🛍️ Shopping Phrases You Should Know – Beginner Level (TOPIK 1–2)
🎁 Shop Like a Local: Essential Korean Phrases for 2026
Ready to hit Myeongdong or Seongsu? Don't just point and pay! Teacher Hoon explains the most effective Shopping Korean and the latest trends for foreign travelers.
The 2026 Shopping Landscape (EEAT Tip)
Shopping in Korea is becoming more tech-savvy! As an expert teacher, I've noticed that while translation apps are great, knowing High-Frequency Phrases builds trust with staff and can sometimes even help you score better samples or discounts. Let's master the "Survival Toolkit."
📑 Tap to view Shopping Roadmap
🏙️ Where Everyone is Shopping Now
- ✨ Myeongdong: Still the #1 for cosmetics and K-Beauty.
- 👟 Seongsu Olive Young: The trending flagship for viral influencer picks.
- 🧥 Dongdaemun: Wholesale fashion paradise for trendy streetwear.
- 🚆 COEX Mall: Massive underground brands and global complexes.
🗣️ 5 Phrases You'll Use Every Day
- 💰 얼마예요? (Eol-ma-ye-yo?) — How much is it?
- 📦 이거 있어요? (I-geo i-sseo-yo?) — Do you have this?
- 🎨 다른 색 있어요? (Da-reun saek i-sseo-yo?) — Do you have another color?
- 📏 더 큰 사이즈 있어요? (Deo keun sai-jeu i-sseo-yo?) — Do you have a bigger size?
- 💳 카드 돼요? (Ka-deu dwae-yo?) — Can I use a card?
💡 Teacher Hoon's Pro "Size" Tip
Korean shoe sizes are measured in Millimeters (mm). For example, a US Women's 7 is usually 240 in Korea. If you're at a clothing store, ask "입어 봐도 돼요?" (I-beo bwa-do dwae-yo?) which means "Can I try this on?". Not all Korean stores allow fitting for white shirts or knitwear!
🗣 Practice Dialogue: Checking the Color
A (Guest): 이 가방 얼마예요? (How much is this bag?)
B (Staff): 45,000원이에요. (It is 45,000 won.)
A: 다른 색 있어요? (Do you have another color?)
B: 네, 검정색하고 파란색 있어요. (Yes, we have black and blue.)
💡 Did You Know? Instant Tax Refunds
Korea is the king of shopping convenience! If your purchase is over 30,000 KRW, you can often get an Immediate Tax Refund (현장 환급) at major stores like Olive Young or department stores. Just make sure to bring your physical Passport!
Want to Practice "Market Roleplay"?
Don't be shy during your trip! Book a 1:1 "Survival Shopping" session with Hoon on italki. We'll simulate bargaining at Gwangjang Market or ordering custom items until you sound 100% confident.
🚀 Master Shopping with Hoon
Related Beginner Lessons:
Polite Expressions |
Dining Out in Korea
