How to Say Hello in Korean: A Complete Guide to Korean Greetings

In Korean society, greetings are not just polite expressions—they reflect deep cultural values such as respect, hierarchy, and social harmony. Learning how to say hello in Korean is your first step toward understanding and integrating into Korean culture. Whether you’re planning to visit South Korea, watching K-dramas, or just learning the language, knowing how to greet someone properly will leave a good impression. Korean greetings are context-based, meaning how you say hello in Korean varies depending on the situation, the person’s age, and your relationship with them. This cultural nuance makes greetings far more than mere formalities; they act as a reflection of your understanding of social etiquette in Korea. In this guide, we’ll explore the different ways to say hello in Korean, when and how to use them, and additional expressions that can enhance your Korean language journey.

The Most Common Way: Annyeonghaseyo

The most widely used and versatile way to say hello in Korean is “Annyeonghaseyo” it. This phrase is considered polite and can be used in most formal or semi-formal situations. If you’re greeting someone older than you, a stranger, or even a colleague, this is the safest and most respectful option. Pronounced “Ahn-nyoung-ha-se-yo,” it literally translates to “Are you at peace?” but is understood as “Hello.” In Korean, hierarchy plays a huge role, so using the right level of politeness is critical. Saying hello this way immediately shows that you respect Korean customs and are making an effort to engage appropriately. It’s often accompanied by a bow, which further emphasizes respect and formality.

Saying Hello Casually: Annyeong

For friends, younger people, or informal settings, the phrase “Annyeong” it is used. This is a casual and relaxed way to say hello in Korean. You would not use this version with elders, bosses, or strangers, as it may come off as disrespectful. “Annyeong” is best suited for those you’re close to, like classmates or younger siblings. It’s akin to saying “Hi” instead of “Hello” in English. In text messages or social media among friends, this form is frequently used. However, misusing it can create awkward or even offensive situations, so it’s crucial to understand the difference between formal and informal speech in Korean.

Extremely Formal: Annyeonghasimnikka

For very formal situations, such as job interviews, news broadcasts, or when greeting someone of high authority, Koreans use “Annyeonghasimnikka” (안녕하십니까). This is the highest level of politeness in greetings and is often heard in military or official environments. While it might sound a bit stiff in everyday conversations, using it correctly shows deep respect and professionalism. It is less commonly used in daily speech, but knowing how to say hello in Korean at all politeness levels prepares you for any social or professional setting. This greeting is a more honorific version of “Annyeonghaseyo,” and mastering its usage adds another layer to your Korean fluency.

How to Say Hello on the Phone in Korean

When answering the phone, Koreans don’t use the usual “Annyeonghaseyo.” Instead, they say “Yeoboseyo” it. This greeting is specifically reserved for telephone conversations and isn’t used in face-to-face interactions. “Yeoboseyo” is neutral in tone and suitable for most people regardless of age or status, although you wouldn’t use it in business calls. In formal or business phone settings, people may still greet each other with “Annyeonghaseyo” after the initial “Yeoboseyo.” Understanding these nuances is essential when you’re trying to learn how to say hello in Korean appropriately across different contexts.

Greeting Elders in Korean: Showing Respect

When greeting elders, always use “Annyeonghaseyo” or “Annyeonghasimnikka” depending on the level of formality required. In Korean culture, respecting age is incredibly important, and improper greetings can be considered offensive. Accompany your verbal greeting with a polite bow, bending at least 30 degrees at the waist if the person is significantly older. Learning how to say hello in Korean also means learning non-verbal etiquette, such as bowing, maintaining respectful eye contact, and using both hands when offering or receiving something. Greeting elders correctly demonstrates not only language proficiency but also cultural competence.

Greeting Friends and Peers Casually

When speaking to close friends, classmates, or people younger than you, “Annyeong” is acceptable. You might even use slang expressions like “Annyeong!” with a cheerful tone. In such relaxed environments, non-verbal communication like waving or playful gestures is common. Understanding how to say hello in Korean among peers helps in building deeper personal relationships. This level of informality is prevalent in Korean dramas and pop culture, which can serve as useful learning tools for language learners.

