Korean Phone Calls, Survived

An unknown Korean number is calling. Here is how to get through it.

Four call types, one survival line, two texts to copy.

Step 1: Figure out which call it is

Almost every call is one of these four. Listen for the first line.

문 앞에 놔드릴까요?

mun ape nwadeurilkkayo?

[Delivery] Should I leave it at the door?

Food delivery. The answer you need is in Step 2.

택배인데요, 집에 계세요?

taekbaeindeyo, jibe gyeseyo?

[Package] Are you home?

If you hear 택배 (taekbae), it is a package courier.

어디세요? 지금 가고 있어요.

eodiseyo? jigeum gago isseoyo

[Taxi] Where are you? I'm on my way.

Your taxi is close and looking for you. Step outside.

이력서 보고 연락드렸어요.

iryeokseo bogo yeollakdeuryeosseoyo

[Job] I'm calling about your application.

If you hear 이력서 (iryeokseo, resume), it is about a job you applied for.

Step 2: Say one of these

네, 문 앞에 놔주세요.

ne, mun ape nwajuseyo

Yes, leave it at the door.

Works for both delivery and package calls.

지금 갈게요.

jigeum galgeyo

I'm coming now.

For the taxi call. Then actually go.

Step 3: The survival line

Lost? Say this once, hang up politely, and handle it by text.

저 한국어 잘 못해요. 문자로 보내주세요.

jeo hangugeo jal motaeyo. munjaro bonaejuseyo

I can't speak Korean well. Please text me.

This one line ends most calls. Practice it out loud once.

Step 4: Copy, paste, send

Two ready texts. Copy one and reply to the number that called.

안녕하세요! 한국어가 서툴러요. 문자로 부탁드려요. 감사합니다.

annyeonghaseyo! hangugeoga seotulleoyo. munjaro butakdeuryeoyo. gamsahamnida

Hello! My Korean is not good. Please text me. Thank you.

문 앞에 놔주세요. 감사합니다!

mun ape nwajuseyo. gamsahamnida!

Please leave it at the door. Thank you!