How to Introduce Yourself in Korean

Master the art of first impressions in Korean

First impressions matter—especially in Korean culture, where politeness, formality, and social harmony are highly valued. Whether you’re meeting a new friend, entering a Korean classroom, or preparing for a business meeting, knowing how to introduce yourself in Korean will help you start off on the right foot.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to introduce yourself in Korean naturally and respectfully. We’ll cover formal and informal phrases, pronunciation tips, and cultural nuances so you can express who you are with confidence.

1. Understanding Korean Levels of Formality

Before diving into specific phrases, it's important to understand that Korean language has different speech levels depending on the social context. These levels range from formal (존댓말) to informal (반말).

• Use formal language when speaking to strangers, elders, teachers, superiors, or anyone you don’t know well.

• Use informal language with close friends, younger people, or those who give you permission to speak casually.

In most situations, it’s safest and most respectful to start with formal speech.

2. Basic Self-Introduction Structure

A typical Korean self-introduction includes the following components:

1. Greeting

2. Stating your name

3. Mentioning your nationality or occupation (optional)

4. Expressing pleasure or gratitude

5. A closing or farewell

Let’s walk through each part.

3. Greetings in Korean

Formal Greetings

• 안녕하세요. (Annyeonghaseyo) – “Hello”
  This is the standard polite greeting and should be used in almost all situations.

• 처음 뵙겠습니다. (Cheoeum boepgetseumnida) – “Nice to meet you (for the first time)”
  Literally, it means "I see you for the first time." It’s a formal and respectful phrase you can use when meeting someone new.

Informal Greeting

• 안녕! (Annyeong!) – “Hi” or “Hello”
  Only use this with friends or people younger than you, so you shouldn't ever use this phrase when meeting someone for the first time.
  

4. Saying Your Name

Formal Way

• 제 이름은 [Name]입니다. (Je ireumeun [Name] imnida.) – “My name is [Name].”

  • 제 = my (humble form)

  • 이름 = name

  • 입니다 = the formal form of “is”

Example:

제 이름은 김수지입니다. (Je ireumeun Kim Suji-imnida.)
“My name is Suji.”

Alternative Formal Way

• 저는 [Name](이)라고 합니다. (Jeoneun [Name]-(i)rago hamnida.) – “I’m called [Name].”
  This is slightly more formal and often used in business or presentations.

Example:

저는 김수지라고 합니다. (Jeoneun Kim Suji-rago hamnida.)
“I’m called Suji.”

An important point to note is that we use 라고 if the name ends in a vowel, like 수지 which ends in the vowel ㅣ. However, we use 이라고 if the name ends in a consonant. For example, if the is 민영, we use 이라고 as 민영 ends in the consonant ㅇ

• 라고 - use with names ending in a vowel (김수지라고)

• 이라고 - use with names ending in a consonant (김민영이라고)

Informal Way

• 내 이름은 [Name]이야. (Nae ireumeun [Name]-iya.) – “My name is [Name].”

  • 내 = my (casual form)

  • 이야 = casual form of “is”

Use this only with close friends or younger people.

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5. Mentioning Your Nationality or Occupation (Optional)

To say where you're from:

• 저는 [Country] 사람입니다. (Jeoneun [Country] saram-imnida.) – “I’m [Country] person.”

  • 저 = I (humble form)

  • 는 = Topic marking particle

  • 사람 = person

Example:

저는 미국 사람입니다. (Jeoneun Miguk saram-imnida.)
“I’m American.”

To say your job:

• 저는 [Occupation]입니다. – “I’m a [Occupation].”

Example:

저는 선생님입니다. (Jeoneun seonsaengnim-imnida.)
“I’m a teacher.”

6. Expressing Gratitude or Pleasure

After giving your name, it’s polite to say something like:

• 만나서 반갑습니다. (Mannaseo bangapseumnida.) – “Nice to meet you.”
  A formal and common way to express pleasure at meeting someone.

• 잘 부탁드립니다. (Jal butak deurimnida.) – “Please take good care of me / I look forward to working with you.”
  This phrase is unique to Korean and often said at the end of a self-introduction, especially in work or group settings. It’s a humble way of asking for kindness and cooperation.
  

7. Putting It All Together – Sample Self-Introductions

Example 1: Formal Self-Introduction (for class or work)

안녕하세요.
제 이름은 김수지입니다.
저는 한국 사람입니다.
만나서 반갑습니다.
잘 부탁드립니다.

Translation:
Hello.
My name is Kim Suji.
I’m Korean.
Nice to meet you.
Please take good care of me.

Example 2: Informal Introduction (to a friend)

안녕!
내 이름은 민수야.
나는 학생이야.
만나서 반가워!

Translation:
Hi!
My name is Minsu.
I’m a student.
Nice to meet you!

8. Cultural Tips When Introducing Yourself in Korea

• Bowing: A small bow when greeting or introducing yourself is standard in Korea, especially in formal settings.

• Business Cards: In professional settings, hand over your business card with both hands after you introduce yourself.

• Avoid over-sharing: Koreans usually keep first introductions short and polite. There’s no need to talk about personal hobbies or family unless asked.

9. Practice Makes Perfect

Here’s a quick exercise. Try writing your own self-introduction in Korean using the format below:

안녕하세요.
제 이름은 __________입니다.
저는 __________ 사람입니다.
만나서 반갑습니다.
잘 부탁드립니다.

Then, try saying it out loud a few times until you feel confident!

Final Thoughts

Learning how to introduce yourself in Korean is one of the most essential and empowering first steps in language learning. It opens doors to making friends, joining communities, and showing respect in Korean culture.

Start with the basics, keep it polite, and don’t be afraid to practice. With consistent effort, you’ll soon be able to introduce yourself in Korean naturally and confidently.

Join Korean Speaking Club and practice speaking Korean!

You don’t need more study time — you need speaking time.