Korean Location Particles –e (에) and –eseo (에서): What’s the Difference? (+ Worksheet)

The Korean location particles -e (에) and -eseo (에서) are both attached to nouns to indicate a place, but they are used in critically different situations: -e (에) is used to mark a destination, a point in time, or the static location of something, while -eseo (에서) is used to mark the location where an action or verb takes place.

The key to telling them apart is to look at the verb in the sentence. If the verb is an action, you use -eseo (에서); for almost everything else related to place, you use -e (에).

This guide will provide a complete and detailed look at these two essential particles. We will start by exploring the three main functions of -e (에)—destination, static location, and time—with plenty of examples.

We will then dive into the single, powerful function of -eseo (에서) and see how it pairs with action verbs. We will compare them side-by-side to clear up any confusion and also look at some important exceptions. To ensure you feel fully prepared, this article includes a practice worksheet to help you test and solidify your new skills.

Part 1: The Multi-Purpose Particle -e (에)

This section is dedicated to understanding the particle -e (에). Think of it as a versatile marker that can mean “to,” “at,” or “in,” depending on the verb it’s paired with. It has three primary functions related to location and time.

Function 1: Destination (Meaning “to”)

When -e (에) is used with a motion verb, it marks the destination or the place someone or something is going to.

Common Motion Verbs:

• 가다 (gada): to go
• 오다 (oda): to come
• 도착하다 (dochakhada): to arrive
• 다니다 (danida): to attend / to go to regularly

Formula: [Destination Noun] + 에 + [Motion Verb]

Let’s See It in Action (8 Examples)

1. “저는 학교에 가요.” (Jeoneun hakgyo-e gayo.)”I go to school.” (School is the destination).
2. “친구가 우리 집에 와요.” (Chingu-ga uri jib-e wayo.)”My friend is coming to our house.” (Our house is the destination).
3. “내일 부산에 도착할 거예요.” (Naeil Busan-e dochakhal geoyeyo.)”I will arrive in Busan tomorrow.” (Busan is the destination).
4. “저는 매일 회사에 다녀요.” (Jeoneun maeil hoesa-e danyeoyo.)”I go to the office every day.” (The office is the regular destination).
5. “우리는 다음 주에 제주도에 갈 거예요.” (Urineun daeum ju-e Jeju-do-e gal geoyeyo.)”We are going to Jeju Island next week.”
6. “학생들이 교실에 들어가요.” (Haksaengdeur-i gyosir-e deureogayo.)”The students are going into the classroom.”
7. “언제 한국에 오셨어요?” (Eonje Hangug-e osyeosseoyo?)”When did you come to Korea?”
8. “저는 지금 은행에 가고 있어요.” (Jeoneun jigeum eunhaeng-e gago isseoyo.)”I am on my way to the bank right now.”

Function 2: Static Location (Meaning “at” or “in”)

When -e (에) is used with a verb that describes existence or a state of being, it marks the location where something is.

Common Verbs of Existence:

• 있다 (itda): to be / to exist
• 없다 (eopda): to not be / to not exist
• 많다 (manta): to be many / a lot
• 살다 (salda): to live (This is a special exception, as “living” feels like an action, but it takes -e.)

Formula: [Noun] + 이/가 + [Location Noun] + 에 + [Verb of Existence]

Let’s See It in Action (8 Examples)

1. “책이 책상 위에 있어요.” (Chaeg-i chaeksang wi-e isseoyo.)”The book is on the desk.” (The desk is the static location of the book).
2. “저는 지금 집에 있어요.” (Jeoneun jigeum jib-e isseoyo.)”I am at home right now.”
3. “교실에 학생이 없어요.” (Gyosir-e haksaeng-i eopseoyo.)”There are no students in the classroom.”
4. “공원에 사람이 많아요.” (Gongwon-e saram-i manayo.)”There are a lot of people in the park.”
5. “제 지갑이 가방 안에 있어요.” (Je jigab-i gabang an-e isseoyo.)”My wallet is inside the bag.”
6. “고양이가 소파 밑에 있어요.” (Goyangi-ga sopa mit-e isseoyo.)”The cat is under the sofa.”
7. “저는 서울에 살아요.” (Jeoneun Seoul-e sarayo.)”I live in Seoul.” (Special exception: 살다 uses -에).
8. “벽에 그림이 걸려 있어요.” (Byeog-e geurim-i geollyeo isseoyo.)”A picture is hanging on the wall.”

Function 3: Time (Meaning “at,” “on,” or “in”)

Although not a location particle in this case, it’s crucial to know that -e (에) is also the primary particle used to mark a point in time.

Formula: [Time Noun] + 에

• 아침에 (achim-e): in the morning
• 3시에 (se si-e): at 3 o’clock
• 주말에 (jumal-e): on the weekend

Part 2: The Action Location Particle -eseo (에서)

This section focuses on the particle -eseo (에서). Its function is singular but powerful: it marks the location where an action verb is taking place. If you can answer the question “Where is the action happening?” the answer will be marked with -eseo (에서).

