If you go by **bus**, it is faster than the subway
ko
en
**버스** 온다!
The **bus** is coming!
ko
en
이 **버스**는 강남에 가요?
Does this **bus** go to Gangnam?
ko
en
**버스**가 멈추지 않았어요
The **bus** didn't stop
ko
en
저는 버스정류장에서 **버스**를 기다리고 있어요
I'm waiting for the **bus** at the bus station
ko
en
examples
정류장
stop/station
ko
en
다음 **정류장**에서 내리면 돼요
You should get off at the next **station**
ko
en
다 다음 **정류장**에서 내리면 돼요
You should get off two **stations** from now
ko
en
다음 버스는 저 **정류장**에서 출발할 거에요
The next bus will depart from that **station**
ko
en
저는 버스**정류장**에서 버스를 기다리고 있어요
I'm waiting for the bus at the bus **station**
ko
en
examples
버스 정류장
bus stop
ko
en
저는 **버스정류장**에서 버스를 기다리고 있어요
I'm waiting for the bus at the **bus stop**
ko
en
notes
examples
버스 기사
bus driver
The more formal/neutral term for "bus driver."
Compare with 버스 아저씨, which is less formal but far more commonly used in casual, everyday speech.
ko
en
notes
**버스 기사**님이 친절하셨어요
The **bus driver** was kind
Generated by Claude
ko
en
notes
**버스 기사**한테 길을 물어봤어요
I asked the **bus driver** for directions
Generated by Claude
ko
en
notes
examples
버스 아저씨
bus driver
[In theory this is a little bit impolite, but it is definitely more common, especially when not talking directly to the driver himself.]
It could in theory be "버스 아주머니," but the overwhelming majority of bus drivers (at least in Seoul) are male.
Compare with the more formal/neutral 버스 기사.
ko
en
notes
**버스 아저씨**가 문을 열어 줬어요
The **bus driver** opened the door
Generated by Claude
ko
en
notes
**버스 아저씨**한테 인사했어요
I greeted the **bus driver**
Generated by Claude
ko
en
notes
examples
전철
subway
[Literally translates to "electric train."]
Largely interchangeable with 지하철. 지하철 (literally "underground train") is generally the more common everyday word, while 전철 is often seen/heard in more official contexts like station announcements.
ko
en
거기에 가려면 **전철**을 타야 돼요
In order to get there, you must take the **subway**
ko
en
**전철**이 전역에서 출발하였습니다
The **train** has departed from the previous station
ko
en
notes
examples
지하철
subway
[Literally translates to "underground train."]
Compare with 전철 ("electric train"), which is largely interchangeable but slightly more common in formal/announcement contexts.
ko
en
버스로 가면 **지하철**보다 더 빨라요
If you go by bus, it is faster than the **subway**
ko
en
저는 벌써 **지하철**을 타고 있어요
I am already on/riding the **subway**
ko
en
notes
examples
역
station
Often attached directly to a place name, e.g. 서울역 = "Seoul station."
ko
en
사당**역** 4번 출구에서 만나자
Let's meet at exit four of Sadang **station**
ko
en
서울**역**에서 1호선으로 갈아타는 것은 복잡해요
It is confusing transferring to line 1 at Seoul **Station**
ko
en
서울**역**으로 가 주세요
Please take me to Seoul **Station**
ko
en
서울**역**까지 가는 데 보통 얼마나 나와요?
How much will it usually cost to get to Seoul **Station**?
ko
en
서울**역**에 가려면 어느 쪽으로 가야 돼요?
In order to get to Seoul **station**, which way should I/one go?
ko
en
examples
위치
location
ko
en
그 식당의 **위치**를 핸드폰으로 검색할 거에요
I'll look up the **location** of the restaurant on my phone
ko
en
notes
examples
길
street/road
Largely interchangeable with 거리.
[길 tends to emphasize the route/path itself — a road to walk or drive on — while 거리 tends to emphasize the street as a place/area.]
ko
en
저는 **길**을 잃었어요
I'm lost
ko
en
우리는 **길**을 건너야 돼요
We have to cross the **street**
ko
en
이 **길**에서 직진하셔요
Go straight on this **road**
ko
en
notes
examples
거리
street/road
Largely interchangeable with 길.
