This is a Korean phrase practice guide for arrival questions, not a complete list of immigration requirements. Questions depend on your visit and circumstances. Answer truthfully, use English if needed, and keep your accommodation details available.
Practise saying your own purpose and length of stay. Learning a Korean phrase does not change entry requirements or guarantee a particular reaction from an officer.
🛂 Common Questions and Example Answers
Q1. 방문 목적이 뭐예요? — What's the purpose of your visit?
| Your answer | Korean | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Tourism / Sightseeing | 관광입니다 | gwan-gwang-im-ni-da |
| Business | 출장입니다 | chul-jang-im-ni-da |
| Visiting friends / family | 지인 방문입니다 | ji-in bang-mun-im-ni-da |
| Studying Korean | 어학연수입니다 | eo-hak-yeon-su-im-ni-da |
| Transit (passing through) | 경유입니다 | gyeong-yu-im-ni-da |
Q2. 얼마나 있을 거예요? — How long will you stay?
| Duration | Korean | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| 3 days | 3일이요 | sa-mil-i-yo |
| One week | 일주일이요 | il-ju-il-i-yo |
| Two weeks | 2주요 | i-ju-yo |
| About a month | 한 달 정도요 | han dal jeong-do-yo |
Q3. 어디서 묵을 거예요? — Where will you stay?
| Accommodation | Korean | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel | 호텔이요 | ho-tel-i-yo |
| Guesthouse | 게스트하우스요 | ge-seu-teu-ha-u-seu-yo |
| Friend's place | 친구 집이요 | chin-gu ji-bi-yo |
| In Seoul | 서울이요 | seo-ul-i-yo |
Q4. 처음 오셨어요? — Is this your first visit?
| Answer | Korean | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Yes, first time | 네, 처음이에요 | ne, cheo-eum-i-e-yo |
| No, I've been before | 아니요, 전에도 왔어요 | a-ni-yo, jeo-ne-do wa-sseo-yo |
| Second time | 두 번째예요 | du beon-jjae-ye-yo |
💡 Rian's Tip
You don't need full sentences. Short answers ending in 이요 / 요 are perfectly natural and polite. "관광이요" works just as well as "관광입니다" — the officer will understand either way. The formal -입니다 ending just sounds a bit more polished.
🆘 If You Get Stuck
If the officer asks something you don't understand, don't panic. Just say one of these:
| Situation | Korean | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| I don't understand | 모르겠어요 | mo-reu-ge-sseo-yo |
| Do you speak English? | 영어 하세요? | yeong-eo ha-se-yo? |
| Please say it again | 다시 말씀해 주세요 | da-si mal-sseum-hae ju-se-yo |
Immigration done. Now let's get your bags, exchange some money, and get to Seoul. Check out the Travel Korean guides for everything else you need.
Prepare your own answers
Write your actual purpose, number of days and accommodation name. Read them once, then answer with the notes covered. Do not copy an example that does not match your trip.
For entry and visa requirements, use Hi Korea and the Korean consulate responsible for your application. This lesson teaches language, not eligibility.