The Core Rule: -eseo (에서) + Action Verb

-eseo (에서) is almost always paired with a dynamic action verb.

Common Action Verbs:

• 먹다 (meokda): to eat
• 공부하다 (gongbuhada): to study
• 일하다 (ilhada): to work
• 운동하다 (undonghada): to exercise
• 만나다 (mannada): to meet
• 사다 (sada): to buy

Formula: [Location of Action] + 에서 + [Action Verb]

Let’s See It in Action (8 Examples)

1. “저는 도서관에서 공부해요.” (Jeoneun doseogwan-eseo gongbuhaeyo.)”I study at the library.” (The action of studying happens at the library).
2. “친구를 식당에서 만났어요.” (Chingu-reul sikdang-eseo mannasseoyo.)”I met my friend at the restaurant.” (The action of meeting happened at the restaurant).
3. “아버지는 회사에서 일해요.” (Abeoji-neun hoesa-eseo ilhaeyo.)”My father works at the office.” (The action of working happens at the office).
4. “우리는 공원에서 운동했어요.” (Urineun gongwon-eseo undonghaesseoyo.)”We exercised in the park.” (The action of exercising happened in the park).
5. “시장에서 과일을 샀어요.” (Sijang-eseo gwair-eul sasseoyo.)”I bought fruit at the market.” (The action of buying happened at the market).
6. “집에서 영화를 봤어요.” (Jib-eseo yeonghwa-reul bwasseoyo.)”I watched a movie at home.” (The action of watching happened at home).
7. “카페에서 커피를 마셔요.” (Kape-eseo keopi-reul masyeoyo.)”I drink coffee at a café.” (The action of drinking happens at a café).
8. “한국에서 한국어를 배워요.” (Hangug-eseo hangugeo-reul baewoyo.)”I learn Korean in Korea.” (The action of learning happens in Korea).

-e (에) vs. -eseo (에서): The Head-to-Head Comparison

The best way to solidify the difference is to see them used with the same location noun but different verbs. The location stays the same, but the particle changes based on the verb’s meaning.

Let’s use the location 집 (jip) – “house/home.”

• “저는 집에 있어요.” (Jeoneun jib-e isseoyo.)Verb: 있다 (itda) – verb of existence (static).
  Meaning: “I am at home.”
  Particle: -에 (-e) is used because it marks the location where you are.
• “저는 집에서 일해요.” (Jeoneun jib-eseo ilhaeyo.)Verb: 일하다 (ilhada) – action verb.
  Meaning: “I work at home.”
  Particle: -에서 (-eseo) is used because it marks the location where the action of working takes place.

Let’s See More Comparisons (8 Examples)

1. School (학교 – hakgyo):“학교에 가요.” (Hakgyo-e gayo.) – “I go to school.” (Destination)
   “학교에서 공부해요.” (Hakgyo-eseo gongbuhaeyo.) – “I study at school.” (Action location)
2. Park (공원 – gongwon):“공원에 사람이 많아요.” (Gongwon-e saram-i manayo.) – “There are many people in the park.” (Static location)
   “공원에서 자전거를 타요.” (Gongwon-eseo jajeon-geo-reul tayo.) – “I ride a bicycle in the park.” (Action location)
3. Library (도서관 – doseogwan):“도서관에 책이 있어요.” (Doseogwan-e chaeg-i isseoyo.) – “There are books in the library.” (Static location)
   “도서관에서 책을 읽어요.” (Doseogwan-eseo chaeg-eul ilgeoyo.) – “I read books at the library.” (Action location)
4. Korea (한국 – Hanguk):“작년에 한국에 왔어요.” (Jangnyeon-e Hangug-e wasseoyo.) – “I came to Korea last year.” (Destination)
   “한국에서 살고 싶어요.” (Hangug-eseo salgo sipeoyo.) – “I want to live in Korea.”
   Wait, didn’t you say 살다 (salda) was an exception that uses -에? Yes! This is a great example of a tricky point. While 서울에 살아요 (Seoul-e sarayo) is standard, 서울에서 살아요 (Seoul-eseo sarayo) is also used and can carry a nuance of “I am living my life (doing the action of living) in Seoul.” For learners, sticking to -에 with 살다 is the safest bet.
5. Restaurant (식당 – sikdang):“우리는 9시에 식당에 도착했어요.” (Urineun ahop si-e sikdang-e dochakhaesseoyo.) – “We arrived at the restaurant at 9.” (Destination)
   “우리는 식당에서 저녁을 먹었어요.” (Urineun sikdang-eseo jeonyeog-eul meogeosseoyo.) – “We ate dinner at the restaurant.” (Action location)
6. Company (회사 – hoesa):“저는 아침 8시까지 회사에 가야 해요.” (Jeoneun achim yeodeol si-kkaji hoesa-e gaya haeyo.) – “I have to go to the company by 8 AM.” (Destination)
   “저는 회사에서 회의를 했어요.” (Jeoneun hoesa-eseo hoeui-reul haesseoyo.) – “I had a meeting at the company.” (Action location)
7. Bank (은행 – eunhaeng):“은행에 사람이 없었어요.” (Eunhaeng-e saram-i eopseosseoyo.) – “There was no one in the bank.” (Static location)
   “은행에서 돈을 찾았어요.” (Eunhaeng-eseo don-eul chajasseoyo.) – “I withdrew money from the bank.” (Action location)
   Note: -eseo can also mean “from a place.” We’ll cover that next!
8. Café (카페 – kape):“카페에 자리가 없어요.” (Kape-e jari-ga eopseoyo.) – “There are no seats in the café.” (Static location)
   “카페에서 친구를 기다렸어요.” (Kape-eseo chingu-reul gidaryeosseoyo.) – “I waited for my friend at the café.” (Action location)