[거리 tends to emphasize the street as a place/area, while 길 tends to emphasize the route/path itself.]
ko
en
저는 **거리**를 안전하게 건넜어요
I crossed the **street** safely
ko
en
examples
사거리
intersection
ko
en
notes
**사거리**에서 오른쪽으로 가세요
Go right at the **intersection**
Generated by Claude
ko
en
notes
**사거리**에서 사고가 났어요
There was an accident at the **intersection**
Generated by Claude
ko
en
examples
교통카드
transportation card
ko
en
**교통카드**를 어디서 살 수 있어요?
Where can you buy a **transportation card**?
ko
en
교통 카드를 어디서 충전할 수 있어요?
Where can I charge my **transportation card**?
ko
en
교통 카드를 잃어버렸어요
I lost my **transportation card**?
ko
en
examples
자리
a place to sit
ko
en
notes
**자리**에 앉으세요
Please sit in your **seat**
Generated by Claude
ko
en
notes
저 **자리**가 비어 있어요
That **seat** is empty
Generated by Claude
ko
en
examples
노약 좌석
a seat for the elderly and weak
ko
en
notes
**노약 좌석**에는 앉지 마세요
Please don't sit in the **seat for the elderly and weak**
Generated by Claude
ko
en
notes
**노약 좌석**은 비어 있어야 돼요
The **priority seat** should be left empty
Generated by Claude
ko
en
notes
examples
호선
line in a subway
Attached to a number, e.g. 4호선 = "Line 4."
ko
en
4**호선**으로 갈아타야 돼요
You have to transfer to **line** 4
ko
en
홍대에 가려면 몇 **호선**을 타야 돼요?
In order to get to 홍대, which **line** should I take?
ko
en
서울역에서 1**호선**으로 갈아타는 것은 복잡해요
It is confusing transferring to **line** 1 at Seoul Station
ko
en
동대문으로 가실 분은 이번 역에서 2**호선**으로 환승하시기 바랍니다
Passengers who are going to 동대문, please transfer to **line** 2 at this station
ko
en
notes
examples
출구
exit of a subway station
Attached to a number, e.g. 4번출구 = "exit 4."
ko
en
사당역 4번 **출구**에서 만나자
Let's meet at **exit** four of Sadang station
ko
en
examples
택시
taxi
ko
en
notes
**택시**를 타고 공항에 갈 거에요
I'm going to take a **taxi** to the airport
Generated by Claude
ko
en
notes
**택시**가 안 잡혀요
I can't catch a **taxi**
Generated by Claude
ko
en
examples
막차
last train/bus
ko
en
저는 안산으로 가는 **막차**를 놓쳤어요
I missed the **last train** going to Ansan
ko
en
**막차**가 몇 시에 출발해요?
What time does the **last train** depart?
ko
en
examples
첫차
first train/bus
ko
en
저는 내일 **첫차**를 타야 돼요
I have to take the **first train** tomorrow
ko
en
**첫차**가 몇 시에 출발해요?
What time does the **first train** depart?
ko
en
examples
가다
to go
ko
en
notes
오른 쪽으로 **가면** 돼요
**Go** right
[The full nuance is closer to "you should/need to go right."]
ko
en
notes
왼 쪽으로 **가면** 돼요
**Go** left
[The full nuance is closer to "you should/need to go left."]
ko
en
거기에 **가려면** 어느 쪽으로 가야 돼요?
In order to **get** there, which way should I/one go?
ko
en
서울역에 **가려면** 어느 쪽으로 가야 돼요?
In order to **get** to Seoul station, which way should I/one go?
ko
en
거기에 어떻게 **가는** 지 알아요?
Do you know how to **get** there?
ko
en
examples
오다
to come
ko
en
버스 **온다**!
The bus is **coming**!
ko
en
버스가 5분 후에 **올** 거에요
The bus will **come** in 5 minutes
ko
en
이 버스는 10분마다 **와요**
This bus **comes** each/every 10 minutes
ko
en
examples
만나다
to meet
ko
en
사당역 4번 출구에서 **만나자**
Let's **meet** at exit four of Sadang station
ko
en
examples
건너다
to cross
ko
en
우리는 길을 **건너야** 돼요
We have to **cross** the street
ko
en
저는 거리를 안전하게 **건넜어요**
I **crossed** the street safely
ko
en
examples
내리다
to get off (a bus/subway)
ko
en
저는 금방 **내려요** (**내릴** 거에요)
I'm **getting off** soon
ko
en
다음 정류장에서 **내리면** 돼요
You should **get off** at the next station
ko
en
다 다음 정류장에서 **내리면** 돼요
You should **get off** two stations from now
ko
en
여기서 **내려** 주세요
Please let me **get off** here
ko
en
**내리실** 문은 오른 쪽입니다
The doors you will **get off** from are on the right
ko
en
examples
타다
to get on (a bus/subway)
