Korean Greetings & Introductions

When you visit Korea or meet Korean speakers, the way you greet and introduce yourself says a lot about your respect for their culture. Below is a compact guide to the most common greetings, polite forms, and introduction patterns youll hear in everyday life.

1. Basic Greetings

(annyeong)

Literally peace, this word is the informal way to say hello or hi. Use it only with friends, family, or people younger than you.

(annyeong haseyo)

The standard polite greeting. It is appropriate in most situationsincluding shops, offices, and when meeting someone for the first time.

(annyeonghasimnikka)

The formal, deferential version used in broadcasts, formal ceremonies, or when speaking to senior officials.

2. Bowing & Body Language

• Bowing: A slight bow (1015) accompanies annyeong haseyo. The deeper the bow, the more respect youre showing.
• Handshake: Common in business settings, usually combined with a bow. Offer a light grip; a firm handshake may be seen as aggressive.
• Eye contact: Keep eye contact briefstaring can be considered rude.

3. Introducing Yourself

The basic formula is:

When speaking politely, add (jeoneun) for I and end with (imnida). For a slightly less formal tone, use / after your name.

Examples

• . I am Michael. (formal)
• . Im Michael. (polite, everyday)
• . Im Michael. (casual, with friends)

4. Asking for Names

The most common way to ask someones name politely is:

In a casual setting, you can say:

5. Adding Honorifics

When addressing someone older or higher in rank, add (ssi) after the full name, or (nim) for extra respect.

• Mr. Kim Min-su (standard polite)
• Teacher Park (high respect)
• Director Lee (business title + honorific)

6. Common Polite Phrases for Introductions

7. Different Contexts

Social Gatherings

Among peers, a simple ! and a light bow are enough. You may also clasp hands briefly, similar to a Western handshake.

Business Meetings

Begin with a formal bow, introduce yourself using [Name] , then follow with your company and role.

Academic Settings

Students typically use , (Hello, professor) and end with (thank you) after introductions.

8. Cultural Tips

• Age matters: Always assume the person youre meeting is older unless told otherwise.
• Use both hands: When handing over a business card, hold it with both hands and receive cards the same way.
• Dont rush: Allow a moment of silence after greeting; abrupt conversation can feel rude.
• Titles first: In Korean, titles and family names come before the given name (e.g., Lee Minho not Minho Lee).

9. Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

10. Further Learning Resources

• Talk To Me In Korean Free lessons on pronunciation and honorifics.
• KoreanClass101 Audiovisual resources for everyday conversations.
• Alc Korean Dictionary Look up phrase variations and usage notes.