Learning Korean: Useful Expressions at the Airport
Learning Korean expressions at the airport are some of the most useful phrases for travelers. When you travel to Korea, one of the first places you will use Korean is at the airport. From check-in to security, immigration, and baggage claim, simple Korean expressions can help you feel more comfortable and confident. Let’s learn some essential phrases and tips you can use at the airport.
- Basic Korean Expressions at the Airport
Here are some common expressions you may hear or want to use:
어디로 가세요? (Eodiro gaseyo?)
→ Where are you going?
Often asked by airline staff when you check in or by taxi drivers on your way to the airport.
여권 보여주세요. (Yeogwon boyeojuseyo.)
→ Please show me your passport.
Immigration officers or airline staff will ask this. You can also use it if you are helping someone.
수하물은 몇 개예요? (Suhamureun myeot gae-yeyo?)
→ How many bags do you have?
At the check-in counter, staff often ask this before tagging your luggage.
These three expressions alone will already make your airport experience smoother.
- Tips for Using Korean at the Airport
“여권 (yeogwon)” = passport
You will hear this word very often at the airport. For example:
“여권 확인하겠습니다” → “I will check your passport.”
“수하물 (suhamul)” = luggage, baggage
This is the formal word used at airports. In casual speech, Koreans also say “짐 (jim)” which simply means “bag” or “stuff.”
Always use 존댓말 (polite speech with –세요)
At the airport, you are speaking to staff, officers, or strangers. Using polite speech shows respect and helps avoid misunderstandings. For example:
“짐 여기 있습니다” (casual, a bit rough)
“짐 여기 있어요” (polite, natural)
Politeness is especially important in official places like airports.
- Extended Expressions for Travelers
Here are some more phrases you will find useful at different steps of your journey:
짐을 부치다 (Jimeul buchida)
→ To check in luggage
Example: “수하물을 부치고 싶어요.” = “I want to check in my luggage.”
짐을 찾다 (Jimeul chatda)
→ To pick up luggage
Example: “어디에서 짐을 찾을 수 있어요?” = “Where can I pick up my luggage?”
면세점 어디예요? (Myeonsejeom eodieyo?)
→ Where is the duty-free shop?
게이트가 어디예요? (Geiteuga eodieyo?)
→ Where is the gate?
비행기가 몇 시에 출발해요? (Bihaenggiga myeot sie chulbalhaeyo?)
→ What time does the flight leave?
These extra expressions are practical because airports are full of signs and announcements, but sometimes you may still want to ask staff directly in Korean.
- Practice Situations
Imagine you are at Incheon Airport:
At check-in counter:
Staff: “여권 보여주세요.”
You: “네, 여기 있습니다.” (Here it is.)
At baggage claim:
You: “짐을 어디에서 찾을 수 있어요?”
Staff: “3번 수하물 찾는 곳이에요.” (At baggage claim number 3.)
Practicing dialogues like this will prepare you for real situations.
- Quick Review
어디로 가세요? → Where are you going?
여권 보여주세요. → Please show me your passport.
수하물은 몇 개예요? → How many bags do you have?
짐을 부치다 → to check in luggage
짐을 찾다 → to pick up luggage
These expressions cover the most common conversations at the airport. With just a few sentences, you can handle check-in, security, and baggage claim with more confidence.
Tip for Learners: Try to repeat these expressions out loud. Saying “여권 보여주세요” or “수하물은 몇 개예요?” several times will help you get used to the rhythm of Korean.
Hotel: