πŸ›️ Shopping Phrases You Should Know – Beginner Level (TOPIK 1–2)

외ꡭ인듀이 μ‡Όν•‘ν•˜λŠ” λͺ¨μŠ΅(좜처: 올리브영 κ³΅μ‹ν™ˆνŽ˜μ΄μ§€)


Visiting Korea and planning to shop? 🎁 Learn these basic Korean shopping expressions to ask prices, sizes, and more like a local!


  • πŸ›’ Most Popular Shopping Places for Foreigners (2025)
  • 🧾 Top 5 Items Foreigners Love to Buy in Korea
  • 🎁 Best Souvenirs to Take Home
  • πŸ’¬ Useful Shopping Phrases
  • πŸ“¦ Example Sentences
  • 🎭 Practice Dialogue
  • πŸ’‘ Did You Know?
  • πŸ’¬ Final Thoughts
  • πŸ”— Related Posts


πŸ›’ Most Popular Shopping Places for Foreigners (2025)

According to the 2025 Korea Tourism Organization report and social media trends, here are the top 5 shopping spots among international travelers:

  1. λͺ…동 (Myeongdong): Fashion, skincare, cosmetics
  2. λ™λŒ€λ¬Έ (Dongdaemun): 24-hour wholesale markets and trendy clothing
  3. ν™λŒ€ (Hongdae): Independent designer shops and youth fashion
  4. μ½”μ—‘μŠ€λͺ° (COEX Mall): Large underground shopping complex with global brands
  5. μ„±μˆ˜λ™ 올리브영 (Olive Young, Seongsu): Trendy flagship store with viral K-beauty products and influencer picks


🧾 Top 5 Items Foreigners Love to Buy in Korea

  1. K-Beauty Products: Face masks, serums, toners
  2. Skincare Tools: Jade rollers, cleansing brushes
  3. K-Pop Merchandise: Albums, photo cards, light sticks
  4. Trendy Clothing: Korean-style streetwear and accessories
  5. Korean Snacks: Honey butter chips, Choco Pie, tteokbokki ramen


🎁 Best Souvenirs to Take Home

  1. Traditional Fans (뢀채): Beautiful designs and easy to carry
  2. ν•œκΈ€ Name Stamps: Personalized Korean seal (도μž₯)
  3. Jeju Skincare Products: Natural ingredients from Jeju Island
  4. Hanji (Korean Paper) Items: Notebooks, bookmarks, lamps
  5. Soju / Makgeolli: Korea’s traditional alcoholic drinks (check customs regulations!)


πŸ’¬ Useful Shopping Phrases

  • μ–Όλ§ˆμ˜ˆμš”?
    eolmayeyo?
    How much is it?

  • 이거 μžˆμ–΄μš”?
    igeo isseoyo?
    Do you have this?

  • λ‹€λ₯Έ 색 μžˆμ–΄μš”?
    dareun saek isseoyo?
    Do you have another color?

  • 더 큰 μ‚¬μ΄μ¦ˆ μžˆμ–΄μš”?
    deo keun saijeu isseoyo?
    Do you have a bigger size?

  • μΉ΄λ“œ λΌμš”?
    kadeu dwaeyo?
    Can I use a card?


πŸ“¦ Example Sentences

  • 이거 μ–Όλ§ˆμ˜ˆμš”?
    igeo eolmayeyo?
    How much is this?

  • 이 μ‹ λ°œ 240 μ‚¬μ΄μ¦ˆ μžˆμ–΄μš”?
    i sinbal i-baek-sasip saijeu isseoyo?
    Do you have these shoes in size 240?

  • ν˜„κΈˆμœΌλ‘œ ν• κ²Œμš”.
    hyeongeumeuro halgeyo
    I’ll pay in cash.


🎭 Practice Dialogue

A: 이 κ°€λ°© μ–Όλ§ˆμ˜ˆμš”?
i gabang eolmayeyo?
How much is this bag?

B: 45,000μ›μ΄μ—μš”.
sasibo-man-wonieyo
It’s 45,000 won.

A: λ‹€λ₯Έ 색 μžˆμ–΄μš”?
dareun saek isseoyo?
Do you have another color?

B: λ„€, κ²€μ •μƒ‰ν•˜κ³  νŒŒλž€μƒ‰ μžˆμ–΄μš”.
ne, geomjeongsaekhago paransaek isseoyo
Yes, we have black and blue.