ko
en
거기에 가려면 버스를 **타야** 돼요
In order to get there, you must **take** the bus
ko
en
빨리 **타세요**
**Get on**, quick!
ko
en
저는 내일 첫차를 **타야** 돼요
I have to **take** the first train tomorrow
ko
en
52번을 **타면** 돼요
You should **take** bus number 52
ko
en
저는 벌써 지하철을 **타고** 있어요
I am already **on**/riding the subway
ko
en
examples
찍다
to scan a card
ko
en
저는 카드를 안 **찍었어요**
I didn't **scan** my card
ko
en
버스를 탈 때 카드를 **찍어야** 되고 내릴 때도 **찍어야** 돼요
You need to **scan** your card when you get on the bus and also when you get off the bus
ko
en
notes
examples
갈아타다
to transfer
Largely interchangeable with 환승하다.
[갈아타다 is more colloquial/spoken, while 환승하다 is more commonly heard in official/formal contexts, such as station announcements.]
ko
en
4호선으로 **갈아타야** 돼요
You have to **transfer** to line 4
ko
en
어디서 **갈아타야** 돼요?
Where do I need to **transfer**?
ko
en
서울역에서 1호선으로 **갈아타는** 것은 복잡해요
It is confusing **transferring** to line 1 at Seoul Station
ko
en
notes
examples
환승하다
to transfer
Largely interchangeable with 갈아타다.
[환승하다 is more commonly heard in official/formal contexts, such as station announcements, while 갈아타다 is more colloquial.]
ko
en
어디서 **환승해야** 돼요?
Where do I need to **transfer**?
ko
en
동대문으로 가실 분은 이번 역에서 2호선으로 **환승하시기** 바랍니다
Passengers who are going to 동대문, please **transfer** to line 2 at this station
ko
en
examples
데려다 주다
to bring a person to a certain point
ko
en
notes
거기까지 **데려다 줄까요**?
Shall I **take you** there?
[More literally, "Let me take you there."]
ko
en
집까지 **데려다 줄게요**
I'll **take you** home
ko
en
examples
길을 잃다
to be lost
ko
en
저는 **길을 잃었어요**
I'm **lost**
ko
en
examples
앉다
to sit
ko
en
notes
**앉으세요**
Please, **sit** down
[Often said to an older person when giving up your seat.]
ko
en
examples
충전하다
to recharge
ko
en
교통 카드를 어디서 **충전할** 수 있어요?
Where can I **charge** my transportation card?
ko
en
카드를 **충전해** 주세요
Please **recharge** my card
ko
en
카드에 10,000원을 **충전해** 주세요
Please **recharge** my card with 10,000 won
ko
en
notes
examples
멈추다
to stop
[Used for a vehicle, like a bus or subway, coming to a stop — not for a person stopping an action.]
ko
en
버스가 **멈추지** 않았어요
The bus didn't **stop**
ko
en
examples
자리를 맡다
to save a seat for somebody
ko
en
notes
친구를 위해서 **자리를 맡았어요**
I **saved a seat** for my friend
Generated by Claude
ko
en
notes
저 대신 **자리 좀 맡아** 주세요
Please **save a seat** for me
Generated by Claude
ko
en
examples
놓치다
to miss
ko
en
저는 안산으로 가는 막차를 **놓쳤어요**
I **missed** the last train going to Ansan
ko
en
examples
빠르다
fast
ko
en
버스로 가면 지하철보다 더 **빨라요**
If you go by bus, it is **faster** than the subway
ko
en
examples
느리다
slow
ko
en
notes
이 버스는 지하철보다 **느려요**
This bus is **slower** than the subway
Generated by Claude
ko
en
notes
막차는 첫차보다 **느려요**
The last train is **slower** than the first train
Generated by Claude
ko
en
examples
복잡하다
confusing
ko
en
서울역에서 1호선으로 갈아타는 것은 **복잡해요**
It is **confusing** transferring to line 1 at Seoul Station
ko
en
examples
오른쪽
the right side/direction
ko
en
**오른** 쪽으로 가면 돼요
Go **right**
ko
en
내리실 문은 **오른** 쪽입니다
The doors will open on the **right**
ko
en
examples
왼쪽
the left side/direction
ko
en
**왼** 쪽으로 가면 돼요
Go **left**
ko
en
examples
건너편
the opposite side (across the street)
ko
en
그 식당은 은행 **건너편**에 있어요
That restaurant is **across the street** from the bank
ko
en
examples
반대로
the opposite direction
ko
en
**반대로** 가야 돼요
You need to go the **opposite direction**
ko
en
examples
여기
here
ko
en
**여기**서 내려 주세요
Please let me get off **here**
ko
en
notes
examples
거기
there
Compare with 저기.
[거기 refers to a place near the listener or already mentioned in conversation, while 저기 refers to a place far from both speaker and listener.]
ko
en
**거기**에 가려면 어느 쪽으로 가야 돼요?
In order to get **there**, which way should I/one go?
ko
en
**거기**에 어떻게 가는 지 알아요?
Do you know how to get **there**?
ko
en
**거기**까지 데려다 줄까요?
Shall I take you **there**?
ko
en
**거기**에 가려면 버스를 타야 돼요
In order to get **there**, you must take the bus
ko
en
**거기** 가려면 몇 번 버스를 타야 돼요?
In order to get **there**, what bus should I take?
ko
en
notes
examples
저기
there
Compare with 거기.
[저기 refers to a place far from both speaker and listener, often visible in the distance, while 거기 refers to a place near the listener.]
ko
en
notes
**저기**에 버스 정류장이 있어요
There's a bus stop **over there**
Generated by Claude
ko
en
notes
**저기**로 가 주세요
Please go **over there**
Generated by Claude
ko
en
examples
일반 버스
regular bus
ko
en
notes
**일반 버스**를 타고 학교에 가요
I take the **regular bus** to school
Generated by Claude
ko
en
notes
**일반 버스**는 좌석버스보다 느려요
The **regular bus** is slower than the express city bus
Generated by Claude
ko
en
notes
examples
좌석버스
express city bus
[This literally translates to "seat-bus," as it typically has more seats — two on each side — than other city buses.]
This type of bus goes longer distances, usually connecting Seoul with one of its suburbs.
ko
en
notes
**좌석버스**를 타면 더 편하게 갈 수 있어요
If you take the **express city bus**, you can go more comfortably
Generated by Claude
ko
en
notes
**좌석버스**는 일반 버스보다 비싸요
The **express city bus** is more expensive than the regular bus
Generated by Claude
ko
en
notes
examples
마을 버스
"village" bus
[This bus is usually smaller and cheaper to ride than other buses. It usually goes shorter distances, and the stops on the road are often ambiguous — you really need to know the area and the bus route if you want to take this type of bus.]
ko
en
notes
**마을 버스**를 타고 집에 가요
I take the **village bus** home
Generated by Claude
ko
en
notes
**마을 버스**는 노선이 복잡해요
The **village bus** route is confusing
Generated by Claude
ko
en
examples
시외버스
inter-city bus
ko
en
notes
**시외버스**를 타고 부산에 갔어요
I took the **inter-city bus** to Busan
Generated by Claude
ko
en
notes
**시외버스** 터미널이 어디에 있어요?
Where is the **inter-city bus** terminal?
Generated by Claude
ko
en
notes
examples
우등버스
first class bus
[This type of bus also usually runs an inter-city route, but the seats are more comfortable.]
ko
en
notes
**우등버스**는 좌석이 더 편해요
The **first class bus** has more comfortable seats
Generated by Claude
ko
en
notes
**우등버스**를 타면 표가 더 비싸요
If you take the **first class bus**, the ticket is more expensive
Generated by Claude
ko
en
notes
examples
리무진
airport bus
[A "limousine" in Korea refers to a comfortable bus that shuttles people from one place to another. You will commonly see this type of bus taking people from the airport to some pre-designated place in Seoul.]
As soon as you walk out of the airport in Incheon, you will see dozens of these buses — all going to a destination with maybe a few stops along the way.
ko
en
notes
**리무진**은 좌석이 편하고 짐 놓을 공간도 많아요
The **airport bus (limousine)** has comfortable seats and lots of space for luggage
Generated by Claude
ko
en
notes
**리무진**을 타고 인천공항에서 서울로 왔어요
I came to Seoul from Incheon airport on the **airport bus (limousine)**
Generated by Claude
ko
en
notes
examples
공항 버스
airport bus
[A "limousine" (리무진) in Korea refers to a comfortable bus that shuttles people from one place to another. 공항 버스 refers to this same kind of bus, specifically the ones running to/from the airport.]
