Receiving a gift is usually a pleasant experience, but sometimes it might not be quite right. This guide provides essential Korean phrases for politely explaining that you received an item as a gift and wish to return or exchange it because it’s not to your taste. Learn how to navigate this situation smoothly in Korean stores.
Table Of Content
Core Expression
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Expression: 선물 받은 건데 교환이나 환불하고 싶어요.
Pronunciation: seon-mul bad-eun geon-de gyo-hwan-i-na hwan-bul-ha-go sip-eo-yo.
Meaning: I received this as a gift, and I’d like to exchange or return it.
Starting the Return Process
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Expression: 이거 교환/환불 가능한가요?
Pronunciation: i-geo gyo-hwan/hwan-bul ga-neung-han-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is it possible to exchange/return this? -
Expression: 선물로 받았는데 혹시 바꿀 수 있을까요?
Pronunciation: seon-mul-lo bad-at-neun-de hok-si ba-kkul su it-eul-kka-yo?
Meaning: I received this as a gift, would it be possible to exchange it? -
Expression: 반품 규정이 어떻게 되나요?
Pronunciation: ban-pum gyu-jeong-i eo-tteo-ke doe-na-yo?
Meaning: What is the return policy? -
Expression: 선물 받은 영수증이 있어요.
Pronunciation: seon-mul bad-eun yeong-su-jeung-i it-eo-yo.
Meaning: I have the gift receipt. -
Expression: 죄송하지만, 이걸 반품하고 싶습니다.
Pronunciation: joe-song-ha-ji-man, i-geol ban-pum-ha-go sip-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I’m sorry, but I would like to return this. -
Expression: 며칠 전에 선물로 받은 상품이에요.
Pronunciation: myeo-chil jeon-e seon-mul-lo bad-eun sang-pum-i-e-yo.
Meaning: This is an item I received as a gift a few days ago. -
Expression: 교환/환불 카운터가 어디예요?
Pronunciation: gyo-hwan/hwan-bul ka-un-teo-ga eo-di-ye-yo?
Meaning: Where is the exchange/returns counter? -
Expression: 이 제품을 교환하고 싶어요.
Pronunciation: i je-pum-eul gyo-hwan-ha-go sip-eo-yo.
Meaning: I want to exchange this product. -
Expression: 이 제품을 환불하고 싶어요.
Pronunciation: i je-pum-eul hwan-bul-ha-go sip-eo-yo.
Meaning: I want to get a refund for this product. -
Expression: 선물 포장을 아직 뜯지 않았어요.
Pronunciation: seon-mul po-jang-eul a-jik tteut-ji an-at-eo-yo.
Meaning: I haven’t opened the gift wrapping yet.
Explaining the Reason (Not Liking the Gift)
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Expression: 죄송하지만 제 취향이 아니에요.
Pronunciation: joe-song-ha-ji-man je chwi-hyang-i a-ni-e-yo.
Meaning: I’m sorry, but it’s not my taste/style. -
Expression: 선물인데 저한테는 잘 안 어울리는 것 같아요.
Pronunciation: seon-mul-in-de jeo-han-te-neun jal an eo-ul-li-neun geot gat-a-yo.
Meaning: It’s a gift, but I don’t think it suits me well. -
Expression: 다른 색상/디자인으로 교환할 수 있을까요?
Pronunciation: da-reun saek-sang/di-ja-in-eu-ro gyo-hwan-hal su it-eul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Could I exchange it for a different color/design? -
Expression: 이미 비슷한 물건이 있어서요.
Pronunciation: i-mi bi-seut-han mul-geon-i it-eo-seo-yo.
Meaning: It’s because I already have something similar. -
Expression: 이 색깔은 저한테 좀 안 맞아요.
Pronunciation: i saek-kkal-eun jeo-han-te jom an maj-a-yo.
Meaning: This color doesn’t really suit me. -
Expression: 다른 상품으로 바꿀 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: da-reun sang-pum-eu-ro ba-kkul su it-na-yo?
Meaning: Can I exchange it for a different item? -
Expression: 제 스타일과 조금 달라서요.
Pronunciation: je seu-ta-il-gwa jo-geum dal-la-seo-yo.
Meaning: It’s because it’s a little different from my style. -
Expression: 혹시 다른 추천 상품이 있나요?
Pronunciation: hok-si da-reun chu-cheon sang-pum-i it-na-yo?
Meaning: Do you perhaps have any other recommended items (for exchange)? -
Expression: 이 디자인보다는 다른 게 더 마음에 들어요.
Pronunciation: i di-ja-in-bo-da-neun da-reun ge deo ma-eum-e deul-eo-yo.
Meaning: I prefer a different design over this one. -
Expression: 선물 주신 분께는 죄송하지만 교환하고 싶어요.
