Meeting greetings: Annyeonghaseyo and Annyeong

Greetings are the first step in Korean. Let's learn what to say first when you meet someone.

Basic greeting

"Annyeonghaseyo" is a polite greeting you can use any time of day. It works with someone you're meeting for the first time, with elders, and with shop staff alike.

Casual greeting for friends

With close friends or people your own age, just say the short "annyeong." It sounds relaxed and friendly.

Situation	Expression
Polite	안녕하세요
Casual, to a friend	안녕
First meeting	반갑습니다

More formal

In business or official settings, use the more formal "annyeonghasimnikka?" News anchors and presenters use it often.

Time-of-day greetings

Korean has no separate greetings for morning or evening the way English has "good morning" and "good evening." One "annyeonghaseyo" covers the whole day. In the morning, though, people may add "annyeonghi jumusyeosseoyo?" to ask whether you slept well.

Asking and answering "how are you"

After a greeting, ask "jal jinaeseyo?" to keep the conversation going naturally. A simple reply is "ne, jal jinaeyo" (yes, I'm doing well).

💡 Tip: Lift the end of "annyeonghaseyo" slightly and it softens into a friendly question. To start, just memorizing "annyeonghaseyo" is plenty!