Making Plans in Korean: 약속 and How to Move It
After this page, you can handle a real making plans conversation in Korean.
10-Second Answer
The key word is 약속 (yaksok) — dictionary-translated as "promise," but in daily life it just means "plans/appointment": 약속 있어요 means "I have plans," not "I made a promise." Making plans runs on three questions — 시간 있어요? (do you have time?), 언제 시간 돼요? (when works for you?), and ~ 어때요? (how about ~?).
Full Dialogue Walkthrough
Setting up plans with a friend, then canceling politely. Try "Practice as You" and answer each line before checking.
주말에 시간 있어요?
jumare sigan isseoyo?
Do you have time this weekend?
네, 토요일 괜찮아요.
ne, toyoil gwaenchanayo.
Yes, Saturday works.
저녁 같이 먹을래요?
jeonyeok gachi meogeullaeyo?
Want to grab dinner together?
Setting Up Plans
저녁 같이 먹을래요?
jeonyeok gachi meogeullaeyo?
Want to grab dinner together?
-을래요? — a casual-polite invitation ending.
약속: The False Friend
약속 covers both "promise" AND "plans/appointment" — context decides. 오늘 약속 있어요 = "I have plans today" (the polite-and-vague way to decline an invitation, no details required). 약속했잖아! = "You promised!" The plans-sense is far more common in daily conversation, and using it to excuse yourself is completely standard etiquette — no one will press for specifics.
Rescheduling and Canceling Politely
미안한데, 약속을 미뤄도 될까요?
mianhande, yaksogeul mirwodo doelkkayo?
Sorry, but could we push our plans back?
미루다 = to postpone; -아/어도 될까요? asks permission softly.
갑자기 일이 생겨서 못 갈 것 같아요.
gapjagi iri saenggyeoseo mot gal geot gatayo.
Something suddenly came up, so I don't think I can make it.
일이 생기다 (something came up) + 못 + ~것 같아요 (softening "I think").
다음에 꼭 봐요!
daeume kkok bwayo!
Let's definitely meet next time!
The standard warm closer after canceling — 꼭 (definitely) does the relationship repair.
Notice the formula: apology + reason + ~것 같아요 softener + warm closer. Canceling with a bare 못 가요 ("can't go") sounds abrupt — the padding IS the politeness, the same nunchi logic that runs Korean social life.
Common Mistakes
Mistake #1 — Hearing 약속 있어요 as "I made a promise"
It almost always means "I have plans" — a normal, polite way to be unavailable.
Mistake #2 — Canceling with just 못 가요
Grammatically fine, socially bare. Add the apology, a reason, and 다음에 봐요.
Mini Quiz
1. What does 오늘 약속 있어요 most likely mean?
2. How do you ask "When works for you?"
3. What makes a cancellation sound polite in Korean?
Related Knowledge
Learn Next
Korean Phone Call Phrases: 여보세요 and Beyond
Plans made — now the phone call that sets them up, starting with a hello you'll never use face-to-face.
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Start today's study →Last updated: 2026-08-11 · Written and reviewed by a native Korean speaker.