Pronunciation: seon-mul ju-sin bun-kke-neun joe-song-ha-ji-man gyo-hwan-ha-go sip-eo-yo.
Meaning: I feel sorry towards the person who gave the gift, but I want to exchange it.
Asking About Return/Exchange Conditions
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Expression: 영수증이 꼭 필요한가요?
Pronunciation: yeong-su-jeung-i kkok pil-yo-han-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is a receipt absolutely necessary? -
Expression: 선물 받은 거라 영수증이 없는데 괜찮을까요?
Pronunciation: seon-mul bad-eun geo-ra yeong-su-jeung-i eop-neun-de gwaen-chan-eul-kka-yo?
Meaning: It was a gift, so I don’t have the receipt, would that be okay? -
Expression: 교환/환불 기간이 언제까지인가요?
Pronunciation: gyo-hwan/hwan-bul gi-gan-i eon-je-kka-ji-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: Until when is the exchange/return period? -
Expression: 현금으로 환불 가능한가요?
Pronunciation: hyeon-geum-eu-ro hwan-bul ga-neung-han-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is a cash refund possible? -
Expression: 아니면 상품권으로 받을 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: a-ni-myeon sang-pum-gwon-eu-ro bad-eul su it-na-yo?
Meaning: Or can I receive it as a store credit/gift certificate? -
Expression: 포장 상태가 중요한가요?
Pronunciation: po-jang sang-tae-ga jung-yo-han-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is the packaging condition important? -
Expression: 택(tag)을 제거했는데 괜찮나요?
Pronunciation: taeg-eul je-geo-haet-neun-de gwaen-chan-na-yo?
Meaning: I removed the tag, is that okay? -
Expression: 교환 시 차액은 어떻게 되나요?
Pronunciation: gyo-hwan si cha-aeg-eun eo-tteo-ke doe-na-yo?
Meaning: What happens with the price difference when exchanging? -
Expression: 세일 상품도 교환/환불 되나요?
Pronunciation: se-il sang-pum-do gyo-hwan/hwan-bul doe-na-yo?
Meaning: Can sale items also be exchanged/refunded? -
Expression: 반품 절차를 알려주시겠어요?
Pronunciation: ban-pum jeol-cha-reul al-lyeo-ju-si-get-eo-yo?
Meaning: Could you please explain the return procedure?
Potential Clerk Responses
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Expression: 네, 교환/환불 도와드리겠습니다.
Pronunciation: ne, gyo-hwan/hwan-bul do-wa-deu-ri-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Yes, I can help you with the exchange/return. -
Expression: 영수증 있으신가요?
Pronunciation: yeong-su-jeung it-eu-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: Do you have the receipt? -
Expression: 구매 후 7일 이내에 가능합니다.
Pronunciation: gu-mae hu chil-il i-nae-e ga-neung-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: It’s possible within 7 days of purchase. -
Expression: 영수증 없으시면 교환만 가능합니다.
Pronunciation: yeong-su-jeung eop-eu-si-myeon gyo-hwan-man ga-neung-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: If you don’t have the receipt, only exchange is possible. -
Expression: 환불은 구매하신 카드로만 가능합니다.
Pronunciation: hwan-bul-eun gu-mae-ha-sin ka-deu-ro-man ga-neung-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Refunds are only possible to the card used for purchase. -
Expression: 상품권으로 처리해 드릴까요?
Pronunciation: sang-pum-gwon-eu-ro cheo-ri-hae deu-ril-kka-yo?
Meaning: Shall I process it as store credit/gift certificate? -
Expression: 택이 제거되었거나 상품이 훼손된 경우 환불이 어렵습니다.
Pronunciation: taeg-i je-geo-doe-eot-geo-na sang-pum-i hwe-son-doen gyeong-u hwan-bul-i eo-ryeop-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: If the tag has been removed or the item is damaged, a refund is difficult. -
Expression: 다른 상품으로 둘러보시겠어요?
Pronunciation: da-reun sang-pum-eu-ro dul-leo-bo-si-get-eo-yo?
Meaning: Would you like to look around for another item (to exchange)? -
Expression: 죄송하지만 이 상품은 최종 할인 상품이라 교환/환불이 불가능합니다.
Pronunciation: joe-song-ha-ji-man i sang-pum-eun choe-jong ha-rin sang-pum-i-ra gyo-hwan/hwan-bul-i bul-ga-neung-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: I’m sorry, but this item is final sale, so exchange/refund is not possible. -
Expression: 결제하신 수단으로 환불 처리해 드리겠습니다.
Pronunciation: gyeol-je-ha-sin su-dan-eu-ro hwan-bul cheo-ri-hae deu-ri-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: We will process the refund using your original payment method.
