Meaning
A welcoming greeting, often used by shopkeepers or hosts.
Cultural Background
The 'shouted welcome' in restaurants is a sign of high energy and good service. If you enter and no one says '어서 오세요', it might be considered a sign of a poorly managed or unfriendly establishment. When saying '어서 오세요', it is standard to give a small bow (about 15-30 degrees) to show respect to the customer. Korean hosts often use this phrase while already preparing slippers or a seat for the guest, emphasizing the 'eoseo' (quickly) aspect of making the guest comfortable. Many Korean apps use '어서 오세요' in their loading screens or welcome messages to create a friendly, 'hospitable' digital environment.
Just Smile
If you are overwhelmed when entering a shop and hear this, you don't have to say anything complex. A simple '안녕하세요' or a polite nod is perfect.
Not for 'You're Welcome'
This is the #1 mistake. Never use this after someone says 'Thank you'.
Meaning
A welcoming greeting, often used by shopkeepers or hosts.
Just Smile
If you are overwhelmed when entering a shop and hear this, you don't have to say anything complex. A simple '안녕하세요' or a polite nod is perfect.
Not for 'You're Welcome'
This is the #1 mistake. Never use this after someone says 'Thank you'.
The Shout
Don't be startled if a whole restaurant shouts this at you. It's a sign of good service, not that they are angry!
Test Yourself
You are entering a restaurant. What will the waiter say to you?
식당에 들어갈 때 직원이 뭐라고 할까요?
Waiters use '어서 오세요' to welcome customers.
Complete the informal greeting for a friend.
지민아, 어서 (____)!
To a friend, you use the informal 'banmal' form '와'.
Complete the dialogue at a clothing store.
점원: 어서 오세요! 손님: 안녕하세요. 티셔츠 있어요? 점원: 네, (____).
The clerk already welcomed the guest, now they are answering the question about the t-shirt.
Match the phrase to the correct formality level.
1. 어서 오십시오 2. 어서 오세요 3. 어서 와
오십시오 is very formal, 오세요 is standard polite, 와 is informal.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Levels
Practice Bank
4 exercises식당에 들어갈 때 직원이 뭐라고 할까요?
Waiters use '어서 오세요' to welcome customers.
지민아, 어서 (____)!
To a friend, you use the informal 'banmal' form '와'.
점원: 어서 오세요! 손님: 안녕하세요. 티셔츠 있어요? 점원: 네, (____).
The clerk already welcomed the guest, now they are answering the question about the t-shirt.
1. 어서 오십시오 2. 어서 오세요 3. 어서 와
오십시오 is very formal, 오세요 is standard polite, 와 is informal.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, you should say '안녕하세요' (Hello) or just nod. Saying '어서 오세요' back would mean you are welcoming the shopkeeper to their own shop!
For a wedding, '환영합니다' or '와주셔서 감사합니다' (Thank you for coming) is more appropriate and formal.
It means 'quickly' or 'promptly'. It's like saying 'Come on in quickly!'
Only if used to someone older or a stranger. To friends or children, it's perfectly natural and warm.
It's part of 'service culture' to show energy and let the whole team know a new guest has arrived.
Usually no. In an email, you would use '안녕하세요' or '반갑습니다'. '어서 오세요' is for physical arrival.
Technically '어서 왔어요' exists but it's not a greeting. It just means 'You came quickly'.
'-십시오' is the highest level of formality, used in very formal business or to show extreme respect.
If your boss comes to your house, yes. If you meet them at the office, '안녕하세요' is better.
Kids might say '어서 오세요' to adults visiting their home, as taught by their parents.
Related Phrases
환영합니다
similarI welcome you
들어오세요
builds onPlease come in
반갑습니다
similarNice to meet you
잘 왔어요
similarYou've come well
어서 오십시오
specialized formWelcome (Very Formal)
