Do I really need to speak Korean on the bus?

Not always — T-money cards and the bell button handle most of it. But when the bus number is worn off, or you're unsure if it goes to your stop, these phrases save you from a long detour or confused pointing.

Can I use a transportation app instead of asking?

Yes, Naver Map and KakaoMap show live bus arrivals and routes in English. But apps won't tell the driver where you want to go or when to let you off, so you'll still need at least two of these phrases.

Is it okay to ask the driver questions while they're driving?

Keep it quick and ask right when you board or right before your stop. Long conversations while the bus is moving are considered distracting, so other passengers might give you a look.

5 Korean Bus Phrases You'll Actually Use (with Pronunciation)

Bus stops don't announce in English — these 5 get you anywhere

July 28, 2026

Korean city buses are cheap, everywhere, and honestly the best way to see how locals move around. But the tricky part? Most stops and announcements are Korean-only, and drivers usually don't speak English. These five phrases cover every situation you'll actually face on a bus, from the moment you see it coming to the second you need to get off.

몇 번 버스예요? — What number bus is this?

myeot beon beo-seu-ye-yo · Use this the second the bus door opens if the number isn't clear or you're standing between two buses at a busy stop. The driver will just call out the number, sometimes holding up fingers too. If it's not your bus, just smile, wave sorry, and step back — happens all the time and no one minds.

명동 가요? — Does this go to Myeongdong?

myeong-dong ga-yo · Swap in any neighborhood or landmark name: Itaewon, Gangnam, Seoul Station, whatever. The driver will either nod yes, shake their head no, or point at another bus behind you that does go there. This one question saves you from getting on the wrong bus and riding 40 minutes in the opposite direction.

여기서 내려 주세요 — Please let me off here

yeo-gi-seo nae-ryeo ju-se-yo · Always press the stop bell first, then say this as you walk toward the exit, especially on local buses where stops are close together. Drivers are used to tourists hesitating, so saying it clearly means they'll actually wait an extra second for you to get down the steps. Skip the bell and they might blow right past your stop.

뒤로 가 주세요 — Please move to the back

dwi-ro ga ju-se-yo · You'll hear this a lot during rush hour when everyone crowds near the driver and the back half is empty. It's not rude, just practical — people need to board up front. Shuffle back with your bag and you'll blend right in. Locals will sometimes gently pat your shoulder and say this with a smile, so don't be startled.

잔돈 없어요 — I don't have change

jan-don eop-seo-yo · Most buses take T-money cards, but if you're paying cash and only have a 10,000 or 50,000 won bill, say this and show the bill. Drivers almost never have change and will usually just wave you on for free or let you pay whatever small bills you do have. It's easier for everyone than holding up the whole bus.

How to sound right

The 'eo' sound in 'beo-seu' and 'yeo-gi-seo' is like the 'u' in 'up' — your mouth barely opens.
End every phrase with a slight upward tone to sound polite, even if it's not a question.
Don't worry about perfection; drivers hear foreign accents daily and understand context fast.

FAQ

Do I really need to speak Korean on the bus?: Not always — T-money cards and the bell button handle most of it. But when the bus number is worn off, or you're unsure if it goes to your stop, these phrases save you from a long detour or confused pointing.
Can I use a transportation app instead of asking?: Yes, Naver Map and KakaoMap show live bus arrivals and routes in English. But apps won't tell the driver where you want to go or when to let you off, so you'll still need at least two of these phrases.
Is it okay to ask the driver questions while they're driving?: Keep it quick and ask right when you board or right before your stop. Long conversations while the bus is moving are considered distracting, so other passengers might give you a look.

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