Easy Korean Level 10 - Unit 25: Advanced Situational Expressions (Saying Goodbye / Wrapping up)

In this lesson, we will look at how to gracefully wrap up a conversation and say goodbye. Saying "안녕히 계세요" (Goodbye) out of nowhere can feel abrupt. Native speakers use buffer phrases to signal that they are leaving.

1. Excusing yourself to leave

When you are at a gathering or meeting and need to go. - 제가 먼저 일어나 보겠습니다. (I will try getting up first -> I should get going.) - 오늘은 이만 가 볼게요. (I will go for today.) - 시간이 늦어서 슬슬 가 봐야겠네요. (It's late, so I should slowly get going.)

2. Wrapping up a phone call

Koreans often use specific phrases to end phone conversations smoothly. - 그럼 이따가 다시 연락드릴게요. (Then I will contact you again later.) - 네, 알겠습니다. 들어가세요~ (Yes, understood. Please go in -> A standard polite sign-off on the phone.) - 네, 끊을게요. (Yes, I'll hang up now.)

3. Leaving work

When leaving the office while others are still working. - 먼저 퇴근하겠습니다. (I will get off work first.) - 내일 뵙겠습니다. (See you tomorrow.) - 먼저 들어가 보겠습니다. 수고하세요. (I will go in first. Keep up the good work.)

4. Parting words with a friend

• 조심해서 들어가. (Go in safely -> Get home safely.)
• 도착하면 연락해. (Contact me when you arrive.)
• 다음에 또 봐! / 나중에 보자! (See you next time! / See you later!)

Example Dialogue

A: 벌써 밤 11시네요. 시간이 늦어서 슬슬 일어나야겠어요. (It's already 11 PM. It's late so I should slowly get going.) B: 벌써요? 아쉽네요. 차는 가져오셨어요? (Already? That's a shame. Did you bring your car?) A: 네, 대리운전 불렀어요. 오늘 너무 즐거웠습니다. 먼저 가 볼게요. (Yes, I called a designated driver. I had a lot of fun today. I'll get going first.) B: 네, 조심해서 들어가세요. 도착하면 연락 주시고요. (Yes, get home safely. And contact me when you arrive.)