Traveling to Korea offers an enriching experience filled with new sights, rich culture, and amazing cuisine. To enhance your journey, knowing key Korean vocabulary for travel and tourism can prove to be incredibly helpful. Here are some important words and phrases to get you started!

여행 (yeohaeng) – Travel
This word is used to refer to the act of traveling or a trip in general.
올해는 유럽으로 여행 가고 싶어요. (Olhaeneun yureopeuro yeohaeng gago sipeoyo.) – I want to travel to Europe this year.

관광 (gwangwang) – Tourism
Referring to sightseeing or the tourism industry, this term is essential for travelers.
부산은 관광 도시로 유명해요. (Busaneun gwangwang dosiro yumyeonghaeyo.) – Busan is famous as a tourist city.

여권 (yeogwon) – Passport
A critical item for international travel, the passport serves as your official identification.
공항에서 여권을 제시해야 합니다. (Gonghangeseo yeogwoneul jesihaya hamnida.) – You need to present your passport at the airport.

숙소 (sukso) – Accommodation
This term could refer to a hotel, guesthouse, or any other place where one might stay during a trip.
숙소를 미리 예약했어요. (Suksoreul miri yeyakhaesseoyo.) – I have reserved the accommodation in advance.

지도 (jido) – Map
A vital tool for navigating new cities or finding tourist attractions.
지도를 보고 명동으로 가는 길을 찾았어요. (Jidoreul bogo Myeongdongeuro ganeun gireul chajasseoyo.) – I found the way to Myeong-dong by looking at the map.

관광 안내소 (gwangwang annaesu) – Tourist Information Centre
The place to obtain helpful information about attractions, local customs, and events.
관광 안내소에서 지도를 받을 수 있어요. (Gwangwang annaesoseo jidoreul badeul su isseoyo.) – You can get a map at the tourist information centre.

기념품 (giyeompum) – Souvenir
Items purchased to remember a trip, often reflecting the cultural or historical significance of the place visited.
친구들에게 기념품으로 한국 고유의 공예품을 선물할 거예요. (Chingudeurege giyeompumeuro hanguk goyoui gongyepumeul seonmulhal geoyeyo.) – I will give my friends souvenirs of traditional Korean handicrafts.

환전 (hwanjeon) – Currency Exchange
The process of changing one currency for another, necessary when traveling to a different country.
공항에 도착하자마자 환전을 해야겠어요. (Gonghange dochakhajamaja hwanjeoneul haeyagesseoyo.) – I need to exchange currency as soon as I arrive at the airport.

예약 (yeyak) – Reservation
Usually refers to booking accommodations, restaurants, or tickets in advance.
레스토랑 자리를 예약했어야 했는데 깜빡했어요. (Receuteurang jarireul yeyakhaesseoya haenneunde kkamppakhaesseoyo.) – I should have made a reservation for the restaurant but I forgot.

여행사 (yeohaengsa) – Travel Agency
A business that arranges flights, trips, and itineraries for travelers.
여행사에서 취소 수수료가 얼마인지 물어봐야 할 것 같아요. (Yeohaengsae)sseo chweso susuryoga eolmainji mureobwaya hal geot gatayo.) – I think I need to ask the travel agency how much the cancellation fee is.

출입국 심사 (chul-ipguk simsa) – Immigration Inspection
The process of being admitted into and departing from a country by authorities.
출입국 심사 때문에 공항에 일찍 도착해야 해요. (Chul-ipguk simsa ttaemune gonghange iljjik dochakhaeya haeyo.) – I have to arrive at the airport early because of the immigration inspection.

티켓 (tiket) – Ticket
A voucher indicating that one has paid for admission to a travel service, event, or establishment.
기차 티켓을 예약 사이트에서 직접 구매했어요. (Gicha tiketeul yeyak saiteueseo jikjeop gumaehaesseoyo.) – I purchased the train ticket directly from the reservation website.

By familiarizing yourself with these Korean travel terms, you can navigate the country more confidently, interact with locals more effectively, and ensure a smoother journey. Happy travels, or as you can now say in Korean, 즐거운 여행 되세요 (jeulgeoun yeohaeng doeseyo)!