Exploring local markets offers a fantastic way to experience authentic culture and fresh produce. This guide introduces you to the Korean concept of “직거래장터” (jik-geo-rae-jang-teo), or direct transaction markets, often similar to farmer’s markets. You’ll learn key vocabulary and phrases to navigate these vibrant spaces, interact with vendors, and purchase fresh, local goods directly from the producers.
Table Of Content
Core Expression
- Expression: 직거래장터
Pronunciation: jik-geo-rae-jang-teo
Meaning: Direct transaction market (Often refers to a farmer’s market where producers sell directly to consumers)
Finding a Farmer’s Market
- Expression: 근처에 직거래장터 있어요?
Pronunciation: geun-cheo-e jik-geo-rae-jang-teo iss-eo-yo?
Meaning: Is there a farmer’s market nearby? - Expression: 직거래장터는 어디에 있어요?
Pronunciation: jik-geo-rae-jang-teo-neun eo-di-e iss-eo-yo?
Meaning: Where is the farmer’s market? - Expression: 이 지역 특산물은 뭐예요?
Pronunciation: i ji-yeok teuk-san-mul-eun mwo-ye-yo?
Meaning: What are the local specialties of this region? - Expression: 장터는 언제 열려요?
Pronunciation: jang-teo-neun eon-je yeol-lyeo-yo?
Meaning: When does the market open? - Expression: 주말마다 장이 서나요?
Pronunciation: ju-mal-ma-da jang-i seo-na-yo?
Meaning: Is the market held every weekend? - Expression: 오늘 장 서는 날이에요?
Pronunciation: o-neul jang seo-neun nal-i-e-yo?
Meaning: Is today a market day? - Expression: 농산물 직거래 장터에 가고 싶어요.
Pronunciation: nong-san-mul jik-geo-rae jang-teo-e ga-go sip-eo-yo.
Meaning: I want to go to the agricultural products direct market. - Expression: 수산물 직거래 장터도 있나요?
Pronunciation: su-san-mul jik-geo-rae jang-teo-do iss-na-yo?
Meaning: Is there also a seafood direct market? - Expression: 유기농 제품 파는 곳이 어디예요?
Pronunciation: yu-gi-nong je-pum pa-neun got-i eo-di-ye-yo?
Meaning: Where do they sell organic products? - Expression: 이 시장은 생산자 직판장인가요?
Pronunciation: i si-jang-eun saeng-san-ja jik-pan-jang-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is this market a producer’s direct sales outlet? - Expression: 지도에서 찾아볼 수 있을까요?
Pronunciation: ji-do-e-seo cha-ja-bol su iss-eul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Can I find it on a map? - Expression: 버스로 갈 수 있어요?
Pronunciation: beo-seu-ro gal su iss-eo-yo?
Meaning: Can I get there by bus?
Shopping Phrases at the Market
- Expression: 이거 얼마예요?
Pronunciation: i-geo eol-ma-ye-yo?
Meaning: How much is this? - Expression: 이거 하나 주세요.
Pronunciation: i-geo ha-na ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please give me one of this. - Expression: 맛 좀 봐도 될까요?
Pronunciation: mat jom bwa-do doel-kka-yo?
Meaning: May I have a taste? - Expression: 너무 신선해 보여요.
Pronunciation: neo-mu sin-seon-hae bo-yeo-yo.
Meaning: It looks so fresh. - Expression: 이건 직접 키우신 거예요?
Pronunciation: i-geon jik-jeop ki-u-sin geo-ye-yo?
Meaning: Did you grow this yourself? - Expression: 봉투 하나만 주시겠어요?
Pronunciation: bong-tu ha-na-man ju-si-gess-eo-yo?
Meaning: Could you please give me a bag? - Expression: 카드 돼요?
Pronunciation: ka-deu dwae-yo?
Meaning: Do you accept credit cards? (Note: Cash is often preferred or required at smaller stalls) - Expression: 현금만 받으세요?
Pronunciation: hyeon-geum-man bad-eu-se-yo?
Meaning: Do you only accept cash? - Expression: 좀 깎아 주실 수 있어요?
Pronunciation: jom kkakk-a ju-sil su iss-eo-yo?
Meaning: Could you give me a little discount? (Use sparingly and politely) - Expression: 이거 두 개 사면 더 싸게 주시나요?
Pronunciation: i-geo du gae sa-myeon deo ssa-ge ju-si-na-yo?
Meaning: If I buy two of these, will you give them to me cheaper? - Expression: 포장해 주세요.
Pronunciation: po-jang-hae ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please wrap it up / pack it for me. - Expression: 영수증 주세요.
Pronunciation: yeong-su-jeung ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please give me a receipt.
Asking About Products
- Expression: 이 사과는 어디서 왔어요?
Pronunciation: i sa-gwa-neun eo-di-seo wass-eo-yo?
Meaning: Where are these apples from? - Expression: 제철 과일은 뭐예요?
Pronunciation: je-cheol gwa-il-eun mwo-ye-yo?
Meaning: What fruits are in season? - Expression: 이 채소 이름이 뭐예요?
Pronunciation: i chae-so i-reum-i mwo-ye-yo?
Meaning: What is the name of this vegetable? - Expression: 어떻게 먹는 거예요?
Pronunciation: eo-tteo-ke meong-neun geo-ye-yo?
Meaning: How do you eat this? - Expression: 유기농인가요?
Pronunciation: yu-gi-nong-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is this organic? - Expression: 농약 안 친 거 맞아요?
Pronunciation: nong-yak an chin geo maj-a-yo?
