Do convenience store staff speak English for prices?

Most big chain convenience stores like CU and GS25 have price labels in numbers you can read, and the register shows the total digitally. Staff might know basic English numbers, but the transaction is mostly silent since everything scans.

Should I carry cash or card for market shopping?

Traditional markets prefer cash, especially for small purchases under 10,000 won. Vendors at places like Namdaemun often give better deals or throw in extras when you pay with bills. Cards work at bigger stalls, but cash is smoother.

What if I still can't understand the number they say?

Ask them to write it down by handing them your phone with the calculator app open, or just hold out a large bill. They'll take the right amount and give change, then you can see the numbers on the bills to learn for next time.

5 Korean Prices & Numbers Phrases You'll Actually Use (with Pronunciation)

Ask prices like a local — no awkward pointing or guessing

2026年8月7日

Shopping in Korea without knowing the price? That's where the stress starts. Whether you're at Namdaemun Market, a street food cart, or a convenience store, these 5 phrases cover every price situation you'll face. You don't need perfect Korean — just enough to ask, confirm, and not lose money.

이거 얼마예요? — How much is this?

i-geo eol-ma-ye-yo · Use this when you pick up something without a price tag — happens constantly at traditional markets and small shops. The vendor will either tell you the price in Korean or hold up fingers showing the amount in thousands. If you're holding the item, they know exactly what you're asking about.

천 원이요? — One thousand won?

cheon won-i-yo · Korean numbers sound fast and blur together for new ears. Repeating what you heard as a question buys you confirmation and saves embarrassment at the register. Vendors appreciate it because it prevents payment mistakes. If you got it wrong, they'll immediately correct you by showing fingers or saying it slower.

좀 깎아 주세요 — Please give me a discount

jom kkak-ka ju-se-yo · This only works at traditional markets like Gwangjang or Dongdaemun, never at chain stores or department stores where prices are fixed. Timing matters: ask after they quote the price but before you pull out money. Even if they don't budge, you tried, and they'll respect the effort with a laugh.

둘이 만 원이에요? — Two for 10,000 won?

dul-i man won-i-e-yo · Street snacks and socks often have bulk discounts, but vendors won't always advertise them. Proposing a bundle deal yourself can trigger a yes, especially late in the day when they want to move inventory. Replace the numbers to match what you're buying: three items, five items, whatever makes sense.

거스름돈이요 — My change (you forgot to give it)

geo-seu-reum-don-i-yo · In busy markets or food stalls, vendors juggle five customers at once and sometimes forget to hand back change after you pay. This isn't a scam, just chaos. Saying this phrase while pointing at the register or your palm snaps their memory back instantly, and they'll apologize while handing it over.

How to sound right

The yo ending makes everything polite, so never drop it even if you're in a hurry.
Korean numbers blend vowels fast: 얼마 sounds like uhl-mah, not uhl-mah-ah with a pause.
When confirming prices, your voice should go up at the end like you're asking a question in English.

FAQ

Do convenience store staff speak English for prices?: Most big chain convenience stores like CU and GS25 have price labels in numbers you can read, and the register shows the total digitally. Staff might know basic English numbers, but the transaction is mostly silent since everything scans.
Should I carry cash or card for market shopping?: Traditional markets prefer cash, especially for small purchases under 10,000 won. Vendors at places like Namdaemun often give better deals or throw in extras when you pay with bills. Cards work at bigger stalls, but cash is smoother.
What if I still can't understand the number they say?: Ask them to write it down by handing them your phone with the calculator app open, or just hold out a large bill. They'll take the right amount and give change, then you can see the numbers on the bills to learn for next time.

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