Cultural Tips
Returning gifts in Korea, while possible, might sometimes be viewed with a bit more sensitivity than in some Western cultures. It’s often considered polite to express gratitude for the gift first, even if you intend to return it.
Having the original receipt or a gift receipt (선물 영수증, seon-mul yeong-su-jeung) significantly simplifies the process. Without it, stores are often less flexible, sometimes only offering an exchange for items of equal or lesser value, or store credit.
Maintaining the original packaging and ensuring the tags are still attached is crucial for returns or exchanges in most Korean stores. Damaged packaging or missing tags can often lead to the store refusing the return.
Be aware that store policies can vary greatly. Department stores might have more lenient policies than smaller boutiques. It’s always best to check the specific store’s return policy (반품 규정, ban-pum gyu-jeong).
When explaining why you want to return a gift you don’t like, using softer phrasing like “it doesn’t quite suit my style” (제 취향과 조금 달라서요, je chwi-hyang-gwa jo-geum dal-la-seo-yo) is generally preferred over blunt statements.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: A shopper (A) approaches a clothing store clerk (B) to return a scarf they received as a gift because the color isn’t suitable.
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Expression: A: 저기요, 이 스카프를 며칠 전에 선물로 받았는데요.
Pronunciation: jeo-gi-yo, i seu-ka-peu-reul myeo-chil jeon-e seon-mul-lo bad-at-neun-de-yo.
Meaning: A: Excuse me, I received this scarf as a gift a few days ago. -
Expression: B: 네, 고객님. 무엇을 도와드릴까요?
Pronunciation: ne, go-gaek-nim. mu-eos-eul do-wa-deu-ril-kka-yo?
Meaning: B: Yes, customer. How may I help you? -
Expression: A: 죄송하지만, 색깔이 저한테는 좀 안 어울리는 것 같아서요. 혹시 교환이나 환불이 가능할까요?
Pronunciation: joe-song-ha-ji-man, saek-kkal-i jeo-han-te-neun jom an eo-ul-li-neun geot gat-a-seo-yo. hok-si gyo-hwan-i-na hwan-bul-i ga-neung-hal-kka-yo?
Meaning: A: I’m sorry, but I don’t think the color suits me very well. Would it be possible to exchange or return it? -
Expression: B: 네, 가능합니다. 혹시 영수증 가지고 계신가요?
Pronunciation: ne, ga-neung-ham-ni-da. hok-si yeong-su-jeung ga-ji-go gye-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: B: Yes, it’s possible. Do you happen to have the receipt? -
Expression: A: 선물 받은 거라 영수증은 없는데… 포장이랑 택은 그대로 있어요.
Pronunciation: seon-mul bad-eun geo-ra yeong-su-jeung-eun eop-neun-de… po-jang-i-rang taeg-eun geu-dae-ro it-eo-yo.
Meaning: A: It was a gift, so I don’t have the receipt… but the packaging and tag are still intact. -
Expression: B: 영수증이 없으시면 환불은 어렵고, 같은 가격대의 다른 상품으로 교환은 가능하세요.
Pronunciation: yeong-su-jeung-i eop-eu-si-myeon hwan-bul-eun eo-ryeop-go, gat-eun ga-gyeok-dae-ui da-reun sang-pum-eu-ro gyo-hwan-eun ga-neung-ha-se-yo.
Meaning: B: Without a receipt, a refund is difficult, but you can exchange it for another item of the same price range. -
Expression: A: 아, 네. 그럼 다른 스카프나 상품을 좀 둘러봐도 될까요?
Pronunciation: a, ne. geu-reom da-reun seu-ka-peu-na sang-pum-eul jom dul-leo-bwa-do doel-kka-yo?
Meaning: A: Ah, okay. Then may I look around at other scarves or items? -
Expression: B: 네, 천천히 둘러보세요. 마음에 드시는 걸로 골라오시면 교환 처리 도와드리겠습니다.
Pronunciation: ne, cheon-cheon-hi dul-leo-bo-se-yo. ma-eum-e deu-si-neun geol-lo gol-la-o-si-myeon gyo-hwan cheo-ri do-wa-deu-ri-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: B: Yes, please take your time looking around. If you choose something you like, I will help you process the exchange.
Practice Tips
Returning items, especially gifts, can feel a bit awkward even in your native language! Practice these phrases out loud to build confidence~ Remember to use polite language like 죄송하지만 (joe-song-ha-ji-man – I’m sorry, but…) when initiating the conversation.
Try role-playing the conversation with a friend or language partner. One person can be the shopper, and the other can be the clerk. Switch roles to practice both sides of the interaction!
Pay attention to the clerk’s responses in the example conversation. Anticipating what they might say can help you prepare your own replies. Good luck navigating returns in Korea! Fighting! (화이팅! hwa-i-ting!)
