How to Shop in Korean: Essential Shopping Phrases
How to Shop in Korean: Essential Phrases for Prices, Sizes, and Payment
Learn practical Korean shopping phrases for asking prices, trying on clothes, requesting different sizes, paying at the counter, and shopping politely at traditional markets.
Lesson Summary
Main phrase: 이거 얼마예요? (Igeo eolmayeyo?) — How much is this?
Difficulty: Beginner
Best for: Department stores, clothing shops, cosmetics stores, souvenir shops, and traditional markets in Korea.
From the fashion shops of Myeongdong and Hongdae to the busy stalls of Namdaemun Market, shopping is one of the most enjoyable parts of visiting South Korea. However, asking about prices, sizes, or payment can feel intimidating when you do not know the right Korean expressions.
The good news is that Korean shopping language is highly predictable. A small number of polite phrases can help you ask how much something costs, try on clothes, request another size, ask about a tax refund, and complete a purchase confidently.
Asking Prices: “How Much Is This?”
The most important Korean shopping phrase is 얼마예요? (Eolmayeyo?), meaning “How much is it?” Add 이거, meaning “this,” when pointing to or holding an item.
이거 얼마예요?
Igeo eolmayeyo?
How much is this?
| Korean Phrase | Romanization | English Meaning | When to Use It |
|---|---|---|---|
| 이거 얼마예요? | Igeo eolmayeyo? | How much is this? | When holding or pointing to a nearby item |
| 저거 얼마예요? | Jeogeo eolmayeyo? | How much is that? | When pointing to something farther away |
| 다 해서 얼마예요? | Da haeseo eolmayeyo? | How much is everything together? | When buying several items |
| 가격표가 없어요. | Gagyeokpyoga eopseoyo. | There is no price tag. | When an item has no visible price |
Shopping for Clothes, Shoes, and Different Sizes
When shopping for clothes or shoes, staff may ask 어떤 거 찾으세요? (Eotteon geo chajeuseyo?), meaning “What are you looking for?” The following phrases will help you try on items and ask for other options.
| Korean Phrase | Romanization | English Meaning | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 입어봐도 돼요? | Ibeobwado dwaeyo? | Can I try this on? | For clothes |
| 신어봐도 돼요? | Sineobwado dwaeyo? | Can I try these on? | For shoes or footwear |
| 다른 사이즈 있어요? | Dareun saijeu isseoyo? | Do you have another size? | General size request |
| 더 큰 거 있어요? | Deo keun geo isseoyo? | Do you have a bigger one? | Requesting a larger size |
| 더 작은 거 있어요? | Deo jageun geo isseoyo? | Do you have a smaller one? | Requesting a smaller size |
| 다른 색 있어요? | Dareun saek isseoyo? | Do you have another color? | Checking color options |
Asking for Discounts at Traditional Markets
Prices are generally fixed in department stores, shopping malls, convenience stores, and major chain stores. Polite bargaining may be acceptable at some traditional markets, especially when buying several items, but it is never guaranteed.
조금 비싸요.
Jogeum bissayo. — It is a little expensive.
조금 깎아주실 수 있어요?
Jogeum kkakka-jusil su isseoyo? — Could you give me a small discount?
여러 개 사면 할인돼요?
Yeoreo gae samyeon harindwaeyo? — Is there a discount if I buy several?
Paying at the Counter and Asking for a Receipt
When you are ready to buy something, go to the checkout counter, called 계산대 (gyesandae). These phrases will help you choose a payment method, request a bag, or ask about a tax refund.
