Returning items purchased online is a common task, and knowing the correct Korean phrases can make the process much smoother. This guide covers essential vocabulary and expressions for requesting and processing returns with Korean online retailers, ensuring you can handle returns confidently.
Table Of Content
Core Expression
This is the fundamental term used when discussing returns.
- Expression: 반품 신청하기 (banpum sincheonghagi)
Pronunciation: ban-pum shin-cheong-ha-gi
Meaning: To apply for a return (This phrase combines ‘return’ and ‘to apply for’)
Basic Return Phrases
Use these expressions to initiate the return process or discuss basic return actions.
- Expression: 이 상품을 반품하고 싶어요.
Pronunciation: i sang-pum-eul ban-pum-ha-go sip-eo-yo.
Meaning: I want to return this item. - Expression: 반품 신청은 어떻게 하나요?
Pronunciation: ban-pum shin-cheong-eun eo-tteo-ke ha-na-yo?
Meaning: How do I apply for a return? - Expression: 반품 절차를 알려주세요.
Pronunciation: ban-pum jeol-cha-reul al-lyeo-ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please tell me the return procedure. - Expression: 주문 번호는 [Number]입니다.
Pronunciation: ju-mun beon-ho-neun [Number] im-ni-da.
Meaning: The order number is [Number]. - Expression: 반품 요청했습니다.
Pronunciation: ban-pum yo-cheong-haet-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I have requested a return. - Expression: 반품 가능한가요?
Pronunciation: ban-pum ga-neung-han-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is it possible to return this? - Expression: 반품 기간이 언제까지인가요?
Pronunciation: ban-pum gi-gan-i eon-je-kka-ji-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: Until when is the return period? - Expression: 상품을 아직 사용하지 않았어요.
Pronunciation: sang-pum-eul a-jik sa-yong-ha-ji an-at-seo-yo.
Meaning: I haven’t used the item yet. - Expression: 포장을 뜯지 않았습니다.
Pronunciation: po-jang-eul tteut-ji an-at-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I haven’t opened the packaging. - Expression: 반품 주소를 알려주세요.
Pronunciation: ban-pum ju-so-reul al-lyeo-ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please tell me the return address. - Expression: 반품 신청서를 작성해야 하나요?
Pronunciation: ban-pum sin-cheong-seo-reul jak-seong-hae-ya ha-na-yo?
Meaning: Do I need to fill out a return application form? - Expression: 반품 코드를 받았습니다.
Pronunciation: ban-pum ko-deu-reul bad-at-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I received the return code.
Explaining the Reason for Return
Clearly stating the reason for the return is crucial. Here are common reasons.
- Expression: 사이즈가 안 맞아요.
Pronunciation: sa-i-jeu-ga an maj-a-yo.
Meaning: The size doesn’t fit. - Expression: 색상이 마음에 안 들어요.
Pronunciation: saek-sang-i ma-eum-e an deul-eo-yo.
Meaning: I don’t like the color. - Expression: 상품에 하자가 있어요. / 상품이 불량이에요.
Pronunciation: sang-pum-e ha-ja-ga it-seo-yo. / sang-pum-i bul-lyang-i-e-yo.
Meaning: The item is defective. / The item is faulty. - Expression: 주문한 상품과 다른 상품이 왔어요.
Pronunciation: ju-mun-han sang-pum-gwa da-reun sang-pum-i wat-seo-yo.
Meaning: I received a different item than what I ordered. - Expression: 상품 설명과 달라요.
Pronunciation: sang-pum seol-myeong-gwa dal-la-yo.
Meaning: It’s different from the product description. - Expression: 단순 변심으로 반품합니다.
Pronunciation: dan-sun byeon-sim-eu-ro ban-pum-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: I am returning it due to a simple change of mind. - Expression: 배송 중에 파손되었어요.
Pronunciation: bae-song jung-e pa-son-doe-eot-seo-yo.
Meaning: It was damaged during shipping. - Expression: 품질이 기대 이하였어요.
Pronunciation: pum-jil-i gi-dae i-ha-yeot-seo-yo.
Meaning: The quality was below expectations. - Expression: 구성품이 누락되었어요.
Pronunciation: gu-seong-pum-i nu-rak-doe-eot-seo-yo.
Meaning: Some components are missing. - Expression: 작동하지 않아요. (For electronics)
Pronunciation: jak-dong-ha-ji an-a-yo.
Meaning: It doesn’t work. - Expression: 유통기한이 지났어요. (For food/cosmetics)
Pronunciation: yu-tong-gi-han-i ji-nat-seo-yo.
Meaning: The expiration date has passed. - Expression: 생각했던 것과 달라요.
