Seoul Hostel 101: Making Friends from Around the World!

Seoul Hostel 101: Making Friends from Around the World!

Hello! Welcome to [Daily Korean], where we upgrade your Korean skills!

Ever dreamed of staying in a bustling hostel in Seoul, surrounded by fellow travelers? It’s the perfect place to make new friends! But how do you start the conversation? Today, we’ll learn the most essential phrases for asking and answering about your nationality.

Lately in Korea, with the explosion of K-Pop and K-Drama fans visiting from all over, hostels are more international than ever. Knowing these simple phrases will help you connect with people instantly. Let’s get started!

Core Expressions You Need to Know

Here are three key phrases to turn strangers into friends at your hostel.

1. 어느 나라 사람이에요? (Where are you from?)

• Pronunciation [Romanization]: Eoneu nara saramieyo?
• English Meaning: Where are you from?
• Detailed Explanation: This is the most common and polite way to ask someone’s nationality. Let’s break it down:
  • 어느 (eoneu) means “which”
  • 나라 (nara) means “country”
  • 사람 (saram) means “person”
  • 이에요 (ieyo) is the verb “to be” (is/are).
  • So, you’re literally asking, “Which country person are you?”
• 💡 Pronunciation Tip:
  Listen closely to 사람이에요 (saramieyo). Instead of a pause between saram and ieyo, the final ㅁ (m) consonant of 사람 links smoothly to the next vowel ㅣ (i). This makes it sound like [sa-ra-mi-e-yo]. Practice saying it smoothly without stopping!

2. 저는 [Country Name] 사람이에요. (I am from [Country Name].)

• Pronunciation [Romanization]: Jeoneun [Country Name] saramieyo.
• English Meaning: I am from [Country Name].
• Detailed Explanation: This is the perfect answer! Just plug in your country’s name.
  • 저는 (jeoneun) is the polite way to say “I.”
  • Example: If you are from the U.S. (미국 – Miguk), you would say: “저는 미국 사람이에요.” (Jeoneun Miguk saramieyo.)
  • Here are a few more countries:
    • Canada: 캐나다 (Kaenada)
    • U.K.: 영국 (Yeongguk)
    • Australia: 호주 (Hoju)
    • Philippines: 필리핀 (Pillipin)
• 💡 Pronunciation Tip:
  The vowel ㅓ in 저는 (jeoneun) can be tricky. It’s not “Joe” or “Jay.” It sounds like the “uh” sound in the English word “sun.” Try making an “o” shape with your mouth but saying “uh.” That’s [jeo]!

3. 반가워요! (Nice to meet you!)

• Pronunciation [Romanization]: Bangawoyo!
• English Meaning: Nice to meet you!
• Detailed Explanation: After you’ve introduced yourselves, this is the perfect friendly expression to use. It’s polite but also warm and casual, making it ideal for a hostel common room.
• 💡 Pronunciation Tip:
  The first letter ㅂ (b) sounds softer than the English ‘B’. It’s somewhere between a ‘b’ and a ‘p’. Try to say it without a strong puff of air. It should sound light and friendly: [Bangawoyo]!

Example Dialogue in a Seoul Hostel

Imagine two travelers, Lisa and Tom, meeting in their hostel kitchen.

• Lisa: 안녕하세요! (Annyeonghaseyo!)
  • Hello!
• Tom: 아, 안녕하세요! (A, annyeonghaseyo!)
  • Oh, hello!
• Lisa: 저는 리사예요. 어느 나라 사람이에요? (Jeoneun Lisa-yeyo. Eoneu nara saramieyo?)
  • I’m Lisa. Where are you from?
• Tom: 저는 호주 사람이에요. 리사 씨는요? (Jeoneun Hoju saramieyo. Lisa-ssi-neun-yo?)
  • I’m from Australia. And you, Lisa?
• Lisa: 저는 필리핀 사람이에요. 반가워요! (Jeoneun Pillipin saramieyo. Bangawoyo!)
  • I’m from the Philippines. Nice to meet you!
• Tom: 저도 반가워요! 혹시 블랙핑크 콘서트 때문에 왔어요? (Jeodo bangawoyo! Hoksi Beullaekpingkeu konseoteu ttaemune wasseoyo?)
  • Nice to meet you, too! Are you here for the BLACKPINK concert by any chance?

Culture Tip & Trend Deep Dive

You’re Not Just a Foreigner, You’re a Fan!

Because of the “Hallyu” (Korean Wave), Koreans often associate countries with specific K-Pop idols or K-Dramas!

• If you say you’re from Thailand, someone might excitedly mention BLACKPINK’s Lisa. If you’re from Japan, they might talk about TWICE’s Sana, Mina, or Momo.
• Pro Tip: To make an even better impression, share why you’re in Korea. After you say “저는 미국 사람이에요” (I’m from the U.S.), you can add, “한국 드라마를 좋아해서 왔어요.” (Hanguk deuramareul joahaeseo wasseoyo – I came because I like K-Dramas.) This is a fantastic way to connect over shared interests!

Let’s Review & Practice!

Great job today! You learned how to ask where someone is from, how to state your own nationality, and how to say “Nice to meet you!”

Now, it’s your turn to practice.

1. Fill in the blank: You are from Canada (캐나다 – Kaenada). Complete the sentence:
   • 저는 _______________ 사람이에요.
2. Challenge: Imagine you just met someone new. How would you ask them where they are from?

Leave your answers and your own introduction in the comments below using the phrases you learned today! For example: “안녕하세요! 저는 [Your Name]이에요. [Your Country] 사람이에요. 반가워요!”

We can’t wait to meet you