KoreanBlueprint
Daily Korean
Today’s Phrase
한국에 처음 왔어요
han·gu·ge cheo·eum was·seo·yo
hanguge cheoeum wasseoyo
It’s my first time in Korea
Cultural Insight
First-time visitors to Korea are often overwhelmed by the pace, food variety, and hospitality. Koreans are usually thrilled to hear 한국에 처음 왔어요 and will eagerly offer recommendations. Don’t be surprised if a stranger becomes your tour guide!
Phrase Breakdown
한국에
hanguge
to/in Korea
한국 (Korea) + -에 (direction/location)
처음 왔어요
cheoeum wasseoyo
came for the first time
처음 (first time) + 오다 past = 왔어요
Tells someone you are visiting Korea for the very first time.
Example Phrases
한국에 처음 왔어요. 정말 기대돼요!
Hanguge cheoeum wasseoyo. Jeongmal gidaedwaeyo!
It’s my first time in Korea. I’m really excited!
기대되다 = to be excited/looking forward to.
한국에 처음 왔는데 어디가 볼 만해요?
Hanguge cheoeum wanneunde eodiga bol manaeyo?
It’s my first time in Korea — where is worth visiting?
볼 만하다 = worth seeing.
처음이에요? 환영해요!
Cheoumieyo? Hwangyeonghaeyo!
Is it your first time? Welcome!
환영하다 = to welcome.
Related Phrases
한국이 이렇게 클 줄 몰랐어요
hangugI ireoke keul jul mollasseoyo
I didn’t know Korea was this big
Expressing surprise at Korea’s size.
어디 가 보는 게 좋아요?
eodi ga boneun ge johayo?
What places are good to visit?
Asking for tourist recommendations.
꼭 가봐야 할 곳이 어디예요?
kkok gabwaya hal gosi eodiyeyo?
Where must I go?
Asking for must-visit recommendations.
Quick Review
이분이 누구예요?
Can you recall what this means?
ibuni nuguyeyo?
Who is this person? (honorific)