Planning to renovate or decorate your space in Korea often involves consulting with professionals. This guide provides essential Korean phrases and vocabulary needed to schedule and conduct an interior design consultation, discuss your needs, understand the process, and navigate cultural nuances effectively.
Table Of Content
Core Expression
-
Expression: 인테리어 상담 받기
Pronunciation: in-te-ri-eo sang-dam bat-gi
Meaning: To receive an interior design consultation
Basic Phrases for Consultation
-
Expression: 인테리어 상담을 받고 싶습니다.
Pronunciation: in-te-ri-eo sang-dam-eul bat-go sip-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I would like to receive an interior design consultation. -
Expression: 상담 예약 가능한가요?
Pronunciation: sang-dam ye-yak ga-neung-han-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is it possible to book a consultation? -
Expression: 언제 방문 상담이 가능할까요?
Pronunciation: eon-je bang-mun sang-dam-i ga-neung-hal-kka-yo?
Meaning: When is an on-site consultation possible? -
Expression: 상담 비용이 있나요?
Pronunciation: sang-dam bi-yong-i it-na-yo?
Meaning: Is there a consultation fee? -
Expression: 어떤 정보를 미리 준비해야 하나요?
Pronunciation: eo-tteon jeong-bo-reul mi-ri jun-bi-hae-ya ha-na-yo?
Meaning: What information should I prepare in advance? -
Expression: 포트폴리오를 볼 수 있을까요?
Pronunciation: po-teu-pol-li-o-reul bol su it-eul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Can I see your portfolio? -
Expression: 전화 상담도 가능한가요?
Pronunciation: jeon-hwa sang-dam-do ga-neung-han-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is a phone consultation also possible? -
Expression: 상담 시간은 얼마나 걸리나요?
Pronunciation: sang-dam si-gan-eun eol-ma-na geol-li-na-yo?
Meaning: How long does the consultation take? -
Expression: 사무실 위치가 어디인가요?
Pronunciation: sa-mu-sil wi-chi-ga eo-di-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: Where is your office located? -
Expression: 이메일로 먼저 문의드려도 될까요?
Pronunciation: i-me-il-lo meon-jeo mun-ui-deu-ryeo-do doel-kka-yo?
Meaning: May I inquire by email first?
Describing Your Space and Needs
-
Expression: 여기는 아파트/주택/사무실입니다.
Pronunciation: yeo-gi-neun a-pa-teu/ju-taek/sa-mu-sil-im-ni-da.
Meaning: This is an apartment/house/office. -
Expression: 면적은 약 [숫자] 평입니다.
Pronunciation: myeon-jeog-eun yak [number] pyeong-im-ni-da.
Meaning: The area is about [number] pyeong (Korean unit of area). -
Expression: 원하는 스타일은 모던/미니멀/클래식입니다.
Pronunciation: won-ha-neun seu-ta-il-eun mo-deon/mi-ni-meol/keul-lae-sik-im-ni-da.
Meaning: The style I want is modern/minimal/classic. -
Expression: 예산은 [금액] 정도 생각하고 있습니다.
Pronunciation: ye-san-eun [amount] jeong-do saeng-gak-ha-go it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I am thinking of a budget around [amount]. -
Expression: 거실과 주방 인테리어를 바꾸고 싶어요.
Pronunciation: geo-sil-gwa ju-bang in-te-ri-eo-reul ba-kku-go sip-eo-yo.
Meaning: I want to change the living room and kitchen interior. -
Expression: 수납 공간이 더 필요합니다.
Pronunciation: su-nap gong-gan-i deo pil-yo-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: I need more storage space. -
Expression: 밝고 따뜻한 분위기를 원해요.
Pronunciation: bak-go tta-tteu-tan bun-wi-gi-reul won-hae-yo.
Meaning: I want a bright and warm atmosphere. -
Expression: 특정 색상이나 자재를 선호합니다.
Pronunciation: teuk-jeong saek-sang-i-na ja-jae-reul seon-ho-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: I prefer specific colors or materials. -
Expression: 공사 기간은 어느 정도로 예상해야 하나요?
Pronunciation: gong-sa gi-gan-eun eo-neu jeong-do-ro ye-sang-hae-ya ha-na-yo?
Meaning: How long should I expect the construction period to be? -
Expression: 가족 구성원은 [숫자]명입니다.
Pronunciation: ga-jok gu-seong-won-eun [number]-myeong-im-ni-da.
Meaning: There are [number] members in my family. -
Expression: 참고할 만한 사진이 있습니다.
Pronunciation: cham-go-hal man-han sa-jin-i it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I have some reference photos.
Asking Questions During Consultation
-
Expression: 전체적인 진행 과정은 어떻게 되나요?
Pronunciation: jeon-che-jeok-in jin-haeng gwa-jeong-eun eo-tteo-ke doe-na-yo?
