Korean shopping phrases: stock, sizes, quantities and checkout

Use a short sentence and show the item

You do not need a long Korean conversation to make your shopping question clear. Open the product photo, show its Korean name, then point to the sentence you need below. These are polite phrases suitable for addressing store staff. A question about a service asks whether it is available; it does not mean every branch provides it.

The romanization is a reading aid based on Korean romanization conventions, not an English pronunciation guarantee. In particular, eo and eu represent Korean vowels; they are not two separate English sounds. The National Institute of Korean Language explains the system. Showing the Korean writing is usually simpler than trying to read a long sentence aloud.

Find the product and confirm its price

이거 means “this.” It works best with a clear object: hold up one package or show one photo. If you point at a whole shelf, staff may not know which option you mean. For beauty products, pair the sentence with the exact Korean name on an Olive Young product reference. A brand name alone can refer to several different products.

Ask about a different colour, size or pack

Show the printed shade number if colour is important, and the size label or measurements if you are buying clothing. The try-on sentence uses the verb for wearing clothes; it is intended for a tee or similar garment. Ask before opening packaging or taking an item to a fitting room. For bundles, check whether the answer counts bottles, masks or other pieces.

Choose a quantity

One boxed set is one purchase unit even when it contains several pieces. If you need two individual masks, point to the individual packet, not a ten-mask box. Match the units in your request with the shelf label. For choosing gifts across stores, the Korea shopping checklist helps you keep recipients and quantities together.

Ask before paying

If you need a particular payment method, show the card or method as well. An answer about tax refunds does not establish your eligibility or the required process. Ask staff to explain the conditions that apply to your purchase. Similarly, an exchange or refund answer needs the store's details: receipt requirements, product condition and any deadline.

If you do not understand the answer

Show 천천히 말씀해 주세요. — Cheoncheonhi malsseumhae juseyo. — “Please speak slowly.” You can also show 여기에 써 주세요. — Yeogie sseo juseyo. — “Please write it here,” while offering your note screen. Ask one question at a time and confirm the result using the package, label or written amount.

Finish with 감사합니다. — Gamsahamnida. — “Thank you.” Keep your product name and preferred option visible through the conversation. That combination is more useful than memorising many phrases but losing track of which item you meant.