How to Introduce Yourself in Korean

Learning How to Introduce Yourself in Korean is the first step to make Korean friends. Master the art of self-introduction with this comprehensive guide featuring real examples, grammar breakdowns, and cultural insights.

In this post, I’ll walk you through a realistic Korean self-introduction, break down the grammar, and share cultural tips that will help you sound more natural and confident.

Why Korean Self-Introductions Matter

Korean culture places great emphasis on first impressions and social harmony. A well-crafted self-introduction not only shows respect for the language but also demonstrates your genuine interest in Korean culture. Plus, Koreans absolutely love it when foreigners make an effort to speak their language – even if it’s not perfect!

How to Introduce Yourself in Korean:Example

Let’s dive into a realistic example. Meet Sarah, an American English teacher living in Seoul:

Korean Version (한국어)

안녕하세요! 저는 사라예요. 미국에서 왔어요. 나이는 28살이에요.

한국에 온 지 1년 됐어요. 지금 서울에서 영어 강사로 일하고 있어요.

한국어를 배우고 있는데, 아직 어려워요. 하지만 재미있어요!

제 남자친구는 한국 사람이에요. 그래서 한국 문화에 관심이 많아요.

한국 음식을 정말 좋아해요. 특히 김치찌개랑 불고기를 좋아해요.

취미는 K-pop 듣기랑 드라마 보기예요. 요즘 ‘폭싹 속았수다’를 보고 있어요.

앞으로 한국어를 더 잘하고 싶어요. 잘 부탁드려요!

English Translation

Hello! I’m Sarah. I’m from America. I’m 28 years old.

It’s been a year since I came to Korea. I’m currently working as an English instructor in Seoul.

I’m learning Korean, but it’s still difficult. However, it’s fun!

My boyfriend is Korean. That’s why I’m very interested in Korean culture.

I really like Korean food. I especially like kimchi stew and bulgogi.

My hobbies are listening to K-pop and watching dramas. These days I’m watching ‘When life gives you tangerine’

I want to speak Korean better in the future. Please take care of me!

Notice how this introduction flows naturally from basic personal information to current situation, interests, and future goals. This structure works well in Korean culture and gives listeners multiple conversation starters.

Essential Vocabulary Breakdown : How to Introduce Yourself in Korean

Let’s break down the key vocabulary you’ll need for your own introduction:

Personal Information

• 저/제 (jeo/je) – I/me (formal)
• 나이 (nai) – age
• 살 (sal) – years old
• 미국 (miguk) – America
• 한국 (hanguk) – Korea

Work & Activities

• 영어 강사 (yeongeo gangsa) – English instructor
• 일하다 (ilhada) – to work
• 배우다 (baeuda) – to learn
• 취미 (chwimi) – hobby

Relationships & Culture

• 남자친구 (namjachingu) – boyfriend
• 여자친구 (yeojachingu) – girlfriend
• 문화 (munhwa) – culture
• 관심 (gwansim) – interest

Food & Entertainment

• 음식 (eumsik) – food
• 김치찌개 (gimchi jjigae) – kimchi stew
• 불고기 (bulgogi) – bulgogi
• 드라마 (deurama) – drama

Grammar Points That Make You Sound Natural

1. Polite Speech Endings: The Foundation of Respect

Korean has different levels of politeness, and for introductions, you’ll want to use 존댓말 (jondaetmal – honorific speech). The key endings are:

• 예요/이에요 – polite “to be”
  • 사라예요 – “I am Sarah”
  • 28살이에요 – “I am 28 years old”

Pro tip: Use 예요 after vowels, 이에요 after consonants.

2. Past Tense: Talking About Your Journey

• 왔어요 (wasseoyo) – “came”
• 됐어요 (dwaesseoyo) – “became/it’s been”

3. Present Progressive: What You’re Doing Now

The pattern -고 있어요 shows ongoing actions:

• 일하고 있어요 – “am working”
• 배우고 있어요 – “am learning”
• 보고 있어요 – “am watching”

4. Duration Expression: A Game-Changer

-은/ㄴ 지 [time] 됐어요 is perfect for expressing how long you’ve been doing something:

• 한국에 온 지 1년 됐어요 – “It’s been one year since I came to Korea”

This is incredibly useful and sounds very natural!

5. Connecting Ideas Smoothly

• -는데 (neunde) – “but/however” (adds nuance)
• 그래서 (geuraeseo) – “so/therefore”
• 하지만 (hajiman) – “but/however”
• 특히 (teukhi) – “especially”

6. Expressing Preferences

좋아해요 (joahaeyo) means “like,” and you can intensify it with 정말 (jeongmal – “really”).

7. Future Desires

-고 싶어요 expresses what you want to do:

• 하고 싶어요 – “want to do”

8. The Perfect Ending

잘 부탁드려요 (jal butakdeuryeoyo) – “Please take care of me” is the perfect way to end your introduction. It’s humble, polite, and very Korean!

Cultural Insights That Matter

When to Use This Level of Formality

This introduction works perfectly for:

• Meeting new Korean friends
• Language exchange meetups
• Work introductions
• Social gatherings
• Online Korean communities

Why Koreans Share Age Early

Don’t be surprised when Koreans ask your age quickly! It’s not rude – they need to know to use the appropriate level of speech (honorifics). Age determines social hierarchy and language use in Korean culture.

The Power of Showing Cultural Interest

Mentioning Korean food, dramas, or having a Korean partner shows genuine cultural engagement. Koreans appreciate when foreigners make an effort to understand and participate in their culture.

Making It Your Own

Ready to create your own introduction? Here’s the template:

1. Greeting + Name + Origin
2. How long in Korea + Current job/situation
3. Language learning journey
4. Personal connections to Korea
5. Food preferences
6. Hobbies/interests
7. Future goals + polite closing

Practice Tips for Success

1. Start simple: Master the basic structure before adding complex details
2. Record yourself: Practice pronunciation and natural flow
3. Memorize key phrases: Have go-to expressions ready
4. Use it often: Practice with language exchange partners
5. Don’t worry about perfection: Koreans appreciate the effort more than perfect grammar

Final Thoughts

Remember, the goal isn’t to sound like a native speaker immediately – it’s to communicate warmly and respectfully. Koreans are incredibly patient and encouraging with learners, so don’t be afraid to make mistakes!

Your Korean self-introduction is often the first step in building meaningful relationships and deeper cultural connections. With this guide, you’re ready to make those crucial first impressions count.

Ready to try it out? Practice the example above, adapt it to your situation, and watch how it opens doors to amazing conversations and friendships in Korean!