Pronunciation: saeng-gak-haet-deon geot-gwa dal-la-yo.
Meaning: It’s different from what I expected.
Asking About the Return Process
These questions help clarify details about refunds, shipping costs, and timelines.
- Expression: 환불은 언제 받을 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: hwan-bul-eun eon-je bad-eul su it-na-yo?
Meaning: When can I receive the refund? - Expression: 반품 배송비는 누가 부담하나요?
Pronunciation: ban-pum bae-song-bi-neun nu-ga bu-dam-ha-na-yo?
Meaning: Who pays for the return shipping cost? - Expression: 반품 배송비는 얼마인가요?
Pronunciation: ban-pum bae-song-bi-neun eol-ma-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: How much is the return shipping cost? - Expression: 택배 기사님이 수거하러 오시나요?
Pronunciation: taek-bae gi-sa-nim-i su-geo-ha-reo o-si-na-yo?
Meaning: Will the courier come to pick it up? - Expression: 제가 직접 택배를 보내야 하나요?
Pronunciation: je-ga jik-jeop taek-bae-reul bo-nae-ya ha-na-yo?
Meaning: Do I have to send the package myself? - Expression: 환불은 어떻게 진행되나요? (카드 취소? 계좌 이체?)
Pronunciation: hwan-bul-eun eo-tteo-ke jin-haeng-doe-na-yo? (ka-deu chwi-so? gye-jwa i-che?)
Meaning: How will the refund be processed? (Card cancellation? Bank transfer?) - Expression: 반품 확인까지 얼마나 걸리나요?
Pronunciation: ban-pum hwa-gin-kka-ji eol-ma-na geol-li-na-yo?
Meaning: How long does it take to confirm the return? - Expression: 교환도 가능한가요?
Pronunciation: gyo-hwan-do ga-neung-han-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is an exchange also possible? - Expression: 다른 상품으로 교환하고 싶어요.
Pronunciation: da-reun sang-pum-eu-ro gyo-hwan-ha-go sip-eo-yo.
Meaning: I want to exchange it for a different item. - Expression: 반품 시 주의사항이 있나요?
Pronunciation: ban-pum si ju-ui-sa-hang-i it-na-yo?
Meaning: Are there any precautions when returning? - Expression: 환불 금액은 얼마인가요?
Pronunciation: hwan-bul geum-aeg-eun eol-ma-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: How much is the refund amount? - Expression: 반품 송장 번호를 알려드릴게요.
Pronunciation: ban-pum song-jang beon-ho-reul al-lyeo-deu-ril-ge-yo.
Meaning: I will give you the return tracking number.
Korean Culture Notes
Understanding these points can help navigate the return process more effectively in Korea.
- Standard Return Period: Most Korean online malls offer a standard 7-day return window from the date of delivery, as mandated by consumer protection laws. However, always check the specific seller’s policy.
- ‘Simple Change of Mind’ (단순 변심 – Dansun Byeonsim): Returns due to a simple change of mind are generally accepted within the return period, but the customer usually bears the round-trip shipping costs.
- Condition of Item: For a full refund (especially for ‘change of mind’ returns), the item must typically be in its original, unused condition with tags and packaging intact. If the item is damaged or used, the return may be rejected or only partially refunded.
- Defective Items: If the item is defective or incorrect, the seller is usually responsible for all return shipping costs. Documenting the defect with photos is often helpful.
- Return Process: Many large online platforms have automated return systems via their website or app. They often arrange for a specific courier (usually CJ Logistics, Lotte Global Logistics, or Hanjin Express) to pick up the item from your address. Smaller sellers might require you to arrange shipping yourself.
Real Conversation Example
This scenario demonstrates how to request a return over the phone or via customer service chat.
- Situation: A customer (A) contacts the customer service center (B) of an online clothing store to return a shirt that doesn’t fit.
- Role A: Customer (고객 – Gogak)
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Role B: Customer Service Representative (고객센터 직원 – Gogak-senteo Jigwon)
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Expression: B: 네, 고객님. 무엇을 도와드릴까요?
Pronunciation: ne, go-gaek-nim. mu-eot-eul do-wa-deu-ril-kka-yo?
Meaning: Yes, customer. How may I help you? - Expression: A: 안녕하세요. 온라인으로 셔츠를 구매했는데, 사이즈가 안 맞아서 반품하고 싶어요.
Pronunciation: an-nyeong-ha-se-yo. on-la-in-eu-ro syeo-cheu-reul gu-mae-haet-neun-de, sa-i-jeu-ga an maj-a-seo ban-pum-ha-go sip-eo-yo.
