When I first started planning my trip to South Korea, one question kept nagging at me: How would I survive without speaking Korean—or even English fluently? I was planning this adventure with my family, none of us bilingual, and I couldn’t help but worry. Would we be able to ask for directions? Order food? Check into a hotel without awkward stares or misunderstandings?
Turns out, we weren’t alone in wondering this. Many travelers—especially from French-speaking countries like mine—face the same fear: “Can I travel in Korea without speaking Korean or English?” So let me reassure you right away: yes, you can. And you might be surprised at how much fun you’ll have doing it.
📱 Your Best Friend: Papago, Not Google Translate
Before the trip, someone recommended I download Papago, a Korean-made translation app. I didn’t expect much—but wow. It’s built specifically for Korean, and honestly, it outperforms Google Translate, especially when it comes to casual phrases and signs.
We used it to translate menus, talk with taxi drivers, and even chat with kind strangers who wanted to help. Sure, it’s not perfect—just keep your sentences short and clear. But for basic travel needs? Lifesaver.
👉 Pro Tip: Download the offline Korean-French or Korean-English packs in Papago before your flight.
🧍♀️ “Will People Judge Me for My Body?”
This question might feel personal, but many travelers ask it—especially if they’ve read about Korea’s beauty standards online. As someone who’s not a size zero, I wondered the same.
And here’s the truth: Most Koreans won’t say a thing. They might glance, but it’s usually because you’re a foreigner, not because of your size. If anything, it’s curiosity—especially in areas where foreigners are still a bit of a novelty.
I even heard compliments about my daughter’s blonde hair and my French accent. Once, an elderly lady helped us in a restaurant even though we couldn’t say a full sentence in Korean. She smiled, nodded, and we shared a laugh through gestures and Papago.
If someone does comment on your weight or appearance, it’s usually an older person—and very rare. Honestly, in five visits, I only experienced it twice, and it was nothing aggressive. More like an awkward suggestion to eat less. I’ve had worse from my grandma.
🧭 What Actually Happens When You’re Lost
I lost my backpack once in the Seoul subway. My family had to go to Sokcho without me—with zero Korean or English fluency. And guess what? They found the hotel, ate at a local restaurant, and even made a new friend at a convenience store using only Papago and a few smiles. It was their third day in Korea.
Koreans are often shy about approaching foreigners first, but they’re incredibly helpful when asked. Most won’t speak French or much English, but they’ll do their best. Some even pull out their own phones and open a translation app.
💬 You’ll Be Seen, But Not Judged
Yes, people will look at you. Not because they’re judging, but because you’re different. In some neighborhoods, foreign tourists are still a bit rare—especially if you’re not in Seoul’s most touristy zones.
But here’s the beauty: Koreans are respectful. You won’t be mocked or pointed at. You might be stared at briefly, especially if you’re tall, have bright hair, or travel with young kids—but those looks often come with curiosity, not malice.
💡 A Few Helpful Tips
📱 Install Papago. It’s better than Google for Korean.
🧳 Pack light—but bring polite phrases. Just “Annyeonghaseyo” (hello) and “Kamsahamnida” (thank you) go a long way.
🚇 Stick to subway-friendly destinations. Seoul’s metro is foreigner-friendly, even without speaking.
🍜 Look for restaurants with picture menus, or check Google reviews to spot tourist-friendly spots.
❤️ Be patient. Most misunderstandings are solved with a smile.
Don’t Let Language Hold You Back
If you're hesitating to visit Korea because of the language, please don’t. The tools you need are in your pocket. The kindness of strangers will do the rest.
You don’t need to speak Korean or English perfectly to have a meaningful, beautiful trip to South Korea. All you need is an open mind, a sense of adventure, and maybe Papago.
📱 Get a local SIM card -> More info
📱 Install Papago-> Andorid / App store
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✈️ Planning a trip to Korea but worried about the language?
Don't miss this full guide on How to travel in Korea without speaking Korean or English
🛑 While communication issues are usually solved with a smile and Papago, not every stranger who approaches you in Korea is just being friendly.
✋ If you're curious—or concerned—about religious recruitment targeting tourists, check out my full experience here → Beware of Religious Recruitment Scams in Korea
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