Shopping is a common and fun activity in Korea, whether you are at a traditional market, a department store, or a trendy boutique. Knowing the right phrases will help you communicate with shopkeepers, ask about prices, sizes, and even negotiate discounts politely.
In this lesson, we will cover the essential vocabulary and expressions you need for shopping in Korean, plus cultural tips to make your shopping experience smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Vocabulary for Shopping
- 얼마예요? (eolmayeyo?) – How much is it?
- 비싸요 (bissayo) – It’s expensive
- 싸요 (ssayo) – It’s cheap
- 깎아 주세요 (kkakka juseyo) – Please give me a discount
- 이거 (igeo) – This
- 저거 (jeogeo) – That
- 사다 (sada) – To buy
- 보고 싶어요 (bogo sipeoyo) – I want to see (look at)
- 사이즈 (saijeu) – Size
- 있어요? (isseoyo?) – Do you have?
- 없어요 (eopseoyo) – Don’t have
- 환불하다 (hwanbulhada) – To refund
- 교환하다 (gyohwanhada) – To exchange
How to Ask About Price and Size
To ask “How much is it?”, say “얼마예요?” To say it’s expensive or cheap, use “비싸요” or “싸요.” If you want a discount, politely ask “깎아 주세요.”
To ask if a particular size or color is available, you can say “사이즈 있어요?” or “다른 색 있어요?”
Common Shopping Expressions
- 이거 얼마예요? – How much is this?
- 이거 주세요. – Please give me this.
- 좀 깎아 주세요. – Please give me a discount.
- 다른 색 있어요? – Do you have another color?
- 사이즈 더 있어요? – Do you have more sizes?
- 환불할 수 있어요? – Can I get a refund?
Example Dialogues
A: 이 가방 얼마예요?
B: 50,000원이에요.
A: 좀 깎아 주세요.
B: 네, 45,000원으로 해 드릴게요.
A: 다른 색 있어요?
B: 네, 파란색도 있어요.
A: 이 옷 사이즈 더 있어요?
B: 죄송하지만, 이 사이즈만 있어요.
Cultural Tips
At traditional markets, bargaining is common and expected. Politely asking for a discount using “깎아 주세요” can often get you a better price. However, in department stores or large malls, prices are usually fixed and bargaining is not common.
Always be polite and smile when negotiating. Showing respect will often encourage the seller to give you a better deal.
Practice Challenge
Try practicing phrases like “이거 얼마예요?”, “좀 깎아 주세요,” and “다른 색 있어요?” when shopping or role-playing with friends or language partners.
Next Up
Next lesson will teach you how to use public transportation phrases, including how to take buses and subways.
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