Living in South Korea is an exciting adventure, offering world-class infrastructure, delicious food, and rich cultural experiences. However, for many foreigners, the biggest challenge isn’t adjusting to spicy food or new customs — it’s the language barrier. While younger Koreans increasingly speak some English, many daily interactions — at hospitals, restaurants, and government offices — are still conducted in Korean.
So, what if you can’t speak the language? Can you still survive in Korea as a non-Korean speaker? The answer is yes — if you’re prepared. This guide provides practical tips, resources, and real-life strategies to help you live comfortably in Korea without speaking Korean. From finding English-speaking services to using translation tools and joining supportive communities, this article is your complete survival manual.
English-Speaking Hospitals and Clinics in Korea
Healthcare is one area where the language barrier can feel particularly overwhelming. The good news is that Korea has many hospitals with English-speaking staff, especially in larger cities like Seoul, Busan, and Daegu.
How to Find English-Friendly Hospitals
- Use Naver Maps or Kakao Maps
Type keywords like “international clinic,” “English-speaking doctor,” or the name of the department you need (e.g., “ENT,” “Dermatology”). Set the app language to English in settings. - Look for “International Healthcare Centers”
Many university hospitals have departments dedicated to foreign patients:- Severance Hospital International Clinic (Seoul)
- Samsung Medical Center Foreign Patient Service
- Asan Medical Center International Services
- Pusan National University Hospital (Busan)
Tips for Non-Korean Speakers at Hospitals
- Bring your Alien Registration Card (ARC)
- Show a translated note describing your symptoms
- Use apps like Papago or Google Translate (Conversation mode)
- Ask if interpretation services are available (some large hospitals offer this for free)
Where to Eat Without Speaking Korean
Korean cuisine is incredible, but ordering food without speaking Korean can be intimidating. Fortunately, things are getting easier thanks to technology and globalization.
English-Friendly Restaurants
- Franchise Chains: Many offer English menus or picture-based ordering
- Starbucks, McDonald's, Subway
- Korean brands like Bonjuk, BHC Chicken, Paris Baguette
- Tourist Zones and University Areas:
- Itaewon (Seoul), Hongdae, Gangnam
- Haeundae (Busan), Jeju City
These neighborhoods often have menus in multiple languages and staff used to foreign customers.
Ordering Tips
- Point at the menu if pictures are available
- Use translation apps for specific ingredients or dietary restrictions
- Use phrases like:
- “이거 주세요” (I’ll have this one – say while pointing)
- “No meat” = “고기 없이요” (Go-gi eop-shee-yo)
Delivery Apps
Food delivery is a huge part of Korean life, and Baemin (배달의민족) and Yogiyo (요기요) dominate the market. However, these apps are mostly in Korean. A few tips:
- Use Shuttle Delivery or FoodFly – both offer full English services
- If you use Korean apps, consider using Papago’s image translation for menus
Navigating Government Offices Without Korean
Whether you’re applying for an ARC, extending your visa, or registering your address, visiting government offices like the Immigration Office or District Office (구청) is unavoidable.
What to Expect
- Most staff only speak Korean
- Signs and forms may be partially translated
- Waiting systems are usually organized and numbered
How to Prepare
- Bring all necessary documents — originals and copies
- Download translated forms from the HiKorea website in advance
- If possible, bring a Korean-speaking friend or interpreter
- Alternatively, call the 1345 immigration helpline — press 1 for English
Helpful Agencies
- HiKorea (www.hikorea.go.kr): Government portal for foreigners
- Seoul Global Center: Free legal and administrative counseling in English
- Danuri Center: For multicultural families, with multilingual support
Translation Apps and Tools That Actually Work
Even with no knowledge of Korean, you can communicate using technology. Here are the most effective translation apps used by foreigners in Korea.