A: μΉ΄λ“œ λΌμš”?
kadeu dwaeyo?
Can I use a card?

B: λ„€, λ©λ‹ˆλ‹€.
ne, doemnida
Yes, you can.



πŸ’‘ Did You Know?

Many Korean stores now offer **tax refunds** for tourists! If you spend over 30,000 KRW at a participating store, you can claim your refund at the airport—or even instantly at the counter! Also, places like Olive Young in Seongsu have QR codes for auto-translation and English-speaking staff. ✨



πŸ’¬ Final Thoughts

Shopping in Korea is not just fun—it’s also a great way to practice real Korean! Start with simple phrases like “μ–Όλ§ˆμ˜ˆμš”?” and explore the markets, malls, and beauty stores.

I hope that while reading various posts on my blog, you’ll learn Korean and grow to love Korea. As a Korean, I sincerely wish for that. Please come back anytime to discover new expressions and cultural insights!




πŸ‘¨‍🏫 Learn Korean with Me

πŸ“Œ Want to learn with me?
Book a 1:1 Korean class on italki.


πŸ’¬ Stay connected for new updates:

  • πŸ“„ Save this post: Copy the URL of this page and bookmark it for later!
  • πŸ“€ Share with a friend: Send this link via message or email to someone learning Korean.
  • πŸ’¬ Leave a comment: Scroll down and share your thoughts below – I’d love to hear from you!

Comments

Post a Comment

Feel free to ask me all! Not only scam! :)

κ°€μž₯ 많이 λ³Έ κΈ€

🚨 Korean Emergency Numbers and What to Do

Image
  Whether you're living in Korea or just visiting, knowing what to do in an emergency can save valuable time — and possibly lives. Here's your practical guide to essential emergency numbers in Korea, how to communicate, and what to expect. πŸ“˜ Table of Contents 1. Essential Emergency Numbers 2. What to Do in an Emergency 3. Medical Assistance (Hospitals and Pharmacies) 4. Language Help in Emergencies 5. Did You Know? 6. Self-Study Tip: Emergency Expressions 7. Want to Learn More Korean? πŸ“ž 1. Essential Emergency Numbers πŸš“ Police: 112 πŸš‘ Ambulance & Fire: 119 🌐 Foreigner Help Line (24/7): 1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) πŸ“± Lost Passport/Embassy: Contact your embassy or dial 02-3210-0404 (Seoul Global Center) 🧭 2. What to Do in an Emergency If something happens: Stay calm and dial the appropriate number. Say: “λ„μ™€μ£Όμ„Έμš”!” (Dowajuseyo!) – Help me! Give your location clearly – address or landmarks. Ask for...
Read more

🍒 Korean Street Food You Must Try (떑볢이, 핫도그, κΉ€λ°₯ λ“±)

Image
  No visit to Korea is complete without diving into its delicious and vibrant street food scene. From spicy rice cakes to cheesy hotdogs, Korean street snacks are a must-try — not just for the taste, but for the cultural experience too! πŸ“˜ Table of Contents 1. Top 5 Must-Try Korean Street Foods 2. Where to Find Them 3. Average Prices (in USD) 4. Why Koreans Love Street Food 5. Did You Know? 6. Self-Study Tip: Use Street Food to Learn Korean 7. Want to Learn More Korean? 🍽️ 1. Top 5 Must-Try Korean Street Foods 떑볢이 (Tteokbokki) - Spicy rice cakes Tteokbokki - [ddeok-bbo-kki] - Chewy, sweet, and spicy! κΉ€λ°₯ (Gimbap) - Korean seaweed rice rolls Gimbap - [gim-bap] - Korea's sushi-like snack! 핫도그 (Hotdog) - Korean-style corn dog Hotdog - [hat-do-geu] - Often filled with cheese! ν˜Έλ–‘ (Hotteok) - Sweet pancake Hotteok - [ho-tteok] - Brown sugar syrup inside! νŠ€κΉ€ (Twigim) - Korean tempura Twigim - [twi-gim] - Fried seaweed rolls, dumplings,...
Read more

πŸ’Ό Korean Business Meetings: Phrases & Etiquette – Advanced Level (TOPIK 5–6)

