hanguge gayo.

I go to Korea.

Breakdown of hanguge gayo.

• 가다: to go
• ~에: destination particle
• 한국: Korea

Questions & Answers about hanguge gayo.

What function does the particle 에 serve in 한국에 가요?

The 에 particle marks the destination or direction (“to”). Here, 한국에 literally means “to Korea,” so 에 is equivalent to the English preposition to in this context.

Why is 가요 used instead of 간다 or just 가?

가요 is the polite informal (해요체) present/future form of 가다 (“to go”).

• 가 is the bare stem (used in very casual speech).
• 간다 is the plain/declarative style (used in writing or among very close friends without respect).
  Adding -아요/어요 (+요) to the stem makes it polite: 가
  • 아요 = 가요.

Does 가요 indicate present tense or future tense?

Korean’s basic present tense form can express both present and near future. So 가요 can mean “I go,” “I am going,” or “I will go,” depending on context and additional time words (like 내일 for tomorrow).

Why is there no subject in this sentence (“I” or “we”)?

Korean often omits the subject when it’s obvious. In 한국에 가요, 저 (“I”) or 우리 (“we”) is implied. If you want to emphasize the subject, you can say 저는 한국에 가요 or 우리는 한국에 가요.

What level of politeness does 가요 convey, and when should I use it?

가요 is polite informal (해요체). Use it with:

• People you don’t know well
• Elders or superiors in casual settings
• Strangers in everyday conversation
  It strikes a balance between friendliness and respect.

How would I make 한국에 가요 more formal or more casual?

• More formal (합쇼체/하십시오체): 한국에 갑니다
• Very casual (반말): 한국에 가
  Choose based on relationship and setting.

When can I use 한국으로 가요 instead of 한국에 가요?

Both are correct:

• 에 = neutral “to”
• 으로/로 = “toward/into” and sometimes implies direction or means
  In practice, 한국에 가요 is most common, but 한국으로 가요 adds slight emphasis on movement toward Korea.

Is it acceptable to drop the particle and say 한국 가요?

In very casual spoken or written language (e.g., texting among close friends), you might hear 한국 가요, but it’s not standard. As a learner, you should use 한국에 가요 until you’re comfortable with colloquial omissions.