Introduction
Today’s Korean phrase is one you’ll hear constantly while navigating cities across Korea. Whether you’re exploring Seoul, Busan, or a small town, this simple and commonly used word will help you move around with confidence—especially when asking for directions.
What This Phrase Means
Example: 지하철 출구에서 직진하면 바로 보여요.
Breakdown & Meaning
“직진” means “go straight” or “straight ahead.”
It comes from two parts:
- 직 (straight)
- 진 (advance/go forward)
You’ll hear it in subway stations, taxis, streets, and convenience stores whenever someone explains where something is located.
The word itself is neutral and works like a brief command used for navigation. Polite forms include “직진하세요” (Please go straight), while the short version “직진” is common among younger people or when giving quick directions.
Koreans usually give directions in short, simple steps. Instead of long explanations, you’ll often hear direct combinations like “직진하고 오른쪽!” (Go straight and then right). Learning “직진” helps you follow this natural pattern.
How to Use It in Real Life
- Locals often start directions with “직진.”
- You can say it in a taxi to confirm the direction.
- When walking with friends, you can say “직진해” to tell them to keep going.
- Friends might text “직진!” when giving meeting directions.
- You’ll see it in maps, apps, and subway signage.
Usage Examples
역에서 나와서 직진하세요.
Yeok-eseo nawaseo jikjin-haseyo
Come out of the station and go straight.여기서 조금만 더 직진하면 돼요.
Yeogiseo jogeumman deo jikjinhamyeon dwaeyo
From here, just go straight a little more.택시 기사님, 계속 직진으로 가주세요.
Taeksi gisa-nim, gyesok jikjin-euro gajuseyo
Driver, please keep going straight.우리 만나는 곳은 저기야. 그냥 직진해!
Uri mannaneun goseun jeogiya. Geunyang jikjinhae!
Our meeting spot is over there. Just go straight!큰 길까지 직진했다가 왼쪽으로 돌아요.
Keun gilkkaji jikjinhaettaga oenjjogeuro dorayo
Go straight to the main road, then turn left.
Related Korean Expressions
오른쪽으로 가세요
Oreunjjogeuro gaseyo
Go to the right왼쪽으로 가세요
Oenjjogeuro gaseyo
Go to the left유턴하세요
Yuteon-haseyo
Make a U-turn곧 나와요
Got nawayo
It’s coming up soon
Why This Phrase Helps You Learn Faster
“직진” appears everywhere in daily life, making it a great phrase for beginners. It’s short, easy to pronounce, and helps you understand the step-by-step way Koreans give directions. Once you know it, you’ll find it easier to follow conversations, read signs, and navigate confidently without relying only on maps.
Combining “직진” with other simple direction words quickly expands your ability to understand real-life Korean.
Closing
Now that you know “직진,” listen for it the next time you’re exploring a Korean city or watching a travel video. This small word can make your journey smoother and more enjoyable. Keep practicing, stay curious, and let each new phrase guide you forward—just like “직진.”
✈️ Travel in Korea
This article is part of our Travel in Korea guide series, where we share walking routes, night views, local neighborhoods, and everyday travel experiences across Korea.
Need useful tips for life in Korea?
These guides make daily life much easier:
- Learn “실례합니다” for Polite Korean Manners: A Simple Guide to Sound More Respectful
- Learn “잠시만요” Meaning with Simple Korean Examples: A Friendly Guide for Beginners
Recommended for you
- Korean Travel Phrasebook – helpful for direction phrases like 직진
- Korean Vocabulary Flashcards – good for learning short travel words
- South Korea Travel Guide – useful for navigating cities confidently
- International Travel Adapter – practical for Korea trips
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