5 Ways to say Excuse me (Getting Attention)

1. 저기요 (Jeo-gi-yo)

This literally translates to Hey there. It is moderately polite – you can use 저기요 when you are getting someone's attention for their benefit. 

Example:
저기요, 지갑 떨어트렸어요 (jeo-gi-yo, ji-gab tteol-eo-teu-lyeot-seo-yo)
Hey there, you dropped your wallet. 

2. 여기요 (Yeo-gi-yo)

Literally translates to Over here. Because it's asking for someone's attention to where you are, it is often used when getting someone to come to your location (i.e. table at a restaurant).

Example:
여기요, 주문할게요 (yeo-gi-yo, ju-mun-hal-ge-yo)
Excuse me, I'm ready to order.

3. 실례합니다 (Shil-lye-ham-ni-da)

The exact sentence that means Excuse me. It’s a polite way to get the attention of a stranger, and you can use this to ask a question.

An even more polite (formal) version would be:

실례하겠습니다. (Shil-lye-ha-get-seum-ni-da)

4. 저… (Jeo…)

The least intrusive way to say excuse me – making this a quite mannerly, yet casual way to interrupt someone. Follow this up with a hello (안녕하세요), or I'm sorry (see what that is below!)

5. 죄송한데 (Jwe-song-han-de)

Translates to I’m sorry, but…. Apologizing to get attention is considered polite in Korea. You can also say this after you have the person’s attention, and follow up with what you want to say. 

Example:
저... 죄송한데, 화장실이 어디에요? (jeo... joe-song-han-de, hwa-jang-sil-i eo-di-e-yo)
Uhm...I'm sorry but where is the restroom?