As soon as you walk out of the airport in Incheon, you will see dozens of these buses — all going to a destination with maybe a few stops along the way.
ko
en
notes
**공항 버스**를 타고 인천공항에서 서울로 왔어요
I came to Seoul from Incheon airport on the **airport bus**
Generated by Claude
ko
en
notes
**공항 버스**는 몇 시에 출발해요?
What time does the **airport bus** depart?
Generated by Claude
ko
en
notes
examples
급행열차
express train
[This is a regular subway train, but it skips stations along the way. It usually runs during peak times during rush hour.]
ko
en
notes
**급행열차**를 타면 더 빨리 도착해요
If you take the **express train**, you arrive faster
Generated by Claude
ko
en
notes
**급행열차**는 이 역에서 안 멈춰요
The **express train** doesn't stop at this station
Generated by Claude
ko
en
examples
공항철도
airport railroad
ko
en
notes
**공항철도**를 타고 공항에 가요
I take the **airport railroad** to the airport
Generated by Claude
ko
en
notes
**공항철도**역이 여기서 멀어요
The **airport railroad** station is far from here
Generated by Claude
directions
situations
bus
subway
announcements
taxi
ko
en
오른 쪽으로 가면 돼요
Go right (you should/need to go right)
ko
en
왼 쪽으로 가면 돼요
Go left (you should/need to go left)
ko
en
거기에 가려면 어느 쪽으로 가야 돼요?
In order to get there, which way should I/one go?
ko
en
서울역에 가려면 어느 쪽으로 가야 돼요?
In order to get to Seoul station, which way should I/one go?
ko
en
거기에 어떻게 가는 지 알아요?
Do you know how to get there?
ko
en
거기까지 데려다 줄까요?
Shall I take you there? (Let me take you there)
ko
en
집까지 데려다 줄게요
I’ll take you home
ko
en
저는 길을 잃었어요
I’m lost
ko
en
우리는 길을 건너야 돼요
We have to cross the street
ko
en
그 식당의 위치를 핸드폰으로 검색할 거에요
I’ll look up the location of the restaurant on my phone
ko
en
그 식당은 은행 건너편에 있어요
That restaurant is across the street from the bank
ko
en
사당역 4번 출구에서 만나자
Let’s meet at exit four of Sadang station
ko
en
이 길에서 직진하셔요
Go straight on this road
ko
en
저는 거리를 안전하게 건넜어요
I crossed the street safely
ko
en
앉으세요
Please, sit down (often said to an older person when giving up your seat)
ko
ko_text
en
저는 금방 내려요 (내릴 거에요)
저는 금방 내려요
I’m getting off soon
ko
en
교통카드를 어디서 살 수 있어요?
Where can you buy a bus/subway card?
ko
en
교통 카드를 어디서 충전할 수 있어요?
Where can I charge my transportation card?
ko
en
교통 카드를 잃어버렸어요
I lost my transportation card?
ko
en
카드에 10,000원을 넣어 주세요
Please put 10,000 won on my card
ko
en
카드에 10,000원을 충전해 주세요
Please recharge my card with 10,000 won
ko
en
버스로 가면 지하철보다 더 빨라요
If you go by bus, it is faster than the subway
ko
en
카드를 충전해 주세요
Please recharge my card
ko
en
빨리 타세요
Get on, quick!
ko
en
저는 안산으로 가는 막차를 놓쳤어요
I missed the last train going to Ansan
ko
en
저는 내일 첫차를 타야 돼요
I have to take the first train tomorrow
ko
en
막차가 몇 시에 출발해요?
What time does the last train depart?
ko
en
첫차가 몇 시에 출발해요?
What time does the first train depart?
ko
en
거기에 가려면 버스를 타야 돼요
In order to get there, you must take the bus
ko
en
버스 온다!
The bus is coming!
ko
en
이 버스는 강남에 가요?