Meaning: Hello. I bought a shirt online, but the size doesn’t fit, so I’d like to return it. - Expression: B: 네, 고객님. 주문 번호나 성함을 말씀해 주시겠어요?
Pronunciation: ne, go-gaek-nim. ju-mun beon-ho-na seong-ham-eul mal-sseum-hae ju-si-get-seo-yo?
Meaning: Yes, customer. Could you please tell me your order number or name? - Expression: A: 주문 번호는 1234567이고, 이름은 김민지입니다.
Pronunciation: ju-mun beon-ho-neun il-i-sam-sa-o-ryuk-chil-i-go, i-reum-eun gim-min-ji-im-ni-da.
Meaning: The order number is 1234567, and the name is Kim Minji. - Expression: B: 네, 김민지 고객님. 주문 내역 확인했습니다. 사이즈 미스로 인한 반품이시군요. 반품 접수 도와드리겠습니다. 반품 배송비는 고객님 부담이신데 괜찮으신가요?
Pronunciation: ne, gim-min-ji go-gaek-nim. ju-mun nae-yeok hwa-gin-haet-seum-ni-da. sa-i-jeu mi-seu-ro in-han ban-pum-i-si-gun-yo. ban-pum jeop-su do-wa-deu-ri-get-seum-ni-da. ban-pum bae-song-bi-neun go-gaek-nim bu-dam-i-sin-de gwaen-chan-eu-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: Yes, Ms. Kim Minji. I’ve confirmed your order details. It’s a return due to incorrect size. I will help you process the return. The return shipping fee is borne by the customer, is that okay? - Expression: A: 네, 괜찮아요. 배송비는 얼마인가요? 그리고 어떻게 보내면 되나요?
Pronunciation: ne, gwaen-chan-a-yo. bae-song-bi-neun eol-ma-in-ga-yo? geu-ri-go eo-tteo-ke bo-nae-myeon doe-na-yo?
Meaning: Yes, that’s fine. How much is the shipping fee? And how should I send it? - Expression: B: 왕복 배송비는 5,000원이며, 환불 금액에서 차감됩니다. 저희가 내일 택배 기사님 방문 수거 신청해 드릴게요. 상품은 받으셨던 상태 그대로 포장해서 기사님께 전달해 주시면 됩니다.
Pronunciation: wang-bok bae-song-bi-neun o-cheon-won-i-myeo, hwan-bul geum-aeg-e-seo cha-gam-doem-ni-da. jeo-hui-ga nae-il taek-bae gi-sa-nim bang-mun su-geo sin-cheong-hae deu-ril-ge-yo. sang-pum-eun bad-eu-syeot-deon sang-tae geu-dae-ro po-jang-hae-seo gi-sa-nim-kke jeon-dal-hae ju-si-myeon doem-ni-da.
Meaning: The round-trip shipping fee is 5,000 won and will be deducted from the refund amount. We will arrange for a courier to pick it up tomorrow. Please pack the item as you received it and hand it over to the courier. - Expression: A: 알겠습니다. 환불은 언제쯤 받을 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: al-get-seum-ni-da. hwan-bul-eun eon-je-jjeum bad-eul su it-na-yo?
Meaning: Understood. About when can I expect the refund? - Expression: B: 상품이 저희 쪽에 도착하고 검수 완료 후 2~3 영업일 이내에 카드 결제 취소 또는 계좌로 입금 처리됩니다.
Pronunciation: sang-pum-i jeo-hui jjok-e do-chak-ha-go geom-su wan-lyo hu i-e-seo-sam yeong-eop-il i-nae-e ka-deu gyeol-je chwi-so tto-neun gye-jwa-ro ip-geum cheo-ri-doem-ni-da.
Meaning: After the item arrives here and the inspection is complete, the card payment will be cancelled or the amount will be transferred to your account within 2-3 business days. - Expression: A: 네, 감사합니다.
Pronunciation: ne, gam-sa-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Okay, thank you.
Practice Tips
Knowing these phrases is the first step! Now, try to use them~
- Review: Go through the lists regularly to familiarize yourself with the vocabulary and sentence structures.
- Role-play: Practice the conversation example with a friend or language partner. Try changing the reason for the return!
- Real-life Application: If you need to return something purchased online in Korea, try using these phrases. Start with simple ones like “반품하고 싶어요.”
- Listen: Pay attention to how customer service representatives speak when you call or chat online. You’ll pick up more natural expressions!
Returning items online can be straightforward with the right language tools. Keep practicing, and you’ll handle online shopping returns in Korean like a pro! 화이팅! (Hwaiting! – You can do it!)