Meaning: What is the overall process? -
Expression: 디자인 제안은 언제 받을 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: di-ja-in je-an-eun eon-je bat-eul su it-na-yo?
Meaning: When can I receive the design proposal? -
Expression: 예상 견적을 받을 수 있을까요?
Pronunciation: ye-sang gyeon-jeog-eul bat-eul su it-eul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Can I get an estimated quote? -
Expression: 견적에는 어떤 항목들이 포함되나요?
Pronunciation: gyeon-jeog-e-neun eo-tteon hang-mok-deul-i po-ham-doe-na-yo?
Meaning: What items are included in the quote? -
Expression: 추가 비용이 발생할 수도 있나요?
Pronunciation: chu-ga bi-yong-i bal-saeng-hal su-do it-na-yo?
Meaning: Could there be additional costs? -
Expression: 사용하는 자재는 어떤 것들이 있나요?
Pronunciation: sa-yong-ha-neun ja-jae-neun eo-tteon geot-deul-i it-na-yo?
Meaning: What kind of materials do you use? -
Expression: 공사 중 현장 방문이 가능한가요?
Pronunciation: gong-sa jung hyeon-jang bang-mun-i ga-neung-han-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is it possible to visit the site during construction? -
Expression: AS 기간은 어떻게 되나요?
Pronunciation: ei-e-seu gi-gan-eun eo-tteo-ke doe-na-yo?
Meaning: What is the after-service (warranty) period? -
Expression: 비슷한 프로젝트 경험이 있으신가요?
Pronunciation: bi-seu-tan peu-ro-jek-teu gyeong-heom-i it-eu-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: Do you have experience with similar projects? -
Expression: 디자인 수정은 몇 번까지 가능한가요?
Pronunciation: di-ja-in su-jeong-eun myeot beon-kka-ji ga-neung-han-ga-yo?
Meaning: How many times can the design be revised?
Discussing Budget and Contract
-
Expression: 예산 범위 내에서 진행하고 싶습니다.
Pronunciation: ye-san beom-wi nae-e-seo jin-haeng-ha-go sip-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I want to proceed within the budget range. -
Expression: 비용을 조금 조정할 수 있을까요?
Pronunciation: bi-yong-eul jo-geum jo-jeong-hal su it-eul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Can the cost be adjusted slightly? -
Expression: 계약금과 잔금은 어떻게 지불하나요?
Pronunciation: gye-yak-geum-gwa jan-geum-eun eo-tteo-ke ji-bul-ha-na-yo?
Meaning: How are the deposit and remaining balance paid? -
Expression: 계약서를 자세히 검토하고 싶습니다.
Pronunciation: gye-yak-seo-reul ja-se-hi geom-to-ha-go sip-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I would like to review the contract carefully. -
Expression: 공사 일정표를 받을 수 있을까요?
Pronunciation: gong-sa il-jeong-pyo-reul bat-eul su it-eul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Can I receive the construction schedule? -
Expression: 계약 전에 궁금한 점이 더 있습니다.
Pronunciation: gye-yak jeon-e gung-geum-han jeom-i deo it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I have more questions before signing the contract. -
Expression: 결제 방식은 어떻게 되나요? (카드/현금/계좌이체)
Pronunciation: gyeol-je bang-sik-eun eo-tteo-ke doe-na-yo? (ka-deu/hyeon-geum/gye-jwa-i-che)
Meaning: What are the payment methods? (Card/Cash/Bank Transfer) -
Expression: 세금계산서 발행 가능한가요?
Pronunciation: se-geum-gye-san-seo ba-raeng ga-neung-han-ga-yo?
Meaning: Can you issue a tax invoice? -
Expression: 계약 내용을 변경하고 싶을 때는 어떻게 하나요?
Pronunciation: gye-yak nae-yong-eul byeon-gyeong-ha-go sip-eul ttae-neun eo-tteo-ke ha-na-yo?
Meaning: What should I do if I want to change the contract details? -
Expression: 최종 결정 전에 조금 더 생각해 보겠습니다.
Pronunciation: choe-jong gyeol-jeong jeon-e jo-geum deo saeng-gak-hae bo-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I will think about it a bit more before making a final decision.
Cultural Tips for Interior Consultations
Portfolio Importance: Korean clients often place significant emphasis on a designer’s or company’s portfolio. Prepare to discuss their past work and how it relates to your vision. Having your own reference images is also very helpful.
Clear Communication is Key: Be as specific as possible about your preferences, budget, and timeline. Vague requests can lead to misunderstandings. Don’t hesitate to ask clarifying questions.
Understanding ‘Pyeong’: Space is commonly measured in ‘평’ (pyeong). One pyeong is approximately 3.3 square meters (about 35.5 square feet). Knowing your space’s size in pyeong is crucial for discussions.