Does this bus go to Gangnam?
ko
en
버스가 멈추지 않았어요
The bus didn’t stop
ko
en
저는 버스정류장에서 버스를 기다리고 있어요
I’m waiting for the bus at the bus station
ko
en
저는 20분 동안 버스를 기다렸어요
I waited for the bus for 20 minutes
ko
en
버스를 동대문에서 타야 돼요
You have to take the bus from Dongdaemun station
ko
en
다음 정류장에서 내리면 돼요
You should get off at the next station
ko
en
다 다음 정류장에서 내리면 돼요
You should get off two stations from now
ko
en
저는 카드를 안 찍었어요
I didn’t scan my card
ko
en
이 버스의 기본 요금은 2,500원이에요
The basic fare for this bus is 2,500 원
ko
en
아저씨! 문을 열어 주세요!
Sir! Open the door please.
ko
en
벨을 안 눌렀어요
You didn’t ring the bell
ko
en
거기 가려면 몇 번 버스를 타야 돼요?
In order to get there, what bus should I take?
ko
en
52번을 타면 돼요
You should take bus number 52
ko
en
버스가 5분 후에 올 거에요
The bus will come in 5 minutes
ko
en
버스 카드가 없어서 현금으로 낼 게요
I don’t have my bus card, so I will pay with cash
ko
en
저는 동전이 없어요
I don’t have any change (coins)
ko
en
다음 버스는 저 정류장에서 출발할 거에요
The next bus will depart from that station
ko
en
버스를 탈 때 카드를 찍어야 되고 내릴 때도 찍어야 돼요
You need to scan your card when you get on the bus and also when you get off the bus
ko
en
이 버스는 10분마다 와요
This bus comes each/every 10 minutes
ko
en
거기에 가려면 전철을 타야 돼요
In order to get there, you must take the subway
ko
en
4호선으로 갈아타야 돼요
You have to transfer to line 4
ko
en
반대로 가야 돼요
You need to go the opposite direction
ko
en
어디서 환승해 야 돼요?
Where do I need to transfer?
ko
en
어디서 갈아타 야 돼요?
Where do I need to transfer?
ko
en
홍대에 가려면 몇 호선을 타야 돼요?
In order to get to 홍대, which line should I take?
ko
en
서울역에서 1호선으로 갈아타는 것은 복잡해요
It is confusing transferring to line 1 at Seoul Station
ko
en
저는 벌써 지하철을 타고 있어요
I am already on/riding the subway
ko
en
전철이 전역에서 출발하였습니다
The train has departed from the previous station
ko
en
손잡이를 꽉 잡으세요
Please hold on to (the handle) tightly
ko
en
문에 기대지 마세요
Don’t lean against the door
ko
en
이 번 정류장은 시청 앞입니다. 다음 정류장은 광화문입니다
This station is (the front of) City Hall. The next station is Gwanghwamun
ko
en
당고개에 가는 열차가 들어오고 있습니다. 한 걸음을 물러서주시기 바랍니다
The train going to Danggogae is coming into the station. Please step back.
ko
en
이번 역은 서울역. 서울역입니다. 내리실 문은 오른 쪽입니다
This station is Seoul Station. Seoul Station. The doors will open on the right.
ko
en
동대문으로 가실 분은 이번 역에서 2호선으로 환승하시기 바랍니다
Passengers who are going to 동대문, please transfer to line 2 at this station
ko
en
공항으로 가 주세요
Please take me to the airport
ko
en
서울역으로 가 주세요
Please take me to Seoul Station
ko
en
여기서 내려 주세요
Please let me get off here
ko
en
서울역까지 가는 데 보통 얼마나 나와요?
How much will does it usually cost to get to Seoul Station?
ko
en
지름길로 가주세요
Please take the short cut
ko
en
공항까지 가시나요?
Do you go (can you go) to the airport?
(Theme) Unit 1: #2 – Transportation
Introduction
Everybody needs to get around, right? Most foreigners who move to Korea do not buy cars; but instead rely on the fast, efficient, and available mass transportation or taxis. Even if you don’t live in Korea, buses and subways are everywhere, and it is good to have some basic vocabulary and sentences ready in case you are going from place to place with a Korean person in a country other than Korea
Below is a list of vocabulary you may find useful when getting from place to place, particularly by public transportation or taxi.
Vocabulary
Nouns
버스 = bus
정류장 = stop/station
버스 정류장 = bus stop
버스 기사 = bus driver
버스 아저씨 = bus driver
In theory this is a little bit impolite, but it is definitely more common, especially when not talking directly to the driver himself. Also, it could in theory be “버스 아주머니” but the overwhelming majority of bus drivers (at least in Seoul) are male.
