How to Introduce Yourself in Korean: Beginner Guide
Beginner Korean Conversation
How to Introduce Yourself in Korean: Beginner Self-Introduction Guide
Learn a simple five-step Korean self-introduction using polite greetings, your name, nationality, occupation, and a natural closing phrase.
Lesson Summary
- Start with 안녕하세요?
- Say your name with 제 이름은 [Name]입니다.
- Add your nationality with 저는 [Country] 사람입니다.
- State your occupation with 저는 [Job]입니다.
- Finish with 만나서 반갑습니다 and 잘 부탁드립니다.
Knowing how to introduce yourself in Korean gives you an immediate way to begin conversations with teachers, classmates, coworkers, language partners, and new friends.
Korean self-introductions usually follow a predictable order, so beginners can prepare a short script and adapt it to different situations.
Meeting native speakers, language exchange partners, or co-workers for the first time can feel intimidating when you are learning a new language. Knowing exactly how to introduce yourself in Korean removes the stress and gives you immediate confidence. A warm, well-spoken self-introduction shows respect and sets a fantastic foundation for any conversation.
In Korea, self-introductions—known as 자기소개 (ja-gi-so-gae)—follow a clear, polite structure. In this beginner guide, we will break down the essential 5-step template, share core vocabulary for nationalities and occupations, explore cultural etiquette rules, and look at real-world examples you can customize today.
Step 1: Open with a Polite Korean Greeting
Every great self-introduction begins with a standard greeting. When introducing yourself to someone new, you should always use polite language (존댓말 - jon-daet-mal) accompanied by a slight body bow.
The Universal Polite Greeting:
안녕하세요? (An-nyeong-ha-se-yo?) = "Hello / How are you?"
• Pronunciation Tip: Ah-nyeong-hah-seh-yo
• Cultural Context: Lower your head and upper body slightly (around 15 to 30 degrees) as you say this phrase. Keep your hands resting politely at your sides or folded in front of you.
If you are addressing a group in a formal setting (such as a classroom presentation or business meeting), you can use the extra-formal greeting:
안녕하십니까? (An-nyeong-ha-sip-ni-ka?) = "Hello (Formal)"
Step 2: State Your Name Clearly
Once you have greeted your listener, the next step is sharing your name. Korean has two main ways to express "My name is...":
Option A: Using "My name is..." (Standard Polite)
The pattern for this sentence is: 제 이름은 [Name]입니다. (Je i-reum-eun [Name]-im-ni-da.)
- 제 (je): My (polite)
- 이름은 (i-reum-eun): Name + topic particle
- 입니다 (im-ni-da): Am / Is / Are (formal polite ending)
• Example: 제 이름은 사라입니다. (Je i-reum-eun Sa-ra-im-ni-da.) = "My name is Sarah."
• Example: 제 이름은 마이클입니다. (Je i-reum-eun Ma-i-keul-im-ni-da.) = "My name is Michael."
Option B: Using "I am..." (Natural & Common)
Alternatively, you can say "I am [Name]" using the pattern: 저는 [Name]입니다 / 이에요 / 예요.
| Pattern | Grammar Ending Rule | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| 저는 [Name]입니다. | Formal ending (works for all names). | 저는 미나입니다. (Jeon-eun Mi-na-im-ni-da.) |
| 저는 [Name]이에요. | Use if your name ends in a consonant (Batchim). | 저는 샘이에요. (Jeon-eun Sam-i-e-yo.) |
| 저는 [Name]예요. | Use if your name ends in a vowel. | 저는 엠마예요. (Jeon-eun Em-ma-yeo.) |
Step 3: Share Your Country of Origin
When learning how to introduce yourself in Korean as a non-native speaker, people will naturally be curious about where you are from. Telling someone your nationality in Korean is very straightforward!
Nationality Sentence Formula:
저는 [Country Name] 사람입니다. (Jeon-eun [Country] sa-ram-im-ni-da.)
Note: The word 사람 (sa-ram) means "person." Adding it directly after a country's name forms the nationality!
Common Country Names in Korean
| English Country Name | Korean Hangul | Romanization | Full Nationality Phrase |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 미국 | Mi-guk | 저는 미국 사람입니다. |
| Canada | 캐나다 | Kae-na-da | 저는 캐나다 사람입니다. |
| United Kingdom | 영국 | Yeong-guk | 저는 영국 사람입니다. |
| Australia | 호주 | Ho-ju | 저는 호주 사람입니다. |
| Philippines | 필리핀 | Pil-li-pin | 저는 필리핀 사람입니다. |
| India | 인도 | In-do | 저는 인도 사람입니다. |
| Germany | 독일 | Dog-il | 저는 독일 사람입니다. |
| France | 프랑스 | Peu-rang-seu | 저는 프랑스 사람입니다. |
Step 4: State Your Occupation or Student Status
Adding your occupation or status gives the listener a great context point for further discussion. You can use the exact same ending structure: 저는 [Job]입니다.
Key Occupation Vocabulary
| Occupation (English) | Korean Hangul | Romanization | Full Sentence Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student | 학생 | Hak-saeng | 저는 학생입니다. |
| University Student | 대학생 | Dae-hak-saeng | 저는 대학생입니다. |
| Office Worker / Employee | 회사원 | Hwei-sa-won | 저는 회사원입니다. |
| Teacher | 선생님 | Seon-saeng-nim | 저는 선생님입니다. |
| Engineer | 엔지니어 | En-ji-ni-eo | 저는 엔지니어입니다. |
| Doctor | 의사 | Ui-sa | 저는 의사입니다. |
Step 5: Conclude with a Polite Korean Closing Phrase
In Western cultures, self-introductions often end with "Nice to meet you." In Korean culture, there is an extra layer of politeness added. You will usually combine "Nice to meet you" with a respectful request to build a good relationship.
