooms in Korea than trashcans! Copying 화장실 in Naver Map might also give you some options in urgent cases.
Give me this, please. (when ordering) – 이거 주세요. (Igo Ju·sae·yo)
In combination with solid pointing with one`s index finger, one of the most useful phrases in Korea. Use it for ordering food, snacks, (ice) coffees, and everything else that keeps you rolling happily.
Could I get some water, please? – 물 좀 받을 수 있을까요? (mul jom bad·eul su is·seul·kka·yo?)
In Korea you will always get free water at restaurants and cafes, so they will be happy to help you refill! If you do still run out of water, this sentence along with your cycling outfit, should be enough to convince any friendly Korean!
Thank you! – 감사합니다 (gam·sa·ham·ni·da)
Last, but not least! Don`t forget to say thank you after all of the help you have received! A little bow will once again help you convey the message and I guarantee you will receive plenty of smiles along the way!
Are you looking to make deeper connections on your journey in Korea?
The following resources might help!
Talk To Me in Korean
In our opinion, the most reliable platform for learning Korean, with a wide range of learning tools! Podcasts, (audio)books, online courses, youtube video`s, and much more
Youtube
For completely free learning tools, browse the hundreds of Korean educational videos! Check out our video`s on riding in South Korea & Seoul, while you are on there!
Guided Cycling Holiday
For an even deeper connection into Korea by bike, along with culinary and cultural activities, join one of our tours or our Seoul to Busan bike holiday! Our guides will be happy to teach you the newest local sayings!
Good luck on your journey and don`t worry too much, just go enjoy our great cycling infrastructure!
