Most of the time you’ll probably only need to recognize the written Korean word or phrase, but we’ve included audio so you can listen to the Korean pronunciation. This way you’ll be able to find out if something is open or closed, or more importantly, a bargain!
Resources for further reading:
Signs in Korean
Now, let’s get on with some basics. What does the sign on the door of the restroom say? Would you know which one is for you, and which one you shouldn’t go into? You are about to find out!
Practice Your Pronunciation With Rocket Record
Rocket Record lets you perfect your Korean pronunciation. Just listen to the native speaker audio and then use the microphone icon to record yourself. Once you’re done, you’ll get a score out of 100 on your pronunciation and can listen to your own audio playback. (Use a headset mic for best results.) Problems? Click here!
숙녀
suknyeo
ladies
0%
신사
sinsa
gentleman
0%
당기시오
danggisio
pull
0%
미시오
misio
push
0%
열었음
yeoreosseum
open
0%
닫았음
dadasseum
closed
0%
사용중
sayongjung
occupied
0%
청소중
cheongsojung
cleaning
0%
미끄러움
miggeumreoum
watch your step
0%
Now that you’re familiar with essential public toilet signs, let’s move on to the topic of public smoking in Korea. If you’re a smoker, look for the 흡연 구역 (heubyeon guyeok) "smoking area."
흡연 구역
heubyeon gueok
smoking area
0%
금연 구역
geumeon guyeok
non-smoking area
0%
Seoul is well-known for being a shopping mecca. Head to the thriving shopping heaven Myeong-dong, where you can really shop till you drop! Watch out for the big bright colored signs in the store window—that’s where you'll find a sale!
세일
seil
sale
0%
염가 세일
yeomga seil
bargain
0%
이십오프로 세일
isipopeuro seil
25% off sale
0%
That’s it for this lesson. I hope you had fun!
For more lessons on Korean vocabulary I recommend these!
- Break the ice by using vocab to do with sports in Korean.
- DIY while in Korea? This lesson covers the essential vocab for tools in Korean.
- Learn the words and phrases used around the airport in Korean.
안녕히 가세요! (Annyeonghi gaseyo!) "Goodbye!"
Sujung Lee: Rocket Korean
Make It Stick With The Rocket Activities
Reinforce your learning with activities that test your recall, listening and speaking skills!