Korean Shopping Phrases: Shop Like a Local

Whether you're browsing Myeongdong, haggling at Namdaemun Market, or ordering on Coupang, knowing shopping vocabulary in Korean makes the experience smoother — and cheaper. Here are 50 essential words and phrases for every shopping situation.

Basic Shopping Words

Asking About Products

These phrases will get you through 90% of shopping interactions:

Bargaining at Traditional Markets

Korean traditional markets (시장) often allow bargaining, especially for clothing, accessories, and souvenirs. These phrases are your secret weapons:

Bargaining Tips

1. Start at 60-70% of the asking price and work up
2. Walk away slowly — they'll often call you back with a better price
3. Buy multiple items from the same vendor for leverage
4. Be friendly — a smile goes further than aggressive haggling
5. Don't bargain at convenience stores, department stores, or places with fixed prices

Clothing & Sizes

Korean sizing tip: Korean clothing often runs smaller than Western sizes. If you normally wear M, try L or XL. Shoe sizes use mm (e.g., 260 = US men's 8 / EU 40).

Payment & Checkout

Online Shopping Vocabulary

Korea is one of the world's biggest online shopping markets. If you're on Coupang, Gmarket, or Naver Shopping, you'll see these terms everywhere:

Convenience Store Essentials

You'll visit 편의점 (convenience stores like CU, GS25, 7-Eleven) daily in Korea:

• "데워 주세요" (dewo juseyo) — "Please heat it up" (for 도시락/lunchboxes)
• "봉투 주세요" (bongtu juseyo) — "Can I have a bag?"
• "충전해 주세요" (chungjeonhae juseyo) — "Please charge it" (for T-money cards)

Practice Dialogue

You: 이거 얼마예요? (How much is this?)

Vendor: 삼만 원이에요. (It's 30,000 won.)

You: 너무 비싸요. 이만 원에 안 돼요? (Too expensive. Can't you do 20,000?)

Vendor: 이만 오천 원이요. (25,000 won.)

You: 좋아요! 카드 돼요? (OK! Do you take cards?)

Vendor: 네, 돼요. (Yes, we do.)

Quick Reference Card

Save these five phrases — they'll handle most shopping situations:

1. 이거 얼마예요? — How much is this?
2. 좀 깎아 주세요 — Please give me a discount
3. 카드 돼요? — Do you take cards?
4. 영수증 주세요 — Receipt please
5. 감사합니다 — Thank you

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