Recommended Apps
- Papago (by Naver)
- Best for Korean-English translation
- Offers voice, image, and handwriting recognition
- More accurate than Google Translate for Korean
- Google Translate
- Good for general use
- “Conversation mode” is helpful for live interpreting
- SayHi Translate
- Excellent voice recognition
- Interface is beginner-friendly
- Naver Dictionary
- Useful for understanding words and common phrases
- Offline access is available
Other Tools
- Air Translator Earbuds: Available on Coupang or Gmarket for live interpretation
- Photo translation apps: Translate printed menus or signs instantly
Joining Communities and Support Networks
Being part of a foreigner community in Korea can significantly reduce language-related stress. These communities are great for sharing tips, job postings, and local recommendations.
Popular Online Communities
- Facebook Groups:
- “Every Expat in Korea”
- “Foreigner Assistance Korea”
- “English Teachers in Korea (ETIK)”
- Reddit:
- r/Korea
- r/LivingInKorea
- Meetup.com:
Great for language exchange, cultural tours, or hiking groups - Discord Servers:
Search for “Korea expat server” — many offer real-time chat, advice, and job boards
Offline Community Centers
- Seoul Global Center (offers Korean classes, workshops, tax help)
- Community centers in major cities often host free events for foreigners
- Religious organizations (churches, temples) may offer English services and community support
Basic Korean Phrases You Should Know
You don’t need to be fluent, but knowing a few survival phrases can go a long way.
| English | Korean (Romanized) | Meaning |
| Hello | Annyeonghaseyo | Formal greeting |
| Thank you | Gamsahamnida | Formal thank you |
| I don’t speak Korean | Hangukmal mot haeyo | Let others know your level |
| This one, please | Igeo juseyo | For ordering |
| How much is it? | Eolmaeyo? | Asking price |
| Sorry | Mianhamnida | Apologizing |
| Help me | Dowajuseyo | In emergencies |
These simple phrases can help in stores, restaurants, and transportation settings.
Transportation and Getting Around Without Korean
Korea has one of the most efficient public transportation systems in the world — and you don’t need to speak Korean to use it.
Apps You’ll Need
- Kakao Metro / Subway Korea
- Real-time schedules in English
- Transfer information and travel time
- Kakao T (Taxi App)
- Call a taxi without speaking
- English interface available
- Pay by card or app
- Naver Map / Kakao Map
- Set to English mode
- Offers voice-guided walking and driving directions
Tips for Non-Korean Speakers
- Most subway stations have English signs and announcements
- Buses have stop displays in both Korean and English
- Taxis may not speak English — show your destination in Korean via app or printout
- Always carry a T-money card for subway, bus, and even taxi fares
Working and Studying Without Korean
It is possible to work or study in Korea without knowing Korean, though there may be limitations.
Jobs That Don’t Require Korean
- English teacher (E-2 or F visa holders)
- International sales or customer service in global companies
- Software engineers and developers
- Research positions at universities or labs
- Content creators (YouTube, blogging, etc.)
Still, learning basic Korean over time will help with networking, promotions, and social life.
Studying in English
- Many universities in Korea offer graduate and undergraduate programs taught entirely in English
- Programs in fields like business, engineering, and international relations are popular
- Korean Government Scholarship Programs (KGSP) provide support even for non-Korean speakers
Conclusion
Living in Korea without speaking Korean can be challenging, but it is far from impossible. With the right apps, communities, and preparation, you can navigate healthcare, order food, find jobs, and enjoy daily life without fluency. Over time, many foreigners naturally pick up basic Korean — but until then, this survival guide is all you need to get started.
Whether you're staying in Korea short-term or long-term, you can enjoy a rich, comfortable life with the tools and knowledge in this guide. Stay open-minded, be patient with cultural differences, and don't be afraid to ask for help — the foreigner community and even locals are more supportive than you might expect.
Useful Resources
- Seoul Global Center: https://global.seoul.go.kr
- HiKorea Immigration Portal: https://www.hikorea.go.kr
- Shuttle Delivery (English food delivery): https://www.shuttledelivery.co.kr
- NHIS (Health Insurance Info): https://www.nhis.or.kr/english
- Kakao Taxi & Metro Apps: Available on Google Play / App Store