Image
Korean Business Meetings: Phrases & Etiquette | Advanced Korean (TOPIK 5–6) Do you want to navigate Korean business meetings with confidence? In this advanced lesson, we’ll explore key phrases, etiquette rules, and cultural insights that professionals use in Korean corporate settings. This guide is perfect for TOPIK 5–6 learners preparing for real-world business communication. πŸ“š Table of Contents Why Business Meeting Etiquette Matters in Korea Essential Korean Business Meeting Phrases Key Etiquette Points for Professional Settings Practice Dialogue: Negotiation Meeting Did You Know? Corporate Culture in Korea Final Thoughts πŸ’‘ Why Business Meeting Etiquette Matters in Korea Korean business culture emphasizes respect, hierarchy, and indirect communication. Using correct phrases and etiquette helps build trust and ensures smooth negotiations. Mastering this skill allows you to adapt in multinational environments and handle formal meetings w...
Read more

πŸŽ“ Hangul for Absolute Beginners: Read Korean in Minutes!

Image
Korean is written using its unique alphabet called Hangul (ν•œκΈ€) . Designed in the 15th century by King Sejong the Great, Hangul is logical, scientific, and easy to learn — making it a perfect starting point for any Korean learner. In this post, you’ll discover how to read Hangul step by step. πŸ“˜ Table of Contents 1. What Is Hangul? 2. Structure of Korean Letters 3. Basic Vowels 4. Basic Consonants 5. How to Read Syllables 6. Practice Examples 7. Did You Know? 8. Want to Learn More Korean? πŸ”€ 1. What Is Hangul? Hangul is the Korean writing system composed of 14 basic consonants and 10 basic vowels. Unlike Chinese characters, Hangul is phonetic — each letter represents a sound. πŸ“ 2. Structure of Korean Letters Korean letters are grouped into blocks, each representing one syllable. Each block typically includes: 1 consonant + 1 vowel (e.g., κ°€ = γ„± + ㅏ) Or 1 consonant + 1 vowel + 1 final consonant (e.g., κ°• = γ„± + ㅏ + γ…‡) 🟣 3. Basic Vowels H...
Read more

πŸ› Talking About History and Traditions – Advanced Level (TOPIK 5–6)

Image
Talking About History and Traditions in Korean | Advanced Korean (TOPIK 5–6) Do you want to talk about Korea’s long history and rich traditions in Korean with confidence? This guide helps you master advanced vocabulary, honorifics, and cultural context for conversations or presentations about history and traditions, suitable for TOPIK 5–6 learners and professionals. πŸ“š Table of Contents Why Learning Historical Expressions Matters Essential Vocabulary for History & Traditions Key Grammar & Phrases Example Sentences Practice Dialogue Did You Know? Final Thoughts πŸ’‘ Why Learning Historical Expressions Matters Discussing history and traditions in Korean requires more than vocabulary. It involves understanding honorific language, cultural references, and context . These skills are crucial for academic presentations, professional meetings, and meaningful conversations with native speakers who value historical awareness. ...
Read more

πŸ—ž️ Analyzing Korean News Articles – Advanced Level (TOPIK 5–6)

Image
Are you ready to dive into real Korean news articles? 🧐 If you're preparing for TOPIK 5–6 or want to understand Korean society deeply, reading and analyzing news is essential. In this post, we’ll break down a sample article, explain complex vocabulary, and show you how Korean news writing differs from casual language. πŸ“° Why Analyzing News Matters Korean news articles use formal structures, passive voice, and subject-specific terminology. Mastering this style helps you read official statements, understand political discourse, and write academic Korean. Let's begin with key features of Korean news writing. 1. Passive Constructions News reports often avoid personal subjects. Instead of saying "The president decided," you might read: κ²°μ •λ˜μ—ˆλ‹€ (was decided) rather than λŒ€ν†΅λ Ήμ΄ κ²°μ •ν–ˆλ‹€ (The president decided). 2. Objective Tone Korean journalism prioritizes neutrality. Words like κ³΅μ‹μ μœΌλ‘œ (officially) , ν™•μΈλ˜λ‹€ (to be confirmed) , and λ°œν‘œν•˜λ‹€ (to announce) are c...
Read more

πŸ“§ Business Korean Email Format – Advanced Level (TOPIK 5–6)

