Korea Shopping Guide: Talking to Salesperson & Asking for Refunds

안녕하세요! (An-nyeong-ha-se-yo!) I'm your friendly Korean language tutor from KULTURE!

Dear KULTURE Travelers,

Let's start with the most important shopping-related phrases you'll need! Don't worry if it seems overwhelming at first - we'll take it step by step!

1. Trying on Clothes

- To try something on: 입어 보다 (i-beo-bo-da)

- "Can I try this on?": 이거 입어 봐도 돼요? (i-geo i-beo bwa-do dwae-yo?)

- "Where can I try this on?": 어디서 입어 볼 수 있어요? (eo-di-seo i-beo bol ssu i-sseo-yo?)

*Pro Tip: Some smaller stores, especially in Dongdaemun market, might not allow trying on clothes due to makeup concerns. Don't take it personally!*

2. Exchanges and Refunds

- Exchange: 교환 (gyo-hwan)

- Refund: 환불 (hwan-bul)

Common phrases:

- "Can I exchange this?": 교환 돼요? (gyo-hwan dwae-yo?)

- "Please give me a refund": 환불해 주세요 (hwan-bul-hae ju-se-yo)

*Shopping Tip: Major retailers will usually accept returns, but many small shops have a "final sale" policy. Always check before purchasing!*

3. Finding Your Size

Remember this helpful phrase:

- "Do you have one size bigger/smaller?": 사이즈 하나 더 큰/작은 거 있어요? (sa-i-jeu ha-na deo keun/ja-geun geo i-sseo-yo?)

*Important Note: Korean sizes tend to run smaller than Western sizes. For larger sizes, try shopping in Itaewon area!*

4. Essential Shopping Vocabulary

Let me share some basic clothing terms you'll definitely need:

- T-shirt: 티셔츠 (ti-syeo-cheu)

- Pants: 바지 (ba-ji)

- Dress: 원피스 (won-pi-seu)

- Shoes: 신발 (sin-bal)

Shopping Culture Tips:

1. Dongdaemun is Korea's fashion hub - perfect for unique Korean fashion finds!

2. Credit cards are widely accepted, but small shops prefer cash and might add a 10% markup for card payments.

3. Tags (택 - taek) are important - keep them attached if you think you might need to return items.

Remember: Practice makes perfect! Don't be shy to try these phrases - Korean shopkeepers usually appreciate foreigners trying to speak Korean, even if it's not perfect!

화이팅! (Hwa-i-ting! - You can do it!)

Need any specific phrases clarified? Feel free to ask us @ KULTURE! Shopping in Korea can be an amazing experience when you're prepared with the right language tools like our online and offline Korean language classes taught by native Koreans in London! 🇰🇷✨