전철 = subway (literally translates to electric train)
지하철 = subway (literally translates to underground train)
역 = station (서울역 = Seoul station)
위치 = location
길 = street/road
거리 = street/road
사거리 = intersection
교통카드 = transportation card
자리 = a place to sit
노약 좌석 = a seat for the elderly and weak
호선 = line in a subway (4호산 = Line 4)
출구 = exit of a subway station (4번출구 = exit 4)
택시 = taxi
막차 = last train/bus
첫차 = first train/bus
Verbs
가다 = to go
오다 = to come
만나다 = to meet
건너다 = to cross
내리다 = to get off (a bus/subway)
타다 = to get on (a bus/subway)
찍다 = to scan a card
갈아타다 = to transfer
환승하다 = to transfer
데려다 주다 = to bring a person to a certain point
길을 잃다 = to be lost
앉다 = to sit
충전하다 = to recharge
멈추다 = to stop (for a bus, subway to stop)
자리를 맡다 = to save a seat for somebody
놓치다 = to miss
Adjectives
빠르다 = fast
느리다 = slow
복잡하다 = confusing
Adverbs and Other Words
오른쪽 = the right side/direction
왼쪽 = the left side/direction
건너편 = the opposite side (across the street)
반대로 = the opposite direction
여기 = here
거기 = there
저기 = there
For help memorizing these words, try using our Memrise tool.
Now let’s look at some specific sentences that you may find useful when getting around:
Sentences
Getting to a Place
오른 쪽으로 가면 돼요 = Go right (you should/need to go right)
왼 쪽으로 가면 돼요 = Go left (you should/need to go left)
거기에 가려면 어느 쪽으로 가야 돼요? = In order to get there, which way should I/one go?
서울역에 가려면 어느 쪽으로 가야 돼요? = In order to get to Seoul station, which way should I/one go?
거기에 어떻게 가는 지 알아요? = Do you know how to get there?
거기까지 데려다 줄까요? = Shall I take you there? (Let me take you there)
집까지 데려다 줄게요 = I’ll take you home
저는 길을 잃었어요 = I’m lost
우리는 길을 건너야 돼요 = We have to cross the street
그 식당의 위치를 핸드폰으로 검색할 거에요 = I’ll look up the location of the restaurant on my phone
그 식당은 은행 건너편에 있어요 = That restaurant is across the street from the bank
사당역 4번 출구에서 만나자 = Let’s meet at exit four of Sadang station
이 길에서 직진하셔요 = Go straight on this road
저는 거리를 안전하게 건넜어요 = I crossed the street safely
Situations related to the Bus and Subway
앉으세요 = Please, sit down (often said to an older person when giving up your seat)
저는 금방 내려요 (내릴 거에요) = I’m getting off soon
교통카드를 어디서 살 수 있어요? = Where can you buy a bus/subway card?
교통 카드를 어디서 충전할 수 있어요? = Where can I charge my transportation card?
교통 카드를 잃어버렸어요 = I lost my transportation card?
카드에 10,000원 (만원)을 넣어 주세요 = Please put 10,000 won on my card
카드에 10,000원 (만원)을 충전해 주세요 = Please recharge my card with 10,000 won
버스로 가면 지하철보다 더 빨라요 = If you go by bus, it is faster than the subway
카드를 충전해 주세요 = Please recharge my card
빨리 타세요 = Get on, quick!
저는 안산으로 가는 막차를 놓쳤어요 = I missed the last train going to Ansan
저는 내일 첫차를 타야 돼요 = I have to take the first train tomorrow
막차가 몇 시에 출발해요? = What time does the last train depart?
첫차가 몇 시에 출발해요? = What time does the first train depart?
Taking the Bus
거기에 가려면 버스를 타야 돼요 = In order to get there, you must take the bus
버스 온다! = The bus is coming!
이 버스는 강남에 가요? = Does this bus go to Gangnam?