Image
At the advanced level of Korean learning (TOPIK 5–6), understanding how to craft professional emails is crucial. In modern Korean business communication, a balance between formality and practicality is key. This guide covers updated formats, vocabulary, and real-world expressions, with a bilingual sample email for reference. πŸ“Œ Updated Email Opening Expressions Instead of old-fashioned phrases like “μ‘΄κ²½ν•˜λŠ” ○○λ‹˜κ»˜” , these are commonly used in 2025 business settings: ○○λ‹˜, μ•ˆλ…•ν•˜μ„Έμš”. – [Name], hello. μ•ˆλ…•ν•˜μ„Έμš”, ○○λ‹˜. – Hello, [Name]. ○○νŒ€μž₯λ‹˜κ»˜ (for someone with a position) – To Manager ○○ (still used in more formal settings) These expressions are polite but not overly stiff. They're ideal for email communication between professionals, especially within startups, global companies, or external partners. ✉️ Sample Business Email (Korean + English) Subject: ν˜‘μ—… μ œμ•ˆ κ΄€λ ¨ 회의 일정 λ¬Έμ˜λ“œλ¦½λ‹ˆλ‹€ Subject: Requesting a Meeting Regarding Collaboration Proposal ○○λ‹˜, μ•ˆλ…•ν•˜μ„Έμš”. Hello, [Name]. μ €...
Read more

Using μ‚¬μžμ„±μ–΄ (4-character idioms) | Advanced Level (TOPIK 5–6)

Image
Using μ‚¬μžμ„±μ–΄ (4-character idioms) | Advanced Level (TOPIK 5–6) Do you know that mastering μ‚¬μžμ„±μ–΄ can make your Korean sound truly sophisticated? These four-character idioms, rooted in Chinese classics, are frequently used in Korean news headlines, literature, and even business contexts. In this post, I’ll share essential μ‚¬μžμ„±μ–΄, explain their meanings, and show you how to use them naturally in daily and academic settings — knowledge that will definitely help in TOPIK 5–6 preparation and advanced conversations. πŸ“š Table of Contents What are μ‚¬μžμ„±μ–΄? Essential μ‚¬μžμ„±μ–΄ with Meanings Practice Dialogue Did You Know? Final Thoughts πŸ’‘ What are μ‚¬μžμ„±μ–΄? μ‚¬μžμ„±μ–΄ (ε››ε­—ζˆθͺž) literally means “four-character idioms.” They originated from classical Chinese but are deeply embedded in Korean language and culture. These idioms encapsulate wisdom, moral lessons, or vivid descriptions in just four syllables, often use...
Read more

🎀 How to Write a Speech in Korean – Advanced Level (TOPIK 5–6)

Image
How to Write a Speech in Korean | Advanced Korean (TOPIK 5–6) Have you ever needed to give a speech in Korean but weren’t sure where to begin? This guide will teach you how to structure formal speeches in Korean, use advanced honorifics, and incorporate cultural elements to impress in academic, business, or public settings. πŸ“š Table of Contents Why Speech Writing Matters in Korean Formal Speech Structure Key Phrases and Honorifics Example Speech Excerpts Practice Exercise Did You Know? Final Thoughts πŸ’‘ Why Speech Writing Matters in Korean Korean speeches (μ—°μ„€λ¬Έ) reflect not only language skills but also cultural understanding. Properly crafted speeches use honorifics, indirect expressions, and humility —essential for showing respect in business, academic ceremonies, and public events. πŸ“ Formal Speech Structure Typical Korean speeches follow a three-part structure: Opening (μ‹œμž‘): Greetings and gratitude to the audience ...
Read more

🎧 Korean Listening Strategies: From Beginner to Native Speed

Image
  Learning to understand Korean at full speed can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry — with the right strategies, you can go from slow textbook audio to confidently watching Korean dramas or chatting with native speakers! Let’s break down practical methods to build your listening comprehension at every level. πŸ“˜ Table of Contents 1. Listening by Level: Where to Begin? 2. Must-Have Tools for Listening Practice 3. Tips to Improve Comprehension 4. Try Shadowing and Dictation 5. Did You Know? 6. Self-Study Activities 7. Want to Learn More Korean? πŸ“Ά 1. Listening by Level: Where to Begin? Start with content that matches your current level: Beginner: Slow Korean podcasts, language apps with native pronunciation Intermediate: Korean YouTubers with subtitles, variety shows with repetition Advanced: Raw dramas, interviews, news broadcasts without subtitles As your ear adjusts, gradually increase the playback speed or remove subtitles. πŸ› ️ ...
Read more