How to Introduce Yourself in Korean: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Learning to introduce yourself in Korean is essential for anyone wanting to communicate effectively in the language. Whether you're a business professional, student, or traveler, making a good first impression is crucial. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the key phrases and cultural nuances you need to introduce yourself in Korean confidently.

Step 1: Greetings

Start with a polite greeting to show respect. The most common greeting in Korean is "안녕하세요" (annyeonghaseyo), which means "hello." You can also use the more informal "안녕" (annyeong) in casual settings.

Greeting	English Translation
안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo)	Hello
안녕 (annyeong)	Hi
잘 지내세요? (jal jinaeseyo?)	How are you?

Step 2: Name and Nationality

Introduce yourself by stating your name and nationality. Use the following structure:

"저는 (Your name)입니다. (Your nationality)입니다."

Name and Nationality	English Translation
저는 마리아입니다. 미국인입니다.	My name is Maria. I'm American.
저는 김영민입니다. 한국인입니다.	My name is Kim Youngmin. I'm Korean.
저는 존입니다. 영국인입니다.	My name is John. I'm British.

Step 3: Occupation (Optional)

If you wish, you can also mention your occupation using the phrase "직업은 (Your occupation)입니다."

Occupation	English Translation
저는 선생님입니다.	I'm a teacher.
저는 학생입니다.	I'm a student.
저는 의사입니다.	I'm a doctor.

Step 4: Polite Ending

End your introduction with a polite ending to show respect and courtesy. The most common ending is "입니다" (imnida), which conveys formality. You can also use the more casual ending "예요" (ye-yo) in informal settings.

Ending	English Translation
입니다 (imnida)	It is
예요 (ye-yo)	It is

Additional Tips

Pay attention to the pronunciation and intonation of words.

Practice regularly to improve your fluency.

Use a language learning app or take a Korean class for guidance.

Immerse yourself in Korean culture to enhance your understanding.

Success Stories

A business traveler successfully negotiated a deal with Korean counterparts after effectively introducing himself in Korean.

A student won a scholarship to study in Korea after impressing the selection committee with their Korean introduction.

A tourist made lifelong friends in Korea by confidently introducing themselves to locals.

FAQs

How do I introduce myself in Korean if I don't know my nationality?

You can say "저는 한국에 살고 있습니다" (jeo-neun hanguk-e salgo iss-eumnida), which means "I live in Korea."

Can I use "저는" (jeo-neun) and "저는요" (jeo-neun-yo) interchangeably?

While "저는" is more formal, "저는요" is slightly more polite.

How do I respond to "잘 지내세요?"

You can reply with "잘 지내요" (jal jinaeyo), which means "I'm doing well."

How to Introduce Yourself in Korean: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners