7 ways to say excuse me in Korean, and which one each moment needs
English folds a lot into "excuse me": getting attention, apologizing, squeezing past, asking for a repeat. Korean splits those apart, and using the attention-getter when you meant to apologize is one of the first things that marks a beginner.
All seven below are polite speech, the kind you use with strangers and service staff. They are sorted by the job they do, not by how polite they are.
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저기요.
jeogiyo.
Excuse me (to get someone's attention).
Literally: Over there.
The one for calling a server, a shop clerk or a stranger whose attention you need. It is not an apology, so it is the wrong word when you have bumped into someone.
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여기요.
yeogiyo.
Excuse me (over here).
Literally: Here.
Interchangeable with 저기요 at a restaurant table; 여기요 points at yourself, 저기요 points at them. Raise a hand with it and nobody finds it rude.
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실례합니다.
sillyehamnida.
Excuse me (before interrupting or asking).
Literally: I commit a discourtesy.
The formal one, for stopping a stranger to ask directions or stepping into someone's office. 실례지만 (excuse me, but) in front of a question does the same job in fewer syllables.
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잠시만요.
jamsimanyo.
Excuse me, just a moment.
Literally: Only a moment.
What you say squeezing through a crowded subway car or stopping someone who was about to leave. 잠깐만요 is the same thing; both are polite without being stiff.
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지나갈게요.
jinagalgeyo.
Coming through.
Literally: I will pass by.
Announces that you are about to pass behind someone in a tight aisle. Often paired with 잠시만요 and said quietly, as a heads-up rather than a request.
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죄송합니다.
joesonghamnida.
Sorry, excuse me.
The one for when you actually bumped someone or stepped on a foot. 죄송해요 is slightly softer; both are apologies, not ways of getting attention.
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네?
ne?
Sorry, what was that?
Literally: Yes?
With a rising tone this is the everyday 'pardon?'. 뭐라고요? (what did you say?) is blunter, and 다시 한번 말씀해 주세요 (please say it once more) is the polite full version.
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The quick rule: 저기요 or 여기요 to get attention, 실례합니다 to interrupt, 잠시만요 or 지나갈게요 to get past, 죄송합니다 when you made contact. Pick by situation and the register takes care of itself.