Shop Like a Local in Seoul! K-Fashion Phrases You Need
Hello! It’s [Maeil Hangeul] here to upgrade your Korean skills!
Are you planning a trip to Korea and dreaming of shopping in Myeongdong or Hongdae? Today, we’re going to learn the essential phrases that will turn you from a tourist into a confident, savvy shopper! These days in Korea, pop-up stores with unique brands are a huge trend, especially in neighborhoods like Seongsu-dong. With the phrases we learn today, you’ll be able to navigate these cool spots and find the perfect items just like a local. Let’s get started!
Core Expressions for Shopping Success
Here are the key phrases you absolutely need to know.
1. 이거 얼마예요? (Igeo eolmayeyo?)
* Pronunciation [Romanized]: Ee-guh uhl-ma-yeh-yo?
* English Meaning: How much is this?
* Detailed Explanation: This is the most fundamental and important shopping phrase! You can use it for everything from clothes and cosmetics to street food. Just point at the item you’re interested in and say, “이거 얼마예요?”. It’s a polite and standard expression you can use with anyone.
2. 입어봐도 돼요? (Ibeobwado dwaeyo?)
* Pronunciation [Romanized]: Ee-buh-bwa-do dway-yo?
* English Meaning: Can I try this on?
* Detailed Explanation: Found a shirt or a pair of pants you love? Use this phrase to ask for permission to try it on. The staff will then guide you to the fitting room (탈의실 – tal-ui-sil). It’s a polite way to ask and is essential for clothes shopping.
3. 완전 내 스타일이야! (Wanjeon nae seutail-iya!)
* Pronunciation [Romanized]: Wan-jun nae-seu-ta-il-ee-ya!
* English Meaning: It’s totally my style!
* Detailed Explanation: This is a fun, informal expression to use when you find something you absolutely love. “완전” (wanjeon) means “totally” or “completely,” and it’s a very common word used by young Koreans to add emphasis. Use this phrase with your friends while shopping. It will make you sound very natural!
4. 좀 깎아주세요. (Jom kkakka-juseyo.)
* Pronunciation [Romanized]: Jom kka-kka-joo-seh-yo.
* English Meaning: Please give me a little discount.
* Detailed Explanation: This phrase can be your magic wand in traditional markets like Namdaemun or Dongdaemun, or in some smaller independent shops. It’s a polite way to ask for a better price. However, avoid using this in department stores, chain stores, or cafes, where prices are fixed!
Example Dialogue: At a Pop-Up Store
Let’s see how these phrases work in a real conversation. Two friends, A and B, are at a trendy pop-up store in Seongsu-dong.
A: 와, 이 자켓 봐! 너무 예쁘다.
(Wa, i jaket bwa! Neomu yeppeuda.)
Wow, look at this jacket! It’s so pretty.
B: 진짜네! 요즘 유행하는 Y2K 스타일이야.
(Jinjja-ne! Yojeum yuhaenghaneun Y2K seutail-iya.)
It really is! It’s the Y2K style that’s popular these days.
A: (Holding the jacket) 저기요, 이거 얼마예요?
(Jeogiyo, igeo eolmayeyo?)
(To the staff) Excuse me, how much is this?
(Staff): 7만 9천원입니다. (Chil-man gu-cheon-won-imnida.) It’s 79,000 won.
A: 아, 그렇군요. 혹시 입어봐도 돼요?
(A, geureokun-yo. Hoksi ibeobwado dwaeyo?)
Ah, I see. By any chance, can I try this on?
(Staff): 네, 그럼요. 피팅룸은 저쪽입니다. (Ne, geureom-yo. Piting-rum-eun jeojjok-imnida.) Yes, of course. The fitting room is over there.
(A comes out wearing the jacket)
B: 와! 너한테 진짜 잘 어울린다!
(Wa! Neo-hante jinjja jal eoulinda!)
Wow! It looks so good on you!
A: 그치? 완전 내 스타일이야! 나 이거 살래!
(Geuchi? Wanjeon nae seutail-iya! Na igeo sallae!)
I know, right? It’s totally my style! I’m going to buy this!
Culture Tip & Trend Deep Dive: Get Your “득템”!
When you find an amazing item for a great price or a rare piece that everyone wants, you can use the slang word 득템! (Deuktem!).
- What it means: It literally means “getting an item.” The word comes from the world of online gaming, where players get rare items after defeating a monster.
- How to use it: Today, Korean Gen Z uses “득템” to mean “a great find” or “what a score!” when they are shopping. Did you find a limited-edition sneaker at a pop-up store? 득템! Did you buy a beautiful coat on sale? 득템!
- Using this word will instantly make you sound like a shopping pro in Korea! After buying the jacket, person A in our dialogue could send a picture to a friend and write, “오늘 성수동에서 완전 득템했어!” (Oneul Seongsu-dong-eseo wanjeon deuktem-haesseo! – I totally scored a great item in Seongsu-dong today!).
Let’s Review and Practice!
Great job today! We learned how to ask for the price, ask to try something on, and express our personal style.
Now, it’s your turn to practice!
- You find a cute hat you want to buy. You need to ask the price. What do you say?
- _____________________?
- Fill in the blank: You tried on a dress and it’s perfect for you. You tell your friend:
- “와, 이 원피스 __________________!“
- (Wa, i wonpiseu __________________! – Wow, this dress is totally my style!)
Leave your answers and your own practice sentences in the comments below using the expressions we learned today. Happy shopping
