Level 3 · Confident Speaker
Learn to book rooms, check in and out, request services, and handle common hotel situations in Korean.
14 words · tap 🔊 to hear native-speaker pronunciation
After landing at the airport, the next step is getting settled at your accommodation. Korea offers everything from luxury hotels and traditional hanok stays to budget-friendly guesthouses and unique jjimjilbang (Korean sauna) overnights.
In this unit, you'll learn all the vocabulary you need for booking a room, checking in and out, and making requests during your stay. You'll also expand two essential grammar patterns: the polite request form -아/어 주세요 and the versatile background/softener ending -는데요.
Whether you're staying at the Grand Hyatt or a cozy guesthouse in Bukchon, these phrases will make your stay comfortable and smooth!
reservation
예약했는데요.I have a reservation.
💡 Memory tip: 예 (advance) + 약 (promise) — an advance promise to hold your spot!
Pronunciation: 예 has the diphthong "ye" sound. 약 ends with an unreleased ㄱ [k].
check-in
체크인은 몇 시부터예요?What time does check-in start?
💡 Memory tip: A Konglish loanword from English "check-in" — easy to recognize!
check-out
체크아웃 시간이 언제예요?What time is check-out?
💡 Memory tip: Another Konglish loanword — "check-out" in Korean pronunciation!
hotel room
객실에 와이파이가 있어요?Is there Wi-Fi in the hotel room?
💡 Memory tip: 객 (guest) + 실 (room) — a room for guests at a hotel!
Pronunciation: 객 ends with an unreleased ㄱ [k]. 실 has a clear [sil] sound.
breakfast (buffet)
조식은 포함이에요?Is breakfast included?
💡 Memory tip: 조 (morning) + 식 (meal) — the morning meal, breakfast!
Pronunciation: 조 is [jo]. 식 ends with an unreleased ㄱ [k].
front desk
프런트에 전화해 주세요.Please call the front desk.
💡 Memory tip: Konglish from "front" — the front desk of the hotel!
key
방 열쇠를 잃어버렸어요.I lost the room key.
💡 Memory tip: Think "yeol-swe" — imagine the key "swaying" as you try to open the door!
Pronunciation: 열 has the flapped ㄹ. 쇠 is pronounced [swe] with a rounded vowel.
luggage / bags
짐을 맡길 수 있어요?Can I leave my luggage (with you)?
💡 Memory tip: "Jim" — imagine asking Jim to watch your bags while you explore!
Pronunciation: 짐 has the tense ㅉ consonant and ends with nasal ㅁ [m].
air conditioner
에어컨이 안 돼요.The air conditioner is not working.
💡 Memory tip: Konglish shortening of "air conditioner" — Koreans love abbreviating loanwords!
towel
수건을 더 주세요.Please give me more towels.
💡 Memory tip: "Su-geon" — "sue" the hotel if they don't "give on" (give you) clean towels!
room
방이 너무 좋아요!The room is really nice!
💡 Memory tip: "Bang!" — you open the door with a bang and enter your room!
Pronunciation: 방 ends with the nasal ㅇ [ng] sound.
amenities / facilities
호텔 편의시설을 알려 주세요.Please tell me about the hotel amenities.
💡 Memory tip: 편의 (convenience) + 시설 (facilities) — convenient facilities for guests!
Pronunciation: 편의 is [pyeo-ni]. 시설 flows as [si-seol].
bathroom
욕실에 드라이어가 있어요?Is there a hair dryer in the bathroom?
💡 Memory tip: 욕 (bath) + 실 (room) — the bathing room!
Pronunciation: 욕 ends with an unreleased ㄱ [k]. 실 is [sil].
accommodation / lodging
숙소가 시내에 있어요.The accommodation is downtown.
💡 Memory tip: 숙 (stay overnight) + 소 (place) — a place to stay overnight!
Pronunciation: 숙 ends with an unreleased ㄱ [k] before ㅅ. 소 is [so].
Korea offers a wonderful variety of places to stay, each with its own character:
-- 호텔 (Hotel): International-standard hotels are everywhere, especially in Seoul and Busan. Many Korean hotels include amenities like ondol (heated floor) rooms, rooftop restaurants, and traditional breakfast options alongside Western ones.
-- 모텔 (Motel): Don't let the name fool you! Korean motels are clean, affordable, and often very modern. They're a great budget option with amenities like large TVs, fast internet, and sometimes even PC gaming setups. "Love motels" (러브모텔) have a romantic reputation but are widely used by regular travelers too.
-- 게스트하우스 (Guesthouse): Budget-friendly options popular with backpackers. Many are in converted traditional houses in areas like Bukchon and Insadong. Great for meeting other travelers!
-- 한옥스테이 (Hanok Stay): Stay in a traditional Korean wooden house! You sleep on a yo (요, floor mattress) on heated ondol floors. Areas like Jeonju Hanok Village and Bukchon in Seoul are famous for these. A truly unique cultural experience.
-- 찜질방 (Jjimjilbang): Korean sauna/bathhouses that offer overnight stays. For about 10,000-15,000 won, you get access to saunas, baths, sleeping areas, snacks, and entertainment. A quintessential Korean experience!
-- 에어비앤비 (Airbnb): Also widely available, especially in tourist areas. Many hosts speak some English.
Tip: Korean accommodations often provide toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, and slippers. You might not need to pack as much as you think!
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