Participating in a Coffee Class in Korean

Korea’s vibrant coffee culture extends to numerous hands-on coffee classes, from brewing techniques to latte art. This guide provides essential Korean expressions for inquiring about, registering for, and participating in a coffee class, helping you fully immerse yourself in this popular activity.

Core Expression

• Expression: 커피 클래스 참여하기
  Pronunciation: keo-pi keul-lae-seu cham-yeo-ha-gi
  Meaning: Participating in a coffee class

Basic Phrases for Booking

• Expression: 커피 클래스 있나요?
  Pronunciation: keo-pi keul-lae-seu it-na-yo?
  Meaning: Are there coffee classes available?
• Expression: 클래스 일정이 어떻게 되나요?
  Pronunciation: keul-lae-seu il-jeong-i eo-tteo-ke doe-na-yo?
  Meaning: What is the class schedule?
• Expression: 수강료는 얼마인가요?
  Pronunciation: su-gang-ryo-neun eol-ma-in-ga-yo?
  Meaning: How much is the tuition fee?
• Expression: 수업 시간은 얼마나 걸리나요?
  Pronunciation: su-eop si-gan-eun eol-ma-na geol-li-na-yo?
  Meaning: How long does the class take?
• Expression: 초보자도 들을 수 있나요?
  Pronunciation: cho-bo-ja-do deul-eul su it-na-yo?
  Meaning: Can beginners take this class?
• Expression: 커피 클래스 신청하고 싶어요.
  Pronunciation: keo-pi keul-lae-seu sin-cheong-ha-go si-peo-yo.
  Meaning: I want to sign up for a coffee class.
• Expression: 예약 확인 부탁드립니다.
  Pronunciation: ye-yak hwa-gin bu-tak-deu-rim-ni-da.
  Meaning: Please confirm my reservation.
• Expression: 준비물이 있나요?
  Pronunciation: jun-bi-mul-i it-na-yo?
  Meaning: Are there any materials I need to prepare/bring?
• Expression: 클래스 장소가 어디인가요?
  Pronunciation: keul-lae-seu jang-so-ga eo-di-in-ga-yo?
  Meaning: Where is the class location?
• Expression: 어떻게 결제하면 되나요?
  Pronunciation: eo-tteo-ke gyeol-je-ha-myeon doe-na-yo?
  Meaning: How can I pay?
• Expression: 취소 규정이 어떻게 되나요?
  Pronunciation: chwi-so gyu-jeong-i eo-tteo-ke doe-na-yo?
  Meaning: What is the cancellation policy?
• Expression: 어떤 종류의 클래스가 있나요?
  Pronunciation: eo-tteon jong-ryu-ui keul-lae-seu-ga it-na-yo?
  Meaning: What types of classes are there? (e.g., drip, latte art)

During the Coffee Class

• Expression: 안녕하세요, [이름]입니다.
  Pronunciation: ahn-nyeong-ha-se-yo, [i-reum]-im-ni-da.
  Meaning: Hello, I’m [Name].
• Expression: 질문 있어요.
  Pronunciation: jil-mun it-seo-yo.
  Meaning: I have a question.
• Expression: 다시 한번 설명해 주시겠어요?
  Pronunciation: da-si han-beon seol-myeong-hae ju-si-get-seo-yo?
  Meaning: Could you please explain that again?
• Expression: 도와주세요.
  Pronunciation: do-wa-ju-se-yo.
  Meaning: Please help me.
• Expression: 이건 어떻게 하는 건가요?
  Pronunciation: i-geon eo-tteo-ke ha-neun geon-ga-yo?
  Meaning: How do you do this?
• Expression: 맛있어요.
  Pronunciation: ma-sit-seo-yo.
  Meaning: It’s delicious.
• Expression: 향이 좋아요.
  Pronunciation: hyang-i jo-a-yo.
  Meaning: The aroma is nice.
• Expression: 설명 잘 해주시네요.
  Pronunciation: seol-myeong jal hae-ju-si-ne-yo.
  Meaning: You explain things well. (Compliment to the instructor)
• Expression: 재미있어요.
  Pronunciation: jae-mi-it-seo-yo.
  Meaning: It’s fun / interesting.
• Expression: 사진 찍어도 될까요?
  Pronunciation: sa-jin jji-geo-do doel-kka-yo?
  Meaning: May I take a picture?
• Expression: 이 원두는 어디서 살 수 있나요?
  Pronunciation: i won-du-neun eo-di-seo sal su it-na-yo?
  Meaning: Where can I buy these coffee beans?
• Expression: 감사합니다. 잘 배웠습니다.
  Pronunciation: gam-sa-ham-ni-da. jal bae-wot-seum-ni-da.
  Meaning: Thank you. I learned a lot.

