Korean Party 101: What Should I Bring?

Hello! Welcome to [Maeil Hangul], where we upgrade your Korean skills!

Have you ever been invited to a party at a Korean friend’s house? It’s exciting! But then comes the big question: “What should I bring?” Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

Lately in Korea, watching K-pop idols host housewarming parties (called 집들이 – jipdeuri) on their reality shows has become a huge trend. They cook, play games, and exchange thoughtful gifts. Today, we’ll learn the essential Korean phrases so you can be the perfect guest at any Korean gathering, just like your favorite idol!

Core Expressions You Need to Know

Here are three key phrases to help you navigate your next Korean party invitation with confidence.

1. 뭐 사 갈까? (What should I buy and bring?)

• Pronunciation [Romanization]: Mwo sa galkka?
• English Meaning: What should I buy (and bring)?
• Detailed Explanation: This is a very common and friendly way to ask what you should bring to a party. It’s a combination of 뭐 (mwo – what), 사다 (sada – to buy), and 가다 (gada – to go). The -ㄹ/을까? (-(r)eulkka?) ending is used to make a suggestion or ask for someone’s opinion among friends. It’s the perfect casual phrase for a close buddy!

• 💡 Pronunciation Tip: Notice the double consonant ‘ㄲ’ in 갈까? (galkka?). This is a “tensed” sound. Unlike the regular ‘ㄱ’ (g), you should pronounce ‘ㄲ’ (kk) with more force in your throat, making the sound sharper and shorter. Think of the ‘k’ sound in the English word “sky”!

2. 필요한 거 있어? (Is there anything you need?)

• Pronunciation [Romanization]: Pillyohan geo isseo?
• English Meaning: Is there anything you need?

• Detailed Explanation: This is another wonderful, considerate phrase. It shows you’re thinking about the host’s needs. It comes from 필요하다 (pillyohada – to be necessary) and -ㄴ 거 (-(n) geo – the thing that…). So, you’re literally asking, “Is there a thing that is needed?” It’s a slightly more polite and thoughtful way to offer help.

• 💡 Pronunciation Tip: The pronunciation of 필요한 (pillyohan) can be tricky. When the syllable 필 (pil) is followed by 요 (yo), the ‘ㄹ’ (l) sound rolls smoothly into the next syllable, creating a soft ‘lyo’ sound. Practice saying [pil-lyo-han] to sound more natural.

3. 그냥 와 / 빈손으로 와 (Just come / Come empty-handed)

• Pronunciation [Romanization]: Geunyang wa / Binsoneuro wa
• English Meaning: Just come! / Come empty-handed.

• Detailed Explanation: This is what your Korean host will most likely say! 그냥 (geunyang) means “just,” and 와 (wa) means “come.” 빈손 (binson) literally means “empty hand.” While it’s a very kind and polite gesture, you should almost never actually come empty-handed! It’s a cultural nuance. Always bring a small gift to show your appreciation.

• 💡 Pronunciation Tip: Let’s look at 빈손으로 (binsoneuro). In Korean, when a consonant at the end of a syllable is followed by a vowel, the sound often “links” or moves over. So, instead of saying “bin-son-eu-ro,” the ‘ㄴ’ (n) sound from 손 (son) moves to the next syllable, making it sound like [빈소느로 / bin-so-neu-ro]. This is called 연음 (yeoneum), and mastering it will make you sound much more fluent!

Example Dialogue

Let’s see how these phrases work in a real conversation! Friends A and B are planning to watch the finale of the hit K-drama “Queen of Tears” together.

A: 오늘 저녁에 우리 집에서 ‘눈물의 여왕’ 마지막 회 같이 보자!

Oneul jeonyeoge uri jibeseo ‘Nunmurui yeowang’ majimak hoe gachi boja!
(Let’s watch the ‘Queen of Tears’ finale at my house tonight!)

B: 진짜? 좋아! 뭐 사 갈까? 필요한 거 있어?

Jinjja? Joa! Mwo sa galkka? Pillyohan geo isseo?
(Really? Sounds good! What should I buy? Is there anything you need?)

A: 아니야, 그냥 와! 내가 치킨이랑 맥주 많이 시켜 놨어.

Aniya, geunyang wa! Naega chikin-irang maekju mani sikyeo nwasseo.
(No, just come! I already ordered lots of chicken and beer.)

B: 에이, 그래도 내가 과자는 사 갈게! 이따 봐!

Ei, geuraedo naega gwajaneun sa galge! Itta bwa!
(Aww, I’ll at least bring some snacks then! See you later!)

Culture Tip: The Art of the Korean Housewarming Gift!

When your friend says “빈손으로 와 (Binsoneuro wa),” what should you actually bring to a 집들이 (jipdeuri)?

Traditionally, the most popular housewarming gifts in Korea are toilet paper (휴지 – hyuji) and laundry detergent (세제 – seje). Why? The long, unrolling paper symbolizes that everything will go smoothly in the new home, and the bubbles from the detergent represent growing wealth and prosperity!

These days, Z-generation Koreans also love giving and receiving gifts like scented candles, a nice bottle of wine, or a small houseplant. Bringing a small, thoughtful gift, even when told not to, is a beautiful expression of Korean culture’s 정 (jeong) — a deep feeling of affection and connection between people.

So next time you hear “그냥 와,” you’ll know it’s your cue to pick up a thoughtful gift and truly impress your Korean friends!

Let’s Practice!

Time to check your understanding.

Quick Quiz: Your Korean friend invites you to their party and says, “필요한 거 없어. 그냥 와!” (There’s nothing I need. Just come!). What is the best thing to do?

1. Arrive with nothing because that’s what they said.
2. Bring a small gift, like a cake or a houseplant.
3. Ask them again what they need.

(Answer: 2 is the best choice!)

You did it! Now you’re ready to be the best guest at any Korean party.

Try leaving a comment below! What’s a common gift to bring to a party in your country? You can try writing it in Korean!