Mastering essential shopping phrases is key to enjoying the vibrant retail scene in Korea. This guide provides practical Korean expressions for various shopping situations, from browsing in department stores to haggling in traditional markets, ensuring you can shop confidently and effectively.
Table Of Content
The Core Verb: To Shop
This is the fundamental verb used when talking about the act of shopping.
- Expression: 쇼핑하다
Pronunciation: [syo-ping-ha-da]
Meaning: to shop (verb)
Asking About Products
Use these phrases when you need information about specific items.
- Expression: 이거 뭐예요?
Pronunciation: [i-geo mwo-ye-yo?]
Meaning: What is this? - Expression: 이거 있어요?
Pronunciation: [i-geo iss-eo-yo?]
Meaning: Do you have this? - Expression: 다른 색깔 있어요?
Pronunciation: [da-reun saek-kkal iss-eo-yo?]
Meaning: Do you have other colors? - Expression: 다른 디자인 있어요?
Pronunciation: [da-reun di-ja-in iss-eo-yo?]
Meaning: Do you have other designs? - Expression: 이거 보여주세요.
Pronunciation: [i-geo bo-yeo-ju-se-yo.]
Meaning: Please show me this. - Expression: 저거 보여주세요.
Pronunciation: [jeo-geo bo-yeo-ju-se-yo.]
Meaning: Please show me that one (over there). - Expression: 이거 입어봐도 돼요?
Pronunciation: [i-geo ib-eo-bwa-do dwae-yo?]
Meaning: Can I try this on? - Expression: 탈의실 어디예요?
Pronunciation: [tal-ui-sil eo-di-ye-yo?]
Meaning: Where is the fitting room? - Expression: 그냥 둘러보고 있어요.
Pronunciation: [geu-nyang dul-leo-bo-go iss-eo-yo.]
Meaning: I’m just looking around. - Expression: 이건 얼마예요?
Pronunciation: [i-geon eol-ma-ye-yo?]
Meaning: How much is this? - Expression: 추천해 주실 만한 거 있어요?
Pronunciation: [chu-cheon-hae ju-sil man-han geo iss-eo-yo?]
Meaning: Is there anything you would recommend? - Expression: 이게 제일 인기 많아요?
Pronunciation: [i-ge je-il in-gi man-a-yo?]
Meaning: Is this the most popular one?
Discussing Price and Payment
Navigate price discussions and payment procedures with these expressions.
- Expression: 얼마예요?
Pronunciation: [eol-ma-ye-yo?]
Meaning: How much is it? - Expression: 너무 비싸요.
Pronunciation: [neo-mu bi-ssa-yo.]
Meaning: It’s too expensive. - Expression: 좀 깎아주세요.
Pronunciation: [jom kkak-ka-ju-se-yo.]
Meaning: Please give me a discount. (Use mainly in markets) - Expression: 할인 돼요?
Pronunciation: [ha-rin dwae-yo?]
Meaning: Is there a discount? / Can I get a discount? - Expression: 세일 중이에요?
Pronunciation: [se-il jung-i-e-yo?]
Meaning: Is it on sale? - Expression: 카드로 계산할게요.
Pronunciation: [ka-deu-ro gye-san-hal-kke-yo.]
Meaning: I’ll pay by card. - Expression: 현금으로 계산할게요.
Pronunciation: [hyeon-geum-eu-ro gye-san-hal-kke-yo.]
Meaning: I’ll pay with cash. - Expression: 영수증 주세요.
Pronunciation: [yeong-su-jeung ju-se-yo.]
Meaning: Please give me the receipt. - Expression: 봉투 필요 없어요.
Pronunciation: [bong-tu pil-yo eops-eo-yo.]
Meaning: I don’t need a bag. - Expression: 봉투 하나 주세요.
Pronunciation: [bong-tu ha-na ju-se-yo.]
Meaning: Please give me one bag. - Expression: 따로 계산해 주세요.
Pronunciation: [tta-ro gye-san-hae ju-se-yo.]
Meaning: Please calculate it separately. (Split the bill) - Expression: 합계가 얼마예요?
Pronunciation: [hap-gye-ga eol-ma-ye-yo?]
Meaning: What is the total amount?
Sizes and Fit
Essential phrases for finding the right size when shopping for clothes or shoes.
- Expression: 사이즈 뭐예요?
Pronunciation: [ssa-i-jeu mwo-ye-yo?]