Different Greetings for Different Times of the Day

Unlike English, Korean doesn’t have specific greetings for different times of the day such as “Good morning” or “Good evening.” Instead, “Annyeonghaseyo” or “Annyeong” are used regardless of time. However, in some formal announcements or written text, you may see phrases like it (joeun achimimnida) for “Good morning,” though it’s not typically used in spoken greetings. This simplifies learning how to say hello in Korean since the same expression can be used throughout the day, provided you match the correct level of politeness.

How to Say Hello in Korean Text or Chat

In digital conversations like texting or online messaging, people often shorten greetings or use emojis for expression. “Annyeong” is frequently used among friends, often written in Hangul (안녕) or even Romanized as “annyeong.” Korean netizens sometimes use variations like “안뇽” (a cute or playful way of saying hello) or add symbols like “^^” for a smiling face. Learning how to say hello in Korean in text form helps in understanding digital slang and staying connected with Korean culture online.

Regional and Dialectical Variations

Korea has various regional dialects, and greetings may differ slightly across regions. For example, in Busan or the Gyeongsang province, people might say it with a distinct tone. In Jeju Island, the dialect is so unique that their version of hello may sound unfamiliar even to native Korean speakers. Although “Annyeonghaseyo” is universally understood, being aware of regional differences adds depth to your understanding of how to say hello in Korean.

Greetings Used by Korean Celebrities and Idols

K-Pop idols and Korean celebrities often use “Annyeonghaseyo” in interviews and public appearances, bowing deeply to show gratitude and respect. Fans often emulate these styles of greeting. When idols greet their fans in V-Live sessions or social media, they use a mix of formal and playful greetings like “Annyeong!”, sometimes followed by a hand heart. These cultural snippets help language learners grasp the emotional and performative aspects of Korean greetings, making it easier to relate and learn how to say hello in Korean authentically.

How to Practice Korean Greetings Effectively

To become fluent in saying hello in Korean, practice consistently. Watch Korean dramas, listen to K-pop, or use language learning apps. Mimic native speakers’ intonation and body language. Recording yourself and comparing your pronunciation to native audio can help improve your skills. Make a habit of greeting Korean friends or tutors with “Annyeonghaseyo” and notice their responses. Role-playing common scenarios like meeting someone new or answering the phone will also help reinforce correct usage.

Biography: Annyeong Kim – A Cultural Icon of Korean Language Learning

Her Early Life and Passion for Language

Annyeong Kim was born and raised in Seoul, South Korea. From a young age, she had a deep interest in languages and communication. Growing up in a bilingual environment where her parents encouraged cultural education, Annyeong developed a strong foundation in Korean language and etiquette. Her early exposure to English and Japanese helped her realize the global importance of learning greetings in different cultures, especially Korean, which later inspired her content creation career.

Her Father: Mr. Hyeon Kim – A Professor of Linguistics

Annyeong’s father, Mr. Hyeon Kim, is a well-respected professor at Seoul National University. He specializes in Korean linguistics and sociolinguistics. His academic background played a crucial role in shaping Annyeong’s interest in the cultural layers of language. He often emphasized the significance of politeness and honorifics in Korean, which directly influenced her teaching style.

Her Mother: Mrs. Yujin Kim – A Cultural Historian

Annyeong’s mother, Mrs. Yujin Kim, is a cultural historian who works with the National Museum of Korea. She introduced her daughter to the rich traditions and practices of Korean society. Through her mother’s teachings, Annyeong understood how deeply greetings are intertwined with historical norms, Confucian values, and societal structure, all of which she now imparts to her global audience.

Romantic Relationship: Annyeong and Her Supportive Partner

Annyeong Kim is currently in a relationship with Alex Tanaka, a Japanese-Korean interpreter she met during a language exchange event. The couple shares a passion for multilingual education and often collaborates on YouTube content. Their shared love for language and culture has helped Annyeong expand her reach into Japanese-speaking audiences while promoting respectful cross-cultural communication.

FAQs

Q: Can I use “Annyeong” with my Korean teacher?
A: No. “Annyeong” is informal. Always use “Annyeonghaseyo” or “Annyeonghasimnikka” with teachers or elders.

Q: What does “Yeoboseyo” mean?
A: It’s the greeting used when answering the phone in Korea.

Q: Is there a difference between written and spoken greetings in Korean?
A: Yes. Spoken greetings may vary in tone and body language. In writing, emoticons or shortened forms like “안뇽” may appear.