버스가 멈추지 않았어요 = The bus didn’t stop
저는 버스정류장에서 버스를 기다리고 있어요 = I’m waiting for the bus at the bus station
저는 20분 동안 버스를 기다렸어요 = I waited for the bus for 20 minutes
버스를 동대문에서 타야 돼요 = You have to take the bus from Dongdaemun station
다음 정류장에서 내리면 돼요 = You should get off at the next station
다 다음 정류장에서 내리면 돼요 = You should get off two stations from now
저는 카드를 안 찍었어요 = I didn’t scan my card
이 버스의 기본 요금은 2,500원(이천오백원)이에요 = The basic fare for this bus is 2,500 원
아저씨! 문을 열어 주세요! = Sir! Open the door please.
벨을 안 눌렀어요 = You didn’t ring the bell
거기 가려면 몇 번 버스를 타야 돼요? = In order to get there, what bus should I take?
52번을 타면 돼요 = You should take bus number 52
버스가 5분 후에 올 거에요 = The bus will come in 5 minutes
버스 카드가 없어서 현금으로 낼 게요 = I don’t have my bus card, so I will pay with cash
저는 동전이 없어요 = I don’t have any change (coins)
다음 버스는 저 정류장에서 출발할 거에요 = The next bus will depart from that station
버스를 탈 때 카드를 찍어야 되고 내릴 때도 찍어야 돼요 = You need to scan your card when you get on the bus and also when you get off the bus
이 버스는 10분마다 와요 = This bus comes each/every 10 minutes
Taking the Subway
거기에 가려면 전철을 타야 돼요 = In order to get there, you must take the subway
4호선으로 갈아타야 돼요 = You have to transfer to line 4
반대로 가야 돼요 = You need to go the opposite direction
어디서 환승해 야 돼요? = Where do I need to transfer?
어디서 갈아타 야 돼요? = Where do I need to transfer?
홍대에 가려면 몇 호선을 타야 돼요? = In order to get to 홍대, which line should I take?
서울역에서 1호선으로 갈아타는 것은 복잡해요 = It is confusing transferring to line 1 at Seoul Station
저는 벌써 지하철을 타고 있어요 = I am already on/riding the subway
Announcements Heard or Seen on the Bus or Subway
전철이 전역에서 출발하였습니다 = The train has departed from the previous station
손잡이를 꽉 잡으세요 = Please hold on to (the handle) tightly
문에 기대지 마세요 = Don’t lean against the door
이 번 정류장은 시청 앞입니다. 다음 정류장은 광화문입니다 = This station is (the front of) City Hall. The next station is Gwanghwamun
당고개에 가는 열차가 들어오고 있습니다. 한 걸음을 물러서주시기 바랍니다 = The train going to Danggogae is coming into the station. Please step back.
이번 역은 서울역. 서울역입니다. 내리실 문은 오른 쪽입니다 = This station is Seoul Station. Seoul Station. The doors will open on the right.
동대문으로 가실 분은 이번 역에서 2호선으로 환승하시기 바랍니다 = Passengers who are going to 동대문, please transfer to line 2 at this station
Taking a Taxi
공항으로 가 주세요 = Please take me to the airport
서울역으로 가 주세요 = Please take me to Seoul Station
여기서 내려 주세요 = Please let me get off here
서울역까지 가는 데 보통 얼마나 나와요? = How much will does it usually cost to get to Seoul Station?
지름길로 가주세요 = Please take the short cut
공항까지 가시나요? = Do you go (can you go) to the airport?
Types of Buses and Trains
일반 버스 = Regular bus
좌석버스 = Express city bus
This literally translates to “seat-bus” as it typically has more seats (two on each side) than other city buses. This type of bus will go longer distances – usually connecting Seoul with one of its suburbs.
마을 버스 = “Village” bus
This bus is usually smaller and is cheaper to ride than other buses. It usually goes shorter distances, and the stops on the road are often ambiguous. You really need to know the area and the bus route if you want to take this type of bus.
시외버스 = Inter-city bus
우등버스 = First class bus
This type of bus also usually runs an inter-city route, but the seats are more comfortable.
리무진 or 공항 버스 = Airport Bus
A “limousine” in Korea refers to a comfortable bus that shuttles people from one place to another. You will commonly see this type of bus taking people from the airport to some pre-designated place in Seoul. As soon as you walk out of the airport in Incheon, you will see dozens of these buses – all going to a destination with maybe a few stops along the way.
급행열차 = express train
This is a regular subway train, but it skips stations along the way. It usually will run in peak times during rush hour.
Have something you want to include? Want to know how to say a sentence in Korean? Post in the thread designated to this specific lesson in our Forum, and we will add it to this lesson.