1. "Nice to meet you"
반갑습니다. (Ban-gap-seum-ni-da.)
Or more formally: 만나서 반갑습니다. (Man-na-seo ban-gap-seum-ni-da.)
2. "Please look favorably upon me"
잘 부탁드립니다. (Jal bu-tak-deu-rim-ni-da.)
This cultural phrase does not have a direct 1-to-1 English translation. It roughly translates to "Please treat me well," "I look forward to working/interacting with you," or "Please take care of me." Finishing your self-introduction with this line leaves an amazingly positive impression!
Putting It All Together: Complete Sample Scripts
Let us review two full self-introduction templates you can copy and adapt for yourself.
Script A: Simple & Casual Self-Introduction
안녕하세요? 저는 엠마예요.
저는 캐나다 사람이에요. 대학생이에요.
만나서 반갑습니다!
(An-nyeong-ha-se-yo? Jeon-eun Em-ma-yeo.
Jeon-eun Kae-na-da sa-ram-i-e-yo. Dae-hak-saeng-i-e-yo.
Man-na-seo ban-gap-seum-ni-da!)
Translation: "Hello! I am Emma. I am Canadian. I am a university student. Nice to meet you!"
Script B: Formal & Polished Self-Introduction
안녕하세요? 제 이름은 David입니다.
저는 미국 사람입니다. 회사원입니다.
만나서 반갑습니다. 잘 부탁드립니다.
(An-nyeong-ha-se-yo? Je i-reum-eun David-im-ni-da.
Jeon-eun Mi-guk sa-ram-im-ni-da. Hwei-sa-won-im-ni-da.
Man-na-seo ban-gap-seum-ni-da. Jal bu-tak-deu-rim-ni-da.)
Translation: "Hello. My name is David. I am an American. I am an office worker. Nice to meet you. Please look favorably upon me."
Korean Culture Tips
- Use polite language during a first meeting.
- A slight bow is common when greeting someone for the first time.
- 잘 부탁드립니다 creates a respectful, cooperative tone.
- Age may come up because it affects Korean speech levels.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Do not start with casual 안녕; use 안녕하세요.
- Use 이에요 after a consonant and 예요 after a vowel.
- Avoid mixing formal and casual endings.
- The correct spelling is 반갑습니다, not 반갑습나다.
Quick Knowledge Check
Review the questions below to test what you have learned before opening the answers.
Question 1: How do you say "My name is..." politely in Korean?
A) 제 이름은 [Name]입니다.
B) 저는 [Name] 사람입니다.
C) 안녕 [Name]입니다.
Question 2: What word do you add after a country's name (like 미국) to mean a person/citizen of that country?
A) 학생 (hak-saeng)
B) 사람 (sa-ram)
C) 선생님 (seon-saeng-nim)
Question 3: What is the meaning of the essential cultural phrase 잘 부탁드립니다 (jal bu-tak-deu-rim-ni-da)?
A) Where is the restroom?
B) Thank you very much.
C) Please treat me well / I look forward to working with you.
Question 4: Which greeting bow is standard when delivering a polite self-introduction?
A) A slight bow of 15 to 30 degrees
B) A 90-degree deep bow
C) No bowing is needed
Show Answers
Answers:
1. A) 제 이름은 [Name]입니다.
2. B) 사람 (sa-ram) means person, so [Country] + 사람 = nationality.
3. C) Please treat me well — a crucial polite closing phrase!
4. A) A slight bow of 15–30 degrees shows polite respect to new acquaintances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I use my English name or create a Korean name?
You can keep your original name! Simply spell out your English name using Hangul phonetic sounds (e.g., John becomes 존, Alex becomes 알렉스). Most native speakers appreciate learning your real name.
Is shaking hands common during Korean introductions?
Handshakes are common, especially in business or among adults. However, always bow slightly while shaking hands. If you are younger or lower in status, offer your right hand while lightly supporting your right forearm with your left hand as a sign of deep respect.
Why do Koreans ask about age during introductions?
Age determines social hierarchy and controls which speech level (polite vs. casual) to use in Korean. While you don't need to state your age immediately, don't be surprised if someone politely asks how old you are shortly after meeting!
What is the difference between 반갑습나다 and 만나서 반갑습니다?
Both mean "Nice to meet you." 반갑습니다 is a bit shorter and more direct, while 만나서 반갑습니다 literally translates to "Because I met you, I am glad." Both are completely acceptable!
Can I use casual speech (반말) when introducing myself?
No. Even if you are meeting someone your own age or younger, always start with polite formal Korean (존댓말) during a first meeting. You can transition to casual speech later once you become close friends.
How do I spell my name in Hangul?
Break your name down into simple phonetic syllables and match them with Hangul characters. For instance, "Sarah" breaks into Sa (사) and Rah (라) -> 사라.
Conclusion
Mastering how to introduce yourself in Korean is a huge milestone on your language journey. By combining a friendly 안녕하세요, your name, nationality, occupation, and a polite 잘 부탁드립니다, you can instantly break the ice with native speakers anywhere in the world. Practice writing out your own script today, rehearse it out loud, and get ready to introduce yourself with complete confidence!
