출발하다 (To Depart / Leave)
The verb 출발하다 means to depart or leave a starting point. It focuses on the beginning of a movement.
Common Combinations
You typically use the location marker 에서 (from) to state where you are leaving from.
집에서 출발하다 (to leave home)
역에서 출발하다 (to depart from the station)
Everyday Usage
It is very common to combine this verb with time expressions to talk about schedules.
Korean · English
9시에 출발했어요 · I left at 9 o'clock
몇 시에 출발해요? · What time do you leave?
도착하다
The verb 도착하다 means to arrive or reach a destination. It focuses on the end of a movement.
Common Combinations
You typically use the location marker 에 (at/to) to state where you have arrived.
회사에 도착하다 (to arrive at the office)
공항에 도착하다 (to arrive at the airport)
Everyday Usage
It is often used to update someone on your location or ask when someone will be there.
Korean · English
언제 도착해요? · When do you arrive?
거의 도착했어요 · I almost arrived
Time and Status Expressions
When updating someone on your movement, Koreans frequently add short time or status words right before the verb.
High-Frequency Words
Word · Example · Meaning
방금 (just now) · 방금 출발했어요 · I just left
곧 (soon) · 곧 도착해요 · I will arrive soon
거의 (almost) · 거의 도착했어요 · I almost arrived
늦게 (late) · 늦게 도착할 것 같아요 · I think I will arrive late
Common Mistake: 에 vs 에서
Because both verbs deal with locations, learners sometimes mix up the location markers.
The Boundary
Use 에서 (from) for the starting point with 출발하다 .
집에서 출발했어요 (Correct)
집에 출발했어요 (Incorrect)
Use 에 (at/to) for the destination with 도착하다 .
회사에 도착했어요 (Correct)
회사에서 도착했어요 (Incorrect)
Watch out: Choosing the correct location marker