Discussing Coffee Preferences

• Expression: 어떤 커피 좋아하세요?
  Pronunciation: eo-tteon keo-pi jo-a-ha-se-yo?
  Meaning: What kind of coffee do you like?
• Expression: 저는 아메리카노를 좋아해요.
  Pronunciation: jeo-neun a-me-ri-ka-no-reul jo-a-hae-yo.
  Meaning: I like Americano.
• Expression: 저는 라떼를 더 좋아해요.
  Pronunciation: jeo-neun ra-tte-reul deo jo-a-hae-yo.
  Meaning: I prefer latte.
• Expression: 저는 진한 커피를 좋아해요.
  Pronunciation: jeo-neun jin-han keo-pi-reul jo-a-hae-yo.
  Meaning: I like strong coffee.
• Expression: 저는 연한 커피를 선호해요.
  Pronunciation: jeo-neun yeon-han keo-pi-reul seon-ho-hae-yo.
  Meaning: I prefer mild coffee.
• Expression: 저는 산미 있는 커피를 좋아해요.
  Pronunciation: jeo-neun san-mi it-neun keo-pi-reul jo-a-hae-yo.
  Meaning: I like coffee with acidity (sour notes).
• Expression: 저는 신맛 나는 커피는 별로 안 좋아해요.
  Pronunciation: jeo-neun sin-mat na-neun keo-pi-neun byeol-lo an jo-a-hae-yo.
  Meaning: I don’t really like sour coffee.
• Expression: 저는 고소한 맛의 커피를 좋아해요.
  Pronunciation: jeo-neun go-so-han mat-ui keo-pi-reul jo-a-hae-yo.
  Meaning: I like coffee with nutty/savory flavors.
• Expression: 드립 커피 드세요?
  Pronunciation: deu-rip keo-pi deu-se-yo?
  Meaning: Do you drink drip coffee?
• Expression: 집에서는 커피를 어떻게 내리세요?
  Pronunciation: jib-e-seo-neun keo-pi-reul eo-tteo-ke nae-ri-se-yo?
  Meaning: How do you brew coffee at home?
• Expression: 어떤 원두를 추천하시나요?
  Pronunciation: eo-tteon won-du-reul chu-cheon-ha-si-na-yo?
  Meaning: Which coffee beans do you recommend?
• Expression: 저는 보통 인스턴트 커피를 마셔요.
  Pronunciation: jeo-neun bo-tong in-seu-teon-teu keo-pi-reul ma-syeo-yo.
  Meaning: I usually drink instant coffee.

Korean Culture Notes

Coffee classes are incredibly popular in Korea, reflecting the country’s deep appreciation for coffee. They range from casual one-day workshops focusing on hand-drip or latte art to more intensive barista training courses.

Punctuality is important. Arrive a few minutes early to settle in. During the class, active participation and asking questions are generally welcomed and encouraged by instructors.

These classes are often seen as a social activity, a chance to learn a new skill while meeting people with similar interests. Don’t be surprised if fellow participants or the instructor strike up friendly conversations.

Many independent cafes and coffee academies offer unique classes. Exploring different options can lead you to specialized workshops on roasting, cupping (tasting), or specific brewing methods like siphon or Aeropress.

Real Conversation Example

Situation: Student A is attending a hand-drip coffee class and asks the instructor (B) for help with the pouring technique.

• Expression: A: 저기요, 선생님. 물을 어떻게 부어야 할지 잘 모르겠어요.
  Pronunciation: jeo-gi-yo, seon-saeng-nim. mul-eul eo-tteo-ke bu-eo-ya hal-ji jal mo-reu-get-seo-yo.
  Meaning: A: Excuse me, instructor. I’m not sure how to pour the water correctly.
• Expression: B: 아, 네. 물줄기를 가늘고 일정하게 유지하면서 원을 그리듯이 부어주세요. 너무 빠르게 붓지 마시고요. 제가 한번 보여드릴게요.
  Pronunciation: a, ne. mul-jul-gi-reul ga-neul-go il-jeong-ha-ge yu-ji-ha-myeon-seo won-eul geu-ri-deut-i bu-eo-ju-se-yo. neo-mu ppa-reu-ge but-ji ma-si-go-yo. je-ga han-beon bo-yeo-deu-ril-ge-yo.
  Meaning: B: Ah, yes. Pour in a circular motion, keeping the stream thin and steady. Don’t pour too quickly. Let me show you once.
• Expression: A: 네, 감사합니다! 와, 커피 향이 정말 좋네요.
  Pronunciation: ne, gam-sa-ham-ni-da! wa, keo-pi hyang-i jeong-mal jon-ne-yo.
  Meaning: A: Okay, thank you! Wow, the coffee aroma is really nice.
• Expression: B: 그렇죠? 잘하고 계세요. 천천히 해보세요.
  Pronunciation: geu-reot-jyo? jal-ha-go gye-se-yo. cheon-cheon-hi hae-bo-se-yo.
  Meaning: B: Isn’t it? You’re doing well. Try it slowly.

Practice Tips

Learning these phrases is the first step! Try reviewing them daily and practice saying them out loud, paying attention to the pronunciation~ You can even role-play booking or participating in a class with a friend or language partner.

Next time you visit a Korean cafe, try asking the barista about the beans or their brewing methods using some of the phrases! And if you get the chance, definitely consider taking a real coffee class in Korea – it’s a fantastic way to practice your Korean and enjoy delicious coffee! 화이팅! (hwa-i-ting! – Good luck!)