Korean Dictionary
How to say "Reservation" in Korean
“Reservation” in Korean is 예약 (pronounced "Yeyak").
예약
Yeyak
Usage & Context
Making reservations is important for popular Korean restaurants, especially those that have gone viral through social media or are featured on food shows. 예약 됐어요 (reservation is made). Many places now use Naver Reservations or Kakao for bookings.
Example Sentence
예약 없이는 들어가기 힘들어요. 미리 예약하세요!
It's hard to get in without a reservation. Please book in advance!
How to use 예약 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Reservation” is 예약, romanized as Yeyak.
Usage tip
Pair this travel word with polite request endings like -요 so it works in hotels, stations, taxis, and shops.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 예약.
Pronunciation Guide
'Ye' sounds like 'yeh' in 'yeah.' 'Yak' sounds like 'yak' in the animal 'yak.' The final 'k' is a soft, unreleased sound.
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
예약합니다
Yeyakhamnida
Formal polite form of 'to make a reservation.'
Casual (반말)
예약해
Yeyakhae
Casual form of 'to make a reservation.'
More Example Sentences
Warning a friend about a popular restaurant.
이 식당은 예약 없이는 거의 못 들어가요.
You can barely get into this restaurant without a reservation.
Confirming a reservation at a restaurant.
네, 김민준 이름으로 예약했어요.
Yes, I made a reservation under the name Kim Min-jun.
Giving advice for visiting popular places.
주말에는 미리 예약하는 게 좋아요.
It's good to make a reservation in advance on weekends.
Cultural Context
Making a reservation (예약) is crucial for popular restaurants, cafes, and attractions in Korea, especially on weekends or during peak hours. Many establishments, particularly those that have gone viral on social media or been featured on TV, often require reservations days or even weeks in advance. Online platforms like Naver Reservations or Kakao are commonly used for booking. Always confirm your reservation, especially if you made it through a third-party app.
Editorial note
We review entries like 예약 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
예약했어요.
I made a reservation.
예약 가능한가요?
Is a reservation possible?
예약 확인 부탁드립니다.
Please confirm my reservation.
Related Expressions
예약하다
yeyakhada
to make a reservation
취소하다
chwisohada
to cancel
대기
daegi
waiting (line)
만석
manseok
full house / fully booked
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