Meaning: What size is this? - Expression: 더 큰 사이즈 있어요?
Pronunciation: [deo keun ssa-i-jeu iss-eo-yo?]
Meaning: Do you have a bigger size? - Expression: 더 작은 사이즈 있어요?
Pronunciation: [deo jak-eun ssa-i-jeu iss-eo-yo?]
Meaning: Do you have a smaller size? - Expression: M 사이즈 주세요.
Pronunciation: [em ssa-i-jeu ju-se-yo.]
Meaning: Please give me a medium size. - Expression: 이게 저한테 맞을까요?
Pronunciation: [i-ge jeo-han-te maj-eul-kka-yo?]
Meaning: Do you think this will fit me? - Expression: 너무 커요.
Pronunciation: [neo-mu keo-yo.]
Meaning: It’s too big. - Expression: 너무 작아요.
Pronunciation: [neo-mu jak-a-yo.]
Meaning: It’s too small. - Expression: 딱 맞아요.
Pronunciation: [ttak maj-a-yo.]
Meaning: It fits perfectly. - Expression: 신어봐도 돼요?
Pronunciation: [sin-eo-bwa-do dwae-yo?]
Meaning: Can I try these shoes on? - Expression: 제 발 사이즈는 240이에요.
Pronunciation: [je bal ssa-i-jeu-neun i-baek-sa-sib-i-e-yo.]
Meaning: My shoe size is 240 (mm). - Expression: 이 색깔로 M 사이즈 있어요?
Pronunciation: [i saek-kkal-lo em ssa-i-jeu iss-eo-yo?]
Meaning: Do you have a medium size in this color? - Expression: 수선 가능해요?
Pronunciation: [su-seon ga-neung-hae-yo?]
Meaning: Is alteration possible?
Completing the Purchase
Phrases for finalizing your shopping trip.
- Expression: 이걸로 주세요.
Pronunciation: [i-geol-lo ju-se-yo.]
Meaning: I’ll take this one. - Expression: 이거 두 개 주세요.
Pronunciation: [i-geo du gae ju-se-yo.]
Meaning: Please give me two of these. - Expression: 포장해 주세요.
Pronunciation: [po-jang-hae ju-se-yo.]
Meaning: Please wrap it (as a gift). - Expression: 선물 포장 돼요?
Pronunciation: [seon-mul po-jang dwae-yo?]
Meaning: Do you do gift wrapping? - Expression: 교환/환불 돼요?
Pronunciation: [gyo-hwan/hwan-bul dwae-yo?]
Meaning: Can I exchange/refund this? - Expression: 교환하고 싶어요.
Pronunciation: [gyo-hwan-ha-go sip-eo-yo.]
Meaning: I want to exchange this. - Expression: 환불하고 싶어요.
Pronunciation: [hwan-bul-ha-go sip-eo-yo.]
Meaning: I want a refund. - Expression: 언제까지 교환/환불 가능해요?
Pronunciation: [eon-je-kka-ji gyo-hwan/hwan-bul ga-neung-hae-yo?]
Meaning: Until when can I exchange/refund this? - Expression: 계산은 어디서 해요?
Pronunciation: [gye-san-eun eo-di-seo hae-yo?]
Meaning: Where do I pay? - Expression: 감사합니다.
Pronunciation: [gam-sa-ham-ni-da.]
Meaning: Thank you. - Expression: 수고하세요.
Pronunciation: [su-go-ha-se-yo.]
Meaning: Thank you for your hard work. (Common closing phrase to staff) - Expression: 다음에 또 올게요.
Pronunciation: [da-eum-e tto ol-kke-yo.]
Meaning: I’ll come again next time.
Cultural Tips for Shopping in Korea
Understanding these cultural points can enhance your shopping experience.
- Bargaining Culture: While bargaining (깎아주세요) is common and expected in traditional markets (시장 – si-jang) like Namdaemun or Dongdaemun, it’s generally not acceptable in department stores, chain stores, or boutiques where prices are fixed.
- Service: Korean customer service (서비스 – seo-bi-seu) is often very attentive. Staff might follow you closely, which is meant to be helpful, not intrusive. Saying “그냥 둘러보고 있어요” (I’m just looking) politely lets them know you don’t need immediate assistance.