Meaning: Is it true that no pesticides were used? - Expression: 오늘 아침에 딴 거예요?
Pronunciation: o-neul a-chim-e ttan geo-ye-yo?
Meaning: Was this picked this morning? - Expression: 이 생선 싱싱해요?
Pronunciation: i saeng-seon sing-sing-hae-yo?
Meaning: Is this fish fresh? - Expression: 이 꿀은 진짜 벌꿀이에요?
Pronunciation: i kkul-eun jin-jja beol-kkul-i-e-yo?
Meaning: Is this honey real honey? - Expression: 보관은 어떻게 해요?
Pronunciation: bo-gwan-eun eo-tteo-ke hae-yo?
Meaning: How should I store this? - Expression: 유통기한이 언제까지예요?
Pronunciation: yu-tong-gi-han-i eon-je-kka-ji-ye-yo?
Meaning: What is the expiration date? (More common for processed goods) - Expression: 이 김치는 직접 담그신 거예요?
Pronunciation: i gim-chi-neun jik-jeop dam-geu-sin geo-ye-yo?
Meaning: Did you make this kimchi yourself?
Korean Culture Notes
- Direct Interaction: 직거래장터 emphasizes direct sales from producer to consumer. This often means you’re buying directly from the farmer, fisherman, or artisan who made the product. Feel free to ask questions about the origin and production!
- Seasonality: These markets heavily feature seasonal produce. You’ll find the freshest fruits and vegetables according to the time of year, reflecting Korea’s distinct seasons.
- Cash is King: While larger stalls might accept cards, many smaller vendors at traditional markets prefer or only accept cash (현금 – hyeon-geum). It’s always wise to bring sufficient cash.
- Bargaining (흥정 – heung-jeong): Light bargaining might be acceptable, especially if buying in bulk, but it’s less common than in some other market cultures. Always be polite and respectful if you attempt to negotiate. Aggressive haggling is generally frowned upon.
- Tasting Samples (시식 – si-sik): Vendors often offer small samples of their products, like fruits, snacks, or teas. It’s polite to try if offered, and it’s a great way to discover new tastes. Asking politely (“맛 좀 봐도 될까요?” – mat jom bwa-do doel-kka-yo?) is usually acceptable.
- Regional Specialties (특산물 – teuk-san-mul): Markets outside major cities often showcase unique regional specialties. Visiting a 직거래장터 is an excellent opportunity to try local delicacies you might not find elsewhere.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: A customer is browsing at a farmer’s stall in a weekend 직거래장터.
Roles:
* A: Customer (손님 – son-nim)
* B: Vendor (상인 – sang-in / 농부 – nong-bu, farmer)
- Expression: A: 안녕하세요. 이 토마토 정말 맛있어 보이네요. 직접 키우신 거예요?
Pronunciation: an-nyeong-ha-se-yo. i to-ma-to jeong-mal mas-iss-eo bo-i-ne-yo. jik-jeop ki-u-sin geo-ye-yo?
Meaning: Hello. These tomatoes look really delicious. Did you grow them yourself? - Expression: B: 네, 그럼요. 저희 밭에서 오늘 아침에 바로 따온 거예요. 유기농이고요.
Pronunciation: ne, geu-reom-yo. jeo-hui bat-e-seo o-neul a-chim-e ba-ro tta-on geo-ye-yo. yu-gi-nong-i-go-yo.
Meaning: Yes, of course. They were picked fresh from our field this morning. And they’re organic. - Expression: A: 와, 정말 신선하겠네요! 맛 좀 봐도 될까요?
Pronunciation: wa, jeong-mal sin-seon-ha-gess-ne-yo! mat jom bwa-do doel-kka-yo?
Meaning: Wow, they must be really fresh! May I have a taste? - Expression: B: 네, 드셔보세요. 여기 작은 거 하나 드릴게요.
Pronunciation: ne, deu-syeo-bo-se-yo. yeo-gi jak-eun geo ha-na deu-ril-kke-yo.
Meaning: Yes, please try one. Here, I’ll give you a small one. - Expression: A: (맛을 본 후) 음, 정말 달고 맛있어요! 이 한 바구니에 얼마예요?
Pronunciation: (mas-eul bon hu) eum, jeong-mal dal-go mas-iss-eo-yo! i han ba-gu-ni-e eol-ma-ye-yo?
Meaning: (After tasting) Mmm, it’s really sweet and delicious! How much is this one basket? - Expression: B: 그건 오천 원이에요.
Pronunciation: geu-geon o-cheon won-i-e-yo.
Meaning: That one is 5,000 won. - Expression: A: 그럼 이거 하나 주세요. 현금으로 드릴게요.
Pronunciation: geu-reom i-geo ha-na ju-se-yo. hyeon-geum-eu-ro deu-ril-kke-yo.
Meaning: Then please give me this one. I’ll pay in cash. - Expression: B: 네, 감사합니다. 맛있게 드세요!
Pronunciation: ne, gam-sa-ham-ni-da. mas-iss-ge deu-se-yo!
Meaning: Yes, thank you. Enjoy the meal!
Practice Tips
Visiting a 직거래장터 is one of the best ways to practice your Korean in a real-world setting! Don’t be shy~ Try using the phrases you learned today. Ask about the produce (“이거 뭐예요?” – i-geo mwo-ye-yo?), inquire about the price (“얼마예요?” – eol-ma-ye-yo?), and express your appreciation (“맛있어요!” – mas-iss-eo-yo!). Even simple interactions can greatly boost your confidence and understanding. Enjoy the fresh food and the vibrant atmosphere! 화이팅! (hwa-i-ting! – You can do it!)
