Real Korean - For Travel

Rachel has found the perfect boutique in the mall, but will it fit? And does it come in another colour?In our season finale, Lucy joins Rachel as she navigates a trendy Korean clothing store. From the struggle of "Free Size" to the hunt for a pi-ting-rum (fitting room), this episode covers the essential vocabulary for any fashion-forward traveler. Rachel learns how to handle the price tag, ask for different options, and—most importantly—what to do if she changes her mind later.In many Korean boutiques, 'Free Size' usually leans toward a US Small or Medium. If Rachel needs something a bit roomier, she can ask for 'Pyeon-han deu-re-seu' (a comfortable/loose dress). Also, look out for the white face covers in fitting rooms—it's a courtesy to keep makeup off the clothes!

Rachel’s reservation was just the beginning. Now she’s face-to-face with a complex menu and a desire to get some work done. Can she get her drink exactly how she likes it?In this episode, Lucy walks Rachel through the specific vocabulary of the Korean cafe scene. From the "Ice vs. Hot" debate (even in winter!) to the technicalities of "less sweet," Rachel learns how to be a particular but polite customer. Plus, Lucy shares the secret to staying productive: finding the bathroom and the Wi-Fi.In Korea, you’ll often hear 'Ice' even when it’s freezing outside—the 'Eol-juk-a' trend (Freezing to death for Iced Americanos) is real! Rachel learns that if she wants her tea without syrup, she can simply say 'Syureop ppae-ju-se-yo'(Please take out the syrup). And don't be shy about the Wi-Fi; it’s often printed on the receipt or at the bottom of a water pitcher!

Rachel is in a race against time. Her reservation at a trendy 'Instagrammable' cafe is in 15 minutes, and she’s still in Sinsa. It’s time to hail a taxi!In this episode, Lucy guides Rachel through the nuances of the Korean taxi experience. From spotting the "Vacant" (Bin-cha) light to handling the inevitable "Where are you from?" questions, Rachel learns how to communicate her destination and her urgency. But most importantly, she learns the art of the "Taxi Ajusshi" small talk.Taxi drivers in Seoul love to chat! When the driver asks 'Eodi-eseo wass-eo-yo?' (Where are you from?), it’s their way of being welcoming. Rachel learns that even a simple one-word answer followed by a 'Kamsahamnida' makes for a great ride. And if she's really in a rush? 'Jom ppalli ga-ju-se-yo'—adding that 'jom' (a little) makes the request sound much more polite!

Dinner is done, the grill is cooling, and now comes the moment of truth: Who pays, and how?In this episode, Lucy watches as Rachel and her new friend James finish their feast. They’ve had a great time, but now they need to handle the bill at the front counter. Should they split it? Does one person pay? How do you even ask for the check in a busy Korean restaurant?While 'Dutch Pay' is very common among friends in Korea now, sometimes one person wants to treat the other. If James offers to pay, Rachel can say 'Jal meogeosseumnida!' (I ate well!) as a polite thank you. But if they want to keep it simple, 'Tta-ro' is the magic word for the cashier to swipe two different cards!

No kiosks, no tablets, and a very busy server. Rachel is at a famous Sinsa-dong BBQ spot, and it’s time to order. Can she navigate the menu without just pointing and nodding?In this episode, Lucy guides Rachel through the lively, smoky atmosphere of a traditional Korean restaurant. This isn't a quiet cafe; it’s a place where you need to be clear, polite, and confident. Rachel learns that "ordering" isn't just about the food—it's about the "call and response" of a real Korean dining experience.In the West, shouting for a waiter is a no-no. But in a busy Korean BBQ house, if Rachel sits quietly waiting for someone to come to her, she’ll be hungry for a long time! Lucy shows Rachel how to say 'Yogiyo!' with the right tone—friendly but firm—to signal she's ready to eat.

The subway was a success, but now Rachel is standing at a complex bus transfer center with three different buses approaching. Which one leads to the galbi?In this episode, Lucy coaches Rachel through the high-stakes world of Seoul buses. From flagging down the right number to the dreaded moment the bus doors close before you can hop off, we cover the essential phrases for bus survival. Rachel learns that a little bit of "bus etiquette" and two key phrases are all she needs to reach her BBQ dinner near Sinsa Station.On a Seoul bus, the driver is often on a tight schedule. Rachel learns that she doesn't need a long, formal sentence. A quick, polite 'Sinsa-yeok ga-yo?' while the bus is paused is the most effective way to communicate. And if those back doors close too soon? Don't panic—just shout 'Nae-ril-ge-yo!' and they’ll pop right back open!"

In this episode, Lucy breaks down the "Subway Code." We follow Rachel as she navigates the rhythmic (and sometimes musical) announcements of the Seoul Metro. Instead of waiting for the English translation—which often comes too late when doors are closing—Lucy teaches Rachel how to spot the "anchor words" that signal her arrival.Listen for the music! In Seoul, transfer stations play a specific traditional melody (Pungnyeonga). If you hear the flutes start playing, it’s Rachel’s signal that a major intersection is coming up. You don't even need to know the words to know something big is happening!

In this episode, our host Lucy follows Rachel as she steps out of her comfort zone and onto the busy streets of Seoul. Rachel needs to find the nearest subway station, but she quickly realizes that just pointing at a map isn't enough. Lucy explains the "magic words" Rachel uses to soften her approach and ensure she gets a friendly response.Think of cushion words like a social shock absorber. In Korean culture, jumping straight into a question can feel a bit abrupt. By having Rachel start with 'Hoksi...', we’re teaching you how to show respect before you even ask for help!

In our series premiere, we are introduced to Rachel—a first-time traveler who just landed in Seoul, SouthKorea. Rachel's first mission? Finding a late-night snack without getting flustered at the register. While these shops are a traveler's paradise for spicy ramen and banana milk, the rapid-fire questions from the cashier can be intimidating for newcomers.