- “Service” as Freebies: Sometimes, especially in smaller shops or markets, vendors might give you a small extra item “as service” (서비스로 드릴게요 – seo-bi-seu-ro deu-ril-kke-yo), meaning it’s free. This is a gesture of goodwill.
- Payment Methods: Credit cards are widely accepted almost everywhere, even for small amounts. Mobile payment systems (like Kakao Pay, Naver Pay, Samsung Pay) are also extremely common. While cash is accepted, carrying large amounts isn’t usually necessary.
- Sizing: Korean clothing sizes can differ from Western sizes and often run smaller. Always check size charts or try items on. Shoe sizes are typically measured in millimeters (mm).
Real Conversation Example: Buying a T-shirt
- Situation: A customer (A) is looking for a T-shirt in a clothing store and interacts with the shop assistant (B).
- Roles: A: Customer, B: Shop Assistant
- Expression: B: 어서 오세요. 뭐 찾으시는 거 있으세요?
Pronunciation: [eo-seo o-se-yo. mwo chaj-eu-si-neun geo iss-eu-se-yo?]
Meaning: Welcome. Are you looking for anything specific? - Expression: A: 네, 티셔츠 좀 보려고요.
Pronunciation: [ne, ti-syeo-cheu jom bo-ryeo-go-yo.]
Meaning: Yes, I’m looking for some T-shirts. - Expression: B: 이쪽에 새로 들어온 디자인들이에요. 한번 보세요.
Pronunciation: [i-jjok-e sae-ro deul-eo-on di-ja-in-deul-i-e-yo. han-beon bo-se-yo.]
Meaning: These are the newly arrived designs over here. Please take a look. - Expression: A: 아, 이거 예쁘네요. 이건 얼마예요?
Pronunciation: [a, i-geo ye-ppeu-ne-yo. i-geon eol-ma-ye-yo?]
Meaning: Oh, this one is pretty. How much is this? - Expression: B: 그건 35,000원이에요. 면 100%라서 아주 편하실 거예요.
Pronunciation: [geu-geon sam-man-o-cheon-won-i-e-yo. myeon baek-peu-ro-ra-seo a-ju pyeon-ha-sil geo-ye-yo.]
Meaning: That one is 35,000 won. It’s 100% cotton, so it should be very comfortable. - Expression: A: 다른 색깔도 있어요?
Pronunciation: [da-reun saek-kkal-do iss-eo-yo?]
Meaning: Do you have other colors too? - Expression: B: 네, 흰색이랑 검은색도 있어요. 어떤 사이즈 드릴까요?
Pronunciation: [ne, huin-saek-i-rang geom-eun-saek-do iss-eo-yo. eo-tteon ssa-i-jeu deu-ril-kka-yo?]
Meaning: Yes, we also have white and black. What size would you like? - Expression: A: M 사이즈 입어봐도 돼요?
Pronunciation: [em ssa-i-jeu ib-eo-bwa-do dwae-yo?]
Meaning: Can I try on a medium size? - Expression: B: 그럼요. 탈의실은 저쪽이에요.
Pronunciation: [geu-reom-yo. tal-ui-sil-eun jeo-jjok-i-e-yo.]
Meaning: Of course. The fitting room is over there. - Expression: A: (After trying it on) 이걸로 할게요. 흰색 M 사이즈요.
Pronunciation: [(After trying it on) i-geol-lo hal-kke-yo. huin-saek em ssa-i-jeu-yo.]
Meaning: (After trying it on) I’ll take this one. The white one, medium size. - Expression: B: 네, 알겠습니다. 계산 도와드릴게요. 카드로 하시겠어요?
Pronunciation: [ne, al-gess-seum-ni-da. gye-san do-wa-deu-ril-kke-yo. ka-deu-ro ha-si-gess-eo-yo?]
Meaning: Yes, understood. I’ll help you with the payment. Will you be paying by card? - Expression: A: 네, 카드로 계산할게요.
Pronunciation: [ne, ka-deu-ro gye-san-hal-kke-yo.]
Meaning: Yes, I’ll pay by card.
Practice Makes Perfect!
Now you have a solid foundation for navigating shopping scenarios in Korean~! Remember, the best way to improve is to use these phrases actively. Try role-playing with a friend or practice saying them aloud. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes when you’re actually shopping in Korea – most shopkeepers appreciate the effort! Start with simple interactions and gradually build your confidence. Happy shopping! 쇼핑 잘 하세요!
