Introduction
Hello! This is [Daily Hangul], here to upgrade your Korean skills and make your travel experiences unforgettable!
Today, we are going on a delicious adventure to a Traditional Market (전통시장). Have you noticed the recent trend on Instagram and TikTok? Nowadays, Korean Gen Z and tourists alike are flocking to places like Gwangjang Market or Mangwon Market. It’s not just about shopping; it’s about the “Newtro” (New + Retro) vibe! Young people are lining up for hours to get traditional snacks like Kkwabaegi (twisted donuts) or Hotteok.
To join this tasty trend, you need more than just a hungry stomach. You need the right words! Let’s learn how to order street food like a pro so you can enjoy the authentic taste of Korea.
Key Expressions
Here are 3 essential phrases to help you navigate the bustling food stalls.
1. 1인분에 얼마예요? (How much is one serving?)
- Pronunciation: [Irinbune eolmayeyo?]
- English Meaning: How much is one serving?
- Detail: In markets, food like Tteokbokki or Gimbap is often sold by the “serving” (인분, inbun). If you are alone, you order “1-inbun.” If you are with a friend, you might ask for “2-inbun.”
- 💡 Pronunciation Tip:
- Linking Sound (Resyllabification): Notice how ‘1인분에’ is not pronounced as [il-in-bun-e]. The bottom consonants move over to the empty vowel spots next to them. So, it flows smoothly like [이린부네 (irinbune)]. Speaking smoothly without stopping at every syllable makes you sound much more natural!
2. 먹고 갈게요. (I’ll eat here.)
- Pronunciation: [Meokko galgeyo.]
- English Meaning: I will eat here (and then go).
- Detail: Street food stalls usually have a small counter where you can stand and eat. If the owner asks “Is this for here or to go?”, you can use this phrase. If you want to take it away, you say “포장해 주세요” (Pojanghae juseyo).
- 💡 Pronunciation Tip:
- Tensification (경음화): Look at ‘먹고’. It is written as ‘meok-go’, but it is pronounced [meok-ko]. When the ending sound ‘ㄱ(k)’ meets the starting sound ‘ㄱ(g)’, the second sound becomes strong and tense, sounding like ‘ㄲ(kk)’. Say it with a little burst of energy: [Meok-ko]!
3. 계좌 이체 돼요? (Can I do a bank transfer?)
- Pronunciation: [Gyejwa iche dwaeyo?]
- English Meaning: Can I do a bank transfer?
- Detail: While many places accept cards now, some small traditional stalls prefer cash. If you don’t have cash, don’t worry! Almost every Korean seller accepts instant bank transfers. This is a very “local” way to pay.
- 💡 Pronunciation Tip:
- ‘돼요’ [dwaeyo]: The ‘oa’ sound in ‘wae’ can be tricky. Try to open your mouth wide for ‘dwae’ and slide into ‘yo’. It sounds similar to the English word “Day-o” but with a ‘w’ sound: Dwae-yo.
Example Dialogue
Let’s see how these expressions work in real life!
(Situation: Min-su visits a famous Hotteok stall at the market where Ajumma (the owner) is cooking.)
- Min-su: 안녕하세요! 맛있는 냄새가 나요. 호떡 1개에 얼마예요?
(Hello! It smells delicious. How much is one Hotteok?) - Ajumma: 1개에 2,000원이에요. 요즘 인기가 많아요!
(It’s 2,000 won for one. It’s very popular these days!) - Min-su: 네, 2개 주세요. 여기서 먹고 갈게요.
(Okay, please give me two. I’ll eat here.) - Ajumma: 네, 여기 있어요. 뜨거우니까 조심하세요.
(Here you go. It’s hot, so be careful.) - Min-su: 감사합니다. 아, 혹시 계좌 이체 돼요? 현금이 없어서요.
(Thank you. Ah, by the way, can I do a bank transfer? I don’t have cash.) - Ajumma: 그럼요! 여기 계좌번호 있어요.
(Of course! Here is the account number.)
Culture Tip & Trend Analysis
🛒 Why are Traditional Markets Trending?
Recently, the concept of “Halhal-meoni” (Halmeoni + Millennial) has taken over. It refers to Millennials and Gen Z who love “Grandma’s tastes” and vintage aesthetics.
* Must-Visit Spots: Gwangjang Market (famous for Mung Bean Pancakes and Knife-cut Noodles) and Mangwon Market (famous for Marshmallow Ice Cream and Croquettes) are the hottest spots right now.
* Pro Tip: While asking “Card dwaeyo?” (Card accepted?) is fine, carrying about 10,000 to 20,000 KRW in cash is highly recommended. It makes the transaction faster, and sometimes you might even get a little extra service (called “Service” or “Deom” in Korean) if you pay cash!
Conclusion & Practice
Today, we learned how to ask for prices, choose where to eat, and pay at a Korean traditional market. Now you are ready to join the “Mukbang” trend!
📝 Mini Quiz: Fill in the blanks!
- You want to eat Tteokbokki at the stall. You say:
“여기서 ____ ______.” (I’ll eat here.) -
You are with a friend and want to order 2 servings. You say:
“______ 주세요.” (Please give me 2 servings.)
(Answers: 1. 먹고 갈게요, 2. 2인분)
Did you enjoy today’s lesson?
If you are planning to visit Korea, which market food do you want to try the most? Leave a comment below using the expressions you learned today!
See you in the next post! Annyeong! 👋