Budget Discussion: While discussing money can sometimes feel sensitive, be upfront about your budget range early on. This helps the designer propose realistic options. It’s common for initial quotes to be estimates, with final costs potentially varying based on material choices and unforeseen issues.
Relationship Building: Establishing a good rapport with the designer or firm can be beneficial. Korean business culture often values relationships, which can lead to smoother communication and potentially better service throughout the project.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: A potential client (A) calls an interior design firm to inquire about a consultation.
Roles: A: Client (고객 – go-gaek), B: Designer/Consultant (디자이너/상담원 – di-ja-i-neo/sang-dam-won)
-
Expression: B: 네, [회사 이름] 인테리어입니다. 무엇을 도와드릴까요?
Pronunciation: ne, [hoe-sa i-reum] in-te-ri-eo-im-ni-da. mu-eos-eul do-wa-deu-ril-kka-yo?
Meaning: Yes, this is [Company Name] Interiors. How may I help you? -
Expression: A: 안녕하세요, 아파트 인테리어 상담을 받고 싶어서 전화드렸습니다.
Pronunciation: an-nyeong-ha-se-yo, a-pa-teu in-te-ri-eo sang-dam-eul bat-go sip-eo-seo jeon-hwa-deu-ryeot-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Hello, I’m calling because I’d like to get a consultation for an apartment interior. -
Expression: B: 네, 고객님. 상담 예약 도와드리겠습니다. 혹시 원하시는 날짜나 시간대가 있으신가요?
Pronunciation: ne, go-gaek-nim. sang-dam ye-yak do-wa-deu-ri-get-seum-ni-da. hok-si won-ha-si-neun nal-jja-na si-gan-ttae-ga it-eu-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: Yes, customer. I can help you book a consultation. Do you have a preferred date or time? -
Expression: A: 다음 주 평일 오후 시간이면 좋겠습니다. 혹시 상담 비용이 있나요?
Pronunciation: da-eum ju pyeong-il o-hu si-gan-i-myeon jo-ket-seum-ni-da. hok-si sang-dam bi-yong-i it-na-yo?
Meaning: Weekday afternoon next week would be good. Is there a consultation fee? -
Expression: B: 네, 저희는 1차 방문 상담 시 소정의 상담료가 있습니다. 자세한 내용은 예약 확정 시 안내해 드립니다. 대략적인 아파트 평수와 원하시는 스타일이 있으실까요?
Pronunciation: ne, jeo-hui-neun il-cha bang-mun sang-dam si so-jeong-ui sang-dam-ryo-ga it-seum-ni-da. ja-se-han nae-yong-eun ye-yak hwak-jeong si an-nae-hae deu-rim-ni-da. dae-ryak-jeok-in a-pa-teu pyeong-su-wa won-ha-si-neun seu-ta-il-i it-eu-sil-kka-yo?
Meaning: Yes, we have a small fee for the first on-site consultation. We’ll provide details upon booking confirmation. Could you tell me the approximate pyeong size of the apartment and if you have a desired style? -
Expression: A: 네, 32평 아파트이고, 좀 밝고 미니멀한 스타일을 원해요. 예산은 3천만원 정도 생각하고 있습니다.
Pronunciation: ne, sam-sip-i-pyeong a-pa-teu-i-go, jom bak-go mi-ni-meol-han seu-ta-il-eul won-hae-yo. ye-san-eun sam-cheon-man-won jeong-do saeng-gak-ha-go it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Yes, it’s a 32-pyeong apartment, and I want a rather bright and minimal style. I’m thinking of a budget around 30 million won. -
Expression: B: 알겠습니다. 그럼 다음 주 화요일 오후 2시는 어떠신가요? 담당 디자이너가 방문하여 자세한 상담 도와드릴 겁니다.
Pronunciation: al-get-seum-ni-da. geu-reom da-eum ju hwa-yo-il o-hu du-si-neun eo-tteo-sin-ga-yo? dam-dang di-ja-i-neo-ga bang-mun-ha-yeo ja-se-han sang-dam do-wa-deu-ril geom-ni-da.
Meaning: Understood. Then how about next Tuesday at 2 PM? The assigned designer will visit and provide a detailed consultation. -
Expression: A: 네, 좋습니다. 그때 뵙겠습니다.
Pronunciation: ne, jo-seum-ni-da. geu-ttae boep-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Yes, that sounds good. I’ll see you then.
Practice Tips
Getting an interior design consultation involves specific vocabulary and expressions! Try practicing these phrases by simulating a phone call or a meeting~ Role-playing with a friend or language partner can be very effective. Prepare notes about your own (real or imaginary) space, including size (try converting to pyeong!), desired style, and budget. The more you practice describing your needs and asking relevant questions, the more confident you’ll feel during a real consultation in Korea!
Don’t forget to review the portfolio of potential designers and prepare reference images. Good preparation makes the consultation much smoother. 화이팅! (hwa-i-ting! – Good luck!)
