Text or Call? Master Modern Korean Phone Etiquette!

Hello! This is [Daily Hangul], here to upgrade your Korean skills!

Have you ever wanted to contact a new Korean friend but hesitated, wondering, “Should I text or call?” You’re not alone! Today, we’re going to learn how to express your preference for texting or calling. This is a super useful skill for making plans, chatting with friends, and even for work.

Especially these days in Korea, an unexpected phone call can sometimes be a surprise! Many younger Koreans, the so-called “MZ Generation,” strongly prefer texting. Let’s dive in and learn how to navigate this modern Korean etiquette like a pro!

Core Expressions You Need to Know

Here are the essential phrases to express your communication style.

1. 전화하는 것보다 문자하는 것을 더 좋아해요 (Jeonhwahaneun geotboda munjahaneun geoseul deo joahaeyo)

• Romanization: Jeonhwahaneun geotboda munjahaneun geoseul deo joahaeyo
• English Meaning: I prefer texting to calling.
• Detailed Explanation: This is the full, classic grammar pattern to state a preference. A보다 B를 더 좋아해요 means “I like B more than A.” It’s a polite and clear way to express what you prefer. You can use it in almost any situation.

2. 문자가 더 편해요 (Munjaga deo pyeonhaeyo)

• Romanization: Mun-ja-ga deo pyeon-hae-yo
• English Meaning: Texting is more comfortable / convenient for me.
• Detailed Explanation: This is a very common and natural-sounding phrase. The word 편해요 (pyeonhaeyo) means “to be comfortable” or “convenient.” It’s a softer, more casual way to state your preference without sounding demanding. Perfect for using with friends!

3. 전화는 좀 부담스러워요 (Jeonhwaneun jom budamseureowoyo)

• Romanization: Jeon-hwa-neun jom bu-dam-seu-reo-wo-yo
• English Meaning: Phone calls are a bit of a burden / make me feel pressured.
• Detailed Explanation: This phrase perfectly captures why many people prefer texting. 부담스러워요 (budamseureowoyo) is a key Korean word that means something feels like a psychological burden or pressure. Using this shows you have a deep understanding of the cultural nuance behind preferring texts. It implies that you don’t want to suddenly interrupt the other person’s time.

Example Dialogue

Let’s see how these phrases work in a real conversation! Minjun and Sujin are making plans to hang out.

• 수진 (Sujin): 민준, 주말에 시간 있어? 새로 생긴 디저트 카페 가자!
  (Minjun, are you free this weekend? Let’s go to that new dessert cafe!)
• 민준 (Minjun): 좋아! 나 시간 괜찮아. 그럼 내가 저녁에 전화해서 시간 정할게.
  (Sounds great! I’m free. I’ll call you tonight to decide on a time.)
• 수진 (Sujin): 아, 사실 나는 전화하는 것보다 문자하는 것을 더 좋아해요.
  (Ah, actually, I prefer texting to calling.)
• 민준 (Minjun): 아, 진짜? 알겠어. 문자가 더 편해?
  (Oh, really? Okay. Is texting more comfortable for you?)
• 수진 (Sujin): 응! 솔직히 전화는 좀 부담스러워. 문자로 보내줘!
  (Yes! To be honest, phone calls are a bit of a burden. Please send me a text!)
• 민준 (Minjun): 알았어! 문제없어. 그럼 문자로 얘기하자!
  (Got it! No problem. Let’s talk via text then!)

Cultural Tip & Trend Deep Dive

In Korea, there’s a growing phenomenon called “call phobia” (콜포비아 – kol-po-bi-a), especially among people in their teens, 20s, and 30s.

Why? An unscheduled phone call demands immediate attention and can interrupt work, study, or personal time. Texting, on the other hand, allows the person to read and reply when they are ready. It’s considered more respectful of the other person’s time and personal space.

You can see this everywhere in modern K-dramas! Notice how characters in hit shows are constantly communicating through KakaoTalk (the most popular messaging app in Korea)? That’s a perfect reflection of real life.

So, if you want to sound like a true local, here’s a pro-tip: Before you call a Korean friend, especially a new one, send a quick text first saying “지금 통화 괜찮으세요?” (Jigeum tonghwa gwaenchaneuseyo? – Is it okay to talk on the phone now?). This small act of consideration will make a huge positive impression!

Let’s Wrap It Up & Practice!

Great job today! You’ve learned not just how to say you prefer texting, but also why it’s such an important piece of modern Korean culture. You now know how to express your preference clearly and politely.

Now, let’s test your knowledge!

1. Fill in the blank:
   친구가 “제가 전화할게요!” 라고 말했어요. 하지만 당신은 문자를 더 좋아해요. 뭐라고 말할까요?
   “미안해요. 저는 ________가 더 편해요.”
   (Your friend said, “I’ll call you!” But you prefer texting. What would you say? “I’m sorry. I find ________ more comfortable.”)

2. Make a sentence:
   Using the grammar A보다 B를 더 좋아해요, how would you say “I like coffee more than tea”?

Leave your answers in the comments below! And tell us in Korean: 전화하는 것을 좋아해요, 아니면 문자하는 것을 좋아해요? (Do you like calling or texting?) We can’t wait to read your responses