Learn how to say hello in Korean like a native. Explore the differences between “안녕하세요,” “안녕,” and more with tips for travelers and beginners.
If you’re learning Korean or planning a trip to Korea, one of the first things you should master is how to say “hello.”
한국어를 배우거나 한국을 방문할 예정이라면, 가장 먼저 익혀야 할 표현 중 하나는 바로 “안녕하세요”, 인사입니다.
But did you know that Korean has different ways to say hello depending on the situation, age, and relationship?
한국어에는 상황, 나이, 관계에 따라 다양한 인사 표현이 있다는 걸 알고 계셨나요?
Let’s break it down!
1. “안녕하세요” (Annyeonghaseyo) – The Standard Polite Hello
가장 기본적이고 예의 바른 인사
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Used in most situations when you’re speaking to someone older, or someone you don’t know well.
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Literally means: “Are you at peace?” (a traditional greeting)
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Safe to use in almost any setting: shops, restaurants, schools, workplaces.
📌 Usage:
– To a store clerk: “안녕하세요.”
– Meeting a Korean friend’s parents: “안녕하세요.”
Use this when in doubt! (모르면 무조건 이걸 쓰세요!)
2. “안녕” (Annyeong) – Informal Hello
친한 친구나 어린 사람에게 쓰는 반말 인사
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Used with close friends, younger people, or children.
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Not appropriate for formal or professional settings.
📌 Usage:
– To your younger sibling: “안녕!”
– Greeting your best friend: “안녕~”
❗ Don’t say “안녕” to your boss or teacher. It can sound rude.
🕊️ 3. “안녕하십니까” (Annyeonghasimnikka) – Very Formal Greeting
공식적이고 격식을 차릴 때 쓰는 인사
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Used in news broadcasts, speeches, and business presentations.
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Common in the military and government.
📌 Usage:
– In a presentation: “여러분, 안녕하십니까?”
– On the news: “시청자 여러분, 안녕하십니까?”
Tip: You likely won’t need this in daily conversation, but good to recognize it!
4. Physical Gestures + Verbal Greeting
말뿐만 아니라 몸짓도 중요해요!
In Korea, it’s common to bow slightly while saying hello, especially in polite or formal situations.
한국에서는 인사할 때 가볍게 고개를 숙이는 절을 함께 하면 더 예의 바르게 보입니다.
– “안녕하세요” + slight bow = 👍 perfect first impression!
– For informal “안녕,” a wave or smile is enough.
5. Common Mistakes to Avoid
외국인이 자주 하는 인사 실수
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Mixing up “안녕” and “안녕하세요” → Use polite form if unsure.
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Forgetting to bow or smile – can make you look cold.
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Using “안녕하십니까” in casual situations – feels too intense.
🎯 Rule of thumb:
When in doubt, go more polite. Koreans appreciate respect over casual friendliness.
Bonus: How to Say “Hi” in Text
카톡이나 SNS에서 인사하는 방법
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Casual texting: “안뇽~” (cute/slang version)
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Slightly polite: “안녕하세요~ :)”
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Late reply? “늦어서 죄송해요~ 안녕하세요!”
Conclusion
In Korean culture, how you say “hello” tells a lot about your relationship, respect, and awareness of social norms.
한국에서는 인사 하나에도 관계와 예절이 드러납니다.
By learning the right greetings, you’ll sound more natural and make a great impression on locals.
상황에 맞는 인사를 알고 사용한다면, 더욱 자연스럽고 좋은 인상을 줄 수 있어요.
So, next time you meet someone in Korea, give them a friendly “안녕하세요!” and don’t forget that polite bow!
다음에 한국 사람을 만나면, “안녕하세요~” 하고 살짝 고개 숙여 인사해보세요