Ever wondered how to say hello in Korean?
Whether you’re planning a trip to Seoul, watching K-dramas, or chatting with a Korean friend online — learning this simple word can instantly make you feel more connected!
In Korean culture, greetings carry warmth and respect, so knowing how to say “hello” properly is your first step toward sounding natural and polite.
Let’s dive in and learn how to greet like a local! 👋
🗣️ The Most Common Way to Say Hello in Korean
1. 안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo) – The Polite “Hello”
If you only remember one greeting, make it 안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo).
Pronunciation: Ahn-nyoung-ha-se-yo
This is the standard polite way to say hello, used with strangers, elders, teachers, or anyone you’re meeting for the first time. Koreans value respect, so this version works in almost every situation.
Example:
- You walk into a store — smile and say, “Annyeonghaseyo!”
- Meeting a teacher — “Annyeonghaseyo, seonsaengnim!” (Hello, teacher!)
👉 Just like saying “Good morning” or “Hi there!” in English, this phrase can be used any time of day.
😊 Informal & Friendly Ways to Say Hello
2. 안녕 (Annyeong) – Casual “Hi” or “Bye”
Pronunciation: Ahn-nyoung
This is a more relaxed version of hello — perfect for friends, kids, or people your own age.
You can think of it as the Korean equivalent of “Hey!” or “Hi!”
Example:
- Meeting your best friend: “Annyeong!”
- Saying goodbye casually: “Annyeong~” (Yes, it can mean both hello and goodbye depending on context!)
⚠️ Tip: Don’t use this with your boss, teacher, or someone older than you. It might sound rude.
🧑🏫 Formal Greetings for Respectful Situations
3. 안녕하십니까 (Annyeonghasimnikka) – Very Formal “Hello”
Pronunciation: Ahn-nyoung-ha-shim-ni-kka
You’ll hear this in news broadcasts, official events, or job interviews.
It’s a high-level greeting that shows utmost respect and professionalism.
Example:
- A TV announcer might say: “시청자 여러분, 안녕하십니까?”
(Dear viewers, hello!)
If you’re in a business meeting or meeting elders for the first time, this phrase makes a great impression.
💬 Useful Follow Up Phrases After Saying Hello
Just like in English, a conversation doesn’t stop at “hello.” Here are a few friendly follow-up phrases:
| English | Korean | Pronunciation |
| How are you? | 잘 지내세요? | Jal jinaeseyo? |
| I’m fine, thank you | 잘 지내요, 감사합니다 | Jal jinaeyo, gamsahamnida |
| Nice to meet you | 만나서 반가워요 | Mannaseo bangawoyo |
| Goodbye (polite) | 안녕히 가세요 | Annyeonghi gaseyo |
| Goodbye (if you’re leaving) | 안녕히 계세요 | Annyeonghi gyeseyo |
👉 Notice how Korean greetings often depend on who’s leaving — small cultural touches like this show respect and awareness!
🌸 Cultural Note | Why Greetings Matter in Korea
In Korea, greetings aren’t just words — they’re gestures of respect and harmony.
A polite bow often accompanies “Annyeonghaseyo,” and your tone matters just as much as your words.
Even if your pronunciation isn’t perfect, the effort you put into showing respect will always be appreciated.
💡 Pro tip: Add a slight bow when you greet someone. It shows humility and good manners.
🧾 Quick Recap | Mini Korean Greeting Cheat Sheet
| Situation | Korean Phrase | Pronunciation | Meaning |
| Polite | 안녕하세요 | Annyeonghaseyo | Hello |
| Informal | 안녕 | Annyeong | Hi / Bye |
| Very Formal | 안녕하십니까 | Annyeonghasimnikka | Hello (formal) |
| How are you? | 잘 지내세요? | Jal jinaeseyo? | How are you? |
| Goodbye | 안녕히 가세요 | Annyeonghi gaseyo | Goodbye (to someone leaving) |
🎯 Conclusion
Now you know how to say hello in Korean like a pro — from polite to playful! 🌟
Practice saying “Annyeonghaseyo” with confidence, and try greeting your friends the Korean way.
The more you use it, the more natural it will sound. So next time you meet someone new, smile and say — “Annyeonghaseyo!” 😊
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