Shopping in Korea: How to Ask, Bargain, and Pay Like a Local

From trendy street shops in Hongdae to traditional markets like Namdaemun, shopping is one of the most fun things to do in Korea. Whether you're buying clothes, souvenirs, or snacks, these essential Korean phrases will help you shop with confidence and maybe even score a discount!

🛍 Asking for Prices and Info

이거 얼마예요? (i-geo eol-ma-ye-yo?) – How much is this?
할인돼요? (hal-in-dwae-yo?) – Is there a discount?
세일 중이에요? (se-il jung-i-e-yo?) – Is it on sale?
좀 더 싸게 해 주세요 (jom deo ssa-ge hae ju-se-yo) – Please make it cheaper

👗 Asking About Size, Color, Options

다른 색 있어요? (da-reun saek i-sseo-yo?) – Do you have other colors?
큰 사이즈 있어요? (keun sa-i-jeu i-sseo-yo?) – Do you have a bigger size?
작은 사이즈 있어요? (ja-geun sa-i-jeu i-sseo-yo?) – Do you have a smaller size?
이거 입어봐도 돼요? (i-geo i-beo-bwa-do dwae-yo?) – Can I try this on?

🛒 At a Traditional Market (흥정용)

현금으로 하면 더 싸요? (hyeon-geum-eu-ro ha-myeon deo ssa-yo?) – Is it cheaper if I pay in cash?
좀 깎아 주세요 (jom kka-kka ju-se-yo) – Please give me a discount
두 개 사면 할인돼요? (du gae sa-myeon hal-in-dwae-yo?) – Is there a discount if I buy two?
생각 좀 해볼게요 (saeng-gak jom hae-bol-ge-yo) – I’ll think about it

💳 Paying and Leaving

카드 돼요? (ka-deu doe-yo?) – Do you take card?
현금으로 계산할게요 (hyeon-geum-eu-ro gye-san-hal-ge-yo) – I’ll pay in cash
포장해 주세요 (po-jang-hae ju-se-yo) – Please wrap it (for takeout/gift)
영수증 주세요 (yeong-su-jeung ju-se-yo) – Please give me the receipt

📘 Practice Mini Dialogue

Customer: 이거 얼마예요? (i-geo eol-ma-ye-yo?)
→ How much is this?

Shopkeeper: 15,000원이에요. (man-o-cheon o-baek won i-e-yo)
→ It's 15,000 won.

Customer: 좀 깎아 주세요. (jom kka-kka ju-se-yo)
→ Please give me a discount.

Shopkeeper: 그럼 13,000원에 드릴게요. (geu-reom man-sam-cheon won-e deu-ril-ge-yo)
→ Then I’ll give it to you for 13,000 won.

💡 Quick Tips

In traditional markets, cash is king – always carry some bills!
Try polite bargaining with a smile – it works better 😉
In major stores, prices are fixed, so no bargaining

Next Lesson: Korean Phrases You’ll Hear in Cafés and Dessert Shops 🍰