An Additional Meaning: -eseo (에서) as “From”

To add another layer, -eseo (에서) can also be used as a particle to mean “from a place,” indicating the starting point of a journey.

Formula: [Starting Point] + 에서 + [Ending Point] + 까지 + [Verb]

• -까지 (-kkaji): “to / until”
• “집에서 학교까지 멀어요.” (Jib-eseo hakgyo-kkaji meoreoyo.) – “It is far from home to school.”
• “저는 미국에서 왔어요.” (Jeoneun Migug-eseo wasseoyo.) – “I came from America.”

The meaning is usually clear from the context and the verb used. If the verb is 오다 (oda) “to come,” -eseo almost always means “from.” If it’s another action verb, it means “at/in.”

Let’s Practice! Your Location Particle Worksheet

Now it’s time to check your understanding. Use these exercises to get comfortable choosing between -e (에) and -eseo (에서).

Exercise 1: -e (에) or -eseo (에서)?

Choose the correct location particle for each sentence.

1. 저는 지금 공원(에/에서) 있어요. (I am at the park right now.)
2. 저는 공원(에/에서) 운동해요. (I exercise in the park.)
3. 친구가 한국(에/에서) 와요. (My friend is coming to Korea.)
4. 저는 한국(에/에서) 살아요. (I live in Korea.)
5. 백화점(에/에서) 쇼핑했어요. (I shopped at the department store.)
6. 백화점(에/에서) 사람이 많아요. (There are a lot of people at the department store.)
7. 학생들이 교실(에/에서) 공부해요. (The students are studying in the classroom.)
8. 내일 학교(에/에서) 안 갈 거예요. (I’m not going to school tomorrow.)

(Answers: 1. 에, 2. 에서, 3. 에, 4. 에, 5. 에서, 6. 에, 7. 에서, 8. 에)

Exercise 2: Fill in the Blanks

Complete the sentences by adding either -e (에) or -eseo (에서) to the location noun.

1. 저는 어제 식당________ 저녁을 먹었어요. (I ate dinner at a restaurant yesterday.)
2. 제 책이 책상 위________ 있어요. (My book is on the desk.)
3. 우리는 내일 영화관________ 갈 거예요. (We are going to the movie theater tomorrow.)
4. 영화관________ 영화를 볼 거예요. (We are going to watch a movie at the movie theater.)
5. 수진 씨는 지금 회사________ 없어요. (Sujin is not at the office right now.)

(Answers: 1. 에서, 2. 에, 3. 에, 4. 에서, 5. 에)

Exercise 3: Building Sentences

Combine the words to form a full, grammatically correct sentence. Pay close attention to the verb!

1. 저 / 집 / TV를 보다 (I / home / to watch TV)________________________.
2. 고양이 / 침대 / 있다 (The cat / bed / to be)________________________.
3. 우리 / 카페 / 만나다 (We / café / to meet)________________________.
4. 민준 / 학교 / 가다 (Minjun / school / to go)________________________.

(Example Answers):

1. 저는 집에서 TV를 봐요. (Jeoneun jib-eseo TV-reul bwayo.)
2. 고양이가 침대에 있어요. (Goyangi-ga chimdae-e isseoyo.)
3. 우리는 카페에서 만나요. (Urineun kape-eseo mannayo.)
4. 민준이가 학교에 가요. (Minjun-iga hakgyo-e gayo.)

Conclusion

You have now explored the essential difference between the Korean location particles -e (에) and -eseo (에서). The key takeaway is to always look at the verb: if it’s an action verb, the location where that action happens is marked with -eseo (에서). If it’s a verb of motion (going to a place) or a verb of existence (being at a place), you use -e (에). This simple but powerful distinction will make your Korean sentences much more accurate and natural.

Let’s share your experience! What was the most helpful example for you? Have you ever confused these two particles before? Try to create your own pair of sentences using the same location but with both -e and -eseo in the comments below.