General conversation

You: What are you planning to do during your holiday?

Traveler: I love Korean food, so I want to visit some nice restaurants.

You: Have you tried dakgalbi yet?

Traveler: What’s that?

You: It’s a spicy chicken dish. I think you would like it. It’s pretty popular with tourists.

Traveler: Oh, thanks for the recommendation.

You: If you have time, I recommend visiting Chuncheon. It’s famous for its dakgalbi restaurants.

Tour guide

Guide: OK, everyone, we’re going to visit Changdeok Palace. Please line up at the ticket booth.

Traveler: Do we have to pay for the ticket?

Guide: No, it’s included in your tour package fee.

Traveler: What is this place famous for?

Guide: It’s a UNESCO world heritage site. It’s famous for the Biwon Garden, which means “secret garden.”

Traveler: That’s very interesting. How long do we have here?

Guide: You’ll have one hour of free time. Please meet back here by 3 p.m.

Hair and beauty salon

Hairdresser: What kind of style do you want?

Customer: It’s a bit bushy now. Please trim it around the sides and back.

Hairdresser: How short do you want it on top?

Customer: Not too short. About two or three centimeters?

Hairdresser: OK. And how do you want me to part your hair?

Customer: I usually part it from the left and then wax it afterwards.

Hairdresser: Got it. I’ll make it look good!

Cosmetics store

Staff: Hello, welcome to Watsons. Let me know if you need any help.

Customer: Actually, I’m looking for some lipstick.

Staff: Right over here. Please follow me. Any particular brand?

Customer: I’m not sure. I’m looking for a pink shade.

Staff: How about this one? It comes in glossy or matte. And it’s on sale now. Try this tester.

Customer: Oh, I like it. Thank you.

Staff: My pleasure. Here’s a tissue to wipe it off.

Doctor’s consultation

Doctor: Have a seat. What are your symptoms?

Patient: I’ve been coughing a lot. And I have some chest pain.

Doctor: How long have you been coughing?

Patient: About 3 days.

Doctor: Let me listen to your breathing. Please pull up your shirt. It’s going to be a little cold.

Patient: Is it serious?

Doctor: No, don’t worry. It sounds like you have mild bronchitis. I’ll prescribe you some anti-inflammation medicine.

Hospital reception

Patient: Hello, I need to see a doctor.

Receptionist: Please fill out this form. Also, may I see your ID?

Patient: I’m just a tourist. I don’t have a Korean registration card.

Receptionist: No problem. Your passport is OK. Do you have any kind of insurance?

Patient: Yes, I have travel insurance.

Receptionist: Good. Please take a seat. I’ll call you when it’s time for your appointment.

Security

Guard: Excuse me, where are you going?

Visitor: I’m here to visit some friends.

Guard: What building do they live in?

Visitor: I don’t know.

Guard: Do you have their contact number?

Visitor: Yes, here it is.

Guard: I’ll call them and tell them you’re here. Please wait.

Police

Man: Officer, I need your help.

Police: What’s wrong? What happened?

Man: I think my bag was stolen. I left it at a restaurant and when I returned, it was gone.

Police: Could you describe the contents of the bag?

Man: It had my wallet and passport.

Police: OK, I’m going to file a report. We will contact you again if there’s any news.

Phone store

Shopper: Hi, I need to get some data for this phone.

Employee: Do you want a monthly plan or a pre-paid sim card?

Shopper: I’m not really sure, what’s the difference?

Employee: The monthly plan is cheaper but it’s only for people living in Korea. How long are you here for?

Shopper: Just one month.

Employee: You need a sim card then. Will you only be using your phone to access the Internet or for calls and messages as well?

Shopper: Probably just for the Internet.

Employee: In that case, I recommend this card. It gives you unlimited data for 30 days and costs 71,000 won. I’ll help you set it up.

Call center / Handling phone calls

Operator: Thank you for calling the Seoul Global Center. How may I help you?

Caller: Hello, I have a question about my visa.

Operator: OK, let me transfer you to the visa department. Please hold.

Operator 2: visa Department, Hyeon-seob speaking.

Caller: Yes, I’m calling to inquire about my visa. I’d like to switch from a student visa to a work visa.

Operator 2: I see. Unfortunately, it’s difficult for me to give you counseling about your specific situation. I recommend that you visit our center in person. You can visit www.sgc.net to find the center closest to your home.

Caller: Is there anything I need to prepare?

Operator 2: Please bring your visa, a recent financial statement, and your work contract.