| Korean Phrase | Romanization | English Meaning | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| 계산해 주세요. | Gyesanhae juseyo. | Please ring this up. | At the checkout counter |
| 카드로 할게요. | Kadeuro halgeyo. | I will pay by card. | Choosing card payment |
| 현금으로 할게요. | Hyeongeumeuro halgeyo. | I will pay in cash. | Choosing cash payment |
| 봉투에 담아주세요. | Bongtue damajuseyo. | Please put it in a bag. | Requesting a shopping bag |
| 영수증 주세요. | Yeongsujeung juseyo. | Please give me the receipt. | Requesting a receipt |
| 영수증은 괜찮아요. | Yeongsujeungeun gwaenchanayo. | I do not need the receipt. | Politely declining a receipt |
| 택스 리펀 되나요? | Taekseu ripeon doenayo? | Is a tax refund available? | At participating tax-refund stores |
Practical Korean Shopping Dialogue
Clerk: 어서 오세요. 편하게 구경하세요.
Welcome. Please feel free to look around.
Customer: 저기요, 이거 입어봐도 돼요?
Excuse me, can I try this on?
Clerk: 네, 탈의실은 저쪽이에요.
Yes, the fitting room is over there.
Customer: 혹시 더 큰 사이즈 있어요?
Do you happen to have a larger size?
Clerk: 잠시만요. 확인해 볼게요.
One moment. I will check.
Customer: 감사합니다. 이거 얼마예요?
Thank you. How much is this?
Clerk: 35,000원이에요.
It is ₩35,000.
Customer: 네, 카드로 할게요.
Okay, I will pay by card.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Using 입다 for shoes
Use 입어봐도 돼요? for clothes. For shoes, use 신어봐도 돼요? because the verb 신다 means “to wear footwear.”
2. Bargaining in fixed-price stores
Do not ask for discounts in department stores, convenience stores, or major chain shops unless a promotion is advertised.
3. Saying 영수증 버려주세요
This means “Please throw away the receipt.” A softer and more natural expression is 영수증은 괜찮아요, meaning “I do not need the receipt.”
4. Forgetting polite endings
Expressions ending in -요 or requests using 주세요 sound polite and are appropriate for most everyday shopping situations.
Interactive Knowledge Check
Test Your Shopping Korean
1. How do you ask, “How much is this?”
A) 어디예요?
B) 이거 얼마예요?
C) 이름이 뭐예요?
2. How do you ask to try on shoes?
A) 입어봐도 돼요?
B) 신어봐도 돼요?
C) 깎아주세요.
3. Which phrase politely asks for a small discount?
A) 조금 깎아주실 수 있어요?
B) 영수증 주세요.
C) 카드로 할게요.
4. How do you say you will pay by card?
A) 현금으로 할게요.
B) 카드로 할게요.
C) 봉투에 담아주세요.
Show the answers
1. B) 이거 얼마예요?
2. B) 신어봐도 돼요?
3. A) 조금 깎아주실 수 있어요?
4. B) 카드로 할게요.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an international credit card in South Korea?
International cards are widely accepted at major stores, hotels, supermarkets, and restaurants. Carrying some Korean won is still useful for small market stalls and businesses that do not accept foreign cards.
What does 프리사이즈, or “free size,” mean?
Free size usually means that one garment size is sold rather than several size options. The actual fit varies by brand and item, so check the measurements or ask to try it on.
How do tax refunds work for visitors?
Some participating retailers offer tax refunds to eligible international visitors. Requirements and refund methods vary, so bring your passport and ask 택스 리펀 되나요? before paying.
Is bargaining acceptable in Korean shopping malls?
No. Prices are normally fixed in malls, department stores, convenience stores, and branded shops. Polite bargaining may be acceptable at some traditional markets.
Do shopping bags cost extra in Korea?
Many stores charge for disposable bags or encourage customers to use reusable bags. The fee and bag policy depend on the retailer.
Conclusion
These Korean shopping phrases will help you communicate more comfortably in stores and markets across South Korea. Begin with 이거 얼마예요?, then add phrases for sizes, payment, receipts, and tax refunds as your confidence grows.
Polite endings such as -요 and requests using 주세요 make everyday shopping interactions smoother and friendlier. Practice the dialogue aloud before your trip so